Comparative effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrabenazine and chlorpromazine on rectal temperature in the rat.

Tetrabenazine evoked a biphasic response in rectal temperature of the rat following intraperitoneal administration of 4.4--70.0 mg/kg. The initial hyperthermia was inversely related to the dose while the subsequent hypothermia was dose-dependent. This biphasic effect on temperature was similar to that seen with THC at 0.5 mg/kg, thus adding further evidence of a similarity in the mode of action of the two drugs. In contrast, only hypothermia was evident following chlorpromazine administration.