Selective Kappa Opioid Agonist for Spinal Analgesia without the Risk of Respiratory Depression

Abstract
The agonist U-50,488H caused a dose-dependent increase in the threshold to noxious stimulation but did not have a potential for depression of resting ventilation. The results suggest that selective κ opioid agonists may be suitable for clinical spinal (epidural) analgesia without the associated risk of respiratory depression. Address correspondence to Dr. Kissin, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University Station Birmingham, AL 35294. Accepted for publication October 29, 1985. © 1986 International Anesthesia Research Society...