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Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

  • 0Departments of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico School of Medicine.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove +

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March 17, 2025

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March 17, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE) from increased marijuana use may impact fetal neurodevelopment. This study outlines a method to study PCE

Area Of Science

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background

  • Increasing legalization of recreational marijuana has led to higher rates of prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE).
  • Current cannabinoid products are significantly more potent than those studied historically.
  • PCE is linked to adverse outcomes in offspring, including deficits in learning, memory, behavior, sleep, and attention.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To establish a preclinical model for recapitulating moderate prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE) during gestation.
  • To investigate the procedural aspects of achieving PCE through voluntary ingestion of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
  • To provide a foundation for further research into the developmental consequences of PCE.

Main Methods

  • Utilizing a preclinical model to simulate PCE during pregnancy.
  • Administering delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, to the experimental group.
  • Employing a control group that consumes non-THC-infused cookies versus an experimental group consuming THC-infused cookies.

Main Results

  • The study successfully outlines a procedure for achieving moderate prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE) in a preclinical model.
  • The methodology allows for controlled administration of THC during gestation via palatable food pairings.
  • This approach facilitates further investigation into the specific impacts of PCE on fetal neurodevelopment and subsequent outcomes.

Conclusions

  • The developed preclinical model provides a viable method for studying the effects of prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE).
  • This research is crucial for understanding the impact of rising THC potency on fetal development.
  • Further studies using this model can elucidate the neurodevelopmental consequences of PCE.