Heroin affects purine nucleotides metabolism in rat brain

► The study provides insight on the role of heroin on purine nucleotides metabolism. ► We confirm that heroin could reduce the content of purine nucleotides in brain. ► Heroin could enhance the catabolism of purine nucleotides in brain. ► Heroin could inhibit the anabolism of purine nucleotides in brain. ► Effects of heroin are more than an effect on enzyme activities.