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Ethanol attenuation of morphine dependence: comparison to dizocilpine
W J Shoemaker1, T A Kosten, S M Muly
1Department of Psychiatry and Alcohol Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-1410, USA.
Psychopharmacology
|December 17, 1997
Summary
Ethanol and dizocilpine, an excitatory amino acid antagonist, both reduce morphine dependence severity in rats. This suggests ethanol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Morphine dependence is characterized by opiate withdrawal symptoms.
- Dizocilpine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has been shown to attenuate morphine dependence.
- Ethanol is also a putative excitatory amino acid antagonist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of ethanol and dizocilpine on morphine dependence in rats.
- To investigate the role of excitatory amino acid antagonism in morphine dependence.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered morphine (10 mg/kg) twice daily for 9 days.
- Groups received co-administration of ethanol (1 g/kg), dizocilpine (0.05 mg/kg), or vehicle.
- Naloxone (4 mg/kg) was administered on day 10 to precipitate opiate withdrawal.
Main Results:
- Both ethanol and dizocilpine significantly attenuated the overall severity of naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal.
- Ethanol treatment led to reduced ratings of specific withdrawal signs.
- Results suggest ethanol acts similarly to dizocilpine in modulating morphine dependence.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol, similar to dizocilpine, attenuates the development of morphine dependence.
- These findings support the hypothesis that ethanol's effects on morphine dependence involve glutamate receptor interactions.
- Ethanol may represent a potential therapeutic agent for managing opiate withdrawal symptoms.