Adolescent Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure and Astrocyte-Specific Genetic Vulnerability Converge on Nuclear Factor-κB–Cyclooxygenase-2 Signaling to Impair Memory in Adulthood

Although several studies have linked adolescent cannabis use to long-term cognitive dysfunction, there are negative reports as well. The fact that not all users develop cognitive impairment suggests a genetic vulnerability to adverse effects of cannabis, which are attributed to action of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), a cannabis constituent and partial agonist of brain cannabinoid receptor 1. As both neurons and glial cells express cannabinoid receptor 1, genetic vulnerability could influence Δ9-THC–induced signaling in a cell type–specific manner.

Source: Biological Psychiatry - August 16, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Yan Jouroukhin, Xiaolei Zhu, Alexey V. Shevelkin, Yuto Hasegawa, Bagrat Abazyan, Atsushi Saito, Jonathan Pevsner, Atsushi Kamiya, Mikhail V. Pletnikov Tags: Priority Communication Source Type: research