Cannabinoid withdrawal syndrome is reduced in double mu and delta opioid receptor knockout mice

Several studies have shown a functional relationship between the endogenous cannabinoid and opioid systems. However, acute effects of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and physical dependence were not modified in knockout mice with single deletion of mu (MOR), delta (DOR) or kappa (KOR) opioid receptors. To further investigate the neurobiological basis of cannabinoid dependence, we have evaluated acute pharmacological responses, rewarding effects, tolerance and dependence to THC in double MOR/DOR knockout mice. Antinociception and hypolocomotion induced by acute THC administration remained unaffected, whereas the hypothermic effect was slightly attenuated in these double knockout mice. During chronic THC treatment, knockout mice developed slower tolerance to the hypothermic effect, but the development of tolerance to antinociceptive and hypolocomotor effects was unchanged. The rewarding properties of THC, measured in the conditioned place preference paradigm, were reduced in knockout mice. Interestingly, the somatic manifestations of THC withdrawal were also significantly attenuated in mutant mice, suggesting that a cooperative action of MOR and DOR is required for the entire expression of THC dependence.