Project 9

Cannabinoid and alcohol interactions in the control of prepulse inhibition

We have evidence that the effects of cannabinoids on PPI in rodents differ depending on whether or not alcohol is administered concurrently. Other researchers have shown an interaction between beer drinking and cannabinoids in rats. This honours project will explore this relationship between alcohol consumption and cannabinoid agonist administration further.

References

Stanley-Cary, CC, Harris, Martin-Iverson (2002) Differing effects of the cannabinoid agonist, CP 55,940, in an alcohol or Tween 80 solvent, on prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex in the rat. Behavioural Pharmacology 13: 15-28.

Gallate, JE, Saharov, Mallet, McGregor (1999) Increased motivation for beer in rats following administration of a cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist. European Journal of Pharmacology 370: 233-240.

Gallate, JE & McGregor (1999) The motivation for beer in rats: effects of ritanserin, naloxone and SR 141716. Psychopharmacology 142: 302-308.

Topple, AN, Hunt, McGregor (1998) Possible neural substrates of beer-craving in rats. Neuroscience Letters 252: 99-102