Xylazine is an agonist at kappa opioid receptors and exhibits sex-specific responses to opioid antagonism

Original research

Bedard, Madigan et al

Release Date

2024

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

This study examines the impact of xylazine alone and in combination with fentanyl on several behaviors in mice.

Findings/Key points

Surprisingly, naloxone precipitates withdrawal from xylazine and fentanyl/xylazine coadministration, with enhanced sensitivity in female mice. Further, xylazine is a full agonist at kappa opioid receptors, a potential mechanism for its naloxone sensitivity. Finally, we demonstrate surprising effects of xylazine to kappa opioid antagonism, which are relevant for public health considerations.

doi.org

Keywords

Illegal drugs

Mortality

Outcomes

Overdose

Withdrawal