THC Had Mixed Cognitive Effects in Rats With HIV-Like Disease

Both acute and chronic THC exposure produced function-dependent effects in HIV-1 transgenic rats: learning improved but risk-based decision-making worsened. These effects were specific to HIV model rats and not seen in controls, suggesting THC interacts differently with HIV-affected brains.

Female and male HIV-1 transgenic rats and controls were tested on two cognitive tasks: the rat Iowa Gambling Task (risk-based decision-making) and Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task (learning/cognitive flexibility). Testing occurred at baseline, then after acute and chronic THC (0, 0.3, 3 mg/kg IP).

Many people living with HIV use cannabis, and cognitive impairment is common in this population. Understanding that THC may help some cognitive functions while hurting others could inform clinical guidance.

Cannabis effects on cognition are not uniform across brain functions. For people with HIV, THC might support certain types of learning while impairing judgment in risky situations, adding nuance to the debate about cannabis use in HIV.

Animal model doesn't fully replicate human HIV. IP injection doesn't mimic typical human cannabis use. The HIV-1 transgenic rat lacks active viral replication. Results may not directly translate to human cognitive outcomes.