Describe the role of the locus coeruleus in the development of opiate withdrawal symptoms

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Withdrawal from opiates results in hyperthermia, pain, nausea, and malaise. Opiate withdrawal can be induced by stopping opiate treatment with the symptoms coming on gradually. Animal studies often use injection of naloxone (an opiate receptor antagonist) to rapidly induce withdrawal. Injection of naloxone into the locus coeruleus (LC) rapidly triggers withdrawal symptoms. Opiates suppress the firing rate of LC neurons but naloxone greatly increases their firing rate. Damage to the LC reduces symptoms of opiate withdrawal.