Effect of Δ9- and Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol on the Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System In Vitro

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Δ⁹- and Δ⁸tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on some isolated muscles. The results observed show that Δ⁹- and Δ⁸THC do not have agonistic activity on the vas deferens, the phrenic nerve – diaphragm, and the ileum preparations. On the other hand, both compounds produce a transient potentiation followed by the inhibition of the acetylcholine-induced contraction as well as a potentiation of the musculotropic activity of noradrenaline on the isolated vas deferens. Furthermore, we have observed that Δ⁸THC reverses the anti-cholinergic action of atropine, conteracts the anti-angiotensin activity of morphine, and finally, abolishes the potentiation of noradrenaline produced by cocaine. On the phrenic nerve – diaphragm preparation Δ⁹THC does not modify the contraction produced by nerve stimulation but alters the effect of physostigmine, an anti-cholinesterase inhibitor.