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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Morphine withdrawal reactions in male and female mice
Abstract:
In the present study we have used the morphine implantation method to investigate the intensity of the abstinence syndrome in both male and female Swiss Webster morphine-dependent mice. It is evident from our data that naloxone induced no significant difference in the jumping behavior of both morphine-dependent male and female mice when weight variables were controlled.
Insights
This study examined morphine abstinence syndrome in male and female mice. Naloxone did not significantly alter jumping behavior between sexes when controlling for weight.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Animal Models
Background:
- Opioid dependence is a significant public health issue.
- Understanding sex differences in opioid withdrawal is crucial for developing targeted treatments.
- Morphine dependence is commonly studied in rodent models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-based differences in the intensity of morphine abstinence syndrome.
- To evaluate the effect of naloxone on jumping behavior in morphine-dependent male and female mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the morphine pellet implantation method to induce dependence in Swiss Webster mice.
- Administered naloxone to precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
- Quantified jumping behavior as a measure of abstinence syndrome intensity.
- Controlled for body weight variables in the analysis.
Main Results:
- Naloxone administration precipitated abstinence syndrome in both male and female mice.
- No significant sex-based difference in naloxone-induced jumping behavior was observed.
- Weight-controlled analysis confirmed the lack of significant sex differences in this specific withdrawal measure.
Conclusions:
- Sex does not appear to be a significant factor in naloxone-induced jumping behavior during morphine withdrawal in this mouse model.
- Further research is needed to explore potential sex differences in other aspects of opioid abstinence syndrome.
