Effect of Topical Morphine on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in an Animal Model: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

BackgroundPentavalent antimonials remain the choice of treatment for leishmaniasis, despite their toxicity, high cost, and difficult administration. As an alternative, morphine may induce the healing process of cutaneous leishmaniasis by its immunoregulatory characteristics.ObjectivesTo study the effect of morphine on the wound-healing process of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in a mouse model.Materials and MethodsThis was an experimental study in which 40 BALB/c mice (female, 6 - 8 weeks) were divided into four groups (each n = 10) who received either placebo alone (group 1), morphine ointment after parasite inoculation (group 2), morphine ointment after wound occurrence (group 3), or placebo after wound occurrence (group 4). Wound size was measured weekly for eight weeks.ResultsOn the first day of treatment, the lesions measured ~1.5 mm in diameter. After eight weeks of treatment, the wound size was significantly smaller in the mice who received morphine ointment (4.81 ± 3.22 mm) compared to those who received placebo after parasite inoculation (8.95 ± 5.71 mm; P = 0.0001) or placebo after wound occurrence (P = 0.028).ConclusionsThe above data suggest that topical application of morphine accelerates the healing process of CL wounds. We are cautiously optimistic that the results of this study can be used clinically for potentiating CL wound-healing.

Synergistic Anti-Leishmanial Activities of Morphine and Imiquimod on Leishmania infantum (MCAN/ES/98/LIM-877)

“…The role of Mph as an immunomodulator in protection against leishmaniasis by producing cytokines of CD4 + helper T-cells has been shown in many studies ( 14 ). Other similar studies on L. major have shown contradictory results ( 34 ). In another study, the augmented effect of Mph at low doses was approved in murine visceral leishmaniasis ( 35 ).…”

“…Glucantime, as the positive control, showed a poor effect on promastigotes. Many studies have pointed that glucantime has low anti-leishmanial activities on promastigotes of Leishmania spp ( 34 ). The IC 50 of Mph, IQ and their combination was found to be 18.2±0.3, 0.79±0.1, and 8.72±0.1μM, respectively, on L. infantum amastigotes.…”

Therapeutic advances in the topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A review

“…It has been found to be able to improve the healing of CL wounds [66] when applied topically. The wound size was potentially reduced among BALB/c mice inoculated with the parasite L. major when morphine ointment was applied topically as compared to the placebo used [67]. This effect can be used as an adjuvant treatment in future for treatment of CL.…”