Oxidative stress in heroin administered mice and natural antioxidants protection.

The oxidative stress of heroin administered mice via intraperitoneal injection, and the therapeutic effects of exogenous antioxidants on the restrain of the oxidative damage of biomolecules and withdrawal syndrome were studied. After administered with heroin, mice showed decrease of total antioxidant capacity in blood, increase of reactive oxygen species production in white blood cells, and increase of oxidative damages of protein and lipid in brain and liver, but not in heart. On the other hand, exogenous antioxidants could restrain the oxidative stress, even alleviate withdrawal syndrome.