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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
07:23

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities

Published on: July 29, 2014

[Nonspecific effect of morphine on the erythrocyte membrane]

P E Kuznetsov, V A Zlobin, G V Nazarov

    Biofizika
    |October 2, 2004
    PubMed

    Insights

    Low morphine concentrations affect erythrocyte membranes and water structure. This wave-like effect, observed in ATPase activity and hemolytic stability, is linked to morphine

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Cell Biology
    • Physical Chemistry

    Context:

    • Erythrocytes (red blood cells) lack opiate receptors, making them a model for studying direct membrane effects.
    • Understanding how molecules interact with cell membranes is crucial for pharmacology and toxicology.
    • The role of water structure in biological processes is an emerging area of research.

    Purpose:

    • To investigate the impact of low morphine concentrations on erythrocyte plasmatic membranes.
    • To explore the relationship between morphine concentration and erythrocyte membrane properties (ATPase activity, hemolytic stability).
    • To elucidate the mechanism behind the observed non-monotonous biological response, hypothesizing a role for altered water structure.

    Summary:

    • Morphine's effect on erythrocyte ATPase activity and hemolytic stability exhibits a wave-like, non-monotonous concentration dependence.
    • This dependence suggests morphine alters the hydrogen bonding structure of water near the erythrocyte membrane surface.
    • Studies using fluorescent probes and light scattering confirmed that specific morphine concentrations increase water light scattering and molecular mobility.

    Impact:

    • Reveals a novel, concentration-dependent interaction of morphine with cell membranes, independent of specific receptors.
    • Highlights the significant influence of altered water structure on biological membrane functions.
    • Provides a foundation for further research into water-mediated effects of small molecules on biological systems.

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