We evaluated the antitussive effect of morphine and U-50,488 in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. The antitussive potency of morphine (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) in diabetic rats was significantly reduced as compared to the results in non-diabetic rats. The antitussive effect of U-50,488, a kappa-agonist, was also significantly lower in diabetic rats than in non-diabetic rats. When naltrindole (0.03 mg/kg, i.p.), a delta-antagonist, was administered 15 min before morphine or U-50,488, there was no difference between the antitussive potencies of these two opioid agonists in non-diabetic rats and in diabetic rats. Furthermore, naltrindole produces a reduction of the number of coughs in diabetic rats, but not in non-diabetic rats. It is possible that the enhancement of the antitussive potency of morphine and U-50,488 in naltrindole-treated diabetic rats is the result of the antitussive synergy produced by these opioid agonists and naltrindole. It seems likely, therefore, that delta-receptor-mediated endogenous inhibitory systems in mu- and kappa-receptor-mediated antitussive processes may be activated under diabetic conditions.