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Updated: May 22, 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

Zimelidine attenuates the development of tolerance to morphine-induced antinociception

Ercan Ozdemir1, Sinan Gursoy, Ihsan Bagcivan

  • 1Department of Physiology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, 58140 Sivas, Turkey.

Indian Journal of Pharmacology
|April 25, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Zimelidine, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was found to significantly reduce the development and expression of morphine tolerance in rats. This suggests zimelidine may be a potential therapeutic agent for managing opioid tolerance.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Opioid tolerance is a significant clinical challenge, leading to reduced analgesic efficacy and increased side effects.
  • Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) have shown potential in modulating pain perception and opioid effects.
  • Understanding the interaction between SRIs and opioid tolerance is crucial for developing effective pain management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of zimelidine, an SRI, on the development and expression of morphine-induced tolerance in a rat model.
  • To evaluate the potential of zimelidine as an adjunct therapy to mitigate opioid tolerance.

Main Methods:

  • Male Wistar albino rats were used to induce morphine tolerance through a 3-day cumulative dosing regimen.
  • Morphine tolerance was evaluated on the fourth day using tail-flick and hot-plate tests.
  • The analgesic effects of zimelidine (15 mg/kg) and morphine (5 mg/kg) were assessed at various time intervals.

Main Results:

  • Zimelidine significantly attenuated both the development and expression of morphine tolerance.
  • The maximal antinociceptive effect of zimelidine was observed at 60 minutes post-administration.
  • Co-administration of zimelidine and morphine demonstrated an additive analgesic effect.

Conclusions:

  • Zimelidine effectively reduces the development of tolerance to morphine-induced antinociception in rats.
  • These findings suggest that zimelidine may play a role in managing opioid tolerance.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the clinical applicability of zimelidine in pain management.
Keywords:
Antinociceptionhot-plate testmorphinetail-flick testzimelidine

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