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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Ascorbic acid decreases morphine self-administration and withdrawal symptoms in rats
H Alaei1, M Esmaeili, A Nasimi
1National Research Center of Medical Sciences, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. alaei@med.mui.ac.ir
Summary
Ascorbic acid (AA) reduced the motivation for morphine self-administration in rats. AA also lessened most morphine withdrawal symptoms, suggesting a role in addiction processes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- The glutamatergic system plays a key role in the motivation for drug seeking.
- Ascorbic acid (AA), an antioxidant, influences dopamine and glutamate signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ascorbic acid (AA) on morphine self-administration and withdrawal.
- To explore AA's potential role in modulating addiction-related behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats underwent 10 days of morphine self-administration (1 mg/infusion/session).
- Ascorbic acid (500 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 minutes prior to self-administration sessions.
- Morphine withdrawal symptoms were precipitated by naloxone and assessed after the final self-administration session.
Main Results:
- Ascorbic acid significantly decreased the initiation of morphine self-administration across all sessions.
- AA administration reduced the severity of most naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal symptoms.
- AA did not eliminate all observed withdrawal signs.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbic acid may alter motivational processes associated with morphine self-administration.
- AA shows potential as an intervention for reducing drug-seeking behavior and withdrawal symptoms.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of AA's action in addiction.
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