Modulation of morphine-induced antinociception in mice by histamine H3-receptor ligands

The effects of compounds active at histamine H3-receptors on morphine-induced antinociception have been investigated in thermal and chemical tests in mice; tail-immersion (50 degrees C) and hot-plate (49 degrees and 55 degrees C) tests and acetic acid-induced writhing. Neither (R)alpha-methylhistamine, a specific agonist, (S)alpha-methylhistamine, a chemical control, nor thioperamide, an antagonist, had any antinociceptive action alone but thioperamide (3 mg kg-1) attenuated the effects of morphine in the tail-immersion test while (R)alpha-methylhistamine (1 mg kg-1), but not the (S) isomer, potentiated its effects in the hot-plate test at 55 degrees C. These results are consistent with the morphine potentiation seen with H1-antagonists and suggest that central histaminergic mechanisms can modulate opioid actions.