Opening the door to physiological impacts underlying opioid‐induced respiratory depression and therapeutic strategies: focus on fentanyl.

The article in the Journal of Physiology focuses on the physiological impacts of opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD), particularly with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid contributing to a significant number of fatalities. The study by Burgraff et al. compares the effects of morphine and fentanyl on breathing and airway stability in mice, highlighting fentanyl-induced transient airway obstruction and the potential therapeutic strategies for OIRD in humans. The findings suggest that fentanyl's effects on the airways are likely due to bronchi and alveoli involvement, rather than the larynx, and that bronchodilators like salbutamol may be effective in mitigating these adverse effects. The study also indicates that fentanyl's impact on sigh activity, arterial oxygen saturation, and heart rate may contribute to its higher toxicity compared to morphine. [Extracted from the article]