Dextromethorphan Reduces Pain Sensitivity in Rats Exposed to Morphine During Pregnancy
Author Information
Author(s): Tao Pao-Luh, Chen Chien-Fang, Huang Eagle Yi-Kung
Primary Institution: National Health Research Institutes
Hypothesis
Does co-administration of dextromethorphan with morphine during pregnancy affect the vulnerability to hyperalgesia in rat offspring?
Conclusion
Dextromethorphan may help prevent increased pain sensitivity in offspring of morphine-addicted mothers.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronic morphine administration increased pain sensitivity in offspring rats.
- Co-administration of dextromethorphan with morphine prevented increased pain sensitivity.
- Dextromethorphan alone did not affect pain sensitivity.
Takeaway
If a mother takes morphine while pregnant, her baby might feel more pain, but giving the mother dextromethorphan can help protect the baby from this pain.
Methodology
Rats were injected with carrageenan to induce hyperalgesia, and the effects of morphine and dextromethorphan were analyzed through behavioral tests and biochemical assays.
Limitations
The study was conducted on rats, which may not fully represent human responses.
Participant Demographics
Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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