Effects of angelica naphtha on the withdrawal signs and norepinephrine release in morphine-dependent rats / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effects of angelica naphtha on the withdrawal signs and norepinephrine neurotransmitter in uorphine-dependent rats.Methods 72 SD rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,clonidine group and three angelica naphtha groups (80,40 and 20 mg/kg).Rats were received gradualy increasing doses of morphine to produce physical dependence.Withdrawal symptoms were evaluated by Ryuta Tomoji score.The level of norepinephrine and normetanephrine(NMN) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results The scores of withdrawal signs were (4.00± 3.29),(30.13±4.41),(18.96± 4.43),26.04±4.13),(22.33±4.60) and (19.00±3.47),respectively.The morphine withdrawal signs were reduced by angelica naphtha in a dose-dependent manner(P＜0.01),also significantly reduced the level of NE and NMN and the ratio of NMN/NE in the nucleus ceruleus and prefrontal cortex(all P＜0.01).Conclusion Angelica naphtha alleviates the withdrawal synlptons in morphine-dependent rats,which may be related to the inhibition of excessive turnover of norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the nucleus ceruleus and prefrontal cortex.