The effects of acute treatment with Delta(9)-THC on exploratory behaviour and memory in the rat

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Delta(9)-tetrah ydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) on exploratory behaviour and memory, independ ent of its locomotor suppressive effects. Dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline ( NA) contents were determined in the areas of the brain directly related to such behaviours (hippocampus, striatum and amygdala). An acute dose of Delt a(9)-THC led to a decrease in exploratory parameters and motor activity dur ing the holeboard test. The radial arm maze was used to evaluate the effect s of this cannabinoid substance on memory. Animals treated with Delta(9)-TH C committed more errors in the maze test compared to control, particularly when the retention process was put to test. Furthermore, treatment with Del ta(9)-THC led to reduced NA contents in the hippocampus and increased DA co ntents in the amygdala, without changes in the striatum.