Evaluation of sex differences in cannabinoid dependence

Marusich, Julie A.; Lefever, Timothy W.; Antonazzo, Kateland R.; Craft, Rebecca M.; Wiley, Jenny L.

doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.01.019

Cited by 41 publications

(48 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Research in humans (Mendelson et al, 1986) and primates (Smith et al, 1983) also suggests that cannabinoid exposure can alter luteinizing hormone levels and menstrual cycling and that tolerance to this effect develops. Given that the chronic THC dose used in the present study was lower than those used in previous studies in which cycle disruption was observed (5.4 mg/kg THC twice-daily in the present study vs. 25–30 mg/kg THC once- or twice-daily in previous studies (Marusich et al, 2014; O’Connell et al, 1987)), the chronic THC dose likely contributes to differences among study outcomes. Future work will need to examine dose- and time-dependent effects of chronic THC on reproductive cycling to more comprehensively characterize this effect.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 61%

“…Although chronic oral cannabinoid administration has not been shown to produce long-term disruption of estrous cycling in rats, cannabinoid exposure prior to the luteinizing hormone surge can delay the onset of estrus (O’Connell et al, 1987). In contrast, chronic s.c. THC administration has been shown to disrupt estrous cycling in female rats (Marusich et al, 2014). Research in humans (Mendelson et al, 1986) and primates (Smith et al, 1983) also suggests that cannabinoid exposure can alter luteinizing hormone levels and menstrual cycling and that tolerance to this effect develops.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sex differences in antinociceptive tolerance to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the rat

Wakley

Wiley

Craft

2014

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

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Background Sex differences in cannabinoid effects have been reported in rodents, with adult females typically being more sensitive than adult males. The present study compared the development of antinociceptive tolerance to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in adult, gonadally intact female vs. male rats. Methods Cumulative dose-effect curves were obtained for THC (1.0–18 mg/kg i.p.) on warm water tail withdrawal and paw pressure tests. Vehicle or the sex-specific ED80 dose for THC was administered twice daily for 9 days; THC dose-effect curves were then re-determined. Results On the pre-chronic test day, THC was significantly more potent in females than males in producing antinociception on the tail withdrawal and paw pressure tests. After 9 days of twice-daily THC treatment (5.4 mg/kg/injection in females, 7.6 mg/kg/injection in males), THC potency on both tests decreased more in females than males. On the tail withdrawal test, chronic THC produced 4.2- vs. 2.8-fold increases in ED50 values in females vs. males, respectively. On the paw pressure test, chronic THC produced 4.4- vs. 2.9-fold increases in ED50 values in females vs. males, respectively. Chronic THC treatment did not significantly disrupt estrous cycling in females. Conclusions These results demonstrate that – even when sex differences in acute THC potency are controlled for – females develop more antinociceptive tolerance to THC than males. Given the importance of drug tolerance in the development of drug dependence, these results suggest that females may be more vulnerable than males to developing dependence after chronic cannabinoid exposure.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 61%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sex differences in antinociceptive tolerance to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the rat

Wakley

Wiley

Craft

2014

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

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“…In rodents, psychotic-like behavior is modeled by diminished prepulse inhibition, related to deficits in sensorimotor gating and attention in people with schizophrenia, and enhanced acoustic startle reflex [178]. THC exposure significantly reduced prepulse inhibition in female rats [178] and enhanced acoustic startle activity in both males and females [179]. These findings highlight potential mechanisms that may contribute to sex differences in the impact of cannabis on schizophrenia and psychosis.…”

Section: Sex Differences In Cannabis Use Comorbidity With Psychiatricmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanisms Underlying Sex Differences in Cannabis Use

et al. 2017

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Purpose of the Review Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide. In recent decades, highly concentrated products have flooded the market, and prevalence rates have increased. Gender differences exist in cannabis use, as men have higher prevalence of both cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD), while women progress more rapidly from first use to CUD. This paper reviews findings from preclinical and human studies examining the sex-specific neurobiological underpinnings of cannabis use and CUD, and associations with psychiatric symptoms. Recent Findings Sex differences exist in the endocannabinoid system, in cannabis exposure effects on brain structure and function, and in the co-occurrence of cannabis use with symptoms of anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. In female cannabis users, anxiety symptoms correlate with larger amygdala volume and social anxiety disorder symptoms correlate with CUD symptoms. Female cannabis users are reported to be especially vulnerable to earlier onset of schizophrenia, and mixed trends emerge in the correlation of depressive symptoms with cannabis exposure in females and males. Summary As prevalence of cannabis use may continue to increase given the shifting policy landscape regarding marijuana laws, understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of cannabis exposure in females and males is key. Examining these mechanisms may help inform future research on sex-specific pharmacological and behavioral interventions for women and men with high-risk cannabis use, comorbid psychiatric disease, and CUD.

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“…There was also a significant anxiogeniclike effect in females during drug abstinence but an anxiolytic-like effect in males during drug abstinence (Harte-Hargrove and Dow-Edwards, 2012). Previous studies have also reported no sex differences in precipitated withdrawal (Marusich et al, 2014).…”

Section: Sex Differences In Drug Abusementioning

confidence: 83%