Zahra Nanava, Homeira Hatami Nemati, Hatam Ahmai, Roghaieh Khakpay,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Introduction: Methamphetamine is a powerful psychostimulant that has been significantly abused in recent years. Buprenorphine, a derivative of morphine alkaloids, is effective in treating opioid addiction.
Methods: This experimental study involved eight groups of seven male rats each. It examined the effects of a 5-day intraperitoneal injection of methamphetamine, buprenorphine, their interactions, and methamphetamine withdrawal on the expression of histamine and histamine N-methyltransferase genes in the lumbar spinal cord. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with SPSS software.
Results: The intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg of methamphetamine and 6 or 10 mg/kg of buprenorphine over five days did not change the expression levels of the histamine or histamine N-methyltransferase genes in the lumbar spinal cord of male rats. However, discontinuing methamphetamine led to an increase in the expression of both genes in this area (p < 0.01). Furthermore, when examining the interaction between the two drugs, it was found that the expression of the histamine N-methyltransferase gene was significantly higher in the group receiving methamphetamine plus 10 mg/kg buprenorphine compared to the methamphetamine-only group (p < 0.01)
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study and the mechanisms proposed in previous studies, it seems that methamphetamine withdrawal and/or the use of buprenorphine as a possible therapeutic approach can lead to the stabilization of the physiological balance of the central nervous system by temporarily increasing brain histamine, and thus help reduce the complications of methamphetamine abuse.
