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Biphasic effects of Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol on brain stimulation reward and motor activity

International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, ISSN: 1461-1457, Vol: 16, Issue: 10, Page: 2273-2284
2013
  • 79
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 93
    Captures
  • 2
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

  • Citations
    79
  • Captures
    93
  • Mentions
    2
    • Blog Mentions
      2
      • Blog
        2

Conference Paper Description

Abstract Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC) , the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, has led to equivocal results when tested with the intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure or the open-field test for motor activity, two behavioural models for evaluating the reward-facilitating and locomotor stimulating effects of drugs of abuse, respectively. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of high and low doses of Δ-THC were compared in the ICSS procedure and the open-field test. Moreover, the involvement of CB1 receptors in tentative Δ-THC-induced effects was investigated by pre-treating the animals with the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A (rimonabant). The results obtained show that low doses of Δ-THC induce opposite effects from high doses of Δ-THC. Specifically, 0.1 mg/kg Δ-THC decreased ICSS thresholds and produced hyperactivity, whereas 1 mg/kg increased ICSS thresholds and produced hypoactivity. Both effects were reversed by pre-treatment with SR141716A, indicating the involvement of CB1 receptors on these actions. Altogether, our results indicate that Δ-THC can produce acute activating effects in locomotion that coincide with its reward-facilitating effects in the ICSS paradigm. The present findings provide further support that Δ-THC induces behaviours typical of abuse and substantiate the notion that marijuana resembles other drugs of abuse. © CINP 2013.

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