Comorbidity of depression with opioid addiction in the reserpinized rat

One line of research in our division involved in drug abuse. A minor genetic abnormality in one of brain neurochemical systems may consider as a factor in this issue (Vahabzadeh, A. and Khorasani, M. 2000). To complete the whole picture, the present studies aimed to investigate the role of defect in serotonergic system on vulnerability of addiction. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–300g) were implanted with microdialysis probes in the Rafe area under chloral hydrate anesthesia. The implanted animals were perfused at 2 Micro L/min with Ringer solution 12 hours after implantation. In control group animals were placed in cage with access to food and water. In the sham group Ringer solution were perfused via microdialysis probes for 3 days and 8 hours per day. For the test group Reserpine (10 Micro M) was added to the Ringer solution for same period. Then all groups received morphine (50 mg/Kg) injection 3 times a day for another 3 days in white chamber, using conditional place performance (CPP) technique. The t...