Continuous intrathecal administration of short-lasting μ opioids remifentanil and alfentanil in the rat

Abstract

Background: Lipid soluble μ opioids given intrathecally produce a potent, dose-dependent analgesic response, which because of rapid clearance, is of short duration. Such agents delivered by continuous infusion can result in systemic accumulation and significant extraspinally mediated side effects. The effects of intrathecal infusions of two lipid-soluble μ opioids were investigated: remifentanil, an esterase metabolized agent with an inactive metabolite, and alfentanil. Methods: Rats with chronic lumbar intrathecal catheters received intrathecal infusions (in flow rates of 1.0 μl/min and 0.1 μl/min) of remifentanil or alfentanil and were tested for hind paw thermal withdrawal latency, supraspinal side effects (sedation, block of pinna, and corneal responses) and motor impairment. Remifentanil was delivered either in a glycine formulation (R(g)) or in a saline vehicle (R(s)). Separate studies with the glycine vehicle also were undertaken. Results: At an infusion rate of 0.1 μl/min, remifentanil and alfentanil produced naloxone-reversible, dose-dependent analgesia and supraspinal side effects with the intrathecal ED 50 (μg/min; 95% confidence interval) for analgesia: R(s) = 1.5 (1.2-1.8), R(g) = 1.2 (0.7-2.3); alfentanil = 1.5 (1.4- 1.6) and for supraspinal side effects: R(s) = 1.7 (1.4-1.9); R(g) = 1.9 (1.6- 2.4); alfentanil = 1.5 (1.4-1.7). There was no difference in potency or time until onset for analgesia at either delivery rate (1220 min), whereas for supraspinal side effects, 1.0 μl/min resulted in a faster onset for R(g). Recovery of normal thresholds after equianalgesic doses was faster in R(s) than alfentanil and for the supraspinal index faster in R(s) and R(g) groups. R(g), but not R(s) or alfentanil, produced a dose-dependent motor impairment after 90 min of intrathecal infusion at a flow rate of 0.1 μl/min. Both glycine in R(g) and glycine (matching glycine dose) alone showed parallel time courses for motor impairment and similar intrathecal ED 50 (6.6 vs. 6.4 μg/min over 90 min) for this nonnaloxone reversible effect. Intrathecal bolus administration of the same total dose of glycine showed no significant motor effects. Conclusions: Remifentanil has a rapid onset like alfentanil but shows a faster recovery of action after intrathecal infusion. Despite its rapid clearance, remifentanil induces supraspinal side effects at analgesic effective doses. Moreover, in the current formulation, with glycine, a reversible motor impairment can occur after intrathecal delivery.