Single injection of three different preparations of alpha-interferon modifies morphine abstinence signs for a prolonged period.

Opiates exert numerous effects on all levels of the central nervous system, with tolerance and physical dependence (addiction) being characteristics of this drug class. The capacity of the immune system to participate in processes primarily considered to be central nervous system phenomena has been suggested recently by several studies demonstrating the ability of various immune-modifiers to attenuate opiate withdrawal severity. Therefore, the immunomodulator agent, interferon was investigated to determine the effect upon the opiate withdrawal signs in an animal model. The degree of morphine dependence is measured by quantifying the various behavioral signs associated with naloxone-induced withdrawal. Three different preparations of human alpha interferon (alpha-IFN) were investigated to determine the duration of their attenuating effect upon the naloxone-induced abstinence syndrome in morphine-addicted rats. All three preparations of alpha-IFN reduced the severity of the opiate withdrawal (i.e., addiction) signs for several weeks. There were differences in the potency and the duration of the effects among the three different preparations of alpha-IFN.