Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibition of suckling-induced prolactin release in the lactating rat.
To study effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the regulation of prolactin (PRL) release, a chronic cannula was placed in the right atrium of postpartum lactating rats. Two or more days later their pups were removed for 6--8 hours. A blood sample was drawn from the mother just prior to reintroducing the pups, for determination of basal levels of plasma PRL. A second sample was drawn following 30 min of continuous suckling. THC (1.25 or 4.0 mg/Kg) or vehicle was then injected intravenously and blood samples obtained 30, 60, 120 min later. Relative to vehicle-injected controls, both doses of THC significantly reduced plasma PRL levels and disrupted all components of maternal behavior. These findings indicate that THC inhibits suckling-induced PRL release in the postpartum rat.
D000818:Animals; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007700:Kinetics; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D051381:Rats
D013759:Dronabinol; D011388:Prolactin