Synthetic indole-derived cannabinoids, originally developed to probe cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, have become widely abused for their marijuana-like intoxicating properties. The present study examined the effects of indole-derived cannabinoids in rats trained to discriminate Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) from vehicle. In addition, the effects of Delta9-THC in rats trained to discriminate JWH-018 from vehicle were assessed. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 3mg/kg Delta9-THC or 0.3mg/kg JWH-018 from vehicle. JWH-018, JWH-073, and JWH-210 fully substituted in Delta9-THC-trained rats and Delta9-THC substituted in JWH-018-trained rats. In contrast, JWH-320, an indole-derived cannabinoid without affinity for CB1 receptors, failed to substitute for Delta9-THC. Pre-treatment with 1mg/kg rimonabant significantly reduced responding on the JWH-018-associated lever in JWH-018-trained rats. These results support the conclusion that the interoceptive effects of Delta9-THC and synthetic indole-derived cannabinoids show a large degree of overlap, which is predictive of their use for their marijuana-like intoxicating properties. Characterization of the extent of pharmacological differences among structural classes of cannabinoids, and determination of their mechanisms remain important goals
Cross-substitution of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and JWH-018 in drug discrimination in rats
Wiley, J., Lefever, T., Cortes, R., & Marusich, J. (2014). Cross-substitution of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and JWH-018 in drug discrimination in rats. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 124, 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2014.05.016
Abstract
Publications Info
To contact an RTI author, request a report, or for additional information about publications by our experts, send us your request.
Meet the Experts
View All ExpertsRecent Publications
Article
Rate of onset of dopamine transporter inhibitors assessed with intracranial self-stimulation and in vivo dopamine photometry in rats
Article
Personal exposure to PM2.5 in different microenvironments and activities for retired adults in two megacities, China
Article
Estimating global artisanal fishing fleet responses in an era of rapid climate and economic change
Article