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The biphasic effect of morphine on odor conditioning in neonatal rats.

Author
Abstract
:

Three experiments examined the dose-dependent biphasic effect of morphine on odor conditioning in neonatal rats. In Experiment 1, a single pairing of an odor and a low dose of morphine (0.5 mg/kg) in 5-day-old rats produced an odor preference, relative to an unpaired control group. In Experiment 2, pairing an odor with a high dose of morphine (2.0 mg/kg) produced an odor aversion, relative to an unpaired control group. A third experiment compared performance of a group given odor and morphine (2.0 mg/kg) paired to that of two unpaired groups: one given morphine 24 hr prior to and the other 24 hr after odor exposure. The paired group showed an odor aversion relative to both of the unpaired groups, which did not differ. The latter finding suggests that even if morphine metabolism is incomplete after 24 hr, behavior is unaffected. These results are discussed in reference to the functional development of the opioid system in rats.

Year of Publication
:
1992
Journal
:
Developmental psychobiology
Volume
:
25
Issue
:
5
Number of Pages
:
355-64
ISSN Number
:
0012-1630
URL
:
https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.420250506
DOI
:
10.1002/dev.420250506
Short Title
:
Dev Psychobiol
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