Abstract
Rationale
Cannabinoids have been shown to produce greater behavioral effects in female than male rats. Although central nervous system CB1 receptors are known to mediate cannabinoid-induced behavioral effects in male rats, it is not known whether the same is true for females.
Objective
To determine if cannabinoid-induced antinociception and catalepsy are similarly mediated by central CB1 receptors in male and female rats.
Methods
The ability of SR141716A, a CB1 receptor selective antagonist, administered ICV (1–1000 μg) or IT (1–600 μg) to block 10 mg/kg IP Δ9-THC-induced antinociception (paw pressure) and catalepsy (bar test), was compared in male and female rats.
Results
Δ9-THC alone produced slightly greater antinociception, and significantly greater catalepsy in females than males. When administered ICV, SR141716A partially antagonized Δ9-THC-induced antinociception in both females and males. IT SR141716A also antagonized Δ9-THC-induced antinociception in both sexes; it was slightly more potent in males but equally effective in males and females. SR141716A antagonized Δ9-THC-induced catalepsy in a similar manner in males and females when given ICV or IT.
Conclusions
These results confirm that Δ9-THC-induced behavioral effects are mediated by central CB1 receptors in male and female rats.
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Acknowledgements
The authors thank Dr. M. Morgan for loan of the paw pressure apparatus, and Joseph Barrett for technical assistance. This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (DA06036) to A.H.T.
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Tseng, A.H., Craft, R.M. CB1 receptor mediation of cannabinoid behavioral effects in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology 172, 25–30 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-003-1620-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-003-1620-x