Alteration of membrane integrity by delta1-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Delta1-tetrahydrocannabinol was found to be a potent inhibitor of some membrane-bound enzymes, such as Mg-ATPase, Na-K-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase. At a given concentration, the degree of inhibition varied for each enzyme; the inhibition was more pronounced for the enzymes that are parts of the membranes. As the kinetic parameters of these enzymes are functions of the membrane composition and organization, these parameters were studied in vitro in the presence of THC. Although the Mg-ATPase was inhibited by THC, there was no change in the allosteric behaviour of the enzyme, indicating that the alterations caused by THC did not affect the enzymatic structure. The Na-K-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase had a different allosteric behaviour as compared to controls; these modifications were like the alterations caused by the decrease in membrane fluidity. These results suggest the fact that THC is incorporated in the membranes and causes alterations in the physical organization of the membranes.