Socially induced morphine pseudosensitization in adolescent mice

Behav Pharmacol. 2010 Mar;21(2):112-20. doi: 10.1097/FBP.0b013e328337be25.

Abstract

Given that social influences are among the strongest predictors of adolescents' drug use, this study examined the effect of social interaction on morphine-induced hyperlocomotion in both adolescent and adult mice. Three experimental groups of adolescent and adult male mice were examined (i) morphine-treated mice (twice daily, 10-40 mg/kg, subcutaneous), (ii) saline-injected mice housed together with the morphine-treated mice ('saline cage-mates'), and (iii) saline-injected mice housed physically and visually separated from the morphine-treated mice ('saline alone'). After the treatment period, mice were tested individually for their locomotor response to 10 mg/kg morphine (subcutaneous). Adolescent saline cage-mates, though administered morphine for the very first time, exhibited an enhanced hyperlocomotion response similar to the locomotor sensitization response exhibited by the morphine-treated mice. This was not observed in adults. In adults, there were no significant differences in morphine-induced hyperlocomotion between saline alone and saline cage-mates. As expected, morphine-treated adults and adolescents both exhibited locomotor sensitization. These results show a vulnerability to social influences in adolescent mice, which does not exist in adult mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aging / drug effects*
  • Animals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Morphine / pharmacology*
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Narcotics / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Narcotics
  • Morphine