The American journal of physiology
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Although endogenous opioids have been implicated in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury and brain ischemia, the role of specific opioid peptides and opiate receptors in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury remains unexplored. This study examined regional changes in brain opioid immunoreactivity and cerebral blood flow (CBF) after fluid-percussion brain injury in the cat and compared the effect of an opiate antagonist (Win 44,441-3 [Win-(-)]) with its dextroisomer Win 44,441-2 [Win-(+)] (which is inactive at opiate receptors) in the treatment of brain injury. ⋯ Win-(-) also significantly improved survival after brain injury. Taken together, these findings suggest that dynorphin, through actions at opiate receptors, may contribute to the pathophysiology of secondary brain injury after head trauma and indicate that selective opiate-receptor antagonists may be useful in treatment of traumatic brain injury.