The influence of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol on pilocarpine-induced parotid secretions of the rat.
The effects of delta9-THC and its ethanol vehicle on pilocarpine-induced parotid gland secretions were investigated in rats. Single doses of delta9-THC (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) or 95% ethanol were administered i.v. prior to pilocarpine stimulation of saliva. Total flow, alpha-amylase and cation content of the induced saliva were determined at the end of the collection period; while heart rate and blood pressure were monitored throughout each experiment. The ethanol vehicle did not alter any of the parameters when compared to the pilocarpine controls. delta9-THC produced a bradycardia and hypotension which was not dose related in spontaneously breathing rats. Furthermore delta9-THC caused an increase in alpha-amylase concentration without a reduction in salivary flow. The results suggest that delta9-THC exerts a profound influence on the protein composition of parotid secretion which is independent of its cardiovascular effects and its ethanol vehicle.
D000681:Amylases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D010862:Pilocarpine; D013759:Dronabinol; D012964:Sodium; D000681:Amylases; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium