skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Effects of chronic delta-9-THC treatment on cardiac beta-adrenoceptors in rats

Journal Article · · Pharmacol., Biochem. Behav.; (United States)

This study was designed to determine if chronic treatment with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alters cardiac beta-adrenoceptors in the rat. Following daily oral administration of 10 or 20 mg/kg THC or an equivalent volume of control solvent for 90 days, rats were sacrificed, and sarcolemmal membranes were prepared from ventricular myocardium. Beta-adrenoceptor density and binding affinity estimated with (-)(/sup 3/H)dihydroalprenolol; a beta-adrenergic antagonist, were not significantly affected by treatment with THC when compared to vehicle controls. These results suggest that the tolerance to cardiovascular effects of THC which develops during chronic exposure in the rat is not associated with alterations in cardiac beta-adrenoceptors as monitored by radiolabeled antagonist binding.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
OSTI ID:
5607626
Journal Information:
Pharmacol., Biochem. Behav.; (United States), Vol. 28:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English