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Chronic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Transient and lasting effects on avoidance behavior
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reliably elevated shock rates in rats, but tolerance developed quickly. The study highlights how the consequences of a drug
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
- Understanding THC's effects on behavior and tolerance is crucial for its therapeutic and recreational use.
- Previous research indicates variable behavioral effects of THC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of tolerance to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a behavioral task.
- To examine the relationship between drug effects and behavioral consequences in tolerance development.
- To assess the impact of chronic THC administration on shock avoidance behavior in rats.
Main Methods:
- Albino rats with extensive experience in free-operant (Sidman) lever-press shock avoidance were used.
- Daily intragastric administration of THC (30 mg/kg) for 1 to 6 weeks, 3 hours before testing.
- Monitoring of response rates and shock rates throughout the study period.
Main Results:
- THC administration initially elevated shock rates, but complete tolerance developed within 6 sessions.
- Variable changes in individual animal response rates were observed.
- Some rats exhibited significantly lower shock rates than baseline after tolerance development, maintaining this level until THC discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- The development of tolerance to THC's effects is significantly influenced by the behavioral consequences of the drug's impact.
- Behavioral outcomes play a critical role in modulating drug tolerance.
- These findings suggest that the organism's interaction with the drug's effects is a key factor in tolerance.