Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
5-2023
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Matthew Palmatier
Committee Members
Gerald Deehan, Meredith Ginley
Abstract
Cannabis is widely consumed by humans for pharmacological effects that are mediated by THC, though there is little evidence that THC is a primary reinforcer in non-human animal models. We hypothesized that THC may have potent reinforcement enhancing effects, comparable to other drugs (e.g., nicotine and caffeine) which are also widely consumed by humans, but difficult to establish as primary reinforcers in non-humans. In three experiments with male and female rats saccharin (SACC) or a visual stimulus (VS) served as reinforcers for operant behavior. We explored several pharmacological parameters of THC on responding for SACC or VS, including THC dose, intervals between THC injections and testing, and intervals between test sessions. THC acts as a reinforcement enhancer for both SACC and a VS across a range of doses and intervals. Daily THC injections systematically reduced behavior, possibly due to accumulation of THC bioavailability.
Document Type
Thesis - embargo
Recommended Citation
Walston, Kynah, "The Reinforcement Enhancing Effects of Delta-9-Tetrahyrdrocannabinol (THC) in Male and Female Rats" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4180. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4180
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Behavioral Neurobiology Commons, Experimental Analysis of Behavior Commons, Pharmacology Commons