Overdose of γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) frequently causes respiratory depression, occasionally resulting in death; however, little is known about the dose-response relationship or effects of potential overdose treatment strategies on GHB-induced respiratory depression. In these studies, the parameters of respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute volume were measured using whole-body plethysmograph...

Long-term use of opioids is hindered by respiratory depression and the possibility for fatal overdose in drug abusers. This is attributed to higher levels of tolerance that develops against antinociception than to respiratory depression. Identifying important mechanisms that would increase morphine respiratory depression and overdose tolerance could lead to the safer use of opioids. Because pro...

The activation of peripheral chemoreceptors by hypoxia or electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve elicited a hypoxic respiratory response consisting of both stimulatory and subsequent or simultaneous inhibitory components (hypoxic respiratory stimulation and depression). Both components have different time domains of responses (time-dependent response), providing an integrated respira...