Alteration in the level of endogenous hypothalamic prostaglandins induced by delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the rat.
1 Whole brain and regional brain levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-like material have been determined following administration of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9 -THC) in rats. 2 Intravenous administration of delta 9-THC 2 mg/kg, resulted in marked behavioural changes and hypothermia. The behavioural changes consisted mainly of catatonia (most apparent at 30 min after administration of delta 9-THC), followed by sedation (most evident at 60 min). Hypothermia was marked from 30 min after administration of delta 9-THC. 3 delta 9-THC did not after the whole brain levels of PGE2-like material 30, 60 or 120 min after administration. 4 delta 9-THC did not alter the levels of PGE2-like material in the medulla oblongata/pons, midbrain, cortex and cerebellum, 30 min after administration. However, there was a significant reduction of PGE2-like material in the hypothalamus, 30 min after delta 9-THC. 5 It is suggested that the delta 9-THC-induced decrease in hypothalamic PGE2-like material may contribute to the hypothermia observed following delta 9-THC administration.
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D015232:Dinoprostone; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000378:metabolism*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011458:Prostaglandins E / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013997:Time Factors
D011453:Prostaglandins; D011458:Prostaglandins E; D013759:Dronabinol; D015232:Dinoprostone