Figure 8.

Sex-specific alteration of pyramidal neurons’ intrinsic properties in adult rats 24 h following single in vivo cannabinoid administration. Rats received a single administration of WIN55,212-2 (WIN, 2 mg/kg, s.c.) 24 h before. Current–voltage plot from visually identified pyramidal neurons recorded from adult rats showing no difference in cell voltage in response to current steps between Sham and WIN groups of adult male rats (A). In contrast, membrane potentials were altered in adult WIN-treated females compared to control group (B). The resting membrane potentials were similar to that of control in adult males (C) and females (D) 24 h following single WIN exposure. Quantification of neuronal spiking properties showed no change in the rheobase of males (E), but a marked reduction in the female WIN-treated group (F). The number of evoked action potentials in response to increasing depolarizing current step was similar in Sham and WIN-treated males (G). In contrast, females showed a higher number of action potentials 24 h after WIN treatment (H). Male: Sham, n = 16 cells/6 rats; WIN, n = 12 cells/5 rats; Female: Sham, n = 16 cells/6 rats; WIN, n = 20 cells/7 rats. Scatter dot plot represents one cell. Data represent mean ± SEM. *p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test (B), Bonferroni’s multiple comparisons test (F). ♂ Males; ♀ Females.