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Sulphatoxymelatonin excretion during opiate withdrawal: a preliminary study
Jennifer Bearn1, Renu Gupta, Duncan Stewart
1National Addiction Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust/Institute of Psychiatry London, UK. jenny.bearn@slam-tr.nhs.uk
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|August 22, 2002
Summary
Urinary sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6S) excretion, a marker of noradrenergic (NA) neuronal activity, increased during opiate withdrawal. This suggests melatonin secretion may indicate NA hyperactivity in opiate-dependent patients undergoing detoxification.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neuropharmacology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Melatonin metabolite sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6S) excretion reflects noradrenergic (NA) neuronal activity.
- Opiate withdrawal is associated with increased central NA neuronal firing.
- A potential link between NA hyperactivity and melatonin secretion during opiate withdrawal warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if aMT6S excretion is elevated during opiate withdrawal.
- To explore aMT6S as a neuroendocrine marker for NA neuronal function in opiate dependence.
Main Methods:
- Measured 24-h urinary aMT6S excretion in 11 opiate-dependent patients.
- Collected samples during methadone stabilization and on Days 6 and 12 of withdrawal.
- Correlated aMT6S excretion with opiate withdrawal symptom severity.
Main Results:
- aMT6S excretion significantly increased on Day 6 of withdrawal compared to stabilization.
- No significant increase was observed on Day 12.
- Significant correlations found between aMT6S excretion and withdrawal symptom severity during stabilization and on Day 6.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest aMT6S excretion may serve as a neuroendocrine marker of NA hyperactivity during opiate withdrawal.
- Melatonin secretion could indicate heightened NA neuronal activity in opiate-dependent individuals.
- Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore clinical applications.