The influence of electro-acupuncture on naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal. II. Elevation of immunoassayable beta-endorphin activity in the brain but not the blood

Am J Chin Med. 1979 Autumn;7(3):237-40. doi: 10.1142/s0192415x79000192.

Abstract

The effect of electro-acupuncture in the treatment of naloxone precipitated morphine withdrawal in mice was studied. Thirty minutes of acupuncture was enough to suppress withdrawal behaviors by more than 60%. Concomitant to the decrease of withdrawal behavior, there was a significant increase of brain beta-endorphin level in the acupunctured animals. Plasma beta-endorphin level of the treated and untreated group was not significantly different.

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy*
  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry*
  • Electronarcosis*
  • Endorphins / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Morphine Dependence / therapy*
  • Naloxone
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / metabolism
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / therapy*

Substances

  • Endorphins
  • Naloxone