Susceptibility of Drug-seeking and Taking Behaviors Increases through Dysregulation of Copper and Zinc and Impaired Prefrontal Function in Addiction Period in Male Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Drug addiction is a condition that in some occasions occurs with relapsing episodes. Reducing these relapsing episodes slows progression of recreational abuse with least adverse effects to everyday abuse with the most debilitating adverse effects. Materials and Methods: In this study 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200 to 250 gram were divided into 2 groups: Control and morphine-received. At the end of experiment sucrose consumption, salt appetite, novelty-seeking behavior, zinc in serum, copper in serum, glutathione in serum and prefrontal cortex stress-oxidative status for MDA (Malondialdehyde) were assessed. Results: Sucrose and salt consumption were increased in morphine-receiving rats compared to control rats. Also, Novelty-seeking behavior was increased in morphine-receiving rats compared to control rats. Copper in serum was increased in morphine-receiving rats compared to control rats. Zinc in serum was increased in morphine-receiving rats compared to control rats. Oxidative-stress status as assessed for MDA in the prefrontal cortex was increased in morphine-receiving rats compared to control rats. Glutathione in serum was increased in morphine-received rats compared to control rats. Conclusion: Involvement of prefrontal cortex in morphine-receiving period can be responsible for the occurrence of drug-seeking and taking behavior. In this sense, copper, zinc and antioxidant defense can play a pivotal role.