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The effects of chronic morphine administration on spatial memory and microtubule dynamicity in male mice's brain
Mina Mohammadkhani1, Dariush Gholami2, Gholamhossein Riazi1
1Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
The examination of the influence of morphine on behavioral processes, specifically learning and memory, holds significant importance. Additionally, microtubule proteins play a pivotal role in cellular functions, and the dynamics of microtubules contribute to neural network connectivity, information processing, and memory storage. however, the molecular mechanism of morphine on microtubule dynamics, learning, and memory remains uncovered. In the present study, we examined the effects of chronic morphine administration on memory formation impairment and the kinetic alterations in microtubule proteins induced by morphine in mice. Chronic morphine administration at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg dose-dependently decreased subjects' performance in spatial memory tasks, such as the Morris Water Maze and Y-maze spontaneous alternation behavior. Furthermore, morphine was found to stabilize microtubule structure, and increase polymerization, and total polymer mass. However, it simultaneously impaired microtubule dynamicity, stemming from structural changes in tubulin dimer structure. These findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of different doses when using morphine, urging a more cautious approach in the administration of this opioid medication.
Insights
Morphine impairs learning and memory by altering microtubule dynamics. This study shows chronic morphine stabilizes microtubules but reduces their movement, affecting brain function and highlighting the need for cautious dosing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microtubule proteins are crucial for cellular functions, including neural network connectivity and memory storage.
- The precise molecular mechanisms by which morphine affects microtubule dynamics, learning, and memory are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic morphine administration on memory formation in mice.
- To analyze the kinetic alterations in microtubule proteins induced by morphine.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered chronic morphine at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg.
- Spatial memory was assessed using the Morris Water Maze and Y-maze spontaneous alternation behavior tasks.
- Microtubule protein dynamics and structure were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Morphine administration dose-dependently impaired performance in spatial memory tasks.
- Morphine stabilized microtubule structure, increasing polymerization and total polymer mass.
- Simultaneously, morphine impaired microtubule dynamicity due to structural changes in tubulin dimers.
Conclusions:
- Chronic morphine administration negatively affects learning and memory.
- Morphine alters microtubule dynamics, impacting neuronal function.
- Careful consideration of morphine dosage is essential due to its effects on microtubule stability and dynamics.
