Final Exam (Cannabis)

Delta-9-THC Action

Partial agonist at CB1/CB2 receptors, disrupts normal NT release (reduces GABA inhibition, increases DA)

THC Mimics what endogenous compound?

Anandamide (important in mood, pain regulation, appetite, memory)

THC effects

Short-term memory, consolidation of short → long term memory, disruption of motor coordination, euphoria, anxiety, hunger/drowsiness, pain

Brain areas for the folllowing: Short-term memory; consolidation of short → long term memory; disruption of motor coordination; euphoria; anxiety; hunger/drowsiness; pain

Pfc/hippocampus, hippocampus, basal ganglia/cerebellum, ventral striatum, amygdala, hypothalamus, brain stem/periaqueductal gray

THC and Pregnancy

Crosses placenta easily → lower birth rates, shorter gestation period, more major malfunction among offspring

THC and breast milk

Concentration much higher than in blood, not safe for use

THC tolerance?

Only develops with high sustained prolonged use

THC interaction with DA

Acute use enhances DA, long-term use leads to decrease

Do animals self-administer THC?

Squirrel monkeys reliably self-administer THC, reveals reinforcing properties and its activation of reward system

Rimonabant

Inverse agonist at CB1 receptors causes decreased appetite, increased energy expenditure, weight loss (previously used to treat obesity but withdrawn due to mental sides)

THC and Glutamate?

Inhibits GLU release from presynaptic neurons, explains why it alters short-term memory and attention

Where is there a low number of cannabinoid receptors?

In the brain stem, specifically medulla which controls breathing and heartbeat, explains why THC is not dangerous for OD

A-2G (endocannabinoid) effect of hippocampal pyramidal neurons?

Inhibits opening of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, leading to neuronal excitement, shows role in memory

THC and serious mental disorder?

Heavy use linked to development of psychosis

Cannabis and driving

Impairs driving ability through impairments in perception, attention, coordination, and reaction time