Is antagonism of α3β4 nicotinic receptors a strategy to reduce morphine dependence?

Olga D. Taraschenko, Vishal Panchal, Isabelle M. Maisonneuve, Stanley D. Glick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

18-Methoxycoronaridine, a synthetic iboga alkaloid congener, has been previously shown to attenuate several signs of morphine withdrawal in rats. The recently discovered action of 18-methoxycoronaridine to block α3β4 nicotinic receptors may be responsible for this effect. To test this hypothesis the effects of non-selective α3β4 receptor antagonists, dextromethorphan, mecamylamine, bupropion, and their combinations, were assessed on of acute naltrexone-precipitated (1 mg/kg i.p.) morphine withdrawal in rats. Dextromethorphan (5-40 mg/kg, s.c.), mecamylamine (0.25-4 mg/kg, i.p.) and bupropion (10-30 mg/kg, i.p.) alone produced variable effects on signs of withdrawal. However, two low-dose combinations, i.e., dextromethorphan (5 mg/kg, s.c.) and mecamylamine (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), mecamylamine (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) and bupropion (10 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as the three-drug combination significantly attenuated diarrhea and weight loss; none of the agents administered alone had these effects. The results of the present study provide evidence that α3β4 nicotinic receptors are involved in the expression of at least two signs of opioid withdrawal.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)207-218
Number of pages12
JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology
Volume513
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 25 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bupropion
  • Dextromethorphan
  • Mecamylamine
  • Morphine
  • Naltrexone
  • Opioid withdrawal

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Is antagonism of α3β4 nicotinic receptors a strategy to reduce morphine dependence?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this