A research program based on certain heterocyclic modifications (12-50) of the fentanyl (1) molecule has generated a novel class of opioids. In the mouse hot-plate test, these compounds were weaker analgesics than 1. Two types of antagonists were observed in morphine-treated rabbits: those (eg, 28) that reversed both respiratory depression and analgesia and those (eg 32) that selectively reversed respiratory depression. Evaluation ...