Forensic aspects of the metabolism and excretion of cannabinoids following oral ingestion of cannabis resin.

Following oral ingestion of cannabis resin, delta 9-THC-11-oic acid and its O-ester glucuronide were detected using RIA and combined hplc/RIA and shown to be major plasma metabolites of delta 9-THC. delta 9-THC-11-oic acid was not excreted in the urine in significant concentrations, the glucuronide conjugate being the major urinary metabolite detected. delta 9-THC metabolites were detected in blood for up to 5 days and in urine for up to 12 days following a single oral dose of delta 9-THC (20 mg).

Cutaneous histamine-releasing activity of dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) in guinea pigs.

Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) induced swelling in guinea pig ears was found to be abolished by H1- and H2-receptor blocking agents. On histological examination of the ears some degranulation of mast cells was seen. It was concluded that the swelling was mediated by histamine release.

Prolactin responses to cimetidine.

1 An intravenous injection of cimetidine 400 mg to four healthy male subjects resulted in high blood concentrations of cimetidine and a rapid three-fold increase in serum prolactin. 2 This effect was prevented by pretreatment with bromocriptine. 3 No increase in prolactin followed a single oral dose of cimetidine 800 mg administered to a different group of healthy male subjects.