Abstract
Objective Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural flavonoid, is used to reduce
alcohol hangover. It has a modulatory role on GABAA receptors with significant
effects on seizure and anxiety in animal models. We aimed to evaluate the effect
of DHM on morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) and withdrawal sings
following morphine dependence using animal models.
Methods The effect of DHM (1, 2 and 5 mg/kg,
intraperitoneal; ip) on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced CPP
was evaluated in male mice. Administration of morphine for three consecutive
days induced physical dependence. The withdrawal signs such as jumping and
defecation were precipitated by administration of naloxone
(8 mg/kg, ip). The effect of DHM on the development of physical
dependence was assessed by injection of DHM before morphine administrations.
Results DHM, at the dose of 5 mg/kg, reduced expression
of morphine CPP with an increase in the locomotor activity. DHM, at the doses of
2 and 5 mg/kg, also reduced development of morphine CPP. DHM
alleviated development of morphine-induced physical dependence at the dose of 1,
2, and 5 mg/kg by decreasing jumping and defecation.
Conclusion These results indicated that DHM decreased acquisition and
expression of morphine CPP and inhibited development of morphine-induced
physical dependence.
Environmental enrichment decreases chronic psychosocial stress-impaired extinction and reinstatement of ethanol conditioned place preference in C57BL/6 male mice