Inhibitory effects of berberine against morphine-induced locomotor sensitization and analgesic tolerance in mice

Chronic and intermittent morphine treatment differently regulates opioid and dopamine systems: a role in locomotor sensitization

“…In striatum, dopamine exerts its effects primarily through dopamine D1 (D1R) and D2 (D2R) receptors (David et al 2005) and it has been shown that D1R and D2R antagonists block morphineinduced behavioral sensitization (Jeziorski and White 1995;Serrano et al 2002;Yoo et al 2006). Furthermore, morphine increases dopamine release in striatum via activation of mu opioid receptor (MOR) located in VTA (Johnson and North 1992) and microinjection of a MOR agonist in this structure promotes behavioral sensitization (Joyce and Iversen 1979).…”

Berberine Exerts Neuroprotective Actions against in Vitro Ischemia-Induced Neuronal Cell Damage in Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures: Involvement of B-Cell Lymphoma 2 Phosphorylation Suppression

“…41,42) On the other hand, facilitation of glucose metabolism by berberine may contribute to the protective effect of this alkaloid on in vitro ischemic neuronal damage in OHSCs. Indeed, evidence indicates that berberine can exert a glucose-lowering effect in peripheral tissues at low mM concentration ranges.…”

“…Indeed, ischemic stress comprises several different stresses, including hypoxic stress, oxidative stress, and glutamate stress, and each stress activates the multiple apoptotic pathways. Considering the reported ability of berberine to exhibit a variety of pharmacological and biological activities, such as inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, [19][20][21][22][23][24][25] scavenging of free radicals, 47) suppression of L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathway, 31,48) and neurotransmitter receptor functions, 30,42) factors and/or mechanisms are also likely involved in the protective action of berberine. Nevertheless, further studies are required to clarify the exact mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of berberine on ischemia-induced brain damage.…”

Involvement of pCREB Expression in Inhibitory Effects of Coptis japonica on Morphine-induced Psychological Dependence

“…It is also reported that berberine and palmatine also inhibit bovine adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase . Furthermore, berberine, a major component of Coptis japonica, inhibited morphineinduced CPP in mice (Yoo et al, 2006). Therefore, further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and involvement of active components in the inhibitory effect of MCJ on morphine-induced CPP.…”