Anticonvulsant action of cannabis in the rat: role of brain monoamines. 1978

P Ghosh, and S K Bhattacharya

The role of brain monoamines in the anticonvulsant action of Cannabis indica resin (CI), against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in albino rats, was investigated by using pharmacologic agents that influence brain monoamine activity. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol content of cannabis resin was estimated to be 17%. The anticonvulsant action of CI (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was significantly inhibited after pretreatment with drugs that reduce brain serotonin activity but not by drugs that reduce brain catecholamine activity. Similarly, the anticonvulsant action of a subanticonvulsant dose (50 mg/kg, i.p.) of CI was potentiated by serotonin precursors but not by catecholamine precursors. Potentiation of the anticonvulsant action of CI by nialamide or by imipramine was inhibited after pretreatment with 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine. The results suggest that the anticonvulsant action of CI in the rat is serotonin- and not catecholamine-mediated.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007099 Imipramine The prototypical tricyclic antidepressant. It has been used in major depression, dysthymia, bipolar depression, attention-deficit disorders, agoraphobia, and panic disorders. It has less sedative effect than some other members of this therapeutic group. Imidobenzyle,Imizin,4,4'-Methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid)-3-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(b,f)azepin-5-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanamine (1:2),Imipramine Hydrochloride,Imipramine Monohydrochloride,Imipramine Pamoate,Janimine,Melipramine,Norchlorimipramine,Pryleugan,Tofranil
D008297 Male Males
D009526 Nialamide An MAO inhibitor that is used as an antidepressive agent.
D012018 Reflex An involuntary movement or exercise of function in a part, excited in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the brain or spinal cord.
D012110 Reserpine An alkaloid found in the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina and R. vomitoria. Reserpine inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine into storage vesicles resulting in depletion of catecholamines and serotonin from central and peripheral axon terminals. It has been used as an antihypertensive and an antipsychotic as well as a research tool, but its adverse effects limit its clinical use. Raunervil,Raupasil,Rausedil,Rausedyl,Serpasil,Serpivite,V-Serp,V Serp
D001921 Brain The part of CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM that is contained within the skull (CRANIUM). Arising from the NEURAL TUBE, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including PROSENCEPHALON (the forebrain); MESENCEPHALON (the midbrain); and RHOMBENCEPHALON (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of CEREBRUM; CEREBELLUM; and other structures in the BRAIN STEM. Encephalon
D002188 Cannabis The plant genus in the Cannabaceae plant family, Urticales order, Hamamelidae subclass. The flowering tops are called many slang terms including pot, marijuana, hashish, bhang, and ganja. The stem is an important source of hemp fiber. Bhang,Ganja,Hashish,Hemp,Cannabis indica,Cannabis sativa,Hemp Plant,Marihuana,Marijuana,Bhangs,Cannabi,Ganjas,Hashishs,Hemp Plants,Hemps,Plant, Hemp,Plants, Hemp
D004597 Electroshock Induction of a stress reaction in experimental subjects by means of an electrical shock; applies to either convulsive or non-convulsive states. Electroconvulsive Shock,Electroconvulsive Shocks,Electroshocks,Shock, Electroconvulsive,Shocks, Electroconvulsive
D005260 Female Females
D006614 Hindlimb Either of two extremities of four-footed non-primate land animals. It usually consists of a FEMUR; TIBIA; and FIBULA; tarsals; METATARSALS; and TOES. (From Storer et al., General Zoology, 6th ed, p73) Hindlimbs

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