The effects of chronic high-dose morphine on microgliosis and the microglial transcriptome in rat spinal cord.

ABSTRACT: Background: Opioids are efficacious and safe analgesic drugs in short-term use for acute pain but chronic use can lead to tolerance and dependence. Opioid-induced microglial activation may contribute to the development of tolerance and this process may differ between males and females. A link is suggested between this microglial activation and inflammation, disturbances of circadian rhythms, and neurotoxic effects. We set out to further delineate the effects of chronic morphine on pain behaviour, microglial and neuronal staining, and the transcriptome of spinal microglia, to better understand the role of microglia in the consequences of long-term high-dose opioid administration. Experimental Approach: In two experiments, we administered increasing subcutaneous doses of morphi

SUBMITTER: Ahlstrom FH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10331785 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature