Delta 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and ethanol: differential effects on sympathetic activity in differing environmental setting.
Serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity, a useful biochemical index of peripheral sympathetic nervous activity, was measured in rats treated with Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol or ethanol or both substances. After 7 days of treatment with either substance, serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity decreased significantly. Combined treatment with both agents enhanced the effects of each given alone. In rats subjected to immobilization stress, treatment with Delta(9)- tetrahydrocannabinol appeared to potentiate the stress-induced increase in serum enzyme activity. Treatment with ethanol, with or without Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, effectively blocked this increase in enzyme activity. These results show that both substances have significant effects on the sympathetic nervous system which are critically influenced by environmental setting.
D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000818:Animals; D002188:Cannabis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000097:blood*; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006018:Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D011095:Polyethylenes; D051381:Rats; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects*
D006018:Glycols; D011095:Polyethylenes; D013759:Dronabinol; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase