EFFECT OF AGE ON ACUTE MORPHINE RESPONSE IN RAT

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 19  (1) , 23-36
Abstract
The importance of age as an experimental variable in the evaluation of the analgesic, thermic and respiratory depressant effects to morphine was studied in male rats 1 1/2, 6 and 10 mo. of age. Significant age-related responses were observed in both the analgesic and thermic responses to morphine. Following a dose of 30 mg/kg morphine, animals 6 and 10 mo. of age exhibited significantly higher plasma levels of morphine, a slower decline in both plasma and brain levels of morphine, and lower brain/plasma ratios of morphine indicating possible age-related changes in metabolism, excretion and the blood-brain barrier. The dose of morphine which produced respiratory depression was significantly higher in the youngest age group; this was accompanied by higher brain levels of morphine in this group. These studies illustrate the importance of age as an experimental variable in the evaluation of drugs.

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