Effects of marijuana and diazepam on lipid peroxidation, Na+ , K+ ATPase, and levels of glutathione and 5-HTP in rat brain.

Our aim was to evaluate the effects of marijuana (Mar) and diazepam (Dz) on lipid peroxidation (TBARS), Na + , K + ATP ase activity, levels of glutathione (GSH) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Male Wistar rats were given a single dose per group: extract of Mar (100 microL/kg), Dz (5 mg/kg), Mar plus Dz, and NaCl for control. Sixty mins after treatment, animals were sacrificed, and their brains extracted and homogenised to measure GSH, TBARS and 5-HTP levels. Na + , K + ATP ase and total ATP ase activities. GSH and TBARS did not show differences respect to controls. Na + , K + ATP ase activity was similar as well. However, groups treated with Mar, total ATPase activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Levels of 5-HTP decreased significantly (p = 0.0001) in rats treated either with Mar and or Dz. Mar and Dz induced biochemical effects on the serotonergic metabolism, which can alter the development and function in rat brain, because it has also been involved in scavenging free radicals present there.