Modulation of morphine-induced sensitization by endogenous kappa opioid systems in the rat

Sensitization to both the motor stimulant and mesolimbic dopamine-releasing effects of morphine were studied in animals chronically treated with morphine and those that had received the kappa opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) prior to the commencement of morphine treatment. Rats were pretreated with either nor-BNI (30 micrograms; i.c.v.) or its vehicle and then received injections of morphine for 10 days. Locomotor activity and microdialysis studies were then conducted 3 and 30 days after termination of the chronic morphine treatment. In chronic morphine-treated rats, sensitization developed to both the motor stimulatory effects of morphine and the mesolimbic dopamine-releasing effects of this drug. Sensitization was observed 3 and 30 days after termination of morphine treatment. In animals pretreated with nor-BNI, sensitization to both the motoric and dopamine-releasing effects of morphine was significantly greater than that of chronic morphine-treated rats. These results suggest that endogenous kappa opioid systems play an important role in morphine-induced sensitization and that manipulations of these systems can markedly influence both its behavioral and neurochemical expression.