scholarly journals Relaxation Acupressure Reduces Persistent Cancer-Related Fatigue

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanna M. Zick ◽  
Sara Alrawi ◽  
Gary Merel ◽  
Brodie Burris ◽  
Ananda Sen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Brief Fatigue Inventory ◽  
Compliance To Treatment ◽  
Different Doses

Persistent cancer-related fatigue (PCRF) is a symptom experienced by many cancer survivors. Acupressure offers a potential treatment for PCRF. We investigated if acupressure treatments with opposing actions would result in differential effects on fatigue and examined the effect of different “doses” of acupressure on fatigue. We performed a trial of acupressure in cancer survivors experiencing moderate to severe PCRF. Participants were randomized to one of three treatment groups: relaxation acupressure (RA), high-dose stimulatory acupressure (HIS), and low-dose stimulatory acupressure (LIS). Participants performed acupressure for 12-weeks. Change in fatigue as measured by the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) was our primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were assessment of blinding and compliance to treatment. Fatigue was significantly reduced across all treatment groups (mean ± SD reduction in BFI: RA4.0±1.5, HIS2.2±1.6, LIS2.7±2.2), with significantly greater reductions in the RA group. In an adjusted analysis, RA resulted in significantly less fatigue after controlling for age, cancer type, cancer stage, and cancer treatments. Self-administered RA caused greater reductions in fatigue compared to either HIS or LIS. The magnitude of the reduction in fatigue was clinically relevant and could represent a viable alternative for cancer survivors with PCRF.

scholarly journals The Effects of Acupuncture on Cancer-Related Fatigue: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 153473542094967
Author(s):  
Andrew Jang ◽  
Chris Brown ◽  
Gillian Lamoury ◽  
Marita Morgia ◽  
Frances Boyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Brief Fatigue Inventory

Background Several studies have identified fatigue as one of the major symptoms experienced during and after cancer treatment. However, there are limited options to manage cancer related fatigue (CRF) with pharmacological interventions. Several acupuncture studies suggested that acupuncture has a positive impact on CRF. This review aims to assess the evidence of acupuncture for the treatment of CRF. Method Electronic database searches were conducted on 4 English databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect). Search keywords were; “acupuncture” and “cancer,” or “cancer related fatigue.” Studies published as full text randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English were included. Estimates of change in fatigue cores were pooled using a random effects meta-analysis where randomized comparisons were available for true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture and true acupuncture versus usual care. The quality of original papers were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias (ROB). Results Nine RCTs were selected for review with a total of 809 participants and a range of 13 to 302 participants within the studies. Six RCTs reported significant improvement of CRF for the acupuncture intervention compared to the control groups. Pooled estimates suggest Brief Fatigue Inventory scores are 0.93 points lower 95% CI (−1.65, −0.20) in true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture and 2.12 points lower 95% C (−3.21, −1.04) in true acupuncture versus usual care. Six studies had low risk of bias (ROB) and 3 studies had a moderate ROB predominantly in blinding of participants, blinding of assessors and incomplete data outcomes. Among the 9 RCTs, 2 studies have reported the occurrence of minor adverse effects (spot bleeding and bruising) related to acupuncture treatment. No serious adverse reactions related to acupuncture were reported. Conclusion The current literature review suggests that acupuncture has therapeutic potential in management of CRF for cancer survivors. Promotion of acupuncture in cancer care to manage CRF may improve the quality of life of cancer survivors.

Effects of high-dose Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) to improve cancer-related fatigue: Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 209-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sriram Yennu ◽  
Nizar M. Tannir ◽  
Janet L. Williams ◽  
Kenneth R. Hess ◽  
Susan Frisbee-Hume ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Assessment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Ginseng Extract ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale

209 Background: Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is the most common and disabling symptom in cancer.Panax ginseng extract (PG) is frequently used as a nutraceutical treatment for fatigue. There are no well-powered placebo-controlled trials that used validated CRF outcome measures to investigate of PG effects in cancer patients. The primary objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects oral PG versus Placebo (PL) for CRF. Methods: Patients with cancer fatigue ≥ 4/10 on Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) were eligible. Patients were randomized to either 400mg of standardized PG or matching PL orally twice a day for 28 days. The primary endpoint was change in the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness-Fatigue (FACIT-F) fatigue subscale from baseline to Day 28. Secondary outcomes were Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and ESAS. Results: Total evaluable patients were 112 (56 for PG and PL groups). No significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups except cancer type (p = 0.002). There was significant improvement in FACIT fatigue and ESAS fatigue scores in PG and PL groups at Day 15 and Day 29. The mean (SD) of FACIT-F fatigue scores at baseline, Day 15, and Day 29 were 22.6 (10.4), 29.8(10.7), 30.1 (11.6) and 23.8 (9.1), 30.0 (10.1), 30.4 (11.6) for PG and PL respectively. Mean (SD) improvement in the FACIT-F subscale at Day 29 was not significantly different in PG than in the PL group [7.5 (12.7) vs 6.5 (9.9), P = 0.67]. Mean (SD) improvement in the ESAS fatigue, FACT-G, and HADS at Day 29 were also not significantly different in PG than in the PL group. In a multiple linear model analysis, the change in FACIT-F fatigue from Day 0 to Day 29 was negatively correlated with baseline FACIT-F fatigue (p = 0.0005), baseline HADS score (p = 0.032), and male gender (p = 0.023). There were a significantly higher number of any grade of toxicities in PL group than in PG group (33/62 vs. 28/64, p = 0.024). Conclusions: Both PG and Placebo result in a significant improvement in CRF at Day 15 and Day 29. PG was not significantly superior to placebo after 4 weeks of treatment. Further studies are needed. Clinical trial information: NCT01375114.

scholarly journals A Smartphone App–Based Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/15178 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e15178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Utkarsh B Subnis ◽  
Norman AS Farb ◽  
Katherine-Ann Laura Piedalue ◽  
Michael Speca ◽  
Sasha Lupichuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Fear Of Cancer ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Background Cancer patients transitioning to survivorship after completing cancer treatments need psychosocial interventions to manage stressors such as anxiety, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective for treating these symptoms; however, cancer survivors are often unable to participate in face-to-face interventions because of difficulties such as work and family commitments, treatment-related side-effects, scheduling conflicts, and geography. Smartphone app–based MBIs are an innovative way to deliver psychosocial cancer care and can overcome several such difficulties, since patients can participate at their own convenience. Objective The SEAMLESS (Smartphone App–Based Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer Survivors) study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a tailored app-based mindfulness intervention for cancer survivors (the Am Mindfulness-Based Cancer Survivorship—MBCS—Journey) for treating (1) symptoms of stress (primary outcome), as well as (2) fear of cancer recurrence, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and overall physical functioning (secondary outcomes). This is the first Canadian efficacy trial of a tailored mindfulness app intervention in cancer survivors. Methods This is a randomized waitlist-controlled trial, which will evaluate the effectiveness of Am MBCS for impacting the primary and secondary outcomes in cancer survivors who have completed all their cancer treatments. Outcomes will be assessed using web-based surveys with validated psychometric instruments at (1) baseline, (2) mid-intervention (2 weeks later), (3) immediately postintervention (4 weeks), (4) 3 months postbaseline, (5) 6 months postbaseline, and (6) 12 months postbaseline. The waitlist group will complete all assessments and will cross over to the intervention condition after the 3-month assessment. In addition, data will be obtained by the smartphone app itself, which includes users’ engagement with the app-based intervention, their emotional state (eg, angry and elated) from a user-inputted digital emotion-mapping board, and psychobiometric data using photoplethysmography technology. Results The study received ethics approval in September 2018 and recruitment commenced in January 2019. Participants are being recruited through a provincial cancer registry, and the majority of participants currently enrolled are breast (44/83, 53%) or colorectal (17/83, 20%) cancer survivors, although some survivors of other cancer are also present. Data collection for analysis of the primary outcome time-point will be complete by September 2019, and the follow-up data will be collected and analyzed by September 2020. Data will be analyzed to determine group differences using linear mixed modelling statistical techniques. Conclusions Cancer care providers are uncertain about the efficacy of app-based mindfulness interventions for patients, which are available in great supply in today’s digital world. This study will provide rigorously evaluated efficacy data for an app-based mindfulness intervention for cancer survivors, which if helpful, could be made available for psychosocial care at cancer centers worldwide. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03484000; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03484000 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15178

scholarly journals Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Versus Omega-6 Fatty Acids for the Control of Cancer-Related Fatigue Among Breast Cancer Survivors

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke J Peppone ◽  
Julia E Inglis ◽  
Karen M Mustian ◽  
Charles E Heckler ◽  
Gilbert D A Padula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Symptom Index ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Brief Fatigue Inventory ◽  
Omega 6

Abstract Background Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common side effect of adjuvant therapy and becomes a chronic problem for approximately one-third of survivors. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3-PUFA) demonstrated preliminary antifatigue effects in previous research, but have not been investigated in fatigued cancer survivors. Methods Breast cancer survivors 4–36 months posttreatment with a CRF score of 4 or more of 10 using the symptom inventory (SI) were randomly assigned to O3-PUFA (fish oil, 6 g/d), omega-6 PUFA (O6-PUFA; soybean oil, 6 g/d), or a low-dose combination of O3-/O6-PUFA (3 g/d O3-PUFA and O6-PUFA) for 6 weeks. CRF was assessed by the SI (screening question), the Brief Fatigue Inventory, and the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Index. Protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers, along with fatty acid and lipid levels, were assessed at baseline and week 6. Statistical tests were two-sided. Results A total of 108 breast cancer survivors consented; 97 subjects were randomly assigned and 81 completed the trial. The SI CRF score decreased by 2.51 points at week 6 with O6-PUFA and by 0.93 points with O3-PUFA, with statistically significant between-group difference (effect size = −0.86, P < .01). Similar changes were observed for the Brief Fatigue Inventory and Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Index but were not statistically significant. Stratified analyses showed the largest benefit was observed in those with severe baseline CRF (≥7). Compared with O3-PUFA, O6-PUFA supplementation statistically significantly decreased proinflammatory markers in the TNF-α signaling pathway. Conclusion Contrary to our original hypothesis, O6-PUFA statistically significantly reduced CRF compared with O3-PUFA. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate mechanisms of action.

scholarly journals Absorption of α-tocopheryl acetate is limited in mink kits (Mustela vison) during weaning

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saman Lashkari ◽  
Tove N. Clausen ◽  
Leslie Foldager ◽  
Søren K. Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Mustela Vison ◽  
Tocopherol Content ◽  
Tocopheryl Acetate ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Ester Bond ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Hydrolysis Of ◽  
Mink Kits ◽  
Different Doses

AbstractBioavailability of α-tocopherol varies with source, dose and duration of supplementation. The effect of source and dose of α-tocopherol on response of α-tocopherol stereoisomers in plasma and tissues of mink kits during the weaning period was studied. Twelve mink kits were euthanised in CO2 at the beginning of the experiment, and 156 mink kits (12 replicates per treatment group) were randomly assigned to thirteen treatment groups: no added α-tocopherol in the feed (0 dose) or four different doses (50, 75, 100 and 150 mg/kg of diet) of RRR-α-tocopherol (ALC), RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate (ACT) or all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (SYN). Six mink kits per treatment group were euthanised 3 weeks after initiation of the experiment, and the remaining six were euthanised 6 weeks after initiation of the experiment. The RRR-α-tocopherol content in plasma, liver, heart and lungs was affected by interaction between source and dose (P < 0.01 for all). The highest RRR-α-tocopherol content in plasma (13.6 µg/ml; LS-means for source across dose and week), liver (13.6 µg/mg), heart (7.6 µg/mg) and lungs (9.8 µg/mg) was observed in mink kits fed ALC. The RRR-α-tocopherol content in plasma and tissues depended on source and dose interaction and increased linearly with supplementation. In conclusion, the interaction between source and dose reveals a limitation in hydrolysis of ester bond in α-tocopheryl acetate in mink kits around weaning as the likely causative explanation for the higher response of ALC at the highest doses. Thus, considerable attention has to be paid to the source of α-tocopherol during weaning of mink kits fed a high dose of α-tocopherol.

scholarly journals Induction of Cross-reactive Hemagglutination Inhibiting Antibody and Polyfunctional CD4+ T-cell Responses by a Recombinant Matrix-M-Adjuvanted Hemagglutinin Nanoparticle Influenza Vaccine

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Shinde ◽  
Rongman Cai ◽  
Joyce Plested ◽  
Iksung Cho ◽  
Jamie Fiske ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Pivotal Phase ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Cell Responses ◽  
Recombinant Hemagglutinin ◽  
Different Doses

Background. Recurrent reports of suboptimal influenza vaccine effectiveness have renewed calls to develop improved, broadly cross-protective influenza vaccines. Here, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a novel, saponin (Matrix-M)-adjuvanted, recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) quadrivalent nanoparticle influenza vaccine (qNIV). Methods. We conducted a randomized, observer-blind, comparator-controlled (trivalent high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine [IIV3-HD], or quadrivalent recombinant influenza vaccine [RIV4]), safety and immunogenicity trial of qNIV (in 5 different doses/formulations) in healthy adults aged ≥65 years. Vaccine immunogenicity was measured by hemagglutination-inhibition assays using reagents expressing wild-type HA sequences (wt-HAI) and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses. Results. A total of 1375 participants were randomized, immunized, and followed for safety and immunogenicity. Matrix-M-adjuvanted qNIV induced superior wt-HAI antibody responses against 5 of 6 homologous or drifted strains evaluated compared to unadjuvanted qNIV. Adjuvanted qNIV induced post-vaccination wt-HAI antibody responses at Day 28 that were: statistically higher than IIV3-HD against a panel of homologous or drifted A/H3N2 strains; similar to IIV3-HD against homologous A/H1N1 and B (Victoria) strains; and similar to RIV4 against all homologous and drifted strains evaluated. The qNIV formulation with 75 μg Matrix-M adjuvant induced substantially higher post-vaccination geometric mean fold-increases of influenza HA-specific polyfunctional CD4+ T-cells compared to IIV3-HD or RIV4. Overall, similar frequencies of solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) were reported in all treatment groups. Conclusions. qNIV with 75 μg Matrix-M adjuvant was well tolerated and induced robust antibody and cellular responses, notably against both homologous and drifted A/H3N2 viruses. Further investigation in a pivotal phase 3 trial is underway.

scholarly journals A Smartphone App–Based Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Utkarsh B Subnis ◽  
Norman AS Farb ◽  
Katherine-Ann Laura Piedalue ◽  
Michael Speca ◽  
Sasha Lupichuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Fear Of Cancer ◽  
Anxiety Depression

BACKGROUND Cancer patients transitioning to survivorship after completing cancer treatments need psychosocial interventions to manage stressors such as anxiety, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective for treating these symptoms; however, cancer survivors are often unable to participate in face-to-face interventions because of difficulties such as work and family commitments, treatment-related side-effects, scheduling conflicts, and geography. Smartphone app–based MBIs are an innovative way to deliver psychosocial cancer care and can overcome several such difficulties, since patients can participate at their own convenience. OBJECTIVE The SEAMLESS (Smartphone App–Based Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer Survivors) study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a tailored app-based mindfulness intervention for cancer survivors (the <i>Am</i> Mindfulness-Based Cancer Survivorship—MBCS—Journey) for treating (1) symptoms of stress (primary outcome), as well as (2) fear of cancer recurrence, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and overall physical functioning (secondary outcomes). This is the first Canadian efficacy trial of a tailored mindfulness app intervention in cancer survivors. METHODS This is a randomized waitlist-controlled trial, which will evaluate the effectiveness of <i>Am</i> MBCS for impacting the primary and secondary outcomes in cancer survivors who have completed all their cancer treatments. Outcomes will be assessed using web-based surveys with validated psychometric instruments at (1) baseline, (2) mid-intervention (2 weeks later), (3) immediately postintervention (4 weeks), (4) 3 months postbaseline, (5) 6 months postbaseline, and (6) 12 months postbaseline. The waitlist group will complete all assessments and will cross over to the intervention condition after the 3-month assessment. In addition, data will be obtained by the smartphone app itself, which includes users’ engagement with the app-based intervention, their emotional state (eg, angry and elated) from a user-inputted digital emotion-mapping board, and psychobiometric data using photoplethysmography technology. RESULTS The study received ethics approval in September 2018 and recruitment commenced in January 2019. Participants are being recruited through a provincial cancer registry, and the majority of participants currently enrolled are breast (44/83, 53%) or colorectal (17/83, 20%) cancer survivors, although some survivors of other cancer are also present. Data collection for analysis of the primary outcome time-point will be complete by September 2019, and the follow-up data will be collected and analyzed by September 2020. Data will be analyzed to determine group differences using linear mixed modelling statistical techniques. CONCLUSIONS Cancer care providers are uncertain about the efficacy of app-based mindfulness interventions for patients, which are available in great supply in today’s digital world. This study will provide rigorously evaluated efficacy data for an app-based mindfulness intervention for cancer survivors, which if helpful, could be made available for psychosocial care at cancer centers worldwide. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03484000; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03484000 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/15178

scholarly journals 560. Evaluation of Optimal Methylprednisolone Dose in Patients with Covid 19

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S382-S382
Author(s):  
Jose Luis Lamas Ferreiro ◽  
Judith Álvarez Otero ◽  
Fernando Maroto Piñeiro ◽  
Iolanda Abalde Ortega ◽  
Marta Rodríguez Villar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Male Mortality ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background Optimal dose of methylprednisolone in patients with moderate or severe COVID-19 is unclear. In our hospital, the use of 250-500 mg/day of methylprednisolone was frequent in the first wave of the pandemic. Lower dose were recommended in our protocol since September 2020. The aim was to evaluate the impact of methylprednisolone dose in the outcome of patients with moderate or severe COVID-19. Methods This is a retrospective and observational study. Inclusion criteria: SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed by PCR, admission to our hospital between March 2020 and February 2021, SatO2 &lt; 94% or SatO2/FiO2 &lt; 447. Two treatment groups were compared: patients treated with 0.5-1.5 mg/kg/day (group 1) and patients treated with more than 1.5 mg/kg/day (group 2). The primary outcome analyzed was orotracheal intubation (OTI) or death from any cause at 28 days after admission. Differences in demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics between treatment groups were analyzed. Variables with P &lt; 0.1 were included in a binary logistic regression model, calculating a propensity score for assigning each patient to group 1 treatment. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify variables associated with worst outcome. Finally, Cox regression was performed including treatment group, propensity score as covariate and all the variables with P&lt; 0.05 in the bivariate analysis. Results 285 patients were included, 197 in group 1 and 88 in group 2. The median age was 73 years, 52,3% were male. Mortality or OTI at 28 days was 24,9%. There was a higher proportion of patients in group 1 with COPD (9,6% vs 1.1%, P&lt; 0.01), dyspnea (60.4% vs 45.5%, P=0.01), sepsis (22.8% vs 13.6%, P=0.07). Patients in group 2 had more impaired consciousness (18.2% vs 8.6%, P=0.02). The median of lymphocytes count was lower in group 1 (900 vs 1025, P=0.01). There were no differences in the primary outcome between treatment groups (26.1% in the group 2 vs 24.4% in the group 1, P=0.7). Conclusion The use of high dose of methylprednisolone compared with intermediate dose is not associated with a better outcome in patients with moderate or severe COVID-19. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Evaluation of hippocampus in rhesus monkeys after chronic (1-year) inhalation exposure to marijuana: I. Electron microscopy

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 398-399
Author(s):  
A.M. Andrews ◽  
S.W. Wilson ◽  
A.C. Scallet ◽  
S.F. Ali ◽  
J. Bailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Vesicles ◽  
Rhesus Monkeys ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Inhalation Exposure ◽  
Synaptic Cleft ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Withdrawal Time ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Ultrastructural Evidence ◽  
Male Rhesus

Exposure of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) to marijuana via inhalation or to intravenous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), reportedly caused ultrastructural evidence of increased synaptic width. Chronic marijuana smoke in a single rhesus monkey examined after a six month withdrawal time caused ultrastructure changes in the septal, hippocampal and amygdala regions; the synaptic cleft was widened, electron opaque material was found in the cleft and in the pre- and postsynaptic regions, with some clumping of the synaptic vesicles. The objective of our study was to assess neuropathological alterations produced by chronic inhalation of marijuana smoke.Nineteen male rhesus monkeys, 3-5 years of age and weighing 3-8 kg, were divided into four treatment groups: a) sham control, b) placebo smoke (7 days/ week) c) low dose marijuana (2 times/week with 5 days/week sham) and d) high dose marijuana (7 times/week). A smoke exposure consisted of smoke from one cigarette (2.6% THC) burned down to 10 mm butt length. Smoke was administered via smoke generator (ADL II, Arthur D. Little, Inc. Cambridge, MA) and nose-mouth only masks (local production) equipped with one-way valves.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document