Repeated exposure to JWH-018 induces adaptive changes in the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways, glial cells alterations, and behavioural correlates.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Spice/K2 herbal mixtures, containing synthetic cannabinoids such as JWH-018, have been marketed as marijuana surrogates since 2004. JWH-018 has cannabinoid CB₁ receptor-dependent reinforcing properties and acutely increases dopaminergic transmission selectively in the NAc shell. Here, we tested the hypothesis that repeated administration of JWH-018 (i) modulates behaviour, (ii) affects dopaminergic transmission and its responsiveness to motivational stimuli, and (iii) is associated with a neuroinflammatory phenotype.

Experimental approach

Rats were administered with JWH-018 once a day for 14 consecutive days. We then performed behavioural, electrophysiological, and neurochemical evaluation at multiple time points after drug discontinuation.<

SUBMITTER: Pintori N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8457172 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature