Local administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol attenuates capsaicin-induced thermal nociception in rhesus monkeys: a peripheral cannabinoid action

  Rationale: Cannabinoids can reduce nociceptive responses by acting on peripheral cannabinoid receptors in rodents. Objectives: The study was conducted to evaluate the hypothesis that local administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) can attenuate capsaicin-induced nociception in rhesus monkeys. Methods: Capsaicin (100 µg) was applied locally in the tail of rhesus monkeys to evoke a nociceptive response, thermal allodynia, in normally innocuous 46°C water. Δ9-THC (10–320 µg) was coadministered with capsaicin in the tail to assess local antinociceptive effects. In addition, a local antagonism study was performed to confirm the selectivity of Δ9-THC action. Results:Δ9-THC dose-dependently inhibited capsaicin-induced allodynia. This local antinociception was antagonized by small doses (10–100 µg) of the cannabinoid CB1 antagonist, SR141716A, applied in the tail. However, 100 µg SR141716A injected subcutaneously in the back did not antagonize local Δ9-THC. Conclusions: These results indicate that the site of action of locally applied Δ9-THC is in the tail. It provides functional evidence that activation of peripheral cannabinoid CB1 receptors can attenuate capsaicin-induced thermal nociception in non-human primates and suggests a new approach for cannabinoids in pain management.