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Science 29 June 1973:
Vol. 180. no. 4093, pp. 1368 - 1369
DOI: 10.1126/science.180.4093.1368
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Articles

Dgr9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Ethanol: Differential Effects on Sympathetic Activity in Differing Environmental Setting

Lorenz K. Y. Ng 1, Friedhelm Lamprecht 1, Redford B. Williams 1, and Irwin J. Kopin 1

1 Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014

Serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity, a useful biochemical index of peripheral sympathetic nervous activity, was measured in rats treated with Dgr9-tetrahydrocannabinol or ethanol or both substances. After 7 days of treatment with either substance, serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity decreased significantly. Combined treatment with both agents enhanced the effects of each given alone. In rats subjected to immobilization stress, treatment with Dgr9- tetrahydrocannabinol appeared to potentiate the stress-induced increase in serum enzyme activity. Treatment with ethanol, with or without Dgr9-tetrahydrocannabinol, effectively blocked this increase in enzyme activity. These results show that both substances have significant effects on the sympathetic nervous system which are critically influenced by environmental setting.

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)