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.
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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
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00510453