Time-course of the effects of chronic delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on behaviour, body temperature, brain amines and withdrawal-like behaviour in the rat

Inhaled delivery of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to rats by e-cigarette vapor technology

Most human Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use is via inhalation, and yet few animal studies of inhalation exposure are available. Popularization of non-combusted methods for the inhalation of psychoactive drugs (Volcano(®), e-cigarettes) further stimulates a need for rodent models of this route of administration. This study was designed to develop and validate a rodent chamber suitable for controlled exposure to vaporized THC in a propylene glycol vehicle, using an e-cigarette delivery system adapted to standard size, sealed rat housing chambers. The in vivo efficacy of inhaled THC was validated using radiotelemetry to assess body temperature and locomotor responses, a tail-flick assay for nociception and plasma analysis to verify exposure levels. Hypothermic responses to inhaled THC in male rats depended on the duration of exposure and the concentration of THC in the vehicle. The temperature nadir was reached after ∼40 min of exposure, was of comparable magnitude (∼3 °Celsius) to that produced by 20 mg/kg THC, i.p. and resolved within 3 h (compared with a 6 h time course following i.p. THC). Female rats were more sensitive to hypothermic effects of 30 min of lower-dose THC inhalation. Male rat tail-flick latency was increased by THC vapor inhalation; this effect was blocked by SR141716 pretreatment. The plasma THC concentration after 30 min of inhalation was similar to that produced by 10 mg/kg THC i.p. This approach is flexible, robust and effective for use in laboratory rats and will be of increasing utility as users continue to adopt "vaping" for the administration of cannabis.

Marijuana dependence: not just smoke and mirrors

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide as well as in the Unites States. Prolonged use of marijuana or repeated administration of its primary psychoactive constituent, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can lead to physical dependence in humans and laboratory animals. The changes that occur with repeated cannabis use include alterations in behavioral, physiological, and biochemical responses. A variety of withdrawal responses occur in cannabis-dependent individuals: anger, aggression, irritability, anxiety and nervousness, decreased appetite or weight loss, restlessness, and sleep difficulties with strange dreams. But the long half-life and other pharmacokinetic properties of THC result in delayed expression of withdrawal symptoms, and because of the lack of contiguity between drug cessation and withdrawal responses the latter are not readily recognized as a clinically relevant syndrome. Over the past 30 years, a substantial body of clinical and laboratory animal research has emerged supporting the assertion that chronic exposure to cannabinoids produces physical dependence and may contribute to drug maintenance in cannabis-dependent individuals. However, no medications are approved to treat cannabis dependence and withdrawal. In this review, we describe preclinical and clinical research that supports the existence of a cannabinoid withdrawal syndrome. In addition, we review research evaluating potential pharmacotherapies (e.g., THC, a variety of antidepressant drugs, and lithium) to reduce cannabis withdrawal responses and examine how expanded knowledge about the regulatory mechanisms in the endocannabinoid system may lead to promising new therapeutic targets.

Inhibition of FAAH and activation of PPAR: new approaches to the treatment of cognitive dysfunction and drug addiction

Enhancing the effects of endogenously-released cannabinoid ligands in the brain might provide therapeutic effects more safely and effectively than administering drugs that act directly at the cannabinoid receptor. Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) prevent the breakdown of endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), prolonging and enhancing the effects of these ligands when they are naturally released. This review considers recent research on the effects of FAAH inhibitors and PPAR activators in animal models of addiction and cognition (specifically learning and memory). These studies show that FAAH inhibitors can produce potentially therapeutic effects, some through cannabinoid receptors and some through PPAR. These effects include enhancing certain forms of learning, counteracting the rewarding effects of nicotine and alcohol, relieving symptoms of withdrawal from cannabis and other drugs, and protecting against relapse-like reinstatement of drug self-administration. Since FAAH inhibition might have a wide range of therapeutic actions but might also share some of the adverse effects of cannabis, it is noteworthy that at least one FAAH-inhibiting drug (URB597) has been found to have potentially beneficial effects but no indication of liability for abuse or dependence. Although these areas of research are new, the preliminary evidence indicates that they might lead to improved therapeutic interventions and a better understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying addiction and memory.

Drug addiction

Many drugs of abuse, including cannabinoids, opioids, alcohol and nicotine, can alter the levels of endocannabinoids in the brain. Recent studies show that release of endocannabinoids in the ventral tegmental area can modulate the reward-related effects of dopamine and might therefore be an important neurobiological mechanism underlying drug addiction. There is strong evidence that the endocannabinoid system is involved in drug-seeking behavior (especially behavior that is reinforced by drug-related cues), as well as in the mechanisms that underlie relapse to drug use. The cannabinoid CB(1) antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant has been shown to reduce the behavioral effects of stimuli associated with drugs of abuse, including nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana. Thus, the endocannabinoid system represents a promising target for development of new treatments for drug addiction.

Discriminative stimulus effects of the cannabinoid antagonist, SR 141716A, in delta -sup-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-treated rhesus monkeys

This study examined whether the cannabinoid antagonist, SR 141716A, could be established as a discriminative stimulus in rhesus monkeys treated with delta -sup-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta -sup-9-THC). Stimulus control was established with SR 141716A (1.0 mg/kg) in 3 delta -sup-9-THC-treated monkeys (1.12 mg/kg/day) in 113-124 sessions. The SR 141716A discriminative stimulus was dose related, attenuated by an acute injection of delta -sup-9-THC, and not mimicked by cocaine or ketamine. SR 141716A-appropriate responding occasioned by temporary discontinuation of delta -sup-9-THC treatment was attenuated by delta -sup-9-THC and not ketamine. The SR 141716A discriminative stimulus in delta -sup-9-THC-treated monkeys appears to be mediated by cannabinoid receptors and could be related to delta -sup-9-THC withdrawal.

Prostaglandin E2 attenuates SR141716A-precipitated withdrawal in tetrahydrocannabinol-dependent mice

The present study aimed to clarify the role of the arachidonic acid cascade in mediating the expression of withdrawal signs in cannabinoid-dependent mice. Mice were injected with Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 20 mg/kg (i.p.) every 12 h, 11 times. When SR141716A, a specific cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, at 10 mg/kg (i.p.) was given 4 h after the last THC injection, withdrawal signs such as forepaw licking, facial preening, grooming, forepaw tremor, head shakes and weight loss were clearly observed. PGE(2) at 0.1, 1.0 and 3.2 microg (per animal; i.c.v.) given prior to SR141716A (10 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently decreased the number of forepaw licking, facial preening, grooming and forepaw tremor episodes. Instead of SR141716A, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac at 10 mg/kg (i.p.) also precipitated these withdrawal signs. The results suggest that the expression of THC withdrawal is due to a decrease in prostaglandin levels through inactivation of the arachidonic acid cascade in the brain.

Influence of the cannabinoid agonist HU 210 on cocaine- and CQP 201-403-induced behavioural effects in rat

Acute injection of the cannabinoid agonist HU 210 (6.25-100 microg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently inhibited rat locomotor activity and rearing, while subchronic treatment with the drug (once daily for 7 days) at the same doses only diminished locomotion. Acute but not subchronic administration of HU 210 (12.5-50 microg/kg, i.p.) potently counteracted acute and subchronic cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced hyperlocomotion and enhanced rearing. The acute cannabinoid (6.25-100 microg/kg, i.p.) also inhibited locomotor activity, stereotyped behaviour and shaking elicited by the D1/D2 agonist CQP 201-403 (500 microg/kg, i.p.). On the contrary, subchronic treatments with HU 210 enhanced CQP 201-403-induced locomotor activity and potently stimulated escape attempts. Discussion centers on the influence of cannabinoids on experimental models of psychosis.

Chronic cannabinoid administration alters cannabinoid receptor binding in rat brain: a quantitative autoradiographic study

The active ingredient of marijuana is (-)-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC). delta 9-THC and other natural and synthetic cannabinoids such as CP-55,940 inhibit spontaneous activity and produce catalepsy in animals in a receptor-mediated fashion. Tolerance develops to the motor effects of delta 9-THC after repeated administration. To test the hypothesis that tolerance is mediated by changes in cannabinoid receptor binding characteristics, we used quantitative in vitro autoradiography of [3H]CP-55,940 binding to striatal brain sections from rats treated either chronically or acutely with delta 9-THC, CP-55,940, or the inactive natural cannabinoid cannabidiol. In the chronic conditions, rats were given daily i.p. injections of delta 9-THC (10 mg/kg), cannabidiol (10 mg/kg), or CP-55,940 (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and sacrificed 30 min after the last injection. In the acute condition, animals received a single dose (10 mg/kg) prior to sacrifice. Rats developed tolerance to the inhibitory effects of delta 9-THC and CP-55,940, assayed in an open field on days 1, 7, and 14. Cannabidiol had no effect on behavior. Densitometry of [3H]CP-55,940 binding to brain sections showed that delta 9-THC- and CP-55,940-treated animals had homogeneous decreases in binding in all structures measured at the selected striatal levels. Cannabidiol had no effect on binding. Analysis of binding parameters showed that alterations in the acute condition were attributed to changes in affinity (KD), whereas the major changes in the chronic condition were attributed to a lowering of capacity (Bmax). The effects in the 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg CP-55,940 conditions were dose-dependent and paralleled the behavioral data showing that the animals given the highest dose developed the greatest degree of tolerance. The data suggest that tolerance to cannabinoids results at least in part from agonist-induced receptor down-regulation.

Effect of acute intravenous administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the episodic secretion of immunoassayable growth hormone in the rat

Blood samples from unrestrained, unanesthetized, male rats (300-350 g) were obtained every 15 min. for 9 consecutive hrs. (1000-1900 h). Each rat received, intravenously, a vehicle injection (controls) or a 2.0 mg/kg dose of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 1300 h to determine the effect of this drug on the spontaneous episodic secretion of plasma immunoassayable rat growth hormone (rGH). Acute administration of THC suppressed the secretion of rGH, as is evident from mean plasma level (p less than .01), peak height (p less than .02), and integrated peak amplitude (p less than .02) analyses. Episodic secretion was inhibited in all animals (n = 7) receiving THC. Although further investigation is needed to define clearly the physiological mechanisms involved in this response, these data indicate that THC can inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary control of normal episodic growth hormone secretion in the rat.

Effects of smoked marijuana on food intake and body weight of humans living in a residential laboratory

Six adult male research volunteers, in two groups of three subjects each, lived in a residential laboratory for 13 days. All contact with the experimenter was through a networked computer system and subjects' behaviors, including food intake, were continuously recorded. During the first part of the day, subjects remained in continuously recorded. During the first part of the day, subjects remained in their private rooms doing planned work activities, and during the remainder of the day, they were allowed to socialize. Two cigarettes containing active marijuana (2.3% delta 9 THC) or placebo were smoked during both the private work period and the period of access to social activities. Smoked active marijuana significantly increased total daily caloric intake by 40%. Increased food intake was evident during both private and social periods. The increase in caloric intake was due to an increased consumption of snack foods as a consequence of an increase in the number of snacking occasions. There was no significant change in caloric consumption during meals. The principal increase within the category of snack foods was in the intake of sweet solid items, e.g., candy bars, compared to sweet fluid, e.g., soda, or savory solid items, e.g., potato chips. Increases in body weight during periods of active marijuana smoking were greater than predicted by caloric intake alone.

Changes in body temperature after administration of antipyretics, LSD, delta 9-THC and related agents: II

Antipyretics, in particular acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen, constitute the single most important class of drugs used therapeutically for an effect on body temperature. Hallucinogens exert prominent actions on the central nervous system, and it is not surprising that, like so many other centrally-acting agents, they too often affect temperature. This compilation primarily covers the considerable amount of data published from 1981 through 1985 on the interactions of these drugs and thermoregulation, but data from many earlier papers not included in a previous compilation are also tabulated. The effects of agents not classically considered as antipyretics on temperatures of febrile subjects are also covered. The information listed includes the species used, the route of administration and dose of drug, the environmental temperature at which experiments were performed, the number of tests, the direction and magnitude of change in body temperature and remarks on special conditions, such as age or brain lesions. Also indicated is the influence of other drugs, such as antagonists, on the response to the primary agent.

Changes in body temperature after administration of adrenergic and serotonergic agents and related drugs including antidepressants: II

This survey continues a second series of compilations of data regarding changes in body temperature induced by drugs and related agents. The information listed includes the species used, the route of administration and dose of drug, the environmental temperature at which experiments were performed, the number of tests, the direction and magnitude of change in body temperature and remarks on the presence of special conditions, such as age or brain lesions. Also indicated is the influence of other drugs, such as antagonists, on the response to the primary agent. Most of the papers were published from 1980 to 1984 but data from many earlier papers are also tabulated.

Regional brain homovanillic acid following delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cocaine

delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (10 mg/kg) increased homovanillic acid in rat prefrontal cortex and olfactory tubercle. This dose did not affect homovanillic acid in the caudate. Higher doses increased homovanillic acid in all 3 regions. Cocaine (20, 30, or 50 mg/kg) did not affect homovanillic acid in any of these brain regions.

Involvement of brain histamine in delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol tolerance and withdrawal

The involvement of brain histamine (HA) in delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) tolerance and dependence was studied in rats. Rats treated for 5 days with delta 9-THC (2-6 mg/kg, IV) developed tolerance to the hypothermic effects of the drug. Tolerance also developed over the 5 day period to the decrease in brain regional HA concentrations observed after an acute injection of delta 9-THC. Administration of the tricyclic antidepressant drug clomipramine hydrochloride to tolerant rats induced a withdrawal-like behavioural syndrome. Accompanying this behaviour was a fall in HA concentrations of the midbrain, cortex, medulla oblongata/pons and the cerebellum. Administration of delta 9-THC, but not of the delta 9-THC vehicle, prior to clomipramine challenge attenuated both the intensity of the withdrawal-like syndrome and the reductions in brain regional HA concentration.