Abstract
5 and 15 Μg/g morphine caused marked excitation in mice. This effect could be completely abolished by simultaneous treatment of the animals with 50 Μg/g of the α-sympatholytic drug phenoxybenzamine. The adrenergic Β-receptor blocking agents propranolol (5 and 20 Μg/g) and INPEA (5 and 25 Μg/g) and the serotonin depletor p-chlorophenylalanine (3 times 600 Μg/g) were ineffective in this respect.
On the other hand, the excitatory effect of 40 Μg/g caffeine could be reduced only by p-chlorophenylalanine (3 times 600 Μg/g) but not by phenoxybenzamine and propranolol. These results suggest, that the central stimulating effect of morphine is probably mediated by catecholamines, whereas serotonergic mechanisms may be involved in the effect of caffeine.
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Estler, C.J. Effect of α- and Β-adrenergic blocking agents and para-chlorophenylalanine on morphine- and caffeine-stimulated locomotor activity of mice. Psychopharmacologia 28, 261–268 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00429306
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00429306