The aim of this study was to examine the potential of the nasal route for systemic delivery of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) and WIN55,212-2 mesylate. Anesthetized rats were surgically prepared to isolate the nasal cavity, into which Delta(9)-THC (10 mg/kg) or WIN55,212-2 (150 microg/kg) in propylene glycol alone or propylene glycol and ethanol (9:1) were administered. Rats were also administered Delta(9)-THC (1 mg/kg) and WIN55,212-2 (150 microg/kg) intravenously in order to determine absolute bioavailabilities of the nasal doses. Plasma Delta(9)-THC and WIN55,212-2 concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS). The pharmacokinetics of the drugs after intranasal administration was best described by a one-compartment model with an absorption phase. WIN55,212-2 was absorbed more rapidly (T(max)=0.2-0.3h) than Delta(9)-THC (T(max)=1.5-1.6h) and to a higher extent than Delta(9)-THC. Addition of ethanol (10%) to the formulations had no significant effect on the C(max) after nasal administration (p>0.05). Furthermore, it had no significant effect on the absolute bioavailability (F(abs)): F(abs)=6.4+/-2.4% and 9.1+/-3.0% for Delta(9)-THC in propylene glycol, with and without ethanol, respectively. For WIN55,212-2, F(abs)=49.9+/-6.9% (propylene glycol alone) and 56.6+/-14.1% (propylene glycol with 10% ethanol). The results of the study showed that systemic delivery of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and WIN55,212-2 could be achieved following nasal administration in rats.