Abstract
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 opiates1,2. The theory derives from the fact that biosynthesis of opiate alkaloids involves TIQ intermediates3, and that TIQ formation from β-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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BLUM, K., FUTTERMAN, S., WALLACE, J. et al. Naloxone-induced inhibition of ethanol dependence in mice. Nature 265, 49–51 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/265049a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/265049a0
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