Changes in respiratory variables, arterial blood pressure and heart rate were studied in awake rats after injection of the opioid peptide [Lys⁷]dermorphin and its main metabolites, [1‐5]dermorphin and [1‐4]dermorphin.

Fifteen minutes after injection, doses of [Lys⁷]dermorphin producing antinociception (i.c.v., 36–120 nmol; s.c., 0.12–4.7 μmol kg⁻¹) significantly increased respiratory frequency and minute volume of rats breathing air or hypoxic inspirates. This respiratory stimulation was reversed to depression by the 5‐HT receptor antagonist ritanserin (2 mg kg⁻¹, s.c.), was blocked by naloxone (0.1 mg kg⁻¹, s.c.), significantly reduced by the μ₁ opioid receptor antagonist naloxonazine (10 mg kg⁻¹, s.c., 24 h before) but unaffected by peripherally acting opioid antagonist naloxone methyl bromide (3 mg kg⁻¹, s.c.). Forty five minutes after injection, doses of the peptide producing catalepsy (s.c., 8.3–14.2 μmol kg⁻¹, i.c.v., 360 nmol) significantly reduced respiratory frequency and volume of rats breathing air and blocked the hypercapnic ventilator response of rats breathing from 4% to 10% CO₂. I.c.v. administration of [1‐5]dermorphin and [1‐4]dermorphin (from 36 to 360 nmol) never stimulated respiration but significantly reduced basal and CO₂‐stimulated ventilation. Opioid respiratory depression was only antagonized by naloxone.

In awake rats, [Lys⁷]dermorphin (0.1–1 mg kg⁻¹, s.c.) decreased blood pressure. This hypotensive response was abolished by naloxone, reduced by naloxone methyl bromide and unaffected by naloxonazine.

In conclusion, the present study indicates that analgesic doses of [Lys⁷]dermorphin stimulate respiration by activating central μ₁ opioid receptors and this respiratory stimulation involves a forebrain 5‐hydroxytryptaminergic excitatory pathway.