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Evidence for active immunity to morphine in mice.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 22, 1972
Summary
Mice immunized with a morphine immunogen developed antibodies against dihydromorphine. This immunization reduced morphine's effects and altered its plasma concentration in the mice.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic with significant abuse potential.
- Developing strategies to mitigate morphine's effects and manage its pharmacokinetics is crucial for therapeutic and forensic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of active immunization against morphine.
- To assess the impact of anti-morphine antibodies on morphine's pharmacological effects and disposition.
Main Methods:
- Active immunization of mice using a morphine-based immunogen.
- Measurement of antibodies capable of binding dihydromorphine in serum.
- Assessment of morphine's pharmacological effects in immunized versus control mice.
- Quantification of morphine concentration in plasma.
Main Results:
- Serum from immunized mice contained antibodies that specifically bound dihydromorphine.
- Immunized mice exhibited diminished pharmacological responses to morphine.
- The concentration of morphine in the plasma of immunized mice was significantly altered compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Active immunization against morphine can generate specific antibodies.
- These antibodies can neutralize or alter morphine's effects and pharmacokinetics.
- This approach holds potential for managing morphine overdose or abuse.