Abstract
The histidine-containing dipeptide, carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine), is present in high concentrations in mammalian brain of mammals. There are many theories about its biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory agent, free radical scavenger, and protein glycosylation inhibitor, however, the role of carnosine in morphine addiction is less understood. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of carnosine on the development of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and investigate its possible mechanism of action in Sprague-Dawley rats. Intraperitioneal (i.p.) injection of carnosine (200, 500, 1000 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the development of morphine-induced CPP in a dose-dependent manner. Although carnosine had no appreciable effect on the levels of histamine in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC), it significantly decreased glutamate level in the VTA, dopamine levels in the NAc and PFC, and DOPAC level in the NAc of morphine-treated rats. These results indicate that carnosine inhibits morphine-induced CPP in rats, and its action may be due to modulation of dopaminergic and glutaminergic activity. The study suggests that carnosine has potential as a new anti-addictive drug.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
