Interactions between delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and phencyclidine hydrochloride in rats

delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg, PO) impaired avoidance and rotarod performance, and caused bradycardia and hypothermia. Phencyclidine (PCP; 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 mg/kg, IP) impaired avoidance and rotarod performance and caused a marked increase in photocell activity. When combined, the depressant properties of each drug were enhanced and the stimulation of photocell activity cg/kg THC and its interactions with PCP followed subacute treatment for six days, whereas many of the effects of PCP were enhanced after subacute treatment with a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Open-field behavior was affected by each drug alone and in combination in a similar way as photocell activity, but the depression caused by their interaction was greater; both drugs caused an increase in urination. Response rates on an FR-10 schedule of food reinforcement were decreased by 2.5 mg/kg PCP, but not by 5.0 mg/kg THC; the combination caused greater response suppression than either drug alone. The functional interactions between THC and PCP were not related to changes in the concentrations of 14C or 3H in plasma or brain derived from 14C-delta9-THC and 3H-PCP, respectively.