Behavioral and Neurochemical Changes in Mesostriatal Dopaminergic Regions of the Rat after Chronic Administration of the Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist WIN55,212-2

Abstract Background: The endocannabinoid system interacts extensively with other neurotransmitter systems and has been implicated in a variety of functions, including regulation of basal ganglia circuits and motor behavior. The present study examined the effects of repeated administration of the nonselective cannabinoid receptor 1 agonist WIN55,212-2 on locomotor activity and on binding and mRNA levels of dopamine receptors and transporters and GABAA receptors in mesostriatal dopaminergic regions of the rat. Methods: Rats received systemic injections of WIN55,212-2 (0, 0.1, 0.3,