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Electrical and behavioral attenuation of the anti-convulsant properties of δ9-THC following chronic administrations

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Abstract

The anti-convulsant properties of δ 9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (δ 9-THC) were examined in rats subjected to daily convulsions induced by direct electrical stimulation of either the anterior limbic cortex or the amygdala. During the development of the convulsions (kindling) and during the repeated daily injections of δ 9-THC, electroencephalographic records were taken. THC was administered daily until the animals were behaviorally tolerant. The drug had, initially, a very pronounced effect on the sub-cortical seizures and a slightly lesser effect on the cortical seizures—either stopping them entirely or reducing their duration. However, as the animals became tolerant to THC (defined behaviorally and electrically), the anti-convulsant properties of the drug diminished.

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This work was supported by Medical Research Council Grant -MRC-DA-13 and National Health and Welfare Grant 1215-5-54 to P. A. Fried.

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Fried, P.A., McIntyre, D.C. Electrical and behavioral attenuation of the anti-convulsant properties of δ9-THC following chronic administrations. Psychopharmacologia 31, 215–227 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00422512

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00422512

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