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Antiemetic effects of morphine on motion- and drug-induced emesis in Suncus murinus
S Kakimoto1, H Saito, N Matsuki
1Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Emetic and antiemetic effects of morphine were investigated in Suncus murinus. Subcutaneous (up to 30 mg/kg) or intracerebroventricular administration (50 micrograms) of morphine failed to cause emesis. However, pretreatment with morphine (s.c.) prevented the emesis induced by nicotine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), copper sulfate (40 mg/kg, p.o.), cisplatin (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and motion stimulus. These results suggest that morphine has only antiemetic potency and may block a common mechanism for the emetic reflex of suncus, because the antiemetic effects of the drug were exerted irrespective of the stimulus.
Insights
Morphine does not cause vomiting in Suncus murinus but effectively prevents emesis from various stimuli. This suggests morphine has antiemetic properties by blocking a common pathway for the vomiting reflex.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Morphine is known for its analgesic properties.
- Its role in emetic and antiemetic effects requires further investigation, particularly in non-rodent models.
- Understanding the mechanisms of drug-induced emesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emetic and antiemetic effects of morphine in the Suncus murinus model.
- To determine if morphine can prevent vomiting induced by diverse emetic agents.
- To explore the potential of morphine in blocking a common emetic reflex pathway.
Main Methods:
- Morphine was administered subcutaneously (up to 30 mg/kg) or intracerebroventricularly (50 micrograms) in Suncus murinus.
- Emesis was induced using various agents including nicotine, copper sulfate, cisplatin, and motion stimulus.
- Morphine pretreatment effects on induced emesis were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Morphine administration (subcutaneous or intracerebroventricular) did not induce emesis in Suncus murinus.
- Pretreatment with morphine significantly prevented emesis caused by nicotine, copper sulfate, cisplatin, and motion stimulus.
- The antiemetic effect of morphine was consistent across different emetic stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Morphine exhibits significant antiemetic potency in Suncus murinus.
- These findings suggest that morphine may act by inhibiting a shared mechanism underlying the emetic reflex.
- The study highlights the potential of morphine as an antiemetic agent, irrespective of the emetic trigger.