Doxycycline, a widely used antibiotic, can reduce the additive effects of drugs such as morphine and cocaine in mice. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. results published Advances in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry (PNPBP).
The study was conducted with the participation of 302 male laboratory mice. The experiment involved giving the animals various doses of morphine and cocaine, followed by doxycycline, a commonly used antibiotic. To evaluate the effectiveness of the substance, the mice were subjected to a test known as conditioned place preference (CPP).
Using SPM, scientists tracked relationships between drugs and the context in which they were used. For this purpose, an apparatus with two compartments, each equipped with different visual and tactile signals, was used. The desire to enter a compartment associated with drug exposure reflected the severity of the rodents’ addiction. The researchers also recorded how the motor activity of the mice changed after drug administration.
Researchers have found that doxycycline can significantly reduce the additive effects of morphine. Animals given antibiotics showed less desire to enter the compartment where they were exposed to the drug. In addition, doxycycline reduced both the development and expression of cocaine-induced addictive behavior. The antibiotic also effectively prevented hyperactivity that occurs as a result of cocaine use.
Scientists noted that their work could contribute to the development of new treatments for drug addiction in humans. Experiments on female mice are required to more accurately evaluate its effectiveness.
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