A Tissue Culture Study of Morphine Dependence on the Mammalian CNS

The addicting influence of morphine sulfate on the nervous tissue of new-born rabbits and puppies was studied by using the tissue culture technique. Certain low concentrations of morphine seemed to stimulate the growth of the cells as mitosis and proliferation increased. Nerve cells subjected to morphine sulfate developed increasing tolerance and physical dependence, which was tested through the processes of exposure to higher concentrations of morphine sulfate, withdrawal and reintroduction of this drug to the tissue cultures. Symbols in Figures MS: morphine sulfate DIV: days in vitro T.T.: number of test tubes RMS: reintroduction of morphine sulfate