Abstract

DI BERNARDO, María Luisa et al. Assessment physiological and neurochemical effects of high concentrations of Tetrahydrocannabinol in biological models. INHRR [online]. 2013, vol.44, n.2, pp.41-50. ISSN 0798-0477.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological and neurochemical effects in 60 (Naval Medical Research Institute) NMRI male mice strains in young adult - age average weight 25.45 ± 3.05 g, underwent six weeks at doses of the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana the Δ -9-tetrahydrocannabinol in concentrations between 4-20 %. Retroorbital blood shots were conducted to evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters before, during and post experience. Weight, water intake, food, horizontal and vertical locomotors activity include: measures such as monitored. At the end of the experience autopsy was conducted and sampling of brain regions to measure levels of amino acid neurotransmitters and dopamine. These results suggest that high concentrations of the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana consumers become more dependent with consequent physiological and neurological damage. This leads to more and more drugs is needed to produce the same effect.

Keywords : marijuana; -9-tetrahydrocannabinol; hematology; blood biochemistry; neurotransmitters; dopamine; Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice.