Further studies on the antinociceptive activity and respiratory effects of buprenorphine in sheep.

The thermal and mechanical analgesic profile of buprenorphine at a dose rate of 1.5 micrograms/kg i.v. was investigated in five sheep. This dose produced significant analgesia for 40 min against the thermal stimulus, but no mechanical antinociception. A higher dose rate of 12 micrograms/kg also failed to produce antinociception to a mechanical stimulus. In addition, the effect of the drug (6 micrograms/kg) on respiratory gas tensions was determined and no significant changes were observed.