L-type calcium channel blockade attenuates morphine withdrawal: in vivo interaction between L-type calcium channels and corticosterone

Horm Behav. 2008 Feb;53(2):351-7. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.10.012. Epub 2007 Nov 13.

Abstract

Both opioids and calcium channel blockers could affect hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Nifedipine, as a calcium channel blocker, can attenuate the development of morphine dependence; however, the role of the HPA axis in this effect has not been elucidated. We examined the effect of nifedipine on the induction of morphine dependency in intact and adrenalectomized (ADX) male rats, as assessed by the naloxone precipitation test. We also evaluated the effect of this drug on HPA activity induced by naloxone. Our results showed that despite the demonstration of dependence in both groups of rats, nifedipine is more effective in preventing of withdrawal signs in ADX rats than in sham-operated rats. In groups that received morphine and nifedipine concomitantly, naloxone-induced corticosterone secretion was attenuated. Thus, we have shown the involvement of the HPA axis in the effect of nifedipine on the development of morphine dependency and additionally demonstrated an in vivo interaction between the L-type Ca2+ channels and corticosterone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenalectomy
  • Animals
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type / drug effects
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type / metabolism*
  • Corticosterone / physiology*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / drug effects
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Morphine / administration & dosage
  • Morphine Dependence / metabolism
  • Morphine Dependence / prevention & control*
  • Naloxone / pharmacology
  • Narcotic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Narcotics / administration & dosage
  • Nifedipine / pharmacology*
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / metabolism
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Narcotics
  • Naloxone
  • Morphine
  • Nifedipine
  • Corticosterone