delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol regulates substance P and enkephalin mRNAs levels in the caudate-putamen.
We have recently localized delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) receptor in the projecting neurons of the striatum which are known to express the neuropeptides substance P and enkephalin. We now report for the first time, by quantitative in situ hybridization, that a 3-week treatment with THC significantly increases in the adult rat caudate-putamen the messenger RNAs levels for substance P and enkephalin. These data indicate that THC may regulate gene expression of neuropeptides in the brain.
Mailleux
P
P
Unité de Recherche sur le Cerveau, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgique.
Vanderhaeghen
J J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D011699:Putamen / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013373:Substance P / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*
D004745:Enkephalins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013373:Substance P; D013759:Dronabinol