PGE2 as a Morphine-Seeking Behavior Modulator in the Place Preference Model

Abstract

The opioid epidemic has become one of the most concerning public health issues in the world, and currently does not have an adequate treatment available. It has been observed that, despite opioids being highly addictive, patients with chronic inflammation are less likely to develop an opioid dependence. This protective effect may be caused by Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as it has been found that non-painful carrageenan inflammation reduces morphine induced reward. Taking this into account, the aim of this study was to determine if the direct administration of PGE2 into the central nervous system could modulate the morphine-induced reward. We used the morphine-conditioned place preference (CPP) model with and without PGE2 or PGE2R antagonist in order to test the reward response. We found a significant reduction of morphine-induced reward after administering PGE2. Moreover, we found that this effect could be reversed by PGE2 receptor antagonism. Our data suggest that PGE2 may reduce morphine-induced reward making it an important drug-target research alternative to explore the possibility of modifying or even preventing opioid addiction.