Modification by GABA-ergic agents and clonidine of morphine-induced convulsions and toxicity in rats.

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of morphine produced dose-dependent behavioural changes in rats, the highest dose producing violent tonic convulsions. Naloxone (up to 10 mg/kg i.p., or 100 micrograms i.c.v.) failed to reverse morphine-induced toxicity. The conventional anticonvulsant drugs also failed to offer protection to morphine-induced seizures. GABA-ergic substances, GABA, piracetam and diazepam, on the other hand, protected the animals against morphine-induced convulsions and toxicity. Similarly, clonidine pretreatment also had a protective action against morphine-induced convulsions.