Inhibition by L-NA, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs in a mouse model of cholestasis.

Following the naloxone administration in bile duct resected animals, striking opioid withdrawal signs are observed due to increased opioidergic tone. Pretreatment of animals with L-nitro arginine, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, reduces the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs as well as increase the antinociception. The results of this study support evidence for the involvement of the L-arg-nitric oxide pathway in opioidergic-dependent manifestation of cholestasis in an animal model.