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Differential effects of morphine and naltrexone on the antibody response in various mouse strains
J L Bussiere1, M W Adler, T J Rogers
1Dept. of Microbiology/Immunology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140.
Abstract:
Morphine treatment has been shown to suppress several immunologic parameters. In this study, we examined the effects of morphine pellet implantation in vivo on the primary antibody response measured in vitro in various mouse strains. Effects of mouse strain and sex on morphine-induced suppression of the plaque-forming cell response, as well as spleen weight and mortality were determined. Morphine suppressed the primary antibody response in C3HeB/FeJ, C3H/HeJ and C57Bl/6 mice, while Balb/cByJ and the mu-receptor-deficient strain CxBk/ByJ mice were not affected. There was no difference in the response to morphine between male and female C3HeB/FeJ mice. Naltrexone reversed the morphine-induced suppression in the C3H strains, but not in C57Bl/6 mice. In addition, naltrexone caused significant mortality in Balb/cByJ mice. Spleen weight was decreased by morphine treatment in all the strains, but only the C3H strains were sensitive to the lethal effects of morphine. Thus, immune suppression did not correlate with splenic atrophy or mortality. The strain differences in response to chronic morphine and naltrexone treatment suggest that morphine may be acting through both opioid and non-classical opioid (e.g., not blocked by naltrexone) mechanisms.
Insights
Morphine suppresses immune response in mice, but effects vary by strain and sex. These findings suggest morphine may act through both opioid and non-classical mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Morphine, an opioid analgesic, is known to affect immune functions.
- Understanding morphine's immunomodulatory effects is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic morphine exposure on the primary antibody response in different mouse strains.
- To determine the influence of mouse strain and sex on morphine's immunomodulatory effects.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying morphine-induced immune suppression.
Main Methods:
- In vivo morphine pellet implantation in various mouse strains.
- In vitro measurement of the primary antibody plaque-forming cell response.
- Assessment of spleen weight and mortality rates.
- Naltrexone administration to assess opioid receptor involvement.
Main Results:
- Morphine suppressed antibody response in C3HeB/FeJ, C3H/HeJ, and C57Bl/6 mice, but not in Balb/cByJ or mu-receptor-deficient mice.
- Naltrexone reversed morphine suppression in C3H strains but not C57Bl/6 mice.
- Immune suppression did not correlate with spleen weight reduction or mortality, which was strain-dependent.
Conclusions:
- Mouse strain significantly influences the immune response to morphine.
- Morphine's effects on immunity may involve both classical opioid and non-classical (naltrexone-insensitive) pathways.
- Strain-specific responses highlight the complexity of morphine's interaction with the immune system.