Role of the Raphe Magnus nucleus in morphine analgesia : studies with intracerebral microinjections in the rat]

Microinjections of low concentration of morphine (5 micrograms) into the nucleus Raphé Magnus of the Rat produce a strong analgesia that can be reversed by systemic naloxone, an opiate antagonist. The administration of naloxone (5 micrograms) into the Raphé Magnus considerably reduces the effects of intravenous morphine. The effects of microinjections of morphine are strongly reduced by Cinanserin, suggesting a role for serotoninergic mechanisms in morphine analgesia.