Influence of the anabolic-androgenic steroid nandrolone on cannabinoid dependence.

• The identification of the possible factors that might enhance the risk of developing drug addiction and related motivational disorders is crucial to reduce the prevalence of these problems. Here, we examined in mice whether the exposure to the anabolic-androgenic steroid nandrolone would affect the pharmacological and motivational effects induced by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa. Mice received nandrolone using pre-exposure (during 14 days before THC treatment) or co-administration (1h before each THC injection) procedures. Both nandrolone treatments did not modify the acute anti nociceptive, hypothermic and hypolocomotor effects of THC or the development of tolerance after chronic THC administration. Nandrolone pre-exposure blocked THC- and food-induced conditioned place preference and increased the somatic manifestations of THC withdrawal precipitated by the CB1 cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant (SR141617A). The aversive effects of THC were not changed by nandrolone. Furthermore, nandrolone pre-exposure attenuated the anxiolytic-like effects of a low dose of THC without altering the anxiogenic-like effects of a high dose in the lit/dark box, open field and elevated plus-maze. Biochemical experiments showed that chronic nandrolone treatment did not modify CB1 receptor binding and GTP-binding protein activation in the caudate-putamen and cerebellum. Taken together, our results suggest that chronic nandrolone treatment alters behavioural responses related to cannabinoid addictive properties.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Farmaceutiska vetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Pharmaceutical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Anabolic Agents/*administration & dosage

Androgens/*administration & dosage

Animals

Cannabinoids/metabolism/pharmacology

Dose-Response Relationship; Drug

Male

Mice

Motor Activity/drug effects/physiology

Nandrolone/*administration & dosage

Pain Measurement/drug effects/methods

Protein Binding/drug effects/physiology

Receptor; Cannabinoid; CB1/metabolism

Substance-Related Disorders/*drug therapy/metabolism/psychology

Tetrahydrocannabinol/metabolism/*pharmacology

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)