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Evaluation of the interaction of mu and kappa opioid agonists on locomotor behavior in the horse.

Authors :
Mama KR
Pascoe PJ
Steffey EP
Source :
Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire [Can J Vet Res] 1993 Apr; Vol. 57 (2), pp. 106-9.
Publication Year :
1993

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the interactive effects of mu and kappa opioid agonists on locomotor behavior in the horse. Three doses of a mu agonist, fentanyl (5, 10, 20 micrograms/kg) and a kappa agonist U50,488H (30, 60, 120 micrograms/kg) were administered in a random order to six horses. Locomotor activity was measured using a two minute footstep count. Each dose of U50,488H was then combined with 20 micrograms/kg of fentanyl to determine the interactive effects of the drugs on locomotor activity. A significant increase in locomotor activity was seen with 20 micrograms/kg of fentanyl and all the drug combinations. The combination of U50,488H with fentanyl resulted in an earlier onset of locomotor activity. At the highest doses of the combination (U50,488H 120 micrograms/kg, fentanyl 20 micrograms/kg), the duration of locomotor activity was significantly increased when compared to the other doses. We conclude that locomotor activity is maintained or enhanced in horses when a receptor specific kappa agonist is combined with a mu receptor agonist.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0830-9000
Volume :
57
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
8490803