“Most human Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use is via inhalation, and yet few animal studies of inhalation exposure are available. Popularization of non-combusted methods for the inhalation of psychoactive drugs (Volcano®, e-cigarettes) further stimulates a need for rodent models of this route of administration.
This study was designed to develop and validate a rodent chamber suitable for controlled exposure to vaporized THC in a polyethylene glycol vehicle, using an e-cigarette delivery system adapted to standard size, sealed rat housing chambers.
The in vivo efficacy of inhaled THC was validated using radiotelemetry to assess body temperature and locomotor responses, a tail-flick assay for nociception and plasma analysis to verify exposure levels.
This approach is flexible, robust and effective for use in laboratory rats and will be of increasing utility as users continue to adopt “vaping” for the administration of cannabis.”