Abstract
AIM: To determine the dopaminergic system involvement in precipitated cannabinoid withdrawal syndrome. METHODS: The dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 or the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride was administered to rats chronically treated with either Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or vehicle. Subjects were then injected with either SR141716A or vehicle and behavior was observed for 1 h. RESULTS: Administration of the cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716A to animals chronically treated with THC as described by Tsou et al (1995) produced a profound withdrawal syndrome. Treatment with dopamine antagonists did not attenuate cannabinoid precipitated withdrawal syndrome in THC tolerant animals while the agonists increased the syndrome. CONCLUSION: It is unlikely that the dopaminergic system plays a major role in mediating the behavioral aspects of the cannabinoid withdrawal syndrome.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1121-1124 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Acta Pharmacologica Sinica |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 12 |
State | Published - 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cannabinoids
- Dopamine antagonists
- Dopamine D receptors
- Dopamine D receptors
- Pain
- Pruritus
- SR141716A
- Substance withdrawal syndrome
- Tetrahydrocannabinol
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)
- Pharmacology