The influence of opioid dependence on salt consumption and related psychological parameters in mice and humans

Craig M Smith; Joshua BB Garfield; Aparna Attawar; Dan I Lubman; Andrew J Lawrence

Journal article

The influence of opioid dependence on salt consumption and related psychological parameters in mice and humans

Craig M Smith, Joshua BB Garfield, Aparna Attawar, Dan I Lubman, Andrew J Lawrence

DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE | ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD | Published : 2019

DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.05.021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The consumption of dietary salt (NaCl) is controlled by neuronal pathways that are modulated by endogenous opioid signalling. The latter is disrupted by chronic use of exogenous opioid receptor agonists, such as morphine. Therefore, opioid dependence may influence salt consumption, which we investigated in two complimentary studies in humans and mice. METHODS: Human study: three groups were recruited: i. Individuals who are currently opioid dependent and receiving opioid substitution treatment (OST); ii. Previously opioid dependent individuals, who are currently abstinent, and; iii. Healthy controls with no history of opioid dependence. Participants tasted solutions containing di..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Andrew Lawrence Author Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Related Projects (1)

SALT, OPIATES AND ADDICTION

Salt (sodium) is an essential electrolyte. Our convincing and complementary findings provide compelling evidence for a link between evolutio..

Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

Funding Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC Project grant 1079891). AJL is an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow (1116930). We also acknowledge the Victorian Government's state infrastructure program.