Attenuating effect of adenosine receptor agonists on the development of behavioral sensitization induced by sporadic treatment with morphine

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of adenosine receptor agonists on the development of morphine-induced sensitization to the locomotor activity of mice. Selective A1 (N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine - CPA) and A2A (2-p-(2-carboxyethyl) phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine hydrochloride - CGS 21680) adenosine receptor agonists or non-selective A1/A2A (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine - NECA) adenosine agonists as representatives of adenosinergic drugs have been used in the experiment. Behavioral sensitization has been obtained by sporadic treatment with morphine (10.0mg/kg, i.p.). We have shown that adenosine receptor agonists co-administered with morphine significantly attenuates increase in the locomotor activity of mice evoked by challenge dose of morphine. These effects have been observed after stimulation of the selective A1 or A2A and non-selective A1/A2A adenosine receptors, namely both receptors were involved in morphine-induced sensitization. Thus, we have demonstrated that adenosine agonists are able to inhibit behavioral sensitization induced by sporadic applications of morphine.