Opioid receptors and heart resistance to arrhythmogenic factors.

We present detailed data on the role of central and peripheral opioid receptors in the regulation of heart resistance to arrhythmogenic factors. Stimulation of peripheral delta2- and kappa1-receptors increases heart resistance to the arrhythmogenic effect of acute ischemia and reperfusion. Activation of peripheral mu- and delta1-opioid receptors improves electrical stability of the heart in animals with postinfarction cardiosclerosis. Possible mechanisms for opioidergic regulation of heart resistance to arrhythmogenic factors are discussed.