Hyperphagia in pre-fed rats following oral δ 9-THC

Abstract

WILLIAMS, C.M., P.J. ROGERS AND T.C. KIRKHAM. Hyperphagia in pre-fed rats following oral Δ 9-THC. PHYSIOL BEHAV 65(2) 343–346, 1998.—Using a pre-feed paradigm, the effects of orally-administered Δ 9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on low baseline levels of nocturnal feeding were assessed. Following 2-h access to a palatable wet mash diet at dark onset, adult male Lister hooded rats (Charles River) were treated with either sesame seed oil vehicle or Δ 9- tetrahydrocannabinol (0.063, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/kg). One hour later, rats were allowed ad libitum access to standard chow, and intakes were monitored over the subsequent 24 h. Doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg produced substantial hyperphagia during the first hour of testing. Subsequently, rats compensated for their overconsumption so that 24-h intakes were similar in all conditions. The data confirm anecdotal reports of the orexigenic actions of exogenous cannabinoids and suggest a critical role for endogenous cannabinoid systems in the regulation of appetite .