Effect of Intracerebroventricular Morphine Withdrawal on the Anxiety Behavior in Male Rats Reared in ‎Social Isolation

Aims: Prescription of narcotics has controversial effects on the occurrence of anxiety processes. On the other hand, the social isolation has been caused due to the drug consumption, but its acute and chronic effects on behavioral differences are not obvious in the process of dependency and withdrawal. The present study aimed to investigate effects of acute and chronic intracerebroventricular Morphine sulfate withdrawal on the fear and anxiety behavior of male rats reared in social isolation. Materials & Methods:The present experimental study utilized 32 male 21-day old male weaned wistar rats who were divided into two groups of saline receivers (control) and morphine receivers. They were then divided into acute and chronic subgroups who were reared under social isolation conditions. Rats of acute daily consumption received 10 μg/kg of morphine sulfate solution via the intracerebroventricular injection for 10 days, but the chronic rats received it during 60 days. After the end of dependence by its withdrawal, rats were quitted for 5 days and their anxiety levels were measured using the Plus Maze. Data was analyzed by SPSS 16 software using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc and paired T tests. Findings:The research results indicated that the percentage time  and number of open arm entries in rats reared in social isolation significantly decreased during the addiction and five days after quitting in acute and chronic groups (P<0.001); and the rate of anxiety increased compared to the control group. The findings also suggested the higher incidence of anxiety among chronic consumer groups than acute consumer groups after quitting. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicated that living in social isolation could increase level of anxiety and increase the probability of addiction relapse.