Hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal neuropeptides and experimental drug addiction.
Oxytocin, a hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal neuropeptide was found to attenuate the development of tolerance to the analgesic action of morphine, heroin, beta-endorphin or D-Pro2-Met5-enkephalinamide. The effect of oxytocin on morphine tolerance was prevented by N alpha-acetyl-(2-0-methyltyrosine)-oxytocin or penicillamine1-(2-0-methyltyrosine)-lysine8-vasopressin, which are antagonists of oxytocin receptors. Oxytocin dose-dependently attenuated various signs of precipitated morphine withdrawal (e.g., stereotyped jumpings, hypothermia, body weight loss). The neuropeptide diminished intravenous self-administration of heroin in heroin-tolerant rats. It is concluded that brain oxytocin interferes with adaptive components of experimental drug addiction.
Kovács
G L
GL
Central Laboratory, Markusovszky Teaching Hospital, Szombathely, Hungary.
Telegdy
G
G
D000818:Animals; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009020:Morphine; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin / Q000378:metabolism; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*
D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin; D010121:Oxytocin; D009020:Morphine