Pharmacological profile of delta 9-THC carbamate

1-N,N-bis-(Dichloroethyl)carbamate-delta 9-THC (THC carbamate), a nitrogen mustard analog of delta 9-THC, was recently synthesized as a potential anti-tumor agent. The decrease in spontaneous activity, induction of hypothermia, and the antinociceptive properties of THC carbamate and delta 9-THC were compared. THC carbamate and delta 9-THC were administered by a number of peripheral routes as well as intraventricularly (ivt). THC carbamate lacked cannabinoid activity following peripheral administration, with the exception of iv administration which produced very weak cannabimimetic effects. In contrast, THC carbamate was equipotent to delta 9-THC in reducing rectal temperature by 3 degrees C, and 5 times less active in decreasing spontaneous activity following ivt administration. The apparent lack of central effects following peripheral administration might limit the effectiveness of THC carbamate as an anti-emetic agent, but its use as a site-directed alkylator (a receptor probe) holds promise.