The Effects of NMDA Receptor Antagonists and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors on Opioid Tolerance and Withdrawal

Abstract

This article is an exploration of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Technical Review on the role of glutamatergic systems in the development of opiate addiction. The effects of “glutamate antagonist” medications on opioid tolerance and withdrawal are examined. In rodents, mu opioid tolerance can be inhibited by noncompetitive N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists [MK801, dextromethorphan (DM), ketamine, phencyclidine (PCP)], competitive NMDA receptor antagonists (LY274614, NPC17742, LY235959), partial glycine agonists (ACPC), glycine antagonists (ACEA-1328), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors [L-NNA, L-NMMA, methylene blue (MB)]. Similarly, some of the symptoms of opioid withdrawal observed in opioid-dependent rodents also can be inhibited by noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists (MK801, DM, ketamine), competitive NMDA receptor antagonists (LY274614), glycine antagonists (felbamate), and NOS inhibitors (L-NNA, L-NMMA, L-NAME, L-NIO, 7-NI, MB). There are some serious toxicological effects associated with the administration of some of the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists in rodent but not in squirrel monkey brain, and some medications induce PCP-like behavioral effects. zThe medications with the most immediate clinical appeal are those that could be coadministered with methadone to decrease mu opioid tolerance and dependence; they include DM, MB, 7-NI, ACPC, and ACEA-1328.