Comparative study of the neurotoxicological effects of tramadol and tapentadol in SH-SY5Y cells

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Faria, J (Author) Other; Barbosa, J (Author) Other; Queiros, O (Author) Other; Moreira, R (Author) Other; Felix Carvalho (Author) FFUP; Ricardo Jorge Dinis Oliveira (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Toxicology

Vol. 359

Pages: 1-10

ISSN: 0300-483X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 31 Citations

Scopus - 31 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-W2Z

DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.06.010

Abstract (EN): Opioid therapy and abuse are increasing, justifying the need to study their toxicity and underlying mechanisms. Given opioid pharmacodynamics at the central nervous system, the analysis of toxic effects in neuronal models gains particular relevance. The aim of this study was to compare the toxicological effects of acute exposure to tramadol and tapentadol in the undifferentiated human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line. Upon exposure to tramadol and tapentadol concentrations up to 600 mu M, cell toxicity was assessed through evaluation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial and metabolic alterations, as well as cell viability and death mechanisms through necrosis or apoptosis, and related signalling. Tapentadol was observed to trigger much more prominent toxic effects than tramadol, ultimately leading to energy deficit and cell death. Cell death was shown to predominantly occur through necrosis, with no alterations in membrane potential or in cytochrome c release. Both drugs were shown to stimulate glucose uptake and to cause ATP depletion, due to changes in the expression of energy metabolism enzymes. The toxicity mechanisms in such a neuronal model are relevant to understand adverse reactions to these opioids and to contribute to dose adjustment in order to avoid neurological damage.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10