GABAA receptors modulate cannabinoid-evoked hypothermia

Cannabinoids evoke hypothermia by stimulating central CB(1) receptors. GABA induces hypothermia via GABA(A) or GABA(B) receptor activation. CB(1) receptor activation increases GABA release in the hypothalamus, a central locus for thermoregulation, suggesting that cannabinoid and GABA systems may be functionally linked in body temperature regulation. We investigated whether GABA receptors modulate the hypothermic actions of [4,5-dihydro-2-methyl-4(4-morpholinylmethyl)-1-(1-naphthalenyl-carbonyl)-6H-pyrrolo[3,2,1ij]quinolin-6-one] (WIN 55212-2), a selective cannabinoid agonist, in male Sprague-Dawley rats. WIN 55212-2 (2.5 mg/kg im) produced a rapid hypothermia that peaked 45-90 min postinjection. The hypothermia was attenuated by bicuculline (2 mg/kg ip), a GABA(A) antagonist. However, SCH 50911 (1-10 mg/kg ip), a GABA(B) blocker, did not antagonize the hypothermia. Neither bicuculline (2 mg/kg) nor SCH 50911 (10 mg/kg) by itself altered body temperature. We also investigated a possible role for CB(1) receptors in GABA-generated hypothermia. Muscimol (2.5 mg/kg ip), a GABA(A) agonist, or baclofen (5 mg/kg ip), a GABA(B) agonist, evoked a significant hypothermia. Blockade of CB(1) receptors with SR141716A (2.5 mg/kg im) did not antagonize muscimol- or baclofen-induced hypothermia, indicating that GABA-evoked hypothermia does not contain a CB(1)-sensitive component. Our results implicate GABA(A) receptors in the hypothermic actions of cannabinoids and provide further evidence of a functional link between cannabinoid and GABA systems.

Administration of mu-, kappa- or delta2-receptor agonists via osmotic minipumps suppresses murine splenic antibody responses

Previously, our laboratory has shown that morphine given by implantation of a 75-mg slow-release pellet for 48 h suppresses murine splenic antibody responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) in a plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay. However, the use of slow-release pellets for such studies is limited, as these pellets are only available in fixed doses and similar pellets for kappa and delta agonists have not been developed. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility of administering opioids via Alzet osmotic minipumps to assess their immunomodulatory effects. Groups of mice received minipumps dispensing morphine sulfate, which has primary activity at the mu opioid receptor; U50,488H, which is a kappa-selective agonist; deltorphin II, which is a delta2-selective agonist; or DPDPE, which has greater selectivity for delta1 than delta, receptors. Morphine, U50,488H and deltorphin II were all immunosuppressive, with biphasic dose-response curves exhibiting maximal (approximately 50%) suppression of the PFC response at doses of 0.5 to 2 mg/kg/day 48 h after pump implantation. Further, immunosuppression by morphine sulfate, U50,488H or deltorphin II was blocked by simultaneous implantation of a minipump administering the opioid receptor-selective antagonists CTAP (1 mg/kg/day), nor-binaltorphimine (5 mg/kg/day), or naltriben (3 mg/kg/day), respectively. DPDPE was inactive at doses lower than 10 mg/kg/day. We conclude that osmotic minipumps are a practical and useful way of administering opioids to study their effects on the immune system, and give further evidence that immunosuppression induced in vivo by opioid agonists is mediated not only via mu, but also via kappa and delta2 opioid receptors.

Possible mechanism of hypothermia induced by intracerebroventricular injection of orphanin FQ/nociceptin

Orphanin/nociceptin (OFQ/N), a 17-amino-acid peptide, is an endogenous peptide, the receptor for which is similar to mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors ( approximately 65% homology). Reports indicate that OFQ/N can block the antinociception induced by mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid agonists in the rat and in the mouse, indicating that there is a functional interaction between opioid receptors and OFQ/N receptors in the nervous system. It is well known that activation of the mu- and kappa-opioid receptors results in hyperthermia and hypothermia, respectively, in Sprague-Dawley rats. The present studies were designed to examine effects of OFQ/N on body temperature (Tb) and explore whether the mechanism of T(b) change induced by OFQ/N involved the opioid system. The results show that (1) i.c.v. injection of a high dose of OFQ/N (9-18 micro g) produces hypothermia in adult rats; (2) OFQ/N (1.8 micro g, i.c.v., t=+30 s after morphine) can decrease morphine-induced hyperthermia; (3) neither the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone (10 mg/kg, s.c., t=-15 s before OFQ/N) nor the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI (1 micro g/5 microl, i.c.v., t=-30 s before OFQ/N) reduces the hypothermia induced by i.c.v. injection of OFQ/N at dose of 18 micro g (P>0.05); (4) 60 micro g/5 microl AS oligo (i.c.v. treatment on days 1, 3 and 5) against OFQ/N receptors significantly reduces the hypothermia induced by i.c.v. injection of 9 micro g OFQ/N (P<0.01). These results suggest that the hypothermia induced by i.c.v. injection of a high dose of OFQ/N (9 or 18 micro g) is mediated, at least partially, by its own receptor, independent or downstream of opioid receptors in the rat brain and that OFQ/N probably acts as a physiological antagonist to reduce morphine-induced hyperthermia.

Effect of central and peripheral administration of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor on morphine hyperthermia in rats

The effect of central and peripheral administration of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), on morphine hyperthermia was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The first series of experiments examined the effect of subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of L-NAME on the hyperthermia induced by morphine given s.c. in doses of 4 and 15 mg/kg. L-NAME, at a s.c. dose of 50 mg/kg, per se, had no influence on body temperature (T(b)). Coadministration of L-NAME (50 mg/kg, s.c.) with the higher dose of morphine (15 mg/kg, s.c.) caused a significant suppression of morphine hyperthermia during the first 30 min and then produced hypothermia. In contrast, s.c. injection of L-NAME (50 mg/kg, s.c.) failed to alter the hyperthermic response induced by the lower dose of morphine (4 mg/kg). In the second series of experiments, we investigated the effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of L-NAME on the hyperthermia induced by morphine given s.c. L-NAME, itself, given i.c.v. at a dose of 1 mg did not evoke any change in T(b). Intracerebroventricular administration of L-NAME (1 mg) blocked the hyperthermia induced by 15 mg/kg morphine during the first 30 min and induced a slight hypothermia but did not alter the hyperthermia induced by 4 mg/kg morphine. The results indicate that either central or peripheral NO synthesis is required for the production of hyperthermia induced by 15 mg/kg of morphine. However, NO synthesis does not seem to be involved in the hyperthermic process induced by 4 mg/kg of morphine.

Blockade of lipopolysaccharide-induced fever by a mu-opioid receptor-selective antagonist in rats

The endogenous opioid system has been found to be involved in fever caused by pyrogens. In the present study, we have investigated the role of the mu-opioid receptor in the brain in fever induced by lipopolysaccharide. Rats were microinjected with 1 microg of the mu-opioid receptor-selective antagonist, cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH(2) (CTAP), into the preoptic anterior hypothalamus. Thirty minutes later, lipopolysaccharide (50 microg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.). CTAP reduced by 1 degrees C the fever induced by lipopolysaccharide. However, it did not affect lipopolysaccharide fever when it was given 3 h after lipopolysaccharide injection. These data indicate that mu-opioid receptors within the preoptic anterior hypothalamus mediate the initiation of lipopolysaccharide fever and suggest that the opioid system is involved in the pathogenesis of fever in rats.

Morphine increases susceptibility to oral Salmonella typhimurium infection

This study examined the effect of morphine on oral infection with virulent Salmonella typhimurium. Animals were treated with a 75-mg slow-release morphine pellet followed by inoculation with salmonellae. Morphine markedly sensitized mice to oral infection, as assessed by survival, mean survival time, and colony culture. By 24 h after Salmonella inoculation, morphine-treated mice had a 105-fold difference in number of organisms in the Peyer's patches, compared with controls. The opioid antagonist naltrexone significantly blocked Salmonella colonization in Peyer's patches and reduced Salmonella burden in other organs, indicating that morphine acts at least in part via an opioid receptor-mediated pathway. The data show that morphine markedly potentiates Salmonella infection at the gastrointestinal portal of entry and enhances subsequent dissemination of Salmonella organisms. The results have implications for potentiating gastrointestinal opportunistic infections in intravenous drug abusers and in opioid-medicated postsurgical patients.

CCK(B) receptors in the periaqueductal grey are involved in electroacupuncture antinociception in the rat cold water tail-flick test

Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) (0.25-2.0 ng), the CCK(A) receptor antagonist L-364,718 (60-100 ng) or the CCK(B) receptor antagonist L-365,260 (0.3125-1.25 ng) was administered into the periaqueductal grey (PAG) of male SD rats. The antinociceptive effect induced by electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of different frequencies was then measured by the cold water tail-flick (CWT) test. The results showed that (1) microinjection of CCK-8 into the PAG can significantly block the antinociceptive effect induced by all frequencies of EA stimulation. The effectiveness of the blockade was 100 > 2 Hz. In addition, CCK-8 blocks the antinociception seen following termination of the electrical stimulation at 100 Hz; (2) microinjection of L-365,260 (1.25 ng) into the PAG significantly increased the 100 Hz EA antinociceptive effect but not the 2 Hz EA antinociceptive effect and microinjection of L-364,718 into PAG did not affect either 2 or 100 Hz EA antinociception. These results demonstrate that CCK-8 in the PAG can antagonize the antinociceptive effect induced by EA stimulation, and the CCK effect is likely to be mediated by the CCK(B) receptor, but not the CCK(A) receptor.

Effect of a mu-selective opioid antagonist on CCK-8-induced changes in thermoregulation in the rat

We examined the effects of I.C.V. injection of CCK-8 alone and in combination with CTAP, a mu-selective antagonist, on brain surface temperature (Tb), oxygen consumption (VO2), and heat exchange (Q) in unrestrained male S-D rats at an ambient temperature of 20 +/- 0.5 degrees C. CCK-8 (300 ng, I.C.V.) produced hyperthermia (deltaTb: 0.86 +/- 0.22 degrees C) lasting for 30-60 min, which was associated with an increase in VO2 (1.42 +/- 0.28 ml/g/h). There was an increase in Q (1.87 +/- 1.2 cal/g/h) beginning 15 min after injection and lasting for 60 min. The CCK-8-induced hyperthermia was attenuated by a postinjection increase in Q. During the 60-120 min postinjection period, VO2 and Q returned to baseline followed by the return of Tb to preinjection levels. CCK-8-induced increases in Tb, Q, and VO2 were blocked by pretreatment with CTAP (0.75 nmol, I.C.V.) 15 min earlier. CTAP alone did not significantly affect deltaTb, deltaVO2, and deltaQ. These results suggest that, within the thermoneutral zone, the thermoregulatory effects of CCK-8 in the rat involve participation of mu-opioid receptors.

Substance P release in the rat periaqueductal gray and preoptic anterior hypothalamus after noxious cold stimulation: effect of selective mu and kappa opioid agonists

Intracerebral microdialysis was used to measure changes in the extracellular level of substance P (SP) released from the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POAH) of freely moving Sprague-Dawley rats after noxious cold stimulation. Artificial cerebrospinal fluid was perfused into the dialysis probe in the PAG or POAH and samples were collected every 30 min for 4 hr. SP-like immunoreactivity in the samples was measured by radioimmunoassay. In the PAG, SP base-line release was 0.43 +/- 0.08 fmol/fraction. SP release was increased to 1.3 +/- 0.4 fmol/fraction during the first collection period after noxious cold. Pretreatment with the selective mu opioid receptor agonist PL017 (0.8-3.4 nmol) or the kappa opioid receptor agonist dynorphin A1-17 (4.6-9.2 nmol), administered into the PAG by microinjection, produced dose-related inhibition of the cold-evoked SP release. Naloxone (10 mg/kg s.c.) administration 10 min before these opioid agonists reduced the inhibition of SP release. In the POAH, SP base-line release was 0.45 +/- 0.06 fmol/fraction and noxious cold did not cause any significant change in SP release. Microdialysis of SP (271 fmol-271 pmol/microl/min, for 30 min) into the PAG, but not the POAH, induced dose-related analgesia (35-68% MPA) in the cold-water tail-flick test. However, microdialysis of SP into the POAH or PAG failed to induce any significant change in body temperature. These data suggest that 1) SP released from the PAG acts as a neuromodulator to transmit nociceptive information; 2) opioid receptor agonists can suppress this information by inhibiting SP release; 3) SP evoked by noxious cold may have a role in triggering the antinociceptive function of the PAG; and 4) SP does not appear to act as a neuromodulator for thermoregulatory responses in the POAH.

Body temperature and analgesic effects of selective mu and kappa opioid receptor agonists microdialyzed into rat brain

Opioids administered by i.c.v. injection produce body temperature (Tb) changes and analgesic responses in rats. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects on Tb and analgesia of highly selective mu and kappa opioid receptor agonists and antagonists delivered directly into the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POAH) and periaqueductal gray (PAG) by the intracerebral microdialysis method. Microdialyzed into the POAH, the mu receptor agonist Tyr-Pro-N-MePhe-D-Pro-NH2 induced dose-related hyperthermia that could be prevented or antagonized by the mu receptor antagonist cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 or by naloxone, but not by the kappa receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine. The kappa receptor agonist dynorphin A(1-17), microdialyzed into the POAH, induced dose-related hypothermia that was prevented or antagonized by nor-binaltorphimine but not cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2. Neither Tyr-Pro-N-MePhe-D-Pro-NH2 nor dynorphin A(1-17) microdialyzed into the PAG produced significant changes in Tb. However, these agonists microdialyzed into the PAG produced analgesic responses that did not occur after administration into the POAH. These results support the hypothesis that the hyperthermic response to opioids is mediated by the mu receptor and the hypothermic response is mediated by the kappa receptor in rats. The POAH is a primary functional area in Tb, but not in analgesic, responses to opioids, whereas the PAG is a sensitive area for analgesic, but not for Tb, responses to opioids.

Interaction of cholecystokinin and somatostatin with a selective mu-opioid agonist and mu- and kappa-antagonists in thermoregulation

We examined the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8) and somatostatin (SST) and the interactions of these neuropeptides with the selective opioid antagonists, CTAP (mu) and nor-BNI (kappa) and the mu-agonist, PL017, on body temperature (Tb) of the rat at normal ambient temperature (21 +/- 0.5 degrees C). CCK-8 produced short-lasting (15-60 min), dose-related increases in Tb in a dose range of 20 to 900 ng but did not change the Tb at lower doses (0.1-2 ng). Lower doses of SST (1 and 2 micrograms) produced hyperthermia (30-60 min) and a higher dose of SST (10 micrograms) caused hypothermia (30-45 min). PL017 (1 microgram, i.c.v.), alone and in combination with CCK-8, produced hyperthermia. The CCK-8 (300 ng)-induced hyperthermia was blocked by pretreatment of rats with CTAP (1 microgram, i.c.v.), suggesting that the higher doses of CCK-8 increase Tb through the interaction with mu-receptors or the enhancement of release of endogenous opioids acting on the mu-receptor. The hyperthermia elicited by a lower dose of SST (1 microgram) was prevented by pretreatment with CTAP but not with nor-BNI (1 microgram, i.c.v.). Pretreatment with nor-BNI blocked the higher dose (10 micrograms) of SST-induced hypothermia. PL017 or CTAP did not prevent the hypothermic effect of that dose of SST. These results indicate that a lower dose of SST (1 microgram) stimulates the mu-receptor (directly or indirectly) and a higher dose (10 micrograms) interacts with the kappa-receptor in regulation of Tb. Thus, the effects of both CCK-8 and SST on Tb appear to involve the endogenous opioid system.

Antisense confirmation of mu- and kappa-opioid receptor mediation of morphine's effects on body temperature in rats

Previous studies showed that parenterally administered morphine at 4-16 mg/kg markedly increased body temperature in the rat, but higher doses of morphine (> or = 30 mg/kg, subcutaneously, sc) caused a profound decrease in body temperature. Based on the use of selective opioid agonists and antagonists, we postulated that these effects were due to morphine's actions on mu and kappa receptors, respectively. In the present study, we sought to determine whether an antisense (AS) oligodeoxynucleotide (oligo) against cloned mu or kappa opioid receptors could affect morphine-induced body temperature changes. AS oligos were directed against nucleotides 1-18 of the coding region of the mu receptor and 4-21 of the coding region of the kappa receptor. Male SD rats were surgically implanted with intracerebroventricular (icv) cannulae. Rats received icv injections of vehicle or oligo in the animal colony room on days 1, 3 and 5. Either AS oligo or missense (MS) oligo was infused in a volume of 5 microliters over 30 s to freely moving animals. On day 6, the rats were tested. The results showed that icv treatment with an AS oligo against mu opioid receptors, but not an MS oligo against the mu opioid receptor or an AS oligo against the kappa opioid receptor, significantly attenuated the hyperthermia normally produced by a relatively low dose of morphine administered sc. In addition, treatment with an AS oligo against kappa receptors, but not an MS oligo against kappa opioid receptor or an AS oligo against the mu opioid receptor, significantly blocked the hypothermia induced by a high dose of morphine. This study confirms our earlier postulate that morphine at 4 mg/kg, sc, induces an increase in body temperature primarily via mu opioid receptors in the brain and a high dose (30 mg/kg) of morphine administered sc produces a decrease primarily through kappa opioid receptors in the brain.

Use of a mu-antisense oligodeoxynucleotide as a mu opioid receptor noncompetitive antagonist in vivo

We examined whether mu-antisense (AS) oligodeoxynucleotide (oligo) treatment can be used in a manner similar to the mu-selective irreversible antagonist beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA) for in vivo pharmacology. Rats were injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) with a mu-AS or a missense (MS) oligo on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 and were tested for the antinociceptive effect of sc injection of morphine on days 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 in the cold water tail-flick (CWT) test. In another set of experiments, rats were also tested for the antinociceptive action of morphine twenty-four hours after icv injection of beta-FNA. Both beta-FNA and mu-AS produced rightward shifts in the dose-effect curves of morphine. In addition, pretreatment with 2.5 micrograms or more of beta-FNA or the mu-AS oligo for 5-9 days (but not for 1-3 days) reduced the maximal analgesic effect of morphine. The approximate fraction of functional receptor remaining for morphine was determined with the method of Furchgott to be 49.5% following 2.5 micrograms of beta-FNA; that after 5 days of the mu-AS oligo treatment was 50.8%. The results suggest that the mu-AS oligo can be used in the same manner as highly selective, irreversible mu opioid receptor ligands. Thus, properly designed AS oligos against receptors are of particular benefit when irreversible antagonists are not available. AS oligos represent a new class of selective and powerful pharmacological antagonists.

Outcome of temporal lobe epilepsy surgery predicted by statistical parametric PET imaging

PET is useful in the presurgical evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy. The purpose of this retrospective study is to assess the clinical use of statistical parametric imaging in predicting surgical outcome.

METHODS

Interictal 18FDG-PET scans in 17 patients with surgically-treated temporal lobe epilepsy (Group A-13 seizure-free, group B = 4 not seizure-free at 6 mo) were transformed into statistical parametric imaging, with each pixel representing a z-score value by using the mean and s.d. of count distribution in each individual patient, for both visual and quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

Mean z-scores were significantly more negative in anterolateral (AL) and mesial (M) regions on the operated side than the nonoperated side in group A (AL: p < 0.00005, M: p = 0.0097), but not in group B (AL: p = 0.46, M: p = 0.08). Statistical parametric imaging correctly lateralized 16 out of 17 patients. Only the AL region, however, was significant in predicting surgical outcome (F = 29.03, p < 0.00005). Using a cut-off z-score value of -1.5, statistical parametric imaging correctly classified 92% of temporal lobes from group A and 88% of those from Group B.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary results indicate that statistical parametric imaging provides both clinically useful information for lateralization in temporal lobe epilepsy and a reliable predictive indicator of clinical outcome following surgical treatment.

Electrical stimulation at traditional acupuncture sites in periphery produces brain opioid-receptor-mediated antinociception in rats

Previous studies in rats measuring latency to tail flick with radiant heat have shown that the antinociceptive effect induced by electrical stimulation of different frequencies at traditional acupuncture sites is mediated via different opioid receptors in the spinal cord. The present study was designed to observe (1) whether electrical stimulation at such sites could produce antinociceptive effects in the cold water tail-flick (CWT) test; (2) whether the antinociceptive effects could be blocked by s.c. injection of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and (3) whether i.c.v. injection of selective antagonists for mu (cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2, CTAP), delta (naltrindole) or kappa (nor-binaltorphimine) opioid receptors would block the antinociceptive effect produced by electrical stimulation. Sprague-Dawley rats were stimulated at frequencies of 2, 30 or 100 Hz with acupuncture needles inserted into acupoints Zusanli and Sanyinjiao in the hind leg for 30 min. Antinociception was assayed in the CWT. The results showed that (1) a significant, frequency-related increase in threshold in the CWT was observed in all electrical stimulation groups as compared with the placebo group and the antinociceptive effect lasted about 30 min poststimulation; (2) naloxone (s.c.) antagonized the antinociceptive effect induced by 2 Hz, 30 Hz or 100 Hz electrical stimulation and (3) either CTAP or naltrindole (i.c.v.) almost completely blocked the antinociceptive effect induced by 2 Hz or 30 Hz electrical stimulation, but was less effective in blocking antinociception induced by 100 Hz electrical stimulation; nor-binaltorphimine (i.c.v.) greatly reduced antinociception induced by 30 Hz or 100 Hz electrical stimulation, but not by 2 Hz electrical stimulation. These results indicate that the antinociception induced by 2 Hz electrical stimulation is mediated by both mu and delta opioid receptors; the antinociception induced by 100 Hz electrical stimulation is mediated primarily by the kappa receptor; and the antinociception induced by 30 Hz electrical stimulation is mediated by all three opioid receptor types. Thus, the antinociceptive effect induced by peripheral electrical stimulation, as measured by the CWT, involves opioid receptors in the rat brain.

Mouse strain differences in immunosuppression by opioids in vitro

An in vitro assay was used to compare the effect of opioids on antibody production by splenocytes from C3HeB/FeJ, C57BL/6J, C57BL/6ByJ and B6C3F1/J mice immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Spleen cells were removed from mice that had been injected 2 wk prior with SRBC. These mice received no opioids in vivo. Dissociated spleen cells taken from each of the mouse strains were exposed to morphine with or without naloxone, or to U50,488H with or without norbinaltorphimine (nor-BNI), for 5 days in a Mishell-Dutton culture, with added SRBC as antigen. Immune responsiveness was assessed by the number of plaque-forming cells (PFC) per culture. The results showed a profound difference in the effects of the opioids on the spleen cells of the four mouse strains. Spleen cells of C3HeB/FeJ mice were suppressed approximately 50% in the number of PFC both by morphine (10(-5) to 10(-8) M) and by U50,488H (10(-5) to 10(-11) M). Suppression was blocked by pretreatment with naloxone or norbinaltorphimine, respectively. In contrast, spleen cells taken from C57BL/6J mice were not suppressed by either opioid, at doses ranging from 10(-5) to 10(-11) M. Spleen cells of B6C3F1/J mice were suppressed by U50,488H, but not morphine. Cells of C57BL/6ByJ mice gave inconsistent results in experiments measuring suppression by morphine, and U50,488H. Overall, these studies confirm our previous work showing that opioids directly affect the function of cells of the immune system via classical opioid receptors. In addition, the results show that mouse strain is a major variable in evaluating the immunomodulatory effects of opioids.

Migraine with aura as the presentation of leukemia

We present the case of a man with new onset of migraine with aura as the presenting sign of acute promyelocytic leukemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. This previously unreported association may support theories of platelet serotonin involvement in the pathogenesis of migraine. It would be valuable in the future to evaluate other patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation or acute promyelocytic leukemia for the presence of migrainous auras or headaches, symptoms which may be underreported by patients, particularly in the setting of severe illness.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against mu- or kappa-opioid receptors block agonist-induced body temperature changes in rats

PL017 and dynorphin A1-17 were shown previously to cause a marked increase and a profound decrease in body temperature (Tb), respectively. In this study, we examined whether an antisense (AS) oligodeoxynucleotide (oligo) against cloned mu or kappa opioid receptors could block PL017- or dynorphin A-induced body temperature changes. Treatment with an AS oligo against mu receptors, but not sense (S) oligo, missense (MS) oligo or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), abolished PL017-induced hyperthermia. In addition, treatment with an AS oligo against kappa receptors, but not S oligo, MS oligo or aCSF, greatly attenuated dynorphin A-induced hypothermia. This study further supports the notion that mu and kappa receptors mediate Tb regulation.

Interaction between opioid agonists and neurotensin on thermoregulation in the rat. I. Body temperature

To examine the role of neurotensin in opioid-induced thermo-regulation, Tyr-Pro-N-MePhe-D-Pro-NH2 (PL-017, 1.86 nmol i.c.v.), neurotensin (NT, 0.0747-2.98 nmol i.c.v.), ([trans-(+/-)-3, 4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]benzenacetamide+ ++]) (U50,488H; U50, 10-40 mg/kg s.c.), dynorphin A1-17 (DY, 4.65 nmol i.c.v.) and DPDPE (4.65 nmol i.c.v.) were injected alone or in combination with NT into unrestrained, male S-D rats. At 20 +/- 2 degrees C ambient, body temperature (Tb) was measured for 3 hr after injection. PL-017 induced dose-dependent hyperthermia; NT, DY and U50 produced dose-related hypothermia. NT (0.0747 nmol) had no effect on PL-017-induced hyperthermia; higher doses of PL-017/NT antagonized the hyperthermia and increased the peak and duration of the hypothermia. Pretreatment with cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTAP; 0.74 nmol i.c.v.) blocked the enhanced PL-017/NT-induced hypothermia but had no effect on NT-induced hypothermia. DY/NT reduced Tb dose dependently but the effect did not differ significantly from NT alone. U50 (20 or 40 mg/kg)/NT increased the peak and duration of the hypothermic response. Naloxone pretreatment (10 mg/kg s.c.) blocked the effect of U50 alone and in combination with NT, as did the peripheral opioid antagonist, naloxone methiodide (100 mg/kg s.c.). Nor-binaltorphimine (25 nmol i.c.v.) partially blocked the effect of U50 on Tb and had no effect on NT or U50/NT. DPDPE did not alter Tb alone or in combination with NT. The data presented provide information on the role of NT in opioid-induced thermoregulation.

An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to mu-opioid receptors inhibits mu-opioid receptor agonist-induced analgesia in rats

We examined effects of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide against the mu-opioid receptor on mu-opioid receptor agonist-induced antinociception in the cold water (-3 degrees C) tail-flick test in rats. Rats were injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with an antisense, sense or missense oligodeoxynucleotide or artificial cerebrospinal fluid on days 1, 3 and 5. On day 6, antinociceptive effects of opioid agonists were tested. Compared to the artificial cerebrospinal fluid treatment, the cumulative dose-effect curve for subcutaneous (s.c.) morphine was shifted to the right by the antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, but not by the missense oligodeoxynucleotide or the sense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment reduced the analgesic effect of the mu-opioid receptor agonist PL017 ([N-MePhe3,D-Pro4]morphiceptin), but not the delta-opioid receptor agonist BW373U86 ((+/-)-4-((a-R*)-a-((2S*,5R*)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3- hydroxybenzyl)-N,N-diethyl-benzamide) or the kappa-opioid receptor agonist spiradoline ((+/-)-(5a,7a,8b)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[7-(1- pyrrolidinyl)-1-(oxaspiro-[4,5]dec-8-yl]benzeneacetamide monohydrochloride). The drugs were given by i.c.v. injection. These findings indicate that i.c.v. administration of a mu antisense oligodeoxynucleotide specifically blocks mu-, but not delta- or kappa-opioid receptor-mediated analgesia in the rat cold water tail-flick test.

Cholecystokinin potentiates morphine anticonvulsant action through both CCK-A and CCK-B receptors

Recent studies have suggested that cholecystokinin may have a role in modulating the effects of the endogenous opioid system in physiological functions such as thermoregulation and pain control. However, the possible interaction of cholecystokinin and morphine in epileptogenesis is unknown. We studied the effect of subcutaneous morphine and intracerebroventricularly administered cholecystokinin octapeptide sulphate ester and receptor antagonists CCK-A (MK 329) and CCK-B (L 365,260) on seizures provoked by maximal electroshock in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Seizures were induced through electrode-gel-coated ear clip electrodes by a high voltage, high internal resistance constant current generator, 30 minutes after morphine administration and 10 minutes after cholecystokinin-8-SE, CCK-A and CCK-B infusion. Morphine decreased the length of the tonic component of the seizure and cholecystokinin potentiated this decrease. Cholecystokinin antagonists blocked the effects of both cholecystokinin and morphine. The results suggest that cholecystokinin acts as an endogenous agonist with opioids in the regulation of seizure susceptibility through both CCK-A and B receptors and may be responsible for part of the anticonvulsant action of morphine.

Receptor selectivity of icv morphine in the rat cold water tail-flick test

The cold water tail-flick test in the rat is somewhat unique in that it is sensitive to the analgesic effects of delta- and kappa- in addition to mu-opioid agonists. The present study was designed to test whether a component of morphine-induced analgesia in this test might be mediated by delta- or kappa-opioid receptors. Morphine was administered icv in combination with the non-selective opioid antagonist naloxone (NLX), as well as the mu-, delta- and kappa-selective antagonists, D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr (CTAP), naltrindole (NTI) and norbinaltorphimine (norBNI), respectively. Morphine induced analgesia in a dose related manner. Administration of NLX (1-10 micrograms) or CTAP (1 microgram) antagonized morphine in a competitive fashion. Neither NTI (1-10 micrograms) nor norBNI (0.1 microgram) had any effect on the morphine dose-effect curve. Thus, morphine appeared to be a selective mu agonist in the cold water tail-flick test, at least by the icv route.

Effect of ambient temperature on the ability of mu-, kappa- and delta-selective opioid agonists to modulate thermoregulatory mechanisms in the rat

Tyr-Pro-N-MePhe-D-Pro-NH2 (1.86 nmol), dynorphin A1-17 (4.65 nmol) and DPDPE (4.64 nmol), which are selective for mu-, kappa- and delta- opioid receptors, respectively, were injected into the right lateral ventricle of unrestrained male Sprague-Dawley rats. At ambient temperatures of 30 degrees C and 5 degrees C, brain surface temperature (Tb), oxygen consumption (VO2) and heat exchange (Q) were measured for 3 hr after injection in a gradient-layer calorimeter. Tyr-Pro-N-MePhe-D-Pro-NH2 at 30 degrees C caused significant hyperthermia (1.39 +/- 0.48 degree C) with onset occurring 15 to 30 min after injection and lasting 60 min after injection. Increased Tb was due to a significant decrease in Q (-1.31 +/- 0.31 cal/g/hr) and to a 60 to 75% increase in VO2 compared with saline controls. Thirty-min pretreatment with cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (0.74 nmol), a mu-selective antagonist, blocked the changes. At 30 degrees C, neither dynorphin A1-17 nor DPDPE significantly altered Tb, Q or VO2. At 5 degrees C ambient, Tyr-Pro-N-MePhe-D-Pro-NH2 decreased VO2, resulting in hypothermia (-1.01 degree +/- 0.46 degree C). Q was significantly reduced during the same period. Postinjection thermoregulatory responses to i.c.v. injection of dynorphin A1-17 at 5 degrees C varied widely from animal to animal, and lethality (33%, within 60 min after injection) became a significant factor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A study of the physiological mechanisms contributing to neurotensin-induced hypothermia

Although central administration of neurotensin is known to produce marked hypothermia in the rat, there are no studies which have investigated the effects of neurotensin on oxygen consumption and heat exchange, the physiological mechanisms which are the principal contributors to changes in body temperature. We report a significant correlation between dose and the duration and degree of post-injection heat loss following central administration of neurotensin. Oxygen consumption does not appear to be affected by neurotensin. We suggest that it is this dose-dependent, post-injection heat loss which is responsible for neurotensin-induced hypothermia. Furthermore, the hypothermia does not appear to reflect a change in set point.

Isobolographic superadditivity between delta and mu opioid agonists in the rat depends on the ratio of compounds, the mu agonist and the analgesic assay used

The present study was designed to test rigorously, using isobolographic analysis, whether there was a potentiative interaction between delta and mu agonists administered i.c.v. to rats. Factors such as the specific fixed ratio of compounds, the analgesic assay and the mu agonist were varied to determine the generality of the results. Male rats were implanted with i.c.v. cannulas and were tested in the cold (-3 degrees C) or hot (+50 degrees C) water tail-flick test. Full dose-effect curves were generated for the mu agonists, morphine and [N-MePhe3,D-Pro4]morphiceptin and the delta-selective agonist, DPDPE. Each agonist induced dose-related analgesia in the cold water test (ED50 values were 12, 0.79 and 75 micrograms, respectively). In the hot water test, morphine induced analgesia with an ED50 value of 4.4 micrograms, whereas DPDPE failed to produce a full effect at doses up to 200 micrograms. Full dose-effect curves were also generated for various fixed-ratio combinations of DPDPE and morphine in both analgesic assays. Fixed ratios were chosen such that the amount of DPDPE in each dose of the combinations tested was itself subanalgesic. The combination with 20% DPDPE and 80% morphine (by weight) was significantly superadditive in the cold water test as determined by isobolographic analysis, whereas a second combination of the same drugs (40% DPDPE) was not. However, in the hot water test, the 20% DPDPE combination was not superadditive and neither were two other combinations of DPDPE and morphine. No combination of DPDPE and [N-MePhe3,D-Pro4]morphiceplin differed significantly from additivity when tested in the cold water test.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of mu-, kappa-, and delta-selective opioid agonists on thermoregulation in the rat

The effect of selective mu-, kappa-, and delta-agonists on brain surface temperature (Tb), oxygen consumption (Vo2), and heat exchange (Q) was studied in unrestrained, male Sprague-Dawley rats using whole-body calorimetry. Hyperthermia, produced by PL-017 (1.86 nM) given ICV, resulted from increased Vo2 and reduced Q during the first 15-45 min postinjection. Tb returned to control levels due to a combination of increased Q and reduced Vo2. PL-017-induced hyperthermia was abolished by the mu-selective antagonist CTAP (0.75 nM). Dynorphin A1-17 (4.65 nM), a kappa-selective agonist, reduced both Vo2 and Q, resulting in hypothermia that was blocked by the kappa-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (25 nM). The delta-selective agonist DPDPE (4.64 nM) caused no significant changes in Tb, Vo2, or Q. The data indicate that central stimulation of the mu- and kappa-opioid receptors affects both oxidative metabolism and heat exchange, which result in a change in Tb. These alterations can be prevented with selective opioid antagonist pretreatment.

Opioids, receptors, and immunity

The results achieved by those seeking to determine whether opioids and other drugs of abuse can affect immunity are quite astonishing given the short period of time that research has focused on this area. Despite the fact that there is no longer any question that opioids produce a variety of effects on the immune system, the extent and significance of these changes in the drug-abusing population remains to be determined. Whether or not the findings in mice and in in vitro preparations can be extrapolated to man is not yet known. Of major significance is the question of whether the endogenous opioid system is involved in immunoregulation. Given the multitude of drugs taken by drug abusers and the varying patterns of drug administration, the significance of the findings in the literature is still an open question. However, it is only by continuing studies such as those discussed at this meeting that we will find the answers.

Pyrogenic doses of intracerebroventricular interleukin-1 did not induce analgesia in the rat hot-plate or cold-water tail-flick tests

There are a few reports in the literature that cytokines can induce analgesia (5, 6, 18). The present study sought to characterize the analgesic effects of intracerebroventricularly (icv) administered interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in rats. In the cold-water tail-flick test (CWT), latency to tail withdrawal from a -3 degrees C liquid was timed; in the hot-plate test (HP), latency to a rear paw lick or a jump from a 55 degrees C surface was measured. In some experiments, core body temperature was also monitored with a rectal thermistor. In the CWT, human recombinant (hr) IFN-alpha induced a small, statistically significant effect at just one dose (15,000 U icv), but no dose of hr-IL-1 alpha (250-1000 U icv) or hr-IL-1 beta (125-2000 U icv) induced a significant effect at any time point. On the other hand, dose-related increases in body temperature were observed after icv injection of both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta. The largest hyperthermic effect was a 1.7 (+/- 0.15) degrees C rise 120 min after administration of 1000 U IL-1 beta. In a second analgesic assay, the HP, IL-1 beta was ineffective as well. Since IL-1 alone did not induce analgesia, we tested its capacity to potentiate morphine analgesia. Morphine (5.0 and 10 micrograms, icv) induced analgesia in the CWT (32.7 and 61.8% maximum analgesia, respectively); however, there was no significant effect of IL-1 beta on morphine-induced analgesia. In summary, we failed to find an analgesic effect of IL-1, alone or in combination with morphine, at doses which clearly had a physiological effect; this is in contrast to the reports cited above.

Production of hypothermia in the guinea pig by a kappa-agonist opioid alone and in combination with chlorpromazine

In rats, kappa opioids decrease body temperature and the combination of a selective kappa agonist with chlorpromazine induces a profound hypothermia. Because of the greater density of kappa-opioid receptors and increased ratio of kappa to mu in the guinea pig, the actions of these drugs on body temperature were compared in this species. Groups of young adult, male Hartley guinea pigs were injected SC with trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneace tamide methanesulfonate, hydrate (U50, 488H; 20-80 mg/kg) and chlorpromazine (2.5-5 mg/kg), either alone or in combination. Rectal temperatures were measured over a 5-h period. U50, 488H produced a dose-related decrease in temperature, with a mean maximum drop of approximately 7 degrees C. The maximum decrease with chlorpromazine was approximately 1.6 degrees C. When doses at the lower end of the range for each drug were given together, the combined effect was greater than that expected from the individual drugs. Both the peak effect and the duration of the hypothermia appeared to be potentiated. At the highest dose combination only an additive effect was seen. Compared to the rat, the hypothermic effect of the kappa agonist alone is much greater in the guinea pig. The potentiation between the two drugs, however, is greater in the rat.

Immunomodulatory activity of mu- and kappa-selective opioid agonists

Opioids and opioid peptides have been shown by numerous laboratories to modulate various parameters of the immune response, but little attention has been given to the type of opioid receptor that might be involved. This study focuses on the in vitro influences of morphine and DAMGE (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-N-Me-Phe-Gly-ol), mu-selective agonists, and U50,488H and U69,593, kappa-selective agonists, on the generation of antibody to sheep erythrocytes in vitro. It was found that the mu and kappa opioid agonists were able to inhibit the capacity of murine lymphoid cells to generate antibody at concentrations as low as 10(-10) M. The effects were almost completely blocked by pretreatment with naloxone or naltrexone, opioid-specific antagonists. Only the kappa-agonist activity was abrogated by pretreatment with norbinaltorphimine, a kappa-specific antagonist. The stereospecificity of the kappa effect was demonstrated using isomers of U50,488H, with the (-) form possessing significantly greater immunomodulatory activity. Additional studies, using a mu receptor-deficient mouse strain, demonstrated that only the kappa agonists were capable of suppressing antibody responses, whereas mu- and kappa-selective agonists suppressed the parent mu-responsive strain. Our results clearly indicate that mu and kappa opioid receptors are involved in regulation of lymphoid cell production of antibodies.

Antinociceptive action of intracerebroventricularly administered dynorphin and other opioid peptides in the rat

Using a rat tail-flick analgesic assay that uses a cold water-ethylene glycol mixture (-10 degrees C) as the noxious stimulus, we have been able to demonstrate a dose-related, naloxone-reversible analgesic effect for dynorphin A (1-17), the proposed endogenous ligand for the kappa receptor. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted surgically with cannulas in the right lateral ventricle at least 1 week before testing. Five microliters of either drug or saline, followed by a 3-microliter saline flush, were administered. Nociceptive threshold was measured as the latency for the rat to flick or remove its tail from the bath solution after immersion. Dynorphin produced a dose-related analgesia at doses of 1 to 50 micrograms i.c.v., reaching 100% maximum possible analgesia (compared to predrug base line) at the highest dose. We found similar dose-related analgesia when we tested the selective mu agonist [Try-D-Ala-Gly-NMe-Phe-Gly-ol] (0.01-1 microgram), the selective kappa receptor ligand U-50,488H (100-500 micrograms), the selective delta agonist [D-Pen2,5]-enkephalin (50-200 micrograms) and beta-endorphin (0.1-10 micrograms). Naloxone (1.0 mg/kg) was able to block the antinociceptive effect of all but the highest doses of dynorphin, which required 10.0 mg/kg of naloxone. When we compared the same dosages of dynorphin using hot water (55 degrees C) as the noxious stimulus, no antinociception was observed. Although we do not known the mechanisms responsible for the differences between the hot and cold water tests, it may be that the cold water tail-flick test, which is able to assess the antinociceptive activity of both opioid agonists and mixed agonist-antagonists, is a more sensitive measure of the type of analgesia mediated by kappa receptors.

The opioid system and temperature regulation

Opioid drugs and endogenous opioid peptides exert profound effects on body temperature. The particular effect seen is dependent on species, ambient temperature, degree of restraint imposed on the subject, route of drug administration, and a number of other factors. A major determinant is the opioid receptor type with which the agonist forms a complex. Evidence is accumulating that opioid ligands and opioid receptors play a functional role in thermoregulation, even though the opioid system may not be tonically active. Although further studies are needed to fully define the role and the mechanisms involved, as well as the generality of the role in a variety of species, a reasonable working hypothesis is that mu receptors in the rat and the mouse are involved in responses that result in heat gain, while K receptor activation results in opposite responses. To a large extent, the mu receptors in the rat appear to be located primarily in the brain, while the K receptors are outside the brain and perhaps even outside of the central nervous system. At present there is no evidence of involvement of delta receptors in thermoregulation. A fuller understanding of the opioid system and its role in thermoregulation will have broad clinical implications, as well as provide insights into interactions among the several neurotransmitter systems involved in thermoregulatory control of body temperature.

Hypothermia and poikilothermia induced by a kappa-agonist opioid and a neuroleptic

When an opioid acting selectively at the kappa opioid receptor is administered subcutaneously to rats along with a neuroleptic at an ambient temperature of 20 degrees C a marked hypothermia ensues. The combination of U-50,488H (a kappa agonist) and chlorpromazine (a neuroleptic) caused a drop in body temperature amounting to as much as 11 degrees C, with all animals recovering after 24-48 h. Naloxone partially reversed the hypothermia. Similar, but less dramatic, decreases in body temperature occurred with other neuroleptics and weaker kappa agonists. The induction of poikilothermia was indicated when the body temperature approached the environment temperature and lethality resulted in 100% of the animals at ambient temperatures of 5 degrees C or 35 degrees C. The potential utility of this or similar combinations of drugs lies in such diverse applications as cardiac surgery, treatment of the near-drowning syndrome and space travel.

Effect of cocaine on the immune response and host resistance in BALB/c mice

This study focuses on the effect of varying regimens of cocaine administration on three parameters of the immune response: antibody production, resistance to infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae following immunization, and resistance to tumors. The effect of cocaine on antibody production of female and male BALB/c mice was investigated to both a T-independent (pneumococcal polysaccharide type III [SSS-III]) and a T-dependent antigen (the 2,4-dinitrophenyl ligand [DNP]). It was found that high doses of cocaine injected 3 times/day prior to SSS-III resulted in a small rise in antibody levels in male mice. Low doses given for 4 days prior to or subsequent to SSS-III injection had no effect on the antibody response nor on the susceptibility to infection by live S. pneumoniae. High dosages of cocaine administered 3-5 times/day had no effect on the anti-DNP immune response of male mice but resulted in an almost 2-fold increase of anti-DNP plaque-forming cells in female mice.

Body temperature effects of opioids in rats: intracerebroventricular administration

A variety of opioids were injected intracerebroventricularly into unrestrained rats, and rectal temperatures were monitored over several hours. Complete dose-response data for morphine, heroin, etorphine, d- and l-ethylketazocine, d- and l-pentazocine, and d- and l-N-allylnormetazocine revealed a predominant response of hyperthermia. Only etorphine in high doses caused a pronounced decrease in body temperature. These results differed considerably from those obtained previously with subcutaneously administered opioids but can be explained in terms of a dual-receptor theory of temperature control.

Rat cold water tail-flick: a novel analgesic test that distinguishes opioid agonists from mixed agonist-antagonists

The models currently used to assess antinociceptive efficacy in animals are far from ideal. Those procedures that detect both opioid agonists and mixed agonist-antagonists fail to differentiate between them unless the noxious stimulus is adjusted. Furthermore, changes in the sensitivity of the test often result in positive responses being elicited from agents that are either not analgesics or only weak ones, at best. The technique described in this report uses cold water as the noxious stimulus in rats. It is simple, requires no complicated instrumentation or training, correlates well with clinical efficacy in man, and allows separation of opioid agonists from mixed agonist-antagonists without detecting non-opioid agents.

Differentiating opioids by their pupillary effects in the rat

Pupillary effects of several opioids were examined as part of a broader in vivo study of multiple opioid receptors in the rat. Agonist activity, stereospecificity, and naloxone sensitivity were determined by methadone (Me), ethylketocyclazocine (EK), and N-allylnormetazocine (SKF 10,047), selected for their purportedly predominant actions at mu, kappa, and sigma receptors, respectively. After an acute, subcutaneous injection of each drug, pupil area and fluctuations in pupil size were measured by means of an infrared video pupillometer on line with a microcomputer data processing and storage system. Despite differences in the magnitude of the response, each opioid tested produced an increase in pupil size which was stereospecific, independent of behavioral responses to the drugs and, for 1-Me and 1-SKF 10,047, dose-related. Other differences among the opioids were found in their ability to induce fluctuations (1-Me and 1-EK) and a pendular nystagmus (1-SKF 10,047 only), and in their sensitivity to naloxone. Although 1.0 mg/kg naloxone completely reversed 1-Me-induced mydriasis, 10 mg/kg was needed to reverse 1-EK, and this dose only partially antagonized 1-SKF 10,047. These characteristic patterns of pupillary responses to opioids in terms of agonist activities and naloxone sensitivities indicate that the different opioid receptor types subserve different functions with respect to pupillary control.

Intracerebroventricular vs. subcutaneous drug administration: apples and oranges?

For numerous reasons, the icv route is commonly used to administer endogenous opioid peptides and other newly discovered or synthesized substances and may often indicate whether the drug has actions on the brain. Effects are then routinely compared to the actions of prototypic agents given by some systemic route, such as sc or ip. Unfortunately, there is little appreciation that qualitative as well as quantitative differences can be seen when the same drug is administered by central as opposed to peripheral routes. Numerous factors undoubtedly contribute to the final effect. Whatever the explanation, failure to recognize that such differences may occur could result in incorrect conclusions as to the involvement of specific receptor types or subtypes.

Subclasses of opioids based on body temperature change in rats: acute subcutaneous administration

Morphine and a number of opioid agonists and agonist-antagonists were injected into rats to examine their effects on body temperature after acute systemic administration. Dose- and time-response curves were constructed for each drug alone and in the presence of the antagonist naloxone. Based on these data, the opioids could be subdivided into several groups. The first group, made up of morphine, heroin, l-methadone, etorphine, fentanyl and levorphanol, caused hyperthermia at lower doses and hypothermia at higher ones. Both effects could be blocked by naloxone. A second group, consisting of buprenorphine, nalbuphine and l-pentazocine, produced only a naloxone-sensitive increase in body temperature, whereas the group comprising ethylketazocine, ketazocine, l-cyclazocine and normeperidine caused only a decrease. This fall in temperature was relatively less sensitive to naloxone blockade. Still another group of drugs (meperidine, normorphine and d-pentazocine) had little effect themselves but, in combination with naloxone, induced hypothermia. The fifth group (N-allylnormetazocine, d-cyclazocine, dextrorphan and d-methadone) had no effect whether alone or in the presence of the antagonist. These findings can be explained in terms of a two-receptor model by ascribing distinct thermoregulatory functions to each receptor type.

The anticonvulsant effect of phencyclidine in rats

Phencyclidine hydrochloride (PCP), injected subcutaneously into rats 30 min before exposure to the chemical convulsant flurothyl, raised seizure thresholds in a dose-related manner. The narcotic antagonist naloxone was ineffective in blocking the PCP-induced effect. This anti-convulsant property of PCP is like that previously reported for the narcotic agonist-antagonists cyclazocine and SKF 10,047 (N-allylnormetazocine), which also resemble PCP in their ability to induce psychotomimetic behavior. The data support the idea that these three drugs act on the same receptors.

Classification of opioids on the basis of change in seizure threshold in rats

Twenty opioids have been subdivided into four classes by using flurothyl-induced seizures in rats to measure dose-response relationships, stereospecificity, naloxone sensitivity, and tolerance-cross-tolerance. The data support current theories of multiple opiate receptor types. Since the receptors involved mediate effects that are antagonized, enhanced, or unaffected by naloxone, the model is uniquely suitable for detecting novel narcotic antagonists that can then be used to differentiate opiate receptors in other systems.

Effects of antipsychotic and antianxiety drugs on the morphine abstinence syndrome in rats

The effects of representative antipsychotic and antianxiety drugs on the abstinence syndrome in morphine-dependent rats were compared. Groups of 10 to 22 male albino Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were individually implanted s.c. with either two 75-mg morphine base pellets or two placebo pellets. After 72 hr, chlorpromazine (CPZ 1,2 and 4 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg), thioridazine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg), chlordiazepoxide (2,4 and 8 mg/kg), diazepam (DPM, 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg) or vehicle was injected s.c. 55 min before precipitation of abstinence with naloxone (1 mg/kg s.c.). Jumping was exacerbated by CPZ (4 mg/kg), chlordiazepoxide (4 and 8 mg/kg) and DPM (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg); haloperidol and thioridazine had no significant effect on this sign. Weight less over 1 hr was decreased by CPZ (4 mg/kg) and DPM (4 mg/kg). Wet-dog shakes were decreased by all doses of haloperidol but increased by chlordiazepoxide (8 mg/kg) and DPM (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg). CPZ (2 and 4 mg/kg) significantly increased the incidence of teeth chattering. Other abstinence signs were not affected in a dose-related manner. Although the antipsychotic agents each decrease dopamine availability at the postsynaptic receptor, this mechanism alone cannot explain their actions on individual signs of abstinence. Perhaps it is therefore time to question how modifying agents can be meaningfully compared in morphine-abstinent rats.

The relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic action as applied to in vivo pA2: application to the analgesic effect of morphine

When the pA2 of an antagonist is determined in vivo, administered doses are used rather than the peak or steady-state tissue concentrations. The present report examines the error which can arise in this method and also presents a method for determining the pA2 from data obtained at times after peak. We applied this time-dependent analysis to time-dose-response data obtained with morphine-naloxone in the rat, using tail compression as the nociceptive stimulus. Good agreement between pA2 values was found: 8.0 with peak effect data, and 8.1 with the time-dependent method. Further, this analysis yielded 20 minutes as the half-life of naloxone. It is concluded that the time-dependent method provides a check on the pA2 in vivo and confirms the utility of this constant in classifying receptors. The appendix contains methodology for application to other agonist-antagonist combinations classified according to their kinetics.

Anticonvulsant action of acute morphine administration in rats

The effect of acute administration of morphine on cerebral excitability was investigated in rats with two convulsant drugs: flurothyl (hexafluorodiethyl ether) and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). In the flurothyl study, adult male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats were injected subcutaneously with morphine sulfate in doses ranging from 0.5 to 256 mg/kg. At 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after morphine injection, flurothyl was administered by inhalation and the seizure thresholds were determined. In the PTZ study, 64 mg/kg of morphine sulfate were injected subcutaneously into both S-D and CFN (Wistar-derived) rats. Thresholds to PTZ seizures were measured after administering the convulsant either by the intraperitoneal or intravenous route. The data revealed an anticonvulsant action of morphine on both flurothyl and PTZ. Peak time for this effect on flurothyl seizures was 30 minutes after subcutaneous administration of the opiate, with the maximal anticonvulsant activity appearing at the 64-mg/kg dose. The increase in seizure threshold in S-D rats at this dose was 36% with flurothyl, 94% with intravenous PTZ and 352% with i.p. PTZ. Morphine had a less dramatic influence on raising the latter seizure threshold in the CFN than in the S-D strain. The graded dose-related anticonvulsant action is independent of the respiratory depression associated with morphine administration and appears to be a reflection of an altered central nervous system excitability produced by the narcotic in rats.