[Effects of papaver rhoeas L. extract on the expression and development of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in mice]

In the present study, the effects of water-alcohol extract of Papaver rhoeas on the expression and acquisition of morphine-induced Conditioned Place Preference [CPP] in male N-MARI mice [20-25 g] were investigated. In a pilot study, different doses of morphine or the extract were administered to the animals to indicate whether the drugs could induce place preference in particular apparatus. In the second part of the experiment, the animals received different doses of extract 30 min before each morphine injection [acquisition] or 30 min before beginning of the test [expression]. Subcutaneous [SC] administration of morphine [1, 10 and 20 mg/kg] produced place preference. On the other hand, intra peritoneal [IP] administration of the plant extracts [25, 50 and 100 mg/kg] did not show any effect. Injection of extract [25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, IP] 30 min before the morphine administration decreased the acquisition of morphine CPP. Administration of the plant extract [25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, IP] 30 min before the test increased the expression of morphine-induced CPP. It could be concluded that the extract of Papaver rhoeas reduced the acquisition, but did not influence the expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in mice

[Lactation performance and lamb growth in ghezel breed]

To determine Lactation performance and lamb growth of Ghezel breed. Factorial 2x2. Twenty uniparous Ghezel ewes [4-5 year-old]. During the suckling period [15 weeks] milk was collected daily by a combined lamb-suckling and hand milking from weaning to the end of lactation. Average lactation length and total milk yield were 163.5+/- 23.2 days and 145.1 +/- 23.2 kg, respectively. Daily milk yield during the suckling and post weaning periods averaged 1210 +/- 140 g and 320 +/- 70 g, respectively. Peak of production was achieved at the second week of lactation and declined gradually thereafter, with an immediate sudden drop following weaning. The mothers of suckling ram lambs produced more milk compared to those suckling ewe lambs. Milk production and lactation length were higher in five years old ewes than the 4 years old ewes [P<0.05]. It seems that Ghezel ewes have a good potential for milk production. Moreover, because of the favorable Lactation of the mothers their lamb growth is satisfactory