Stress and morphine mediated changes in pituitary-adrenal axis in guinea-pigs

Gen Pharmacol. 1990;21(4):569-71. doi: 10.1016/0306-3623(90)90717-z.

Abstract

1. Changes in plasma levels of B-END and cortisol were investigated in guinea-pigs receiving either stressful stimuli for various lengths of time or i.p. injections of morphine or saline. 2. A decrease in B-END levels occurred when animals were stressed, whereas cortisol was not affected. 3. Morphine (50 mg/kg i.p.) enhanced B-END and cortisol levels 5 min after injection, whereas a decrease in B-END was seen at 30 min. 4. Saline (i.p.) produced a decrease of B-END levels 30 min after injection and an increase in cortisol 5 and 10 min after injection. These findings suggest that in the guinea-pig the response of pituitary-adrenal axis to stress or morphine could change depending upon the time of sampling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Hydrocortisone / pharmacology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Morphine / pharmacology*
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology*
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*
  • beta-Endorphin / metabolism
  • beta-Endorphin / pharmacology

Substances

  • beta-Endorphin
  • Morphine
  • Hydrocortisone