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Effects of acute and chronic administration of cannabis sativa and (−)Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol on the behavior of rats in an open-field arena

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  • Animal Studies
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Abstract

The effects of acute and chronic administration of Δ 9-THC, cannabis extract and control solution on the behavior of rats repeatedly exposed to an open-field arena have been studied. After the first dose both Δ 9-THC and cannabis extract significantly decreased defecation, grooming and rearing; ambulation was not affected. After 20 injections of both marihuana compounds the rats showed values for defecation, grooming and rearing near to those obtained during the predrug phase; control rats, however, showed a significant decrease in these parameters indicating habituation to the open-field. The results are discussed in terms of effects of marihuana on emotional behavior of rats.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa, São Paulo, Brazil

    Jandira Masur, Regina M. W. Märtz & E. A. Carlini

Authors
  1. Jandira Masur
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  2. Regina M. W. Märtz
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  3. E. A. Carlini
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Additional information

This work was partially supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP).

With a fellowship “iniciação científica” from FAPESP.

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Masur, J., Märtz, R.M.W. & Carlini, E.A. Effects of acute and chronic administration of cannabis sativa and (−)Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol on the behavior of rats in an open-field arena. Psychopharmacologia 19, 388–397 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404383

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404383

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