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Effect of Δ9-THC on the open-field activity of the rat

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  • Animal Studies
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Abstract

Using the open-field activity of the hooded rat as a model of overall activity, the dose-response and time-action effects of doses of Δ 9-THC which did not adversely affect spontaneous activity or behavior on appetitively motivated tasks were studied. Subjects received two exposures to an open field one week apart. Prior to the first exposure subjects were treated with small doses of Tween 80-water. At 30 min or 3 h prior to the second exposure subjects were treated with Tween or Δ 9-THC in doses which ranged from 0.5–5 mg/kg. Results indicated that Δ 9-THC affected various indices of open-field activity such as grooming, sniffing and ambulation differently depending on the time after injection. Rearing and defecation were affected similarly by THC independent of post-injection intervals.

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This research was supported by USPHS Grant No. R01-MH18392-01. The Δ 9-THC was supplied by Dr. John A. Scigliano, NIMH, Chevy Chase, Maryland. The authors wish to thank Dr. Patrick Deluca for assistance in the solvent studies.

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Drew, W.G., Miller, L.L. & Wikler, A. Effect of Δ9-THC on the open-field activity of the rat. Psychopharmacologia 23, 289–299 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404134

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404134

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