Synergistic effects of levo-tetrahydropalmatine and low-dose naltrexone on nicotine conditioned place preference in mice: a dual-target strategy based on dopamine and opioid systems.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nicotine addiction is a major public health challenge, with existing pharmacological interventions often limited by suboptimal efficacy, adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms.

Objectives

This study explores the effects of combining levo-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP), a dopamine receptor antagonist, with low-dose naltrexone (LDN), an opioid receptor antagonist, on nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice.

Methods

The combined therapeutic effects of l-THP and LDN on nicotine was evaluated using a mouse CPP paradigm. Male Kunming mice were subjected to nicotine-induced CPP, followed by treatment with l-THP, LDN, or their combination. Behavioral assessments were conducted, and plasma β-endorphin levels were measured using enzyme linked immuno

SUBMITTER: Feng K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12847241 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature