Nature 265, 49 - 51 (06 January 1977); doi:10.1038/265049a0

Naloxone-induced inhibition of ethanol dependence in mice

K. BLUM, S. FUTTERMAN, J. E. WALLACE & H. A. SCHWERTNER

Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78284
Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78284

IT has been suggested that tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) alkaloids formed in vivo after ethanol ingestion represent metabolic sequelae linking the types of addiction caused by ethanol and the opiates^1,2. The theory derives from the fact that biosynthesis of opiate alkaloids involves TIQ intermediates³, and that TIQ formation from -arylalkylamines and aldehydes proceeds rapidly at physiological pH (ref. 4). There have been strong criticisms of this hypothesis⁵⁻⁷, but the demonstration of an effect on opiate activity by certain neuroamine-derived TIQs⁸⁻¹⁰ prompted us to investigate the question further. Specifically, it was interesting to know the effect of naloxone, an agent known to block the development of dependence to opiates¹¹, on the development of dependence on ethanol.

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