Alterations in murine delayed type hypersensitivity responses by delta-8-THC and cannabinol.

Abstract

The ability of cannabinol and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC), two cannabinoid marihuana components, to modify delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was investigated in mice. Reduction of DTH reactivity by cannabinol required multiple, daily, postimmunization drug administration. Neither multiple preimmunization dosings nor a single postimmunization dosing was effective. Delta-8-THC produced moderate (13-33%) suppression of DTH reactivity only upon multiple, preimmunization treatments, whereas postimmunization administration only delayed peak DTH reactivity 24 hours without altering the absolute response level. These results indicate that delta-8-THC and cannabinol possess slight to moderate activity in the suppression of DTH.

• Authors: J A Levy, G H Heppner
• Journal: Journal of immunopharmacology (J Immunopharmacol) 1978-1979 Vol. 1 Issue 1 Pg. 105-14 ISSN: 0163-0571 [Print] United States
• PMID: 233841 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cannabinoids
• delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol
• Dronabinol
• Cannabinol

Topics

• Animals
• Cannabinoids (pharmacology)
• Cannabinol (pharmacology)
• Dronabinol (pharmacology)
• Hypersensitivity, Delayed (immunology)
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C