Attenuation of morphine withdrawal signs by intracerebral administration of 18-methoxycoronaridine.
European journal of pharmacology November 21, 2005 Vishal Panchal, Olga D Taraschenko, Isabelle M Maisonneuve et al. 30 citations
18-Methoxyroconaridine (18-MC), a synthetic derivative of ibogaine, reduces morphine self-administration and alleviates several signs of acute opioid withdrawal in rats. The mechanism behind 18-MC's attenuation of opioid withdrawal was unknown. In vitro studies show 18-MC is a potent antagonist of alpha3beta4 nicotinic receptors, predominantly located in the medial habenula and interpeduncular nuclei. To test whether brain areas with high densities of these receptors are involved, 18-MC was locally administered into the medial habenula, interpeduncular nucleus, and locus coeruleus of morphine-dependent rats, followed by naltrexone to precipitate withdrawal.