The modulation of long-term potentiation by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the rat hippocampus, in vitro.

The duration of long-term potentiation (LTP) of the CA1 evoked field potential in rat hippocampal slices was significantly modulated by pre-treatment of slices with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) added to the incubation media. The three THC doses tested: 10 picomolar (pM), 100 pM, and 1000 pM, resulted in a biphasic change in population spike amplitude, such that 10 pM resulted in an increase, while 100 and 1000 pM resulted in dose-related decreases as compared to the control treatment. Upon subsequent induction of LTP by tetanizing stimulation, the THC treatments resulted in significant changes in the duration but not magnitude of potentiation.

Effects of corticosterone on the electrophysiology of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells in vitro.

Modulation of CA1 field potential amplitudes by normal and stress concentrations of corticosterone (CT) was observed in hippocampal slice preparations from adrenalectomized rats. Slices exposed to CT levels characteristic of a morning (4 nM) or evening (7 nM) resting state showed increased population spike amplitudes in the CA1 pyramidal cell field within 10 min. A stress concentration (15 nM) also increased spike amplitudes, but only at the higher stimulus intensities.

delta 9-THC and 17-beta-estradiol in hippocampus.

Electrophysiological field potentials recorded from in vitro hippocampal slice preparations show dose-dependent differences in response to 17-beta-estradiol (E2) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) added to the incubation medium. Using a wide range of doses (1 pM-10 nM), it was found that mid-range concentrations of estradiol (100 pM) and THC (10 pM) tended to increase field potentials in CA1 of rodents. Higher dose levels of each agent were found to depress neuronal activity.

Changes in hippocampal CA1 population spikes following administration of delta-9-THC.

The effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) on monosynaptic population responses in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells were examined in acute rats for several doses and at several post injection time periods. Delta-9-THC enhanced paired pulse inhibition in a dose-dependent manner; however biphasic dose effects were observed on cell responses during low frequency potentiation and on population spikes elicited by a conditioning stimulus. The biphasic responses were such that 2--4 mg/kg THC (IP) excited while 16 mg/kg depressed the stimulus elicited CA1 response.

The origin of the hippocampal commissure in the rat.

The present study was designated to determine the origin of commissural axons in the hippocampus. One hippocampus of 94 rats was pressure injected with 40% horseradish peroxidase (Sigma VI), or with 2-4% wheat germ agglutinin HRP (E-Y Labs). Injections (0.