Morphine tolerance in male and female rats

Several studies indicate greater sensitivity to morphine (MOR) analgesia in male compared to female rats under the acute dosing condition. The present study investigated whether the same sex difference in sensitivity persists in MOR-tolerant rats. MOR was administered chronically (7 mg/kg twice daily) until tolerance developed in each rat. Tolerant rats were treated randomly with higher graded doses of MOR (10–25 mg/kg). Analgesia (tail-flick test) and spontaneous motor activity (total locomotion) were measured. The present data confirmed previous studies showing a greater sensitivity to acute MOR in male than in female rats. However, the sex differences seen in MOR sensitivity were abolished in tolerant rats. The rate of acquisition of tolerance was similar in male and female rats. The analgesic response was not affected by motor depression.