Tramadol and tapentadol are synthetic and atypical opioids, acting as mu-opioid agonists and monoamine reuptake inhibitors, which optimizes their analgesic and safety profile. However, they are not devoid of toxicological risk, being associated with several adverse reactions. Considering their frequent use on a chronic basis, the study of their potential cognitive-behavioral toxicity becomes pertinent. In this context, the present project aims to assess tramadol and tapentadol neuromodulator effects, from a molecular, biochemical and histopathological perspective. Hippocampus, pre-frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens samples from Wistar rats, administered with 50 mg/kg opioid within the scope of a previous project, will be used. Such brain structures will be characterized from a histopathological point of view. Gene expression of receptors and transcription factors, as well as metabolites implied in neurodegeneration, astroglial activation, and cognitive impairment, will be quantified. The results will provide data on pharmaceutical opioid effects on reward, memory, learning and adaptation mechanisms, in different brain structures, thus promoting a more conscientious prescription.
Tramadol and tapentadol are synthetic and atypical opioids, acting as mu-opioid agonists and monoamine reuptake inhibitors, which optimizes their analgesic and safety profile. However, they are not devoid of toxicological risk, being associated with several adverse reactions. Considering their frequent use on a chronic basis, the study of their potential cognitive-behavioral toxicity becomes pertinent. In this context, the present project aims to assess tramadol and tapentadol neuromodulator effects, from a molecular, biochemical and histopathological perspective. Hippocampus, pre-frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens samples from Wistar rats, administered with 50 mg/kg opioid within the scope of a previous project, will be used. Such brain structures will be characterized from a histopathological point of view. Gene expression of receptors and transcription factors, as well as metabolites implied in neurodegeneration, astroglial activation, and cognitive impairment, will be quantified. The results will provide data on pharmaceutical opioid effects on reward, memory, learning and adaptation mechanisms, in different brain structures, thus promoting a more conscientious prescription.