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Precipitated morphine withdrawal induces a conditioned aversion in the preweaning rat
1Department of Developmental Psychobiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York 10032, USA. gbarr@shiva.hunter.cuny.edu
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Infant rats exposed to morphine withdrawal exhibit a negative affective state, similar to adults. This study shows that 14-day-old pups develop conditioned aversion after opiate withdrawal.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opiate abstinence in adults alters autonomic function, motor behavior, and mood.
- Infant opiate withdrawal is common due to maternal drug use but poorly studied.
- Infant rat withdrawal differs from adult withdrawal, with fewer autonomic signs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if opiate withdrawal induces a negative affective state in infant rats.
- To determine if infant rats develop conditioned aversion following opiate withdrawal.
Main Methods:
- Infant rats (7 and 14 days old) received daily morphine or saline for seven days.
- Pups were conditioned with a novel odor after naltrexone or saline injection.
- Behavioral preference for the conditioned odor versus a neutral environment was assessed.
Main Results:
- Fourteen-day-old pups, but not 7-day-old pups, chronically treated with morphine showed significant avoidance of the conditioned odor after naltrexone exposure.
- This avoidance suggests the formation of a conditioned aversion in 14-day-old infant rats.
Conclusions:
- Opiate withdrawal can induce a negative affective state in infant rats, evidenced by conditioned aversion.
- This finding in infant rats parallels similar responses observed in adult animals.
- The study highlights the importance of understanding infant opiate withdrawal effects.