The effects of rat strain, sex and THC on brain and behaviour : factors that alter the sensitivity to drugs of abuse
Loading...
Date
2014
Authors
Keeley, Robin J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Neuroscience, 2014
Abstract
The laboratory rat has been used for over a century, and through directed and
accidental mechanisms, different rat strains were developed. This study examined the
effect of strain and sex on metrics of brain size and function and in response to
amphetamine. In addition to strain and sex, the adolescent period is sensitive to drugs of
abuse, such as marijuana. This study also examined the effects of post-pubertal exposure
of the psychoactive component of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), to males of
females of two rat strains. Rats were assessed for developmental and adult differences in
brain and behaviour, including alterations in sensitivity to amphetamine. This study also
implemented parametric and nonparametric statistical tests. Strain and sex contributed to
behavioural and neuroanatomical differences between groups exposed to THC during
adolescence, and drug experience in adolescence produced strain- and sex-specific
effects. This study highlights the background-dependent effects of THC on brain and
behaviour.
Description
Keywords
Rat strains , THC , Drugs of abuse , Behavioural differences , Strain and sex differences