Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on morphine dependence in mice in the presence and absence of vitamin C

With the increasing use of nanoparticles of zinc Oxide (nZnO) in the industry, the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, the effects of the nanoparticles on opioid dependence and its possible interaction with vitamin C (as an antioxidant agent) has not been indicated. This study aimed to clarify the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on morphine dependence in the presence and absence of vitamin C in CPP method. In this study, adult male mice weighing 25±3 g were used in the groups which received different doses of morphine(2/5, 5, 10 mg/kg, Sc), Nano ZnO (1, 2.5, 5, 10 mg / kg, IP), vitamin C (1, 5, 25 mg / kg, IP) and groups which receiving combination of vitamin C and nano ZnO. All categories received morphine 5 mg / kg, for induction and diagnosis of dependence in CPP. Nano ZnO concentrations (2.5, 5, 10mg/kg, IP) caused a significant decrease in morphine CPP (p <0.01, p <0.001) and the 1 mg / kg of nano was ineffective. Vitamin C in doses of 5 and 25 mg/kg decreased the expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (p <0.01) and a value of 1 mg/kg had no effects. All doses of ZnO in the presence of ineffective dose of vitamin C showed a stronger inhibitory effect than to alone nZnO in morphine CCP. The combination of vitamin C and Nano ZnO are more effective to deal with the psychological dependence to morphin and probably can provide a new approach to addiction treatment. Keywords: CPP, Morphine, Nanoparticles, Vitamin C, Zinc Oxide,