Auricular microelectrostimulation: naloxone-reversible attenuation of opiate abstinence syndrome.
This study evaluated the effects in rats of very low amplitude (10 mu amp) charge-balanced 10-Hz stimulation delivered bilaterally to low impedance points on the outer ear. This microelectrostimulation markedly and significantly reduced the number of opiate abstinence signs observed following a week of continuous morphine infusion. This effect was prevented by subcutaneous injection of 3 mg/kg naloxone, suggesting that stimulation of endogenous opioid activity plays a major role in the actions of auricular microelectrostimulation.
Malin
D H
DH
Program in Behavioral Science, University of Houston-Clear Lake, TX 77058.
Murray
J B
JB
Crucian
G P
GP
Schweitzer
F C
FC
Cook
R E
RE
Skolnick
M H
MH
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000294:innervation*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000633:toxicity*; D009021:Morphine Dependence / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*
D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D009270:Naloxone; D009020:Morphine