Objective: The Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) is a self-report questionnaire to evaluate the severity of alcohol dependence. In this study, we analyzed internal consistency and factor structure of the Chinese-version of the SADQ (SADQ-C) in patients with alcohol dependence. Methods: We recruited 113 male patients with alcohol dependence to complete the SADQ-C. Internal cons...

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate micro- and ultrastructural changes the carotid sinus wall during oral consumption low doses monosodium glutamate (MG) following its withdrawal. Adult male albino rats (n=39) were enrolled into study. Carotid morphology assessed by light electron microscopy at end week 4 8 MG consumption, as well 2 weeks after withdrawal; results compared with c...

Effect of Otostegia persica on naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal syndrome was studied in male mice. Dependence was induced using daily subcutaneous injections of morphine for three days. Morphine was injected to mice at doses of 30 and 45mg/kg on day 1 and 60 and 90mg/kg on day 2 (8:00 am and 6:00 pm). On day 3, morphine (90mg/kg) was injected 1h before oral administration and 1.5h before in...

Morphine dependence is characterized by somatic and motivational signs of withdrawal that likely contribute to the maintenance of addictive behavior. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) receives extensive dopaminergic input and is an important substrate for mediating these aversive states. In the NAc, the function of the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and AMPA glutama...

BACKGROUND Chronic exposure to nicotine elicits physical dependence in smokers, yet the mechanism and neuroanatomical bases for withdrawal symptoms are unclear. As in humans, rodents undergo physical withdrawal symptoms after cessation from chronic nicotine characterized by increased scratching, head nods, and body shakes. RESULTS Here we show that induction of physical nicotine withdrawal sy...

Opioids are intensely addictive, and cessation of their chronic use is associated with a highly aversive withdrawal syndrome. A cellular hallmark of withdrawal is an opioid sensitive protein kinase A-dependent increase in GABA transporter-1 (GAT-1) currents in periaqueductal gray (PAG) neurons. Elevated GAT-1 activity directly increases GABAergic neuronal excitability and synaptic GABA release,...

AIMS Co-morbid substance use in schizophrenic patients is common, and an important factor affects the outcome of disease. On the other hand, drug dependence is a predictive factor for psychosis. Alcohol is one of the most frequently abused psychoactive substances and may contribute psychotic symptoms in several conditions, such as withdrawal syndrome. The present study was designed to investiga...