Chronic naltrexone suppresses platelet aggregation induced by adrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine in former heroin addicts.
Naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, is used as an adjunct in the treatment of opiate addiction. In former heroin addicts, long-term treatment with naltrexone (350 mg/week for 5 months) resulted in suppression of adrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced platelet aggregation. The results demonstrate that sustained blockade of opioid receptors can impair the functional expression of alpha 2-adrenoceptors and 5-HT2 receptors in human platelets. These findings may have negative clinical implications in the treatment of opiate addiction with naltrexone.
García-Sevilla
J A
JA
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
Ulibarri
I
I
Giralt
M T
MT
Areso
P
P
Oliveros
R G
RG
Gutiérrez
M
M
D000328:Adult; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000097:blood* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects*; D012016:Reference Values; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012701:Serotonin; D009271:Naltrexone; D004837:Epinephrine