Objectives: In the previous studies, it has been demonstrated that acupuncture treatment was effective on the suppression of withdrawal signs as well as self-administration behavior induced by morphine. Based on, the present study has investigated whether acupuncture could attenuate the anxiety-like behavior induced by withdrawal from chronic morphine treatment.
Materials & methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 270-300g were treated saline or morphine hydrochloride (10mg/kg, s.c.) for 2 weeks. Following abstinence of 5days in home cage, rats were subjected to the measurement of anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze. Bicuculline (1mg/kg, i.p.) and SCH 50911 (2mg/kg, i.p.) were used to investigate the possible mechanism of acupuncture effects focusing on the GABA receptors system.
Results: Acupuncture at HT7 increased the time spent in open arms significantly. Also, these effects of acupuncture at HT7 were blocked by GABAA receptor antagonist.
Conclusion: Results of the present study suggest that acupuncture at HT7 can attenuate anxiety-like behavior induced by withdrawal from chronic morphine treatment through the mediation of GABAA receptor system.
Keywords: Acupuncture; Anxiety; GABA; HT7; Morphine.
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