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Cerebellar activity and disturbed time sense after THC
R J Mathew1, W H Wilson, T G Turkington
1Department of Psychiatry and Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3972, Durham, NC 27710, USA. mathe008@mc.duke.edu
Brain Research
|July 17, 1998
Summary
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from marijuana can increase brain blood flow in some individuals. Decreased cerebellar blood flow after THC was linked to impaired time sense, possibly due to the cerebellum's role in timing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug.
- Understanding its effects on brain function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on brain blood flow and behavior.
- To explore the relationship between brain activity changes and behavioral alterations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Administered THC infusion to 46 healthy volunteers.
- Measured changes in brain blood flow and assessed behavioral correlates.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in cortical and cerebellar blood flow was observed following THC infusion in some subjects.
- Not all subjects exhibited increased blood flow; some showed a decrease.
- A decrease in cerebellar blood flow correlated with an altered sense of time.
Conclusions:
- THC has variable effects on brain blood flow.
- Cerebellar blood flow changes may be linked to time perception deficits.
- The cerebellum's role in internal timing systems warrants further investigation in the context of THC use.