Baclofen and noradrenergic function in the rat frontal cerebral cortex

Losada, Matilde E. Otero

doi:10.1016/0014-2999(91)90369-2

Cited by 7 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 27 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Withdrawal of opiates leads to a rebound hyperexcitability of the LC cells. The administration of an agonist at the somatodentritic α 2 ‐receptors, such as clonidine, which also depresses the activity of LC neurones, can counteract the hyperexcitability of opiate withdrawal, and a clonidine‐based detoxification protocol has been the most frequently used protocol for several years (8, 9, 10, 11).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Alpha‐adrenergic agonists have attracted considerable attention for the treatment of the opiate withdrawal syndrome over the last two decades (8,9). Alpha‐2 (α 2 ) ‐receptors occur on the cell bodies and dendrites of noradrenergic (NA) neurones in the locus coeruleus (LC) (10,11) and, when activated by clonidine, these sites increase potassium conductance and thus suppress the firing of the cells (9). Indeed, the LC constitutes the largest group of adrenergic neurones and probably mediates the effects of the opiates and opioids (10,11).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Alpha‐2 (α 2 ) ‐receptors occur on the cell bodies and dendrites of noradrenergic (NA) neurones in the locus coeruleus (LC) (10,11) and, when activated by clonidine, these sites increase potassium conductance and thus suppress the firing of the cells (9). Indeed, the LC constitutes the largest group of adrenergic neurones and probably mediates the effects of the opiates and opioids (10,11). There has been a significant expansion in the understanding of NA systems and LC physiology and pharmacology.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Within the CNS, NA‐containing nerve cell bodies are primarily located within the LC of the brain stem, and projections from the LC innervate most of the cortical and subcortical areas in addition to the spinal cord. The synaptic control of the LC firing depends partly on the inhibitory actions of gamma‐amino butyric acid (GABA) (10,11), but the α 2 receptor has a significant modulatory role responding to the NA and μ opiate receptors, both of which are inhibitory.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Double-blind randomized controlled trial of baclofen vs. clonidine in the treatment of opiates withdrawal

Akhondzadeh

Ahmadi-Abhari

Assadi

et al. 2008

Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: A variety of detoxification methods have been utilized for the treatment of opiate withdrawal syndrome, of which alpha‐adrenergic agonists have attracted considerable attention over the last two decades. However, accumulating evidence in rats shows the efficacy of the GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, in reducing alcohol intake and self‐administration of cocaine. Objective: To examine the ability of baclofen, in the management of opiate withdrawal. Method: A total of 62 opiate addicts randomly assigned to treatment with baclofen or clonidine during a 14‐day, double‐blind clinical trial. All patients met the DSM IV criteria for opioid dependence. Maximum daily doses were 40 mg for baclofen and 0·8 mg for clonidine given three times a day in divided doses. The severity of the opiate withdrawal syndrome was measured on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 14 using the Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS). Results: Baclofen and clonidine were equally effective in treating the physical symptoms of withdrawal syndromes. However, baclofen showed a significant superiority over clonidine in the management of mental symptoms. Conclusion: These results suggest that baclofen might be a novel therapeutic agent for opiate withdrawal syndrome. However, a larger study to confirm our results is warranted.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Double-blind randomized controlled trial of baclofen vs. clonidine in the treatment of opiates withdrawal

Akhondzadeh

Ahmadi-Abhari

Assadi

et al. 2008

Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Alpha-adrenergic agonists have attracted considerable attention for the treatment of the opiate withdrawal syndrome over the last two decades (8,9). Alpha-2 (a 2 ) -receptors occur on the cell bodies and dendrites of noradrenergic (NA) neurones in the locus coeruleus (LC) (10,11) and, when activated by clonidine, these sites increase potassium conductance and thus suppress the ®ring of the cells (9). Indeed, the LC constitutes the largest group of adrenergic neurones and probably mediates the effects of the opiates and opioids (10,11).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%