Altered diurnal pattern of arousal following naloxone administration in opioid-naive rats

Heightened arousal occurring in response to physical or psychological stressors in associated with increased levels of endogenous opioid peptides in peripheral circulation and at binding sites in the central nervous system. When administered as a series of bolus injections during active periods, the opioid antagonist naloxone increased delta wave activity and total spectral power in the EEG of opioid-naive rats. A single 1.0 mg/kg injection of naloxone had a similar effect when given at the onset of night-time active periods, but not if administered during the day when rats are normally inactive. These results are consistent with a diminished level of arousal following blockade of endogenous opioid activity, and suggest an excitatory effect of opioid peptides in certain behavioral settings.