Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
03:26
Acupuncture Treatment in a Mouse Model of Chronic Hypoxia-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction
Published on: December 8, 2023
Acupuncture suppresses morphine self-administration through the GABA receptors
Seong Shoon Yoon1, Hongyu Kim, Kwang-Ho Choi
1Department of Physiology, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Suseong-gu, Daegu 706-828, South Korea.
Brain Research Bulletin
|January 2, 2010
Summary
Acupuncture at the Shenmen (HT7) acupoint reduces morphine self-administration in rats. This effect is mediated by GABA receptors, suggesting a novel therapeutic mechanism for opioid addiction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Integrative Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Morphine self-administration is linked to the nucleus accumbens dopamine system.
- Previous research indicated acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) reduces morphine-induced dopamine release and hyperactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acupuncture on morphine self-administration.
- To explore the role of GABA receptors in the mechanism of acupuncture's effect on morphine self-administration.
Main Methods:
- Rats were trained for morphine self-administration under a fixed-ratio schedule.
- Acupuncture was applied to HT7 or a control point (LI5).
- Rats received GABA(B) or GABA(A) receptor antagonists (SCH 50911 or bicuculline, respectively) or saline before acupuncture.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture at HT7 significantly decreased morphine self-administration, while the control point LI5 did not.
- Administration of GABA(B) or GABA(A) receptor antagonists blocked the inhibitory effect of acupuncture on morphine self-administration.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture at the specific HT7 acupoint effectively reduces morphine self-administration.
- The findings suggest that GABA receptors play a crucial role in mediating the effects of acupuncture on morphine's reinforcing properties.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin or DPDPE for...
01:27CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...