Opium Dependency with Histopathologic Changes of Brain in Rats

Central nervous system is one of the primary targets of the detrimental effects of narcotics. Although opiates are among the most drugs of abuse, little is known about their side effects on the brain structures. Most investigations in this field are about their biochemical or psychological side effects. In this study pathologic changes in morphine dependent rats have been investigated.

In this double blind experimental study, 48 male wistar rats were divided into 6 groups. The dependent groups received 0.4mg/ml morphine in drinking water for 7, 28 and 56 days. The control groups received a solution of saccharose in drinking water for the same periods and then the histological studies of the brain samples were done.

Significant neuronal loss in frontal and parietal lobes and hippocampus was observed. Results also showed a significant relationship between the duration of morphine intake and neuronal loss.

The results of this study, in line with the other studies in this field indicate that opiate drugs might induce neuronal damage after long term exposure. These changes could be more significant in chronic addiction. Since brain atrophy is the most common pathology in dementia, further investigations for finding probable relations between dementia and opiate dependency is suggested.