Co-administration of nicotine ameliorates cannabis-induced behavioral deficits in normal rats: role of oxidative stress and inflammation

Nicotine (Nic) and cannabis are considered to be the most abused drugs worldwide that are progressively taken concomitantly. The present study aimed to investigate the modulatory effect of Nic on cannabis extract–induced neuro-inflammation, oxidative status, and the associated behavioral/biochemical alterations. Nic (0.25 mg/kg) and/or cannabis extract expressed as ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC10/20; 10 and 20 mg/kg) were given intraperitoneally for 30 days to Wistar rats. Nic shortened the floating time in forced swimming test, increased locomotion in the open field test, and decreased escape latency in the Morris water maze when co-administered with THC. These effects were associated with the inhibition of THC-mediated elevations in brain interleukin-1 beta, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbic acid. Additionally, Nic increased serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) when combined with THC without affecting the serum acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The combinations spiked the brain glucose content above normal. In conclusion, the co-administration of Nic reduced THC-induced depressive-like behavior and memory impairment as well as hypo-locomotion associated with THC20. Such effects could be linked to Nic-mediated inhibition of brain oxidative stress, inflammation, and decreased serum BChE deactivity. © 2018, Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.