Suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by cannabinoids.
The effect of delta 8-THC on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was examined. delta 8-THC is an analogue of delta 9-THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. It is more stable and less psychotropic than delta 9-THC and like the latter it binds to the brain cannabinoid receptor. Two strains of rats were inoculated for EAE, and delta 8-THC (40 mg/kg) was administered for up to 21 days. delta 8-THC significantly reduced the incidence and severity of neurological deficit in both rat strains. The beneficial influence of delta 8-THC only occurred on oral administration and not with parenteral injection. Serum corticosterone levels were twofold elevated in rats with EAE chronically treated with delta 8-THC. These results suggest that suppression of EAE by cannabinoids may be related to their effect on corticosterone secretion.
Department of Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
I
I
Wirguin
R
R
Mechoulam
A
A
Breuer
E
E
Schezen
J
J
Weidenfeld
T
T
Brenner
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew
C035731:delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol; D013759:Dronabinol; D003345:Corticosterone