The tolerance and dependence of opiate are modulated by NO-cGMP signal pathway

M. W. Zang, J. S. Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors can prevent or reverse the tolerance to and dependence on μ,δ opioid agonists, but not those of κ agonists. Profile of these drugs for attenuating morphine withdrawal is similar to that of clonidine, a drug used clinically to treat opioid withdrawal. Even methylene blue (MB) which can inhibit guanylate cyclase activity, is also effective, presumably by blocking cGMP formation resulting from NO release. These results demonstrate that the NO-cGMP pathway is of importance in development of opioid tolerance and dependence and provides new possibility in the design of agents counteracting with opioid tolerance and withdrawal.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)106-111
Number of pages6
JournalChinese Pharmacological Bulletin
Volume15
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Methylene blue
  • Morphine
  • Nitric-oxide synthase
  • Opioid addiction
  • Opioids

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

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