The Role of Carotid Bodies in Opioid-induced Respiratory Depression

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-19-2025

Journal

American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology

DOI

10.1152/ajplung.00382.2025

Keywords

Opioid receptor; carotid body; respiratory depression

Abstract

Interest in respiratory stimulants has increased over the years. Research have intensified after the introduction of opioids that cause respiratory depression. In the most recent years, the indiscriminate consumption of opioids has generated concern and, consequently, there has been a growing number of studies focusing on respiratory stimulants that can mitigate opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) without inducing withdrawal, as well as identifying the molecular mechanisms. Carotid Bodies (CBs) are polymodal sensors capable of detecting and responding to a wide variety of chemical stimuli, such as hypoxia, hypercapnia, hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia, among others. CBs have emerged as a potential therapeutic target to alleviate or eliminate OIRD. In this review, we present the most recent data on the mechanisms by which CBs may counteract OIRD We also discuss if CBs stimulation may be a therapeutic target for relieve OIRD without affecting analgesia.

Department

Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine

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