Neuroscience 2000 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 96.18 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Potentialisation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol effects by nicotine. |
| Authors: |
Maldonado, R.*1
; Mitchell, J. M.1
; Valjent, E.1
1Dept Neuropharmacol, Human Biol Sch, Barcelona, Spain |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
J. Disorders of the Nervous System and Aging - 146. Drugs of abuse: opioids and others |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | D. Neurotransmitters, Modulators, Transporters, and Receptors<br />- 54. Cannabinoids |
| Session: |
96. Drugs of abuse: morphine and THC Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Sunday, November 5, 2000 9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
| Location: | Hall G-J |
| Keywords: | CANNABINOIDS, ABSTINENCE, REWARD, TOLERANCE |
Recent findings have provided the existence of a functional interaction between opioid, dopaminergic and cannabinoid systems on addictive related behaviours. We have analysed the consequences of nicotine administration on the behavioural responses induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). For this purpose, we have administrated THC (5 or 10 mg/kg) and nicotine (0.5 mg/kg) and evaluated acute responses, the development of tolerance and the somatic expression of THC withdrawal. Nicotine strongly potentiates hypothermia, antinociceptive responses and the decrease of locomotor activity induced by an acute injection of THC. The development of tolerance to THC responses was also modified by nicotine. Indeed, animals treated with THC alone developed a rapid tolerance to all the acute pharmacological responses. In contrast, the co-administration of nicotine decreased the degree of THC tolerance. Acute injection of the CB1 receptor antagonist SR 141716A (10 mg/kg) in THC-dependent mice precipitated somatic signs of withdrawal. Interestingly, mice chronically co-treated with THC and nicotine exhibited an enhancement of the severity of THC abstinence. Finally, we evaluated the effects induced by the co-treatment with these two drugs in the light-dark box and in the place preference paradigm. The association of non-effective doses of THC (0.3 mg/kg) and nicotine (0.12 mg/kg) produced anxiolytic-like responses in the light-dark box and a clear place preference. These results suggest the existence of an interaction between cannabinoid and cholinergic systems that could play an important role in some addictive related behaviours.
Supported by Dr. Esteve S.A. Laboratories, European Commission (BIOMED-2 # 98-2227), FIS (99/0624).
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2000 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2000. Online.
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