Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Decreases Alpha/Beta Interferon Response to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in the B6C3F1 Mouse 1

Abstract This study was undertaken to determine the effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) on polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I):poly(C)]-induced, and on herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)-induced, alpha/beta interferon in the B6C3F1 mouse. Animals were administered Δ9-THC, or the diluent, intraperitoneally for 4 consecutive days or at various time intervals prior to administration of the interferon inducer. Poly(I):poly(C) or HSV-2 was injected intravenously on Day 4. Animals receiving poly(I):poly(C) and treated with Δ9-THC at doses ranging from 5 to 100 mg/kg exhibited significantly lower titers of interferon than mice given poly(I):poly(C) and the diluent. Diminished interferon titers occurred in HSV-2-infected animals treated with Δ9-THC in doses exceeding 15 mg/kg when compared to virus-infected animals given the diluent. This suppression of early interferon persisted through 24 hr.

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