Abstract
The cytogenetic effects of opium alkaloids were investigated. When lymphocytes from adolescent heroin addicts were cultured in vitro, a strikingly high mitotic index was observed, reaching over 20% in some. The mean mitotic index of 11.82 ± 1.827 (S.E.)% in 9 patients was significantly higher than that of sex and age matched controls of 6.59 ± 0.970 (S.E.)% (p<0.05). The addition of plasma from addicts to normal cultures caused no increase. This observation suggested that circulating metabolites of heroin were not responsible for the observed phenomenon. An in vitro model was then developed to study the effects of opium alkaloids on DNA synthesis. Adopting the method of Suciu-Foca, et al. (Cancer Res., 33:2373, 1973), microcultures of normal lymphocytes (200,000 T cells/cult.) were established and exposed to various concentrations of morphine sulfate. An enhancement of DNA synthesis was observed when cells were exposed to 10−4 μg/ml of morphine for 72 hrs. as measured by H3-thymidine uptake. The observed increase in chromosomal replication might be directly related to addictive phenomenon at the cellular level. The effects of opium alkaloids appear to be opposite to that of marijuana.
(Supported by HRC, New York U-2215)
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Milstein, M., Morishima, A., Cohen, M. et al. EFFECTS OF OPIUM ALKALOIDS ON MITOSIS AND DNA SYNTHESIS. Pediatr Res 8, 392 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00312
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00312
