title: Calcitonin nasal spray reduces opioid withdrawal syndrome without modification of endogenous opioid secretion.
abstract: It has been suggested that the well known analgesic effect of calcitonin (CT) may result from an enhanced secretion of opioid peptides. The purpose of this double-blind, controlled study was therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of CT on the opiate withdrawal syndrome. 20 drug addicts were randomly allocated to receive either 200 UI/day of salmon CT (n = 10) or placebo (n = 10) by nasal spray, after the abrupt withdrawal of low-dose methadone (20 mg/day). The severity of the withdrawal syndrome was evaluated by means of a score derived from a symptom check-list. Plasma beta-endorphin, glucose and insulin levels were measured before and after CT administration. The subjects treated with spray CT had significantly lower score than those treated with placebo. Beta-endorphin levels did not show any significant variation in both groups. An inhibitory action of CT on insulin secretion was observed. Our data suggested that CT might be considered a useful supportive measure for opiate withdrawal. CT action does not seem to involve the opioid system, but is probably mediated by a direct action on specific receptors or by a modulation of noradrenergic pathways.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Clinica medica generale e Terapia medica, Università, Parma.
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Vescovi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Michelini
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Maninetti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pedrazzoni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pioli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zaniboni
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Passeri
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D009294:Narcotics; D002116:Calcitonin; D008691:Methadone