Clonidine effect on brain acetylcholine content and release

Clonidine, a potent centrally acting antihypertensive drug was screened for the effect on "free" and "bound" content and acetylcholine [Ach] release in brain of morphine dependent and withdrawal rats. "Free" and "total" Ach content in normal [non- dependent animals as well as animals dependent to morphone was not changed by clonidine. Naloxone produced abstinence syndrome in dependent rats with highly significant increase in "free" and release of Arh. Clonidine pretreatment decreased the rise of "free" content and release of Ach produced by Naloxone