Interaction of ambient temperature with the effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on brain catecholamine synthesis and plasma corticosterone levels.

The effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on body temperature, catecholamine synthesis and plasma corticosteroid levels were examined in the mouse at ambient temperatures of 31 degrees, 20 degrees and 10 degrees C in order to study the role of hypothermia in the THC's other actions. THC produced hypothermia at 10 degrees and 20 degrees C, but not at 31 degrees C. Dose related increases in dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis rates and plasma corticosterone levels were produced by THC at both 31 degrees and 20 degrees C. The effects of THC at 10 degrees C were biphasic. These data indicate that the effects of THC on brain catecholamines are not a result of drug induced hypothermia and may be a result of a direct action on neurons.