[ effect of ascorbic acid on morphine withdrawal syndrome signs in rats]

ABSTRACT

Recent studies indicate that the glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems are also involved in morphine withdrawal syndrome. Ascorbic acid [AA] released from glutamatergic neurons, modulates the synaptic action of dopamine and glutamate as well as behavior. To determine the effects of ascorbic acid on morphine withdrawal syndrome signs [MWS]. 30 Male rats [250-300gr] were tested in 5 groups as 1] control group [n=6] received 3% sucrose in tap water; 2] dependent group received morphine [0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4mg/ml for a period of 48h, and 0.4mg/ml for further days up to 21st day] and 3% sucrose in tap water; 3,4,5] morphine-AA groups which received morphine and AA [100, 500, 1000mg/kg IP, every 48h] for evaluating the effects of AA on MWS. At the end of training period, all groups received naloxone [2mg/kg IP] and MWS were studied for 30 minute. Our results showed that IP application of AA [100, 500, 1000 mg/kg] can remarkably attenuate many signs [but not all] of morphine withdrawal syndrome, dose dependently. Based on data obtained in present study, AA can attenuate the expression of withdrawal behaviors in rats