BYU ScholarsArchive

Title

THC on the brain: Adult vs. Adolescent Changes

Authors

Addison Smartt, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
Jeffrey Edwards PhD, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow

Files

Keywords

THC, neuroscience, PCR, synaptic plasticity, long term depression (LTD)

Abstract

Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been demonstrated to cause elimination of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1) mediated long term depression (LTD) of GABA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain. Through electrophysiology and quantitative PCR experiments, this study reveals that LTD elimination is more pronounced in adolescents than adults, giving an explanation for the increased risk of THC dependency in adolescence. However, after a seven day withdrawal period, these effects were reversed. The data also supports the hypothesis that removal or desensitization of CB1 receptors from the synapse is an important mechanism of THC-induced neural and cognitive changes.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Smartt, Addison and Edwards, Jeffrey PhD, "THC on the brain: Adult vs. Adolescent Changes" (2023). Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023. 10.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/library_studentposters_2023/10

Document Type

Video

Publication Date

2023-03-02

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Cell Biology and Physiology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Junior

Copyright Use Information

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