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Updated: Feb 20, 2026
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Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
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Inhibiting social support from massage-like stroking increases morphine dependence.
M L Shawn Bates1, Michael A Emery, Paul J Wellman
1Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), College Station, Texas, USA.
Behavioural Pharmacology
|October 20, 2017
Summary
Social grooming sensation, detected by MRGPRB4 neurons, protects against morphine dependence. Blocking this sensation increases withdrawal symptoms, highlighting social support
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Previous research indicates that the drug experience of cage mates influences rodent morphine dependence.
- Social grooming is an affiliative behavior in rodents, involving tactile sensations detected by specific sensory neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of social grooming sensation, mediated by MRGPRB4-expressing neurons, in the development of morphine dependence.
- To determine if manipulating this sensation affects withdrawal behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) to modulate activity of peripheral dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons expressing MRGPRB4.
- Examined the effect of blocking or activating social grooming sensation on jumping behavior (a correlate of morphine dependence) in morphine-withdrawn mice under different housing conditions.
Main Results:
- Blocking the sensation of social grooming in morphine-treated mice housed with drug-naive mice significantly increased jumping behavior during withdrawal.
- Activating the sensation of social grooming in morphine-treated mice housed with other morphine-treated mice did not significantly alter jumping behavior during withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Social grooming sensation plays a protective role against the development of morphine dependence.
- This study reinforces the significance of social support in mitigating substance use problems.
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