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Immunologic effects of morphine administration in rabbits
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|September 1, 1975
Summary
Long-term morphine administration in rabbits increases specific serum binding, primarily involving gamma-globulin. This suggests an immunologic response to morphine, not directly linked to withdrawal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Morphine administration can elicit physiological and immunological responses.
- Understanding long-term effects is crucial for managing opioid use and potential immune system interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term immunologic effects of morphine administration in rabbits.
- To characterize the nature of morphine-induced serum binding and immune responsiveness.
Main Methods:
- Female rabbits received long-term morphine via implanted pellets or injections.
- Serum morphine binding was quantified, and binding fractions were analyzed.
- Immunologic tests included passive hemagglutination, radial immunodiffusion, and cutaneous hypersensitivity.
- Cyclophosphamide was used to assess immunosuppression, and naloxone to evaluate antagonist effects.
Main Results:
- Pellet implantation was more effective than injections in increasing serum 140-morphine binding.
- Increased morphine binding was localized to gamma-globulin-containing serum fractions.
- Sera demonstrated specificity for morphine configuration and positive reactions in immunologic assays.
- Morphine-pretreated rabbits showed hypersensitivity and reduced binding with immunosuppression (cyclophosphamide).
Conclusions:
- Long-term morphine administration induces an immunologic response in rabbits, characterized by specific gamma-globulin-associated serum binding.
- The observed immune response is specific to morphine and not directly related to morphine withdrawal, as indicated by naloxone's lack of effect.