Gut microbes may influence how rat brains respond to opioids

A recent study has indicated that gut microbes could influence the pattern of activation in a rat’s brain during opioid addiction and withdrawal. The results, which have been published in eNeuro, also suggest that taking antibiotics alongside opioids may increase the risk of opioid abuse. Opioids and antibiotics are commonly prescribed together following surgery in order to treat pain while fighting off infection. However, this common drug combination can also kill gut microbes. Given the prevalence of their combination, the researchers of the present study wanted to explore the relationship of these two types of drugs. In their study, the...