Erratum: (Delta)9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced conditioned place preference and intracerebroventricular self-administration in rats (European Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 506 (63-69) DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.10.044)

On the basis of contradictory findings on the rewarding effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC) in laboratory animals, the effect of the compound on conditioned place preference and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) self-administration in a free-choice procedure, using a wide range of doses (0.015–6 mg/kg for conditioned place preference test and 0.01–1 mcg/2 mcl/infusion for i.c.v. self-administration), was studied in Wistar rats. The present results showed that delta9-THC induced reward in both tests, but only at the lowest tested doses (0.075–0.75 mg/kg i.p.for conditioned place preference test and 0.01–0.02 mcg/infusion for i.c.v. self-administration). This effect was fully antagonised by i.p. pretreatment with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, SR 141716A [N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4 methylpyrazole 3-carboxamide] (0.25–1 mg/kg), and the opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone (0.5–2 mg/kg), suggesting the involvement of both endocannabinoid and opioid systems. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that low doses of delta9-THC can act as an effective reinforcer in Wistar rats providing a reliable animal model of human marijuana abuse.