1-Δ ⁹ -Tetrahydrocannabinol: Neurochemical and Behavioral Effects in the Mouse

Abstract

Administration of pure 1-delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol to mice had the following dose-dependent nzeurochemical and behavioral effects: a slight but significant increase in concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine in whole brain; a decrease in concentration of norepinephrine in brain after administration of low doses and an increase after high doses; diminished spontaneous activity, mloderate hypothermnia, hypersetisitivity to tactile and auditory stimiuli, and ataxia after low doses; and sedation, pronounced hypothermia, and markedly diminished spon taneous activity and reactivity after high doses. The duration of the effects on body temperature and spontaneous activity correlated generally with the changes in brain amines. The characteristic changes in brain amines do not correspond exactly to those observed with other psychotropic drugs.