Role of endogenous morphine in the attenuation of opiate withdrawal syndrome by N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine-D-isoglutamine (MDP).
Opiates, long considered the prototypical addictive drug, cause the phenomenon of tolerance and physical dependence following chronic administration. Although many factors promote the addictive state, our studies have focused on the role of endogenous morphine in modifying physical dependence. Mammalian tissues contain morphine and codeine and have the capacity to synthesize these alkaloids. The present report shows that N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine-D-isoglutamine (MDP), which elevates the endogenous opiate alkaloids in various brain regions and peripheral tissues, can attenuate the withdrawal syndrome of morphine-addicted rats.
Munjal
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ID
Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt Medical School, Nashville, TN, USA.
Schmidt
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Spector
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D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013154:Spleen / Q000378:metabolism; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine; D009020:Morphine