Riluzole decreases the abstinence syndrome and physical dependence in morphine-dependent mice

The effects of the antiglutamatergic agent, riluzole, were examined on the antinociceptive action of morphine, on the induction of physical dependence , and on the expression of the abstinence syndrome to the opiate in mice. M orphine was administered as a single dose (200 mg/kg) of a slow-release pre paration. Acute and chronic administration of riluzole decreased the analge sic response to morphine, the intensity of abstinence behavior (administere d 30 min before a dose of naloxone), and the development of physical depend ence (repeatedly administered during the period of chronic morphine treatme nt). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.