Effect of aggregation on morphine lethality in rats
Sklar, L.S.; Amit, Z.
Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 29(2): 119-120
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3573 PMID: 15060 Document Number: 117157
Studies have demonstrated that the aggregation of mice potentiates the lethal effects of amphetamine. To assess the role of aggregation in morphine lethality, this phenomenon was investigated in rats. The results of experiments using lethal and non-lethal doses suggest that grouping potentiates the lethal effects of an otherwise non-lethal dose of morphine and that the degree of potentiation is a function of the size of the group. Group toxicity with amphetamine seems to effect the respiratory tract and has been attributed to the synergism of the stimulant effects of amphetamine itself and the stimulation resulting from grouping the animals.