Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol: Effects on Mammalian Nonmyelinated Nerve Fibers

Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol can be applied to tissue in vitro by dissolving it in Pluronic F68 and ethanol. It causes a decrease in size of the compound action potential of the nonmnyelinated fibers of the vagus nerve of the rabbit. This effect appears to be dose-related and chloride-dependent. Effects on other measurable parameters of nerve function seem to be minimal. Although the amounts required seem to be higher than those required to produce hallucinogenic effects in man, this effect is consistent with other work on Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and may ultimately account for a significant portion of the pharmacological activity of this drug.