Blocking action of tetrahydrocannabinol upon transmission in the trigeminal system of the cat

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Abstract
The influence of tetrahydrocannabinol upon polysynaptic reflexes involving the trigeminal system was investigated in cats by recording potentials from either the superior sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve or the nerve itself where it enters the pons. Stimulation of the lower eye-lid just sufficient to evoke a mild contraction of the orbicularis muscle was employed. Amplitude of the postsynaptic potentials began to decrease 5 to 10 min after injection of 0·8 or 1·0 mg/kg in most experiments. The presynaptic potential also underwent a striking depression whereas the tibialis nerve potentials, used as control, were practically unaffected. It seems that impairment of the impulse conduction along the presynaptic fibres instead of a central synaptic blockade was the dominant effect of thc. However, a blockade of synaptic transmission is likely to occur in other centres accounting for other neural effects of thc.

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