The Opioid System and Magnetic Field Perception

Abstract

The impact of Opilong—a dermorphine analog and μ-receptor agonist—on male Wistar rats' sensitivity to a static magnetic field (MF) of 38 ± 2 μT was studied using an original behavioral model of spatial learning in a multiple alternative maze. The 90° maze rotation with respect to the geomagnetic force lines caused disorientation in 80% of well-trained rats preconditioned by the Opilong treatment (0.05 mg/kg), but not in the control rats. Analysis of the behavioral patterns of the opioid–induced rats implied that the rats' orientations in the maze were initially established by taking the geomagnetic force lines into account. The internal maze cues were dominant for control rats' orientations. We conclude that modulation of the opioid system caused increased MF sensitivity and allowed perception of MF parameters. This could serve as an information factor for orientation in the maze, while self-organizing complicated goal–directed behavior in opioid-induced rats.