The Effect of Morphine Dependency on Serum Levels of Trace Elements (Copper, Zinc, and Manganese) in Male Rats

In some studies, changes in trace elements of abuse of addictive substances have been mentioned. Due to the effects of trace elements on the immune system and their effects on susceptibility to infectious agents, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect(s) of morphine dependency on the concentration of trace elements (copper, zinc and manganese) levels in serum of rats. In the present study, twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups of receiving morphine (experimental) and control one. In the experimental group, morphine were injected subcutaneously twice daily for thirty days. Morphine dose on the first day was 10 mg/ml/kg daily and increased 2 mg/kg daily until it reached a maximum of 68 mg/kg. Instead of morphine, the control group received 1 ml/kg of normal saline for 30 days. Withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent groups and the control group were injected with 4 mg/kg naloxone in four animals from each group and then evaluated. Serum concentrations of zinc, copper and manganese were determined by spectrometer coupled plasma optical emission detector. Data were analyzed by Student's t test. Serum concentrations of manganese in morphine-dependent group compared with the control group was significantly lower (p<0.05), whereas serum zinc and copper concentrations were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). Results showed a significant increase in serum copper and zinc concentrations and decrease in serum manganese level in morphine dependent rats. Dependence to morphine may be affecting the status of trace elements in serum of male rats.