Objective To investigate the effects of
intrathecal morphine on cell-mediated immunity. Methods Forty male SD rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 5 groups ( n = 8 in each group) : sham-operated group (F); saline group (NS) and 3 morphine groups (M1, M2, M3). The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal chloral hydrate 300-350 mg·kg-1 . Microspinal catheter was inserted into the subarachnoid space at the lumbar region according to modified Yaksh technique. Correct implantation of the
spinal catheter was confirmed by aspiration of CSF. In the morphine groups, after 5 days morphine was continuously infused through the spinal catheter at 2.5 (Ml), 5.0 (M2) and 10 μg·h-1(M3) for 7 days. In NS group normal saline was continuously infused instead of morphine. On the 7th day 5% formalin 50 fd was injected into the plantar surface of left hindpaw. The number of flinches, lickings and total time of licking were recorded for 60 min. Pain intensity scoring (PIS) (0-3, 0 = no pain, 3 = severe pain) was used to assess the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal morphine. The animals were killed after evaluation of pain intensity. Body
weight and
spleen weight were measured. Spleen index (spleen weight/body weight) was calculated. T-lymphocyte function was evaluated based on Concanavalin-A (Con A) induced splenocyte proliferation. Modified lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay was used to assess NK cell activity. Results The PIS scores were significantly lower in group M1 , M2 and M3 than in F and NS group. The spleen index, splenocyte
proliferation induced by Con A and NK cell activity were significantly suppressed in the 3 morphine groups Conclusion Intrathecal morphine has significant antinociceptive effect and suppresses T-lymphocyte proliferation and NK cell activity in a dose-dependent manner
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