Antidiuretic effect of beta-endorphin and morphine in Brattleboro rats: development of tolerance and physical dependence after chronic morphine treatment

Br J Pharmacol. 1980;71(1):51-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1980.tb10908.x.

Abstract

1 beta-Endorphin (2 micrograms injected into the lateral ventricles) produced a significant decrease in the urine outflow and in the excretion of Na+ and K+ in Brattleboro rats, animals suffering from severe diabetes insipidus. Morphine intracerebrally also produced antidiuresis, as compared to saline-treated controls. 2 Morphine injected intraperitoneally caused a dose-dependent decrease in the urine outflow, and in the excretion of Na+ and K+. 3. Rats chronically treated with morphine (72 h of morphine pellet implantation) were less sensitive to the antidiuretic effect of a challenge dose of morphine than control Brattleboro rats implanted with placebo pellets, but otherwise treated similarly. 4 After chronic morphine administration, Brattleboro rats became dependent on morphine. Challenge with 1 mg/kg naloxone (s.c.) precipitated an abrupt opiate withdrawal syndrome characterized, among other symptoms, by increased urination in contrast to the antidiuresis observed before naloxone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Insipidus / physiopathology
  • Diuresis / drug effects*
  • Drug Tolerance
  • Endorphins / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Morphine / pharmacology*
  • Morphine Dependence / physiopathology*
  • Naloxone / pharmacology
  • Natriuresis / drug effects
  • Potassium / urine
  • Rats
  • beta-Endorphin

Substances

  • Endorphins
  • Naloxone
  • beta-Endorphin
  • Morphine
  • Potassium