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Braida D, Iosue S, Pegorini S, Sala M. 
“Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced conditioned place preference and intracerebroventricular self-administration in rats”. 
European Journal of Pharmacology. 2004 Dec;506(1):63-69.
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  • Braida D
  • Iosue S
  • Pegorini S
  • Sala M
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  • Erowid RefID: 6410
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    Abstract
    On the basis of contradictory findings on the rewarding effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in laboratory animals, the effect of the compound on conditioned place preference and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) self-administration in a free-choice procedure, using a wide range of doses (0.015–6 mg/kg for conditioned place preference test and 0.01–1 μg/2 μl/infusion for i.c.v. self-administration), was studied in Wistar rats. The present results showed that Δ9-THC induced reward in both tests, but only at the lowest tested doses (0.075–0.75 mg/kg i.p. for conditioned place preference test and 0.01–0.02 μg/infusion for i.c.v. self-administration). This effect was fully antagonised by i.p. pretreatment with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, SR 141716A [N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4 methyl pyrazole 3-carboxamide] (0.25–1 mg/kg), and the opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone (0.5–2 mg/kg), suggesting the involvement of both endocannabinoid and opioid systems. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that low doses of Δ9-THC can act as an effective reinforcer in Wistar rats providing a reliable animal model of human marijuana abuse.
    Comments and Responses to this Article
    #
    Status: display
    earth
    Apr 17, 2011 1:59
    One of a Series of Place Preference Papers #
    There have been a number of papers in recent years looking at conditioned place preference as a way to measure some reinforcing effect with cannabinoids. Over the last 35 years, anti-cannabis researchers have been surprisingly unable to develop really solid and convincing models of addictive behaviour around cannabis in rats and non-human primates.

    See a PubMed search for THC and place preference.

    Perhaps the most interesting finding here is some confirmation of recent research that shows that cannabis reinforcing effects are blocked by the opiate-antagonist naloxone.

    See a PubMed search for THC and naloxone.
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