EFFECT OF VITAMIN D ON SEVERITY OF MORPHINE DEPENDENCE IN THE CONDITIONED PLACE PREFERENCE MODEL IN RAT

Background and Aim : A large corpus of studies reveal the pivotal role of vitamin D (Vit.D) in the evolution and function of the brain. Both the Vit.D receptor and enzyme synthesizing the active form of Vit.D are found in some regions in rat brain (e.g. nucleus accumbens and other reward-related centers). Moreover, evidence show the involvement of Vit.D in the evolution of dopaminergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens, the increase in the expression of thyrosine hydroxylase and the regulation of dopaminergic processes. Hence, it is presumed that Vit.D can be considered as an effective therapeutic approach for narcotic addiction and substance abuse. Methods : Male Wistar rats (220-220 g) were assigned in 6 groups (control, vehicle, Mor, Mor+vit.D250, Mor+vit.D500, Mor+vit.D1000). Morphine (5 mg/kg) was used as an effective dose. Following each conditioning session in CPP, the animals received intraperitoneal Vit.D (250-1000 U/kg).Results : The coadministration of Vit.D and the effective dose of Mor caused a significant increase in the place preference index in acquisition phase (One way ANOVA, p < 0.05).Conclusion : : Considering the increased place preference index induced by Mor, it can be concluded that Vit.D acts via the same path that the Mor does, so that can potentiate the Mor effect.

Keywords:

Vitamin D , Morphine , Dopamine , Place preference , Rat