Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026
08:49
Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome
Published on: September 23, 2015
9.3K
Chromium picolinate reduces morphine-dependence in rats, while increasing brain serotonin levels
Diana Ciubotariu1, Mihai Nechifor1, Gabriel Dimitriu2
1Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", Iaşi, Romania.
Summary
Chromium picolinate (CrPi) supplementation in rats led to a significant reduction in morphine dependence and withdrawal symptoms. This effect was associated with increased brain serotonin levels, supporting chromium's potential antidepressant properties.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Chromium is an essential trace element known for its anti-diabetic and anti-depressant effects.
- Chromium's antidepressant properties are linked to its ability to increase brain serotonin levels.
- Previous research indicated Cr3+ salts can enhance rewarding effects, but its impact on addiction processes remained unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of chromium picolinate (CrPi) on morphine dependence in a rat model.
- To assess whether CrPi can mitigate the development or expression of morphine dependence.
Main Methods:
- Five groups of rats were used, with control groups receiving saline or CrPi.
- Morphine dependence was induced over 10 days with progressively increasing doses.
- Two groups received CrPi (5 and 10 μg/kg/day) during dependence induction.
- Withdrawal symptoms were precipitated by naloxone administration and withdrawal scores were compared.
- Brain serotonin levels and serum chromium were measured post-experiment.
Main Results:
- Chromium picolinate (CrPi) significantly reduced compulsive mastication, teeth chattering, and grooming behaviors associated with morphine withdrawal.
- Both low and high doses of CrPi decreased the overall withdrawal score.
- CrPi administration led to increased brain serotonin (5-HT) levels, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.
- Serum chromium levels increased dose-dependently following CrPi administration.
Conclusions:
- Chromium picolinate (CrPi) demonstrated a significant, albeit modest, reduction in morphine dependence and withdrawal symptoms in rats.
- The observed effects are correlated with increased brain serotonin levels, suggesting a serotonin-mediated mechanism.
- These findings provide supplementary evidence for chromium's antidepressant effects and its potential role in modulating addiction-related pathways.
More Related Videos
07:27Two-photon Imaging of Microglial Processes' Attraction Toward ATP or Serotonin in Acute Brain Slices
Published on: January 31, 2019
10.3K
07:23Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
34.1K
Related Concept Videos
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
1.0K
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...
1.0K
01:18Increasing Function
397
An increasing function exhibits a rise in output values as input values increase. This behavior is depicted graphically as a curve or line that slopes upward from left to right. Such a function satisfies the condition that if x1 < x2, then f(x1) < f(x2), indicating that the function values grow with increasing inputs. This concept is fundamental in understanding growth trends across various domains, such as population dynamics, financial investments, or resource consumption.The...
397
01:21Frequency-dependent Selection
24.1K
When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.
24.1K
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
992
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
992
01:18Reducing Line Loss
390
In a three-phase circuit, line loss is an indicator of energy dissipated as heat due to the resistance of transmission lines. To address this, incorporating transformers into the system—a step-up transformer at the source and a step-down transformer at the load—is a strategic solution. Two three-phase transformers are introduced to improve this.
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss in...
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss in...
390
01:25Increased Body Temperature
7.5K
A body temperature above 38°C (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in...
7.5K