The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system
Michael A P Bloomfield1,2,3,4,5, Abhishekh H Ashok1,2,4, Nora D Volkow6
1Psychiatric Imaging Group, Robert Steiner MR Unit, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK.
Abstract:
The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, are a pressing concern for global mental health. Patterns of cannabis use are changing drastically owing to legalization, the availability of synthetic analogues (commonly termed spice), cannavaping and an emphasis on the purported therapeutic effects of cannabis. Many of the reinforcing effects of THC are mediated by the dopamine system. Owing to the complexity of the cannabinoid-dopamine interactions that take place, there is conflicting evidence from human and animal studies concerning the effects of THC on the dopamine system. Acute THC administration causes increased dopamine release and neuron activity, whereas long-term use is associated with blunting of the dopamine system. Future research must examine the long-term and developmental dopaminergic effects of THC.
More Related Videos
07:16Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
08:34Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation
Published on: July 27, 2022
Related Concept Videos
GPCR Desensitization
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions
Drug toxicity: Drug–Drug Interaction
