Inhibitory Effects of Glycine on Morphine-Induced Hyperactivity, Reverse Tolerance and Postsynaptic Dopamine Receptor Supersensitivity in Mice

The effects of glycine on morphine-induced hyperactivity, reverse tolerance and postsynaptic dopamine receptor supersensitivity in mice was examined. A single administration of morphine (10 mg/kg, s.c.) induced hyperactivity as measured in mice. The morphine-induced hyperactivity was inhibited by pretreatment with glycine (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.). In addition, it was found repeated administration of morphine (10 mg/kg, s.c.) to mice daily for 6 days caused an increase in motor activity which could be induced by a subsequent morphine dose, an effect known as reverse tolerance or sensitization. Glycine (100, 200 and 400 rng/kg, i.p.) also inhibited morphine-induced reverse tolerance. Mice that had received 7 daily repeated administrations of morphine also developed postsynaptic dopamine receptor supersensitivity, as shown by enhanced ambulatory activity after administration of apomorphine (2 mg/kg, s.c.). Glycine inhibited the development of postsynaptic dopamine receptor supersensitivity induced by repeated administration of morphine. It is suggested that the inhibitory effects of glycine might be mediated by dopaminergic (DAergic) transmission. Accordingly, the inhibition by glycine of the morphine-induced hyperactivity, reverse tolerance and dopamine receptor supersensitivity suggests that glycine might be useful for the treatment of morphine addiction.