Rapid cortical hemoglobin deoxygenation after heroin and methadone injection in humans: a preliminary report.
The short-term effects of intravenous opioids (heroin 20-300 mg, methadone 30-180 mg) on cortical hemoglobin oxygenation were examined by near infrared spectroscopy in ten opioid-dependent subjects and were compared with the effects of saline in ten age-matched normal controls. Heroin and methadone produced a rapid and dramatic decrease in cortical hemoglobin oxygenation. Saline had no effects. Opioid-induced acute deoxygenation of cortical hemoglobin is most likely associated with respiratory depression. Thorough medical monitoring is strongly recommended in intravenous opioid maintenance treatments.
Stohler
R
R
Department of Psychiatry, University of Zürich, Switzerland. stohler@spd.unizh.ch
Dürsteler
K M
KM
Störmer
R
R
Seifritz
E
E
Hug
I
I
Sattler-Mayr
J
J
Muller-Spahn
F
F
Ladewig
D
D
Hock
C
C
D000328:Adult; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006441:Hemoglobin A / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D003932:Heroin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared
D009294:Narcotics; D003932:Heroin; D006441:Hemoglobin A; D008691:Methadone