The aim of this study was to investigate the possible interaction between neuronal cholecystokinin (CCK) and opiate dependence. Rats were made dependent to morphine and the ability of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8) and Tyr(SO3H)-gNle-mGly-Trp-(NMe)Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (BC 264), a selective agonist of CCK-B receptors, to induce signs of morphine withdrawal after ICV injection was tested. Behavioral responses were compared to those occurring during the naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal syndrome. In contrast to naloxone, CCK-8 (0.1, 1, and 10 micrograms, ICV) did not precipitate any sign of withdrawal. BC 264 (0.1, 1, and 10 micrograms, ICV) induced a strong hyperlocomotion and wet dog shakes in morphine-dependent rats, the latter effect also observed in nondependent animals. In rats receiving acute morphine, BC 264 induced an opposite effect (i.e., blockade of morphine-induced hyperactivity). Taken together, these results suggest that CCK plays only a minor role in the expression of morphine physical dependence.