Lesion of olfactory epithelium attenuates expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization and reinstatement of drug-primed conditioned place preference in mice

► Zinc effusion olfactory epithelium lesions were given to morphine addicted mice. ► The effect of ZnE on morphine sensitization and reinstatement was examined. ► The ZnE was found to impair the sensitization and reinstatement behaviors. ► c-Fos expression following reinstatement was decreased in ZnE treated mice. ► Olfactory epithelium lesions helped promote abstinence and limit relapse potential.