Cross-tolerance between inhaled Cannabis and intraperitoneal injections of Δ9-THC

Male and female rats were exposed to Cannabis smoke or placebo once every second day for 32 days. Following these 16 trials all animals were injected once intraperitoneally with 4 mg/kg THC. After every third inhalation trial and after the injection the rats were placed on a movement sensor for 3 min. Cannabis smoke significantly reduced activity, relative to baseline scores, during the first 10 inhalation trials but by the thirteenth exposure, tolerance was evident. When the animals were injected with THC, the male rats who had been exposed to Cannabis smoke significantly increased their activity whereas the females did not alter their activity relative to the last inhalation trial. In contrast rats of both sexes that had been exposed to placebo smoke significantly decreased their activity following the injection. This intermodal cross-tolerance is discussed in terms of the role of conditioning in the development of tolerance.     

Human leukocyte interferon for the treatment of herpes zoster in patients with cancer.

We tested the effect of human leukocyte interferon on early localized herpes zoster infections in three placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind trials involving 90 patients with cancer. There were no significant differences in pretreatment severity of infection or nature of underlying disease in the groups. Higher dosages of more purified interferon in the second and third trials produced a significant (P less than or equal to 0.01) decrease in cutaneous dissemination. No dissemination occurred in those receiving the highest dosage (5.1 x 10(5) U per kilogram per day) (P less than or equal to 0.025). The number of days of new-vesicle formation in the primary dermatome decreased (mean, 2.3 days, P less than or equal to 0.05) in this group. Treated patients had a trend toward less acute pain, and significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) diminished severity of post-herpetic neuralgia, at the two highest dosage levels. Visceral complications were six times less frequent in interferon recipients. High-dosage interferon appeared effective in limiting cutaneous dissemination, visceral complications and progression within the primary dermatome.     

Parameters influencing the effect of delta9-THC on activity wheel behavior

In 2 studies the effect of Δ⁹-THC on activity wheel behavior in rats was examined. The amount of laboratory acclimation prior to testing was manipulated and either 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg Δ⁹-THC was given intraperitoneally. Activity counts were taken 15 minutes, 1, 6, 24, 48 or 72 hr after the injection. Those animals that received 4 mg/kg Δ⁹-THC and had little laboratory acclimation were significantly more active than their controls during the first 15 min but, after 1 hr were, like the other 3 experimental groups, less active than the appropriate controls. The time course for the depressant action of the Δ⁹-THC at both dose levels was quite similar and lasted for approximately 24 hr.     

Synthesis and antiallergic activity of some mono- and disubstituted xanthone-2-carboxylic acids

A series of xanthone-2-carboxylic acids, substituted mainly with electron-withdrawing groups, has been synthesized and assayed for antiallergic activity, using the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in the rat. The effect of substituent type and substitution pattern on PCA neutralizing capacity is presented.     

Agenesis of the right diaphragm repaired with marlex

A case of a female newborn with agenesis of the right hemidiaphragm is presented. The defect was corrected with a double sheet of Marlex, attached to a rim of endothoracic fascia and muscle. At the age of 5 yr, the child is in perfect health.