Effects of the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist ifenprodil on the morphine-induced place preference in mice.

The effects of ifenprodil, a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, on the morphine-induced place preference were examined in mice. Morphine (1-5 mg/kg, s.c.) produced a dose-related place preference in mice. In contrast, ifenprodil alone (5-20 mg/kg, i.p.) did not produce either preference or aversion for the drug-associated place. Pretreatment with ifenprodil (5-20 mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed the place preference produced by morphine in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that ifenprodil suppresses the rewarding effect produced by morphine.