Summary
Metabolism and autoradiographic distribution of the two isomeric tetrahydrocannabinols, (2,4-14C)-Δ8-THC and (2,4-14C)-Δ9-THC), were studied in the marmoset Callithrix jacchus. Of the two cannabinoids, Δ8-THC had a slower initial rate of biotransformation to the psychopharmacologically more potent 11-hydroxylated metabolite. This may explain the minor psychopharmacological activity of the Δ8-isomer. In glandular tissues an accumulation of unchanged Δ9-THC was observed.
Autoradiography revealed characteristic label distributions in some organs 30 min after the administration of the drugs. This labelling pattern was found to be changed after a 6-hr incorporation period. The autoradiographic distribution of Δ8- and Δ9-THC appeared to be identical.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
References
Hollister, L. E., Gillespie, H. K.: Δ8- and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 14, 353–357 (1973)
Jones, R. T.: Tetrahydrocannabinol and the marihuana-induced social “high”, or the effects of the mind of marihuana. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 191, 155–165 (1971)
Just, W. W., Filipovic, N., Werner, G.: Detection of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in saliva of man by means of thin layer chromatography and mass spectrometry. J. Chromatogr. 96, 189–194 (1974)
Just, W. W., Werner, G., Wiechmann, M.: Bestimmung von Δ1- and Δ1(6)-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Blut, Urin und Speichel von Haschischrauchern. Naturwissenschaften 59, 222–223 (1972)
Just, W. W., Werner, G., Erdmann, G., Wiechmann, M.: Detection and identification of Δ8- and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in saliva of man and autoradiographic investigation of their distribution in different organs of the monkey. Strahlentherapie, Sonderband 74, 90–97 (1975)
Kubena, R. K., Perhach, J. L., Jr., Barry, H.: Corticosterone elevation mediated centrally by Δ1-tetrahydrocannabinol in rats. Europ. J. Pharmacol. 14, 89–92 (1971)
Lemberger, L., Martz, R., Rodda, B., Forney, R., Rowe, H.: Comparative pharmacology of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its metabolite, 11-OH-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. J. clin. Invest. 52, 2411–2417 (1973)
Mechoulam, R.: Marihuana chemistry. Sci. 168, 1159–1166 (1970)
Petrzilka, T., Haefliger, W., Sikemeier, C.: 123. Synthese von Haschisch-Inhaltsstoffen. Helv. chim. Acta 52, 1102–1134 (1969)
Wall, M. E.: The in vitro and in vivo metabolism of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 191, 23–39 (1971)
Werner, G., Werner, H., Bosque, P. G., Carreres Quevedo, J.: Eine Methode zur autoradiographischen Darstellung hydrophiler Substanzen in biologischem Material. Z. Naturforsch. 21 b, 238–242 (1966)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Just, W.W., Erdmann, G., Thel, S. et al. Metabolism and autoradiographic distribution of Δ8- and Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol in some organs of the monkey callithrix jacchus. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch. Pharmacol. 287, 219–225 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00510453
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00510453