STUDIES ON THE PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE LIABILITY OF ANALGESICS:4TH REPORT: ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY ON INTRAMITOCHONDRIAL STRUCTURE OF ZONA FASCICULATA CELLS IN ADRENAL CORTEX IN CODEINE ADDICTED RATS

Abstract Influence of codeine on the fine structure of mitochondria in the cells of zona fasciculata of rat adrenal cortex was studied electronmicroscopically. By the administration of codeine in a dose of 40 mg/kg, the number of intramitochondrial vesicles was decreased, the change being diminished during repeated administration of the drug. Withdrawal of codeine reproduced an extensive transformation, while with a re-injection of the drug, a prompt restoration to the pretreated structure was observed. The feasibility of utilizing this transformation as an index of physical dependence liability has been discussed.