Year: 1982
Type: article
Abstract: The depolarization-dependent uptake of calcium was studied in synaptosomes isolated from whole mouse brain and regions of rat brain.In vitro addition of A'-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibited calcium uptake.The brainstem was most sensitive to this effect-a lo-@ M THC concentration was sufficient to inhibit uptake by synaptosomes from this region.Cannabidiol produced effects similar to those of THC.Cannabinol was inactive.At a concentration of 10m5 M, THC markedly inhibited calcium uptake, enhanced calcium efflux, and decreased the synaptosomal membrane potential.These results suggest that this concentration of THC damages synaptosomal membranes.Since lower concentrations of THC did not affect membrane potential or calcium efflux, they apparently inhibit calcium uptake through a direct action on calcium channels.We suggest that inhibition of synaptosomal calcium uptake may be involved in the anticonvulsant action of cannabinoids.
Source: Journal of Neuroscience
Authors: RA Harris, JA Stokes
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W1549210596