Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Published on: February 28, 2025
Fetal cannabinoid receptors and the "dis-joint-ed" brain
Luigia Cristino1, Vincenzo Di Marzo
1Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy.
Abstract:
Microtubule turnover in the growing axons is required for directional axonal growth and synapse formation in the developing brain. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Tortoriello et al (2014) show that the microtubule-binding protein SCG10/stathmin-2 is a specific molecular target for a CB1 receptor-mediated effect of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient of smoked marijuana, in the fetal brain. Considering the role of CB1 in modulating the specification and long-distance migration of neurons in the perinatal brain, this study reveals an interesting mechanism potentially accounting for connectivity deficits during cortical development following exposure to CB1 agonists or THC during pregnancy.
Related Concept Videos
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Teratogenicity
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Gut-Brain Axis

