Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Operant Protocols for Assessing the Cost-benefit Analysis During Reinforced Decision Making by Rodents
Published on: September 10, 2018
Role of Nitric Oxide on Dopamine Release and Morphine-Dependency
Amir Arash Motahari1, Hedayat Sahraei1, Gholam Hossein Meftahi1
1Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
The catastrophic effects of opioids use on public health and the economy are documented clearly in numerous studies. Repeated morphine administration can lead to either a decrease (tolerance) or an increase (sensitization) in its behavioral and rewarding effects. Morphine-induced sensitization is a major problem and plays an important role in abuse of the opioid drugs. Studies reported that morphine may exert its effects by the release of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a potent neuromodulator, which is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). However, the exact role of NO in the opioid-induced sensitization is unknown. In this study, we reviewed the role of NO on opioid-induced sensitization in 2 important, rewarding regions of the brain: nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmentum. In addition, we focused on the contribution of NO on opioid-induced sensitization in the limbic system.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Analgesia and Pain Management
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis

