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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Published on: February 16, 2011
[Morphological alterations of the rat myocardium in chronic morphine intoxication]
Abstract:
Morphine was administered intraperitoneally to Wistar rats at increasing doses from 10 to 60 mg pay during 8 days. Cardiomyocyte damage in the form of myocytolysis and wave-like deformations of muscle fibers prevailed at the level of light microscopy. Microcirculatory alterations were characteristic: stasis, sludge-phenomenon, perivascular and interstitial oedema, diapedes hemorrhages, focal proliferation of vascular wall cells. Ultrastructural lesions were as follows: subsarcolemma edema, mitochondrial destruction, formation of giant forms of mitochondria, single contractures, increasing micropinocytosis, intestitial edema.
Insights
Morphine administration in rats caused significant cardiomyocyte damage and microcirculatory issues. These findings highlight potential cardiac risks associated with morphine exposure.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Toxicology
Context:
- Morphine is a widely used opioid analgesic.
- Understanding its cardiotoxic effects is crucial for patient safety.
- Previous research has indicated potential cardiovascular impacts of opioids.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cardiotoxic effects of escalating morphine doses in a Wistar rat model.
- To characterize the light and ultrastructural changes in cardiac tissue following morphine administration.
Summary:
- Wistar rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of morphine (10-60 mg/kg) for 8 days.
- Light microscopy revealed cardiomyocyte damage (myocytolysis, fiber deformation) and microcirculatory disturbances (stasis, edema, hemorrhage).
- Ultrastructural analysis showed subsarcolemmal edema, mitochondrial damage, and increased micropinocytosis.
Impact:
- This study elucidates the dose-dependent cardiac pathology induced by morphine.
- Findings provide critical insights into the mechanisms of opioid-induced cardiotoxicity.
- Results underscore the importance of monitoring cardiac function in patients receiving morphine therapy.
