http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/26656/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/31811/ 2004-10-01T00:00:00Z We examined the effects of ethanol ingestion to rats on levels of the β-carboline norharman in plasma, brain and liver at the end of ethanol ingestion and 10 h after withdrawal. We also investigated the effect of exogenously administered norharman on the behavioural signs of alcohol withdrawal. Ethanol was given by a liquid diet for 21 days. Norharman plasma levels in alcohol fed rats were significantly elevated compared to both control rats and to rats 10 h after withdrawal. Norharman levels in brains and livers showed a similar pattern. The capacity of the livers of both alcohol-dependent and withdrawal rats to catabolise norharman was significantly reduced compared to control rats. Norharman injected intraperitoneally (6.3 mg/kg) attenuated the behavioural signs of alcohol withdrawal significantly. The mechanism behind the increased norharman levels in alcohol-dependent rats may be inhibition of the synthesis and/or activity of liver enzyme(s) responsible for the breakdown of norharman. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/21478/ 1995-03-22T00:00:00Z This thesis compiles the experimental studies on several drugs, which modulate drug dependence phenomena in rodents. The main part of the studies is related to the morphine withdrawal (chapters 3-7), while a minor part is dealing with cocaine psychic dependence (chapter 9).