Dong Hyeon Kim1, Nam Jun Kim1, Rong Jie Zhao2, Da Hye Kim1, Chae Ha Yang3, Hee Young Kim3, Young S Gwak3, Eun Young Jang3, Jae Soo Kim1, Yun Kyu Lee1, Hyun Jong Lee1, Sung Chul Lim4, Bong Hyo Lee5. 1. Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, 42158, Republic of Korea. 2. School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161006, China. 3. Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, 42158, Republic of Korea. 4. Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, 42158, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: now123@dreamwiz.com. 5. Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, 42158, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: dlqhdgy@dhu.ac.kr.
Abstract
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.
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.