Kappa receptor mediated opioid dependence in rhesus monkeys.

The kappa receptor-selective agonist U-50, 488 was administered chronically to rhesus monkeys. Tolerance developed to the overt behavioral effects of U-50,488 without cross-tolerance to morphine. Withdrawal behaviors produced by deprivation, naloxone or quadazocine administration in U-50, 488-dependent monkeys consisted of hyperactivity, excessive grooming, and yawning. The syndrome was suppressed in a dose-related manner by a kappa agonist, ethylketazocine, but not by doses of morphine that suppressed its own withdrawal. The mu-selective antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine, at doses which are active in morphine-dependent monkeys, did not precipitate withdrawal in U50, 488-dependent monkeys. Dependence, which is the result of activity at the kappa receptor, was distinct from morphine dependence.