Effects of buprenorphine on motility in morphine post-dependent rats.
The effects of buprenorphine (0.0125-0.2 mg kg(-1)) on the locomotor activity of rats were determined 1-2 months after ceasing a chronic treatment with morphine (20 mg kg(-1)for 28 days). In control animals buprenorphine exhibited both depressive and stimulatory actions, as repeatedly described for morphine. In post-dependent animals buprenorphine showed a depressive effect similar to that observed in naive ones. On the contrary, a persistent sensitization to the excitatory effect was observed; the degree of cross-sensitization was similar to that of morphine itself (20 mg kg(-1)). The results are discussed in terms of persistent changes in the locomotor response to opioids, possibly correlated to both drug craving and relapse.
Bartoletti
M
M
Department of Pharmacology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, I-40126, Italy.
Gaiardi
M
M
Gubellini
C
C
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009021:Morphine Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009294:Narcotics; D002047:Buprenorphine; D009020:Morphine