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Dependence on tetrahydrocannabinol in rhesus monkeys
The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
|November 1, 1986
Summary
Continuous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration in rhesus monkeys induced dependence. Withdrawal from THC disrupted behavior, but readministration reversed these effects, confirming THC dependence.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Continuous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration may lead to drug dependence.
- Understanding THC dependence is crucial for public health and addiction research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if continuous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) infusion can induce dependence in rhesus monkeys.
- To characterize the behavioral effects of THC withdrawal and the potential for reversal.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkeys were administered continuous intravenous THC infusions under fixed-ratio schedules for food.
- Behavioral disruptions during THC withdrawal were monitored by changes in response rates.
- Effects of THC readministration on withdrawal symptoms were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Continuous THC infusion caused significant decreases in operant response rates during withdrawal, typically appearing on the second day and lasting over a week.
- These withdrawal-induced behavioral disruptions were reversed upon THC re-administration.
- Subsequent withdrawal after re-administration led to similar response rate decreases, confirming dependence.
Conclusions:
- Continuous THC administration can induce dependence in rhesus monkeys, evidenced by significant behavioral disruptions during withdrawal.
- The observed disruptions are reversible with THC re-administration, further supporting the development of dependence.
- These findings highlight the potential for THC to cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms.