Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Linda Parker

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

The following experiments examined the ability of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to attenuate lithium induced sickness in both the nonemetic rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the emetic house musk shrew (Suncus murinus). The ability of THC to attenuate the expression of previously established lithium induced conditioned sickness behavior in Suncus was also examined. Although unconditioned sickness behavior was displayed by both rats and shrews, THC did not attenuate this behavior in either species. However, THC did attenuate conditioned retching in the Suncus murinus. These results are the first to show the attenuation of conditioned sickness in Suncus by THC. They also experimentally verify anecdotal reports from chemotherapy patients that THC attenuates conditioned or ‘anticipatory’ nausea andlor vomiting (ANV). The present findings suggest that Suncus murinus may serve as a reliable animal model to evaluate both pharmacological andlor behavioral interventions for conditioned emetic responses.

Convocation Year

2001

Convocation Season

Spring

Download

Share

COinS