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Δ 1-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced circling behavior in rats: A possible measure of psychotomimetic activity?

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Abstract

Relatively high dosages of Δ 1-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 1-THC) markedly suppressed almost all normally occurring behavioral elements in rats as observed in both a small and a large open field. This effect persisted following repeated treatment and testing for 3 consecutive days. The psychotropically inert but related compound cannabidiol (CBD) did not suppress behavior, but in contrast had a mild activating effect. Both compounds decreased defecation during the test procedure. In addition, Δ 1-THC, but not CBD, induced a bizarre circling and turning response, that was evident over all 3 test days and occurred even when the rats were deeply sedated. It is suggested that an analysis of this phenomenon may be useful in measuring the psychotominetic action of Δ 1-THC and similar compounds in rats.

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Author notes

  1. Inaae Nir

    Present address: Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rudolf Magnus Institute for Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, State University of Utrecht, Vondellaan 6, 3521 GD, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Inaae Nir, H. Dick Veldhuis & Jan M. van Ree

Authors
  1. Inaae Nir
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  2. H. Dick Veldhuis
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  3. Jan M. van Ree
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Nir, I., Veldhuis, H.D. & van Ree, J.M. Δ 1-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced circling behavior in rats: A possible measure of psychotomimetic activity?. Psychopharmacology 84, 556–560 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00431466

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00431466

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