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Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
Dopaminergic system does not play a major role in the precipitated cannabinoid withdrawal syndrome
M C Sañudo-Peña1, M Force, K Tsou
1Schrier Research Laboratory, Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Clara@quasar.psych.brown.edu
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 delta 9-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.
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