Yiguanjian cataplasm attenuates opioid dependence in a mouse model of naloxone-induced opioid withdrawal syndrome

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Yiguanjian(YGJ) cataplasm on the development of opioid dependence in a mouse model of naloxone-induced opioid withdrawal syndrome.METHODS:One hundred Swiss albino mice,of equal male to female ratio,were randomly and equally divided into 10 groups.A portion(3 cm2) of the backside hair of the mice was removed 1 day prior to the experiment.Morphine(5 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered twice daily for 5days.YGJ cataplasm was prepared and pasted on the bare region of the mice immediately beforemorphine administration on day 3 and subsequently removed at the end day 5.On day 6,naloxone(8mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to precipitate opioid withdrawal syndrome.Behavioral observation was performed in two 30-min phases immediately after naloxone injection.RESULTS:The YGJ cataplasm significantly and dose-dependently attenuated morphine-naloxone-induced experimental opioid withdrawal,in terms of withdrawal severity score and the frequencies of jumping,rearing,forepaw licking,and circling behaviors.However,YGJ cataplasm treatment did not alter the acute analgesic effect of morphine.CONCLUSION:YGJ cataplasm could attenuate opioid dependence and its associated withdrawal symptoms.Therefore,YGJ cataplasm could serve as a potential therapy for opioid addiction in the future.