Audiogenic seizures during ethanol withdrawal can be blocked by a delta opioid agonist

Abstract In rats the influence of the delta opioid agonists [Leu]enkephalin, [ d -Ala 2 - d -Leu 5 ]enkephalin, [ d -Ala 2 ]methionine enkephalinamide and synthetic analogue of [Met]enkephalin: Tyr- d -Ala-Gly-Phe- d -Leu-OMe on audiogenic seizures was tested during ethanol abstinence. All investigated drugs significantly inhibited this ethanol withdrawal symptom. The results are compatible with the hypothesis of opioid involvement in the ethanol abstinence syndrome.