Sufentanil

Sufentanil is an opioid and a synthetic mu-opioid receptor agonist (synthetic mu-opioid receptor agonist). Sufentanil activates mu-opioid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Through Gi/o proteins, it inhibits adenylyl cyclase, reduces cAMP production, and thereby suppresses presynaptic voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, preventing calcium ions from entering the cell. This reduces the release of pain-related neurotransmitters such as glutamate and substance P and decreases transmission of pain signals. In addition, it activates postsynaptic potassium channels, causing membrane hyperpolarization and reducing the probability of neuronal firing.