Abstract
The effect of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC) on body temperature of the mouse was studied. A dose-response relationship (5–100 mg/kg) for the hypothermic effect of Δ 9-THC was seen. The investigation as to the mechanism underlying the hypothermic action of Δ 9-THC was also investigated. The relatively specific dopamine antagonist haloperidol potentiated Δ 9-THC-induced hypothermia as did the α-adrenoceptor antagonist phenoxybenzamine. However, depletion of serotonin with P-chlorophenylalanine reduced the hypothermic response to Δ 9-THC as did pretreatment with the serotonin antagonist methysergide. Inhibition of re-uptake of serotonin with clomipramine potentiated the hypothermia following Δ 9-THC. It is suggested that the hypothermic effect of Δ 9-THC in the mouse is mediated to a large extent via serotonergic mechanisms.
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Davies, J.A., Graham, J.D.P. The mechanism of action of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on body temperature in mice. Psychopharmacology 69, 299–305 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00433100
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00433100