Effects of beta-funaltrexamine on butorphanol dependence.

Abstract

The present experiments were performed to investigate the effects of the selective mu opioid receptor antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA), on the physical dependence liability of butorphanol (a mixed agonist/antagonist opioid analgesic). Butorphanol (26 nmol/microliter/h) was continuously infused via osmotic minipumps into the lateral cerebral ventricle of male Sprague-Dawley rats for 72 h. beta-FNA (12, 24, and 48 nmol/5 microliter/rat) was administered ICV 3 h prior to and 48 h after initiation of the butorphanol infusion. Treatment with beta-FNA significantly diminished naloxone-induced escape behavior, hypothermia, and loss of body weight in a dose-dependent manner, while naloxone-induced teeth-chattering, forepaw tremors, and urination were also reduced, but in a dose-independent manner. These results suggest that the mu opioid receptor is partially involved in the development of physical dependence upon butorphanol.

• Authors: K W Oh, M Makimura, S P Jaw, B Hoskins, I K Ho
• Journal: Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior (Pharmacol Biochem Behav) Vol. 42 Issue 1 Pg. 29-34 (May 1992) ISSN: 0091-3057 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1528943 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Narcotic Antagonists
• Naloxone
• Naltrexone
• beta-funaltrexamine
• Butorphanol

Topics

• Animals
• Behavior, Animal (drug effects)
• Body Temperature (drug effects)
• Body Weight (drug effects)
• Butorphanol (administration & dosage)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Injections, Intraventricular
• Male
• Naloxone (pharmacology)
• Naltrexone (analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)
• Narcotic Antagonists (pharmacology)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Strains
• Reinforcement Schedule
• Substance Withdrawal Syndrome (psychology)
• Substance-Related Disorders (prevention & control, psychology)