Abstract
We examined two methods of generating a dose–response curve to the opioid receptor
antagonist naloxone. In 15 healthy male subjects (18–25 years) plasma adrenocorticotropin
(ACTH) responses to five doses of naloxone studied over 5 separate days were compared
to plasma ACTH responses to five incremental doses of naloxone studied within a single
session. There was a statistically significant positive correlation in ACTH responses
(area under the curve and peak) between dosing methods. Furthermore, the doses of
naloxone that produced half-maximal and maximal ACTH response were similar. The comparability
of ACTH responses between the two naloxone dosing techniques, combined with the safety
and ease associated with the single-session methodology, underscores the usefulness
of the single-session technique for future investigations.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 16,
2000
Received in revised form:
March 7,
2000
Received:
January 5,
2000
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
