Metabolism and autoradiographic distribution of the two isomeric tetrahydrocannabinols, (2,4-14-C)-delta-8-THC and (2,4-14-C)-delta-9-THC, were studied in the marmoset Callithrix jacchus. Of the two cannabinoids, delta-8-THC had a slower initial rate of biotransformation to the psychopharmacologically more potent 11-hydroxylated metabolite. This may explain the minor psychopharmacological activity of the delta-8-isomer. In glandular tissues an accumulation of unchanged delta-9-THC was observed. Autoradiography revealed characteristic label distributions in some organs 30 min after the administration of the drugs. This labelling pattern was found to be changed after a 6-hr incorporation period. The autoradiographic distribution of delta-8 and delta-9-THC appeared to be identical.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.