Respiratory toxicity of buprenorphine results from the blockage of P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of norbuprenorphine at the blood–brain barrier in mice

Abstract

P-glycoprotein plays a key-protective role in buprenorphine-related respiratory effects, by allowing norbuprenorphine efflux at the blood-brain barrier. Our findings suggest a major role for drug-drug interactions that lead to P-glycoprotein inhibition in buprenorphine-associated fatalities and respiratory depression.