Involvement of Hippocampal Astrocytic Connexin-43 in Morphine dependence

Repeated exposure to drugs of abuse can lead to dysregulation of chemical synapses by altering the release and uptake of neurotransmitters. Such alterations in neurotransmission modify synaptic plasticity which causes addictive-like behaviors. Our previous study shed light on the involvement of glial cells in morphine-induced behavioral responses. It has been shown that glial cells play an indispensable role in synaptic transmission through the release of gliotransmitter into and uptake of neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft. Connexin-43 (Cx43), the dominant Cx protein in astrocytes, is the main component of astrocytic gap junctions and hemichannels. It has a critical role in synaptic efficacy through setting the amount of presynaptic gliotransmitter release in physiological conditions. It is probable that addictive substances affecting gliotransmitters release through the alteration of Cx43 function. In this study, we examined the role of the hippocampal-specific astrocytic connexin (Cx43) in morphine-induced behavioral responses. Male rats received subcutaneous (s.c.) morphine sulfate (10 mg/kg) at an interval of 12 h for 9 days. The animals received microinjection of TAT-Gap19 (inhibitor of Cx43) into the CA1 region before each morning morphine administration. The animals were assessed for morphine dependence by monitoring naloxone hydrochloride precipitated withdrawal somatic signs. Results showed that animals receiving TAT-Gap19 before morphine injection demonstrated a significant reduction in several signs of morphine withdrawal such as Activity, Freezing, Chewing, Ptosis, Defecation, Teeth chattering, Writhing, Penis- licking, Head tremor, Scratching, Sniffing, Rearing, and Diarrhea (One way ANOVA, P < 0.001; P < 0.01; P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that hippocampal Cx43 may be involved in morphine-induced behavioral responses. Therefore, gliotransmitter release by astrocytes seems to be a mechanism which is engaged in addictive-like behaviors.