Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol enhances an increase of plasma corticosterone levels induced by forced swim-stress.
The present study was designed to determine the effect of delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on susceptibility to stress. We reported that THC significantly prolonged the immobility time during the forced swim-stress. The selective cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist O-2050 significantly reduced the enhancement of immobility by THC. We investigated the effect of THC on levels of stress hormone corticosterone under non-stress and forced swim-stress conditions. THC did not affect plasma corticosterone levels under non-stress conditions. However, THC, together with forced swim-stress, significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels. This effect was inhibited by O-2050. This evidence suggests that THC, under stressful conditions, enhances the susceptibility of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis to stress via the CB(1) receptor, thereby increasing the risk of depression.
Sano
Kazunori
K
Advanced Materials Institute, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
Koushi
Emi
E
Irie
Keiichi
K
Higuchi
Sei
S
Tsuchihashi
Ryota
R
Kinjo
Junei
J
Egashira
Nobuaki
N
Oishi
Ryozo
R
Uchida
Naoki
N
Nagai
Hiroshi
H
Nishimura
Ryoji
R
Tanaka
Hiroyuki
H
Morimoto
Satoshi
S
Mishima
Kenichi
K
Iwasaki
Katsunori
K
Fujiwara
Michihiro
M
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood*; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000494:pharmacology*; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000187:drug effects*; D013550:Swimming
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D013759:Dronabinol; D003345:Corticosterone