L-arginine modulates morphine-induced changes in locomotion in mice
Calignano, A.; Persico, P.; Mancuso, F.; Sorrentino, L.
Annali Dell'istituto Superiore di Sanita 29(3): 409-412
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-2571 PMID: 8172459 Document Number: 413506
In mice opioids increase dopaminergic turnover in nucleus striatum and nucleus accumbens, causing behavioural changes such as increased locomotion. In this study we have shown that L-arginine administration increases morphine-induced locomotion in mice. D-Arginine had not effect, suggesting a stereospecific mechanism. Furthermore NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, reduced morphine-induced effect. These results suggest that endogenous nitric oxide could play a role in the modulation of dopaminergic effects elicited by morphine.