Neurosteroids and the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent mice

Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 1996 May;6(2):135-40. doi: 10.1016/0924-977x(96)00003-x.

Abstract

The effects of some neurosteroids on behavioral and hormonal markers of the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent mice were examined. 5 alpha-Pregnane-3, 20-dione inhibited dose-dependently the jumping behavior and the number of forepaw tremors, at a dose of 5 mg/kg it attenuated body weight loss; deoxycorticosterone acetate inhibited dose-dependently the jumping behavior and body weight loss, whereas dehydroepiandrosterone in a dose of 1 mg/kg prevented body weight loss, and in a dose of 20 mg/kg forepaw tremor. The other steroids tested had no significant effect on the morphine withdrawal syndrome. None of the neurosteroids influenced the increased plasma corticosterone level in the naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal syndrome. The above results indicate that 5 alpha-pregnane-3, 20-dione, deoxycorticosterone acetate and dehydroepiandrosterone, but not other neurosteroids tested, alleviate some signs of the morphine abstinence syndrome in mice.

MeSH terms

  • 5-alpha-Dihydroprogesterone
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Corticosterone / blood
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / pharmacology*
  • Desoxycorticosterone / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Morphine / adverse effects*
  • Naloxone / pharmacology
  • Narcotics / adverse effects*
  • Pregnanediones / pharmacology*
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Narcotics
  • Pregnanediones
  • Naloxone
  • Desoxycorticosterone
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Morphine
  • 5-alpha-Dihydroprogesterone
  • Corticosterone