Distinct Profiles of Desensitization of μ-Opioid Receptors Caused by Remifentanil or Fentanyl: In Vitro Assay with Cells and Three-Dimensional Structural Analyses

Remifentanil (REM) and fentanyl (FEN) are commonly used analgesics that act by activating a mu-opioid receptor (MOR). Although optimal concentrations of REM can be easily maintained during surgery, it is sometimes switched to FEN for optimal pain regulation. However, standards for this switching protocol remain unclear. Opioid anesthetic efficacy is decided in part by MOR desensitization; thus, in this study, we investigated the desensitization profiles of REM and FEN to MOR. The efficacy and potency during the 1st administration of REM or FEN in activating the MOR were almost equal. Similarly, in beta arrestin recruitment, which determines desensitization processes, they showed no significant differences. In contrast, the 2nd administration of FEN resulted in a stronger MOR desensitization potency than that of REM, whereas REM showed a higher internalization potency than FEN. These results suggest that different beta arrestin-mediated signaling caused by FEN or REM led to their distinct desensitization and internalization processes. Our three-dimensional analysis, with in silico binding of REM and FEN to MOR models, highlighted that REM and FEN bound to similar but distinct sites of MOR and led to distinct beta arrestin-mediated profiles, suggesting that distinct binding profiles to MOR may alter beta arrestin activity, which accounts for MOR desensitization and internalization.

Automated summary

This study investigated the desensitization profiles of REM and FEN to MOR. The results showed that the 2nd administration of FEN resulted in stronger MOR desensitization potency than REM, while REM showed higher internalization potency than FEN. These results suggest that different beta arrestin-mediated signaling caused by FEN or REM led to their distinct desensitization and internalization processes.