MRS_THC_Revision_Submission_2.pdf (351.52 kB)
The effects of Acute ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol on striatal glutamatergic function: a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 03:57 authored by Michael A P Bloomfield, Katherine Petrilli, Rachel Lees, Chandni Hindocha, Katherine Beck, Ryan J Turner, Ellis Chika Onwordi, Neil Rane, David J Lythgoe, James StoneJames Stone, H Valerie Curran, Oliver D Howes, Tom P FreemanBackground: Cannabis and its main psychoactive component, ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can elicit transient psychotic symptoms. A key candidate biological mechanism of how THC induces psychotic symptoms is the modulation of glutamate in the brain. We sought to investigate the effects of acute THC administration on striatal glutamate levels and its relationship to the induction of psychotic symptoms. Methods: We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure glutamate levels in the striatum in 20 healthy participants after THC (15 mg, oral) and matched placebo administration in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Psychotic symptoms were measured using the Psychotomimetic States Inventory. Results: We found that THC administration did not significantly change glutamate (glutamate plus glutamine relative to creatine) concentration in the striatum (p =.58; scaled Jeffreys-Zellner-Siow Bayes factor = 4.29). THC increased psychotic symptoms, but the severity of these symptoms was not correlated with striatal glutamate levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that oral administration of 15 mg of THC does not result in altered striatal glutamate levels. Further work is needed to clarify the effects of THC on striatal glutamate.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and NeuroimagingISSN
2451-9022Publisher
Elsevier BVExternal DOI
Issue
6Volume
6Page range
660-667Event location
United StatesDepartment affiliated with
- BSMS Neuroscience Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2022-06-21First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-06-21First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2022-06-20Usage metrics
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