Related Experiment Videos
Nociceptive reactivity and precipitated abstinence in hypophysectomized rats
Japanese Journal of Pharmacology
|October 1, 1982
Summary
Pituitary endorphins do not solely regulate pain perception. Hypophysectomy impacts morphine withdrawal signs, suggesting a complex pituitary role in abstinence, but caution is advised due to potential hypothalamic effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The pituitary gland produces endorphins involved in pain regulation.
- Hypophysectomy removes the pituitary, offering insights into endorphin function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of pituitary endorphins in thermonociception.
- To examine the effect of hypophysectomy on morphine-induced abstinence signs.
Main Methods:
- Hot plate test (55°C) in sham-operated and hypophysectomized rats.
- Administration of naloxone to morphine-dependent hypophysectomized rats.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in nociceptive reaction times between groups.
- Hypophysectomy altered specific signs of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Pituitary endorphins are not the only endogenous regulators of thermonociception.
- The pituitary plays a complex role in morphine abstinence, potentially influenced by adjacent hypothalamic areas.