Effects of crocin on the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in mice

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of crocin, an active component of Crocus sativus, on the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice were investigated. Subcutaneous administration of morphine (40 mg/kg for four days) produced place preference. Intraperitoneal administration of crocin (600 mg/kg for four days) 30 min before the morphine administration decreased the acquisition of morphine CPP. In other groups of animals, following extinction of a place preference induced by morphine (40mg/kg), single administration of morphine (10mg/kg) reinstated the place reference. Crocin (400 and 600 mg/kg) 30 min before this priming dose of morphine blocked morphine-induced reinstatement of place preference. These results showed that crocin can reduce the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference.