BIOCHEMICAL BASIS FOR NARCOTIC TOLERANCE AND PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE

Abstract

Despite long and extensive efforts, biochemical basis for the narcotic tolerance and physical dependence is still unknown. It appears, however, that the development of tolerance to, and physical dependence on, narcotics is related to protein synthesis mechanisms in the central nervous system, which results in alterations in either neuro-transmitter mechanism(s) or receptor protein or both. Recent advances in studies on protein synthesis and the successful demonstration of “opiate receptor” may shed light on the biochemical nature of these intriguing phenomena.