Motivational Effects of Cannabinoids Are Mediated
by mu- Opioid and kappa -Opioid Receptors

by
Ghozland S, Matthes HW, Simonin F,
Filliol D, Kieffer BL, Maldonado R.
Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, Facultat de Ciencies de la Salut i de la Vida,
Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain,
and
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unite Propre de Recherche 9050,
Ecole Superieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France.
J Neurosci 2002 Feb 1;22(3):1146-1154


ABSTRACT

Repeated THC administration produces motivational and somatic adaptive changes leading to dependence in rodents. To investigate the molecular basis for cannabinoid dependence and its possible relationship with the endogenous opioid system, we explored [Delta]9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) activity in mice lacking [mu]-, [delta]- or [kappa]-opioid receptor genes. Acute THC-induced hypothermia, antinociception, and hypolocomotion remained unaffected in these mice, whereas THC tolerance and withdrawal were minimally modified in mutant animals. In contrast, profound phenotypic changes are observed in several place conditioning protocols that reveal both THC rewarding and aversive properties. Absence of [mu] receptors abolishes THC place preference. Deletion of [kappa] receptors ablates THC place aversion and furthermore unmasks THC place preference. Thus, an opposing activity of [mu]- and [kappa]-opioid receptors in modulating reward pathways forms the basis for the dual euphoric--dysphoric activity of THC.


CB1
CB2
Hemp oil
Swiss hemp
Hemp seeds
Anandamide
Tolerant mice
Just say know
Cannabis: effects
Forgetful rodents
Endocannabinoids
Cannabinoid/opioid interactions
Cannabinoid-opioid system interactions
Cannabinoid/opioid systems and ethanol
Cannabis, THC and the mu opioid receptors
Cannabidiol and the mu and delta opioid receptors
Opioid gene expression in fetal brain of maternal marijuana users

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15



HOME

Refs
HedWeb
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
Paradise-Engineering
Utopian Pharmacology
The Hedonistic Imperative
When Is It Best To Take Crack Cocaine?


swan image
The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family