Comparable Effects of Morphine Sulfate and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone in the Midbrain Reticular Formation of Rats

Central injections of morphine sulfate and adreno-corticotropic hormone (ACTH) into the midbrain reticular formation (MRF) of drug-naive rats resulted in similar effects. In rats injected with morphine and ACTH in the midbrain reticular formation, pronounced ipsilateral rotation occurred. The frequency of ocurrence and rate of rotation were dose-dependent. The rotation resulting from both substances was not only in the same direction but also the same type of rotation. Both morphine and ACTH also produced tremors, high excitability, and extreme sensitivity in the injected rats. These findings suggest that morphine and ACTH may act on the same receptor sites in the midbrain reticular formation, resulting in impaired motor behavior on the same side of the body as the central injection site. This impaired motor behavior results in the rotation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

1985

Author dc:creator

• Walker, Melinda Sue

Contributors dc:contributor

• Marc Leavitt

• Biology

Statement dc:rights

• © Melinda Sue Walker

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/110

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1111