delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol regulates gene expression of the growth factor pleiotrophin in the forebrain

Neurosci Lett. 1994 Jul 4;175(1-2):25-7. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(94)91069-3.

Abstract

delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a major psychoactive component of cannabis. We here studied, by quantitative in situ hybridization at the macroscopic level, the possible modulatory effects of acute THC (5 mg/kg/i.p.) on gene expression of the growth factor pleiotrophin (PTN) in the adult rat forebrain. We found, 30 min after a single injection of THC, a significant increase of PTN mRNA concentrations in the cingulate cortex (38%), fronto-parietal cortex (31%) and caudate-putamen (27%). In conclusion, this is the first report on THC regulation of growth factor gene expression in the brain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis*
  • Dronabinol / pharmacology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Nerve Growth Factors / biosynthesis*
  • Organ Specificity
  • Prosencephalon / drug effects
  • Prosencephalon / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • pleiotrophin
  • Dronabinol