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Morphine tolerance in genetically selected rats induced by chronically elevated saccharin intake.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 26, 1983
Summary
Chronic saccharin consumption in rats blocked pain relief responses. This suggests that high saccharin intake may increase the body's natural pain-relieving substances, known as endogenous opiates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Opioid systems modulate pain perception and stress responses.
- Endogenous opiates play a role in analgesia.
- Saccharin is a non-caloric artificial sweetener.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic saccharin intake on opioid-mediated analgesia in rats.
- To determine if saccharin consumption influences the response to morphine, stress-induced analgesia, and naloxone.
Main Methods:
- Rats (line LC2-Hi) were administered a saccharin solution daily for 28 days.
- Morphine analgesia, stress-induced analgesia, and naloxone responsiveness were assessed.
Main Results:
- Rats with chronic saccharin intake did not exhibit morphine analgesia.
- These rats also showed no opioid-mediated stress-induced analgesia.
- Responsiveness to naloxone, an opioid antagonist, was also absent.
Conclusions:
- Chronic high intake of saccharin may lead to adaptations in the endogenous opioid system.
- Findings suggest increased release and utilization of endogenous opiates due to prolonged saccharin consumption.
- This could imply a desensitization or altered regulation of opioid pathways involved in pain and stress.