       Document 0380
 DOCN  M9630380
 TI    Immunotoxicological screening of morphine and methadone in an extended
       28 day study in rats.
 DT    9603
 AU    van der Laan JW; Krajnc EI; Krajnc-Franken MA; van Loveren H; Laboratory
       for Medicines and Medical Devices, National Institute; for Public Health
       and Environmental Protection, Bilthoven, The; Netherlands.
 SO    Int J Immunopharmacol. 1995 Jun;17(6):535-43. Unique Identifier :
       AIDSLINE MED/96022704
 AB    Drug addicts are prone to infection with viruses including hepatitis-B
       and HIV. Besides indirect effects as a consequence of lifestyle, heroin
       and methadone may also enhance the risk of infections by a direct
       immunotoxic effect affecting resistance. In addition to general
       toxicological screening, we therefore performed a screening for
       potential immunotoxicity of morphine and methadone. Rats treated orally
       with different dosages of morphine or methadone for 6 weeks showed only
       a minor effect of overt toxicity on liver and spleen at the high dose,
       whereas at lower doses an increase in the relative weight of the
       mesenteric lymph nodes and an increase in cell density in the medullary
       cords were observed histopathologically, indicating a specific effect on
       humoral immunity. This specific immunotoxic effect was corroborated by
       an increased IgG concentration in serum (significant for the
       methadone-treated group). Further immunotoxicological research is needed
       aimed at revealing the potential risk of opiate use with respect to
       immune function. In conclusion, the present paper showed the
       toxicological profile of morphine and methadone in an extended 28 day
       subchronic study. Specific immunotoxicological effects were observed at
       doses where no effects were seen in routine toxicological evaluation,
       suggesting that the immune system is sensitive to opiates.
 DE    Animal  Animal Feed/TOXICITY  Body Weight/DRUG EFFECTS
       Diacetylmorphine/BLOOD/*TOXICITY  Drug Administration Schedule  Drug
       Stability  Eating/DRUG EFFECTS  Immunoglobulins/BLOOD/DRUG EFFECTS
       Immunosuppressive Agents/*TOXICITY  Lymph Nodes/DRUG EFFECTS/PATHOLOGY
       Male  Methadone/BLOOD/*TOXICITY  Organ Weight/DRUG EFFECTS  Rats  Rats,
       Wistar  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

