The long-term effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on microtubule dynamicity in rats

Abstract

Studies reported that Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) is an essential drug as an anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory agent. However, the mechanism by which Δ⁹-THC causes these events remains to be elucidated. We attempted to investigate the in vivo studies of Δ⁹-THC on brain microtubule dynamicity, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The microtubule polymerization, secondary and tertiary structures of α/β-tubulins, as well as the AChE activity, were evaluated in the experimental groups. The significantly lowest optical density and initial rate of polymerization was observed in THC 3 mg/kg, THC 9 mg/kg, and THC 18 mg/kg treated groups. The content of secondary and tertiary structures of α/β-tubulins was significantly affected in treated groups. The AChE activity was significantly lower in treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. These data highlight the microtubule dynamicity as a molecular target for Δ⁹-THC, which affects memory dysfunction. However, Δ⁹-THC can be inhibited the AChE activity and provide an improved therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: AChE activity; ATP (PubChem CID: 5957); GTP (PubChem CID: 6830); Memory function; Microtubule dynamicity; THC (CAS # 34675-49-5); Δ(9)-THC.