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Immune alterations in morphine-treated rhesus monkeys
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans.
The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Morphine treatment in rhesus monkeys suppressed natural killer cell activity and altered T-cell populations. This study highlights potential immune system impacts of opioid use, relevant to viral pathogen regulation in drug abusers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Primate Research
Background:
- Opioid use, particularly morphine, can impact immune function.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for managing health risks in intravenous drug users, such as susceptibility to viral infections like AIDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of daily morphine administration on the immunocompetence of rhesus monkeys.
- To analyze changes in specific immune cell populations and their functions following morphine treatment.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkeys were divided into groups receiving daily morphine (3.2 mg/kg), infrequent opioid treatment, or saline (control).
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed for natural killer (NK) cell activity.
- Flow cytometry was used to quantify percentages of CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD45RA+, and CD29+ lymphocytes.
- Production of polyclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM by cultured PBMCs was measured.
Main Results:
- Daily morphine treatment suppressed peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) natural killer (NK) activity and reduced CD8+CD16+ cells.
- An increase in CD8+ lymphocytes and CD4+CD29+ cells was observed in treated groups.
- A decrease in CD4+ lymphocytes and CD4+CD45RA+ cells was noted in both daily and infrequent opioid-treated monkeys.
- PBMCs from daily morphine-treated monkeys produced significantly higher levels of polyclonal IgG and IgM.
Conclusions:
- Daily morphine treatment, even at a low dose, significantly affects immunocompetence in rhesus monkeys.
- These immune alterations may have implications for the regulation of viral pathogens, particularly in intravenous drug abusers.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the immunomodulatory effects of opioids.