Abstract
MORPHINE prevents the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from cholinergic neurones1–9 when the neurones are stimulated at a low but not at a high frequency. Thus a special mechanism for neurotransmitter release at low frequencies seems to be involved10. Although the relationship of this effect of morphine to analgesia is unclear, it may be important to the sedative actions of morphine as well as to the phenomenon of physical dependence. Some aspects of the morphine withdrawal syndrome have a cholinergic component11–13. Morphine reduces the release of brain ACh1–9,14,15 so it is to be expected that its turnover is reduced in acutely narcotized animals, and enhanced during withdrawal of chronic morphine dependent animals.
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DOMINO, E., WILSON, A. Enhanced Utilization of Brain Acetylcholine during Morphine Withdrawal in the Rat. Nature 243, 285–286 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/243285a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/243285a0
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