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Altered Acoustic Startle Reflex, Prepulse Inhibition, and Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Morphine
Bong Hyo Lee1,2, Thomas Y Park2,3, Erica Lin2
1Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
|December 9, 2016
Summary
Intravenous morphine self-administration in rats transiently alters startle reflexes, sensorimotor gating, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels during withdrawal, potentially contributing to opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Opiate withdrawal is linked to increased anxiety and disrupted brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) function.
- The specific impact of intravenous (i.v.) morphine self-administration on these factors remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of i.v. morphine self-administration on acoustic startle reflex, prepulse inhibition, and BDNF levels in rats.
- To explore the relationship between these measures and opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent i.v. morphine or saline self-administration.
- Acoustic startle reflex and prepulse inhibition were measured during withdrawal periods (1 and 3 hours).
- Blood samples were analyzed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticosterone levels.
Main Results:
- Morphine self-administration led to hyper-locomotor activity and reduced defecation.
- Acoustic startle reflex increased at 1-hour withdrawal, while prepulse inhibition was disrupted at 3-hour withdrawal.
- Peripheral BDNF levels decreased on days 3 and 5 of self-administration; corticosterone levels remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous withdrawal from i.v. morphine self-administration causes transient changes in acoustic startle, sensorimotor gating, and peripheral BDNF.
- These neurobiological alterations may contribute to the adverse effects experienced during opiate withdrawal.
