Effect of opiates on the caudate spindle in the cat

The effect of opiate drugs on the caudate spindle (CS) in the cat was observed following both systemic and intracaudal administration. Systemic administration of morphine, pentazocine and pethidine inhibited the CS. The inhibitory effects of opiates were antagonized by lysergide and methysergide but not by naloxone, chlorpromazine, dehydrobenzperidol, amphetamine and atropine. Contrary to their systemic administration, the investigated opiates morphine, pentazocine, pethidine and Met⁵-Enkephaline enhanced the CS, when injected into the caudate nucleus close to the site of stimulation. Those facilitating effects of opiates on the CS were completely blocked by naloxone. The results suggest that serotoninergic mechanisms might be involved in the action of opiates on the neuronal activity of the caudate nucleus.