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Effects of morphine andd-Ala2-d-Leu5-enkephalin in the seizure-susceptible El mouse

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Abstract

Opioid agonists were used to investigate the modulation of seizures in the seizure-susceptible El mouse. Morphine andd-Ala2-d-Leu5-enkephalin (DADLE) were injected subcutaneously or intracisternally as prototypic agonists for μ and δ opioid receptors. Systemic or intracisternal injection of both morphine and DADLE decreased the incidence of seizures and the seizure score in El mice in a dose-dependent manner. The anticonvulsant effects of morphine and DADLE were reversed by naloxone (2 mg/kg, s.c.). This implies that opioid agonists have anticonvulsant properties which are mediated by μ and δ opioid receptors. In conclusion, a deficit in endogenous opioid peptides, which act as anticonvulsants may play a significant role in the etiology or pathophysiology of seizures in the El mouse.

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Koide, S., Onishi, H., Yamagami, S. et al. Effects of morphine andd-Ala2-d-Leu5-enkephalin in the seizure-susceptible El mouse. Neurochem Res 17, 779–783 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00969012

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