All posts tagged: Animal Model

Snacking Reduces Stress?

January 6, 2020 Animal Model, Stress

Snacking Causes Long Term Attention of HPA Axis Stress Responses and Enhancement of Brain FosB/delta FosB Expression in Rats

In Summary

Researchers have found that snacking or consuming palatable foods reduces the amount of perceived stress that an individual experiences. Although this is well-known to most people intuitively, and common knowledge in anecdote, the physiological explanation for this finding has not been thoroughly investigated. In this review, it is clear that food interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and stress response, including markers of neuronal plasticity. The area that regulates stress and reward are both attenuated by palatable food, such as a sucrose drink. The dampening effect of the sucrose on the HPA axis and neuronal plasticity markers continued to be seen weeks after cessation of the sucrose, suggesting that snacking can have longterm effects on stress and the reward pathway.

This has interesting implications for a medication like cannabis, which includes elements that can either stimulate or reduce appetite. If consumers of cannabis are also snacking while they consume, this may cloud an accurate understanding of the stress-relieving aspects of cannabis

The paper is also stored HERE inside the CED Foundation Archive.

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The Effects of Cannabinoid 1 Receptor on Memory

January 2, 2020 Animal Model, Cannabinoid 1 Receptor, Memory

A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review Across Species

In Summary

A recent review has exposed the contrasting information found in human and mouse model studies that study cannabis-based medicines. Acute THC use impairs non-spatial memory in humans and monkeys but not in rodents. Previous research has shown that chronic cannabis use is correlated with lower cognitive function but a mechanism of action for the decline in cognitive function has yet to be identified, and several studies have pointed that the decline is short-lived, perhaps caused by acute intoxication. This study provides evidence for cannabis-based clinical trials due to THC’s species-specific effects on memory. More information is needed to examine the full effect of cannabis on human memory as animal models have now been proven to be inaccurate.

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The Effects of Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Compounds on Memory- A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review Across Species Download

This paper is also stored HERE inside the CED Foundation Archive

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California veterinarians & Cannabis

August 5, 2019 Animal Model, Anxiety, Arthritis, Business of Cannabis, California, Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Cannabis News, History, Law, Legislation, Los Angeles, Pets, Regulation, Stress, Veterinarians

Vets in CA can now discuss the use of cannabis for patients and their pets legally and soon, prescribe cannabis medication. Although there is still more much research to be done, adults can already legally buy products, so involving professional vets can help keep pets safe http://bit.ly/33dmbIK

The Effect of Cannabis Consumption on Sperm

July 31, 2019 Addiction, Adolescents, Adult, Adverse Effects, Animal Model, Behavior change, Dosing, Female Fertility, Future Medicine, Gender, Heavy Use, Impairment, Intimacy, Male Fertility, Occasional Use, Products, Stigma, THC

Impacts of cannabinoid epigenetics on human development- reflections on Murphy et. al. ‘cannabinoid exposure and altered DNA methylation in rat and human sperm’ epigenetics

An op-ed has praised the work published last year which exposed how pre-conception exposure to cannabis in males is related to alterations in epigenetic regulation of the central nervous and immune systems. Murphy et. al.’s paper ‘Cannabinoid exposure and altered DNA methylation in rat and human sperm,’ revealed that the sperm cells of men who have consumed cannabis are a key vector that may affect neuraxis, heart blood vessels, immune stimulation, secondary genomic instability, and carcinogenesis in the fetus offspring. The author of the response piece extrapolates the data collected by Murphy et. al. to conclude the genome-epigenome is extremely sensitive to environmental toxicants and that further research should examine the epigenomic toxicology of multiple cannabinoids.

The effect of prenatal exposure to cannabis on birth rates, birth outcomes, and the health of the mother is still uncertain. Studies focussing on cannabis use during pregnancy are limited, and what little has been reported, is inconsistent. The featured article now brings to light that both parents may need to be cautious when attempting to conceive or when having unprotected sex as cannabis may affect both germ cells. Currently, governing bodies of obstetricians advise that pregnant mothers cease any cannabis use so if someone who needs cannabis for a medical purpose that improves their quality of life becomes pregnant they need to seek out alternative methods of treatment. Research is needed so that pregnant women can safely continue their medication or so that alternatives can be found so that women do not need to suffer for the duration of their pregnancy and possible breastfeeding period.

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Impacts of cannabinoid epigenetics on human development- reflections on Murphy et. al. ‘cannabinoid exposure and altered DNA methylation in rat and human sperm’ epigeneticsDownload

This paper is also stored here: http://bit.ly/2K42H1S inside the CED Foundation Archive

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CB1 and CB2 receptors play differential roles in early zebrafish locomotor development

July 19, 2019 Adolescents, Adverse Effects, Aging, Animal Model, Behavior change, Blood-Levels, Cannabinoids, Cannabis Education, Cannabis Science, CB1, CB2, CBD, Crossover Study, Future Medicine, History, Impairment, Neuropathy, Placebo-Controlled

Scientists found that blocking CB1 receptors and CB2-receptors in young zebrafish resulted in morphological deficits, reductions in heart rate, and non-inflated swim bladders. These findings indicate that the endocannabinoid system is pivotal to the development of the locomotor system in zebrafish, and that disturbances to the endocannabinoid system in early life may have detrimental effects.

The translation of these effects to humans is obviously not direct, but it is important for science to learn about safety and expected effects, to examine how chemistry interacts in petri dishes, how basic organic/animal functions are impacted in a living thing, and when the time is appropriate, to then assess any effects in humans

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CB1 and CB2 receptors play differential roles in early zebrafish locomotor development Download

This paper is also stored here: http://bit.ly/2YfykgI inside the CED Foundation Archive

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The Endocannabinoid System’s Effect on the Cerebellum is a Drawback for Anti-Inflammatory Meds

July 16, 2019 Adverse Effects, Animal Model, Anti-inflammatory properties, Behavior change, Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Cannabis Education, Cannabis Science, Coordination, Driving, Future Medicine, Heavy Use, Impairment, Jobs, Occasional Use, Overdose, Reaction Time, THC

Title: Monoacylglycerol lipase blockade impairs fine motor coordination and triggers cerebellar neuroinflammation through cyclooxygenase-2

Researchers are constantly considering how cannabis may impact the human brain, for better or worse. A recently published work points out a negative effect on the cerebellum, caused by the inhibition of the main enzyme that is used to break down the endocannabinoid “2- arachidonoylglycerol” (2-AG). By inhibiting the degradation of 2-AG, more of the endocannabinoid is allowed to remain in, and act upon, the human nervous system. This abundance of 2-AG results in reduced synthesis of prostaglandins, which produces an anti-inflammatory effect.

Unfortunately, the abundance of 2-AG also results in motor coordination deficits related to the effect on the cerebellum, but the addition of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (commonly found in many over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications) reverses these cerebellar deficits.

This highlights the far-reaching capabilities of the endocannabinoid system and at least one powerful angle where researchers could develop medications to indirectly impact the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids are still a politically hot topic, but synthesizing drugs that alter the level of endogenous cannabinoids available in the body is an ideal way to study the endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic benefits, without engaging with the red tape that surrounds cannabis. The receptors mechanisms for the endocannabinoid system certainly warrants further investigation.

Tweet: Researchers have recently revealed the negative effects on the #cerebellum caused by the inhibition of the main enzyme utilized for the degradation of the #endocannabinoid 2- arachidonoylglycerol (#2-AG). Learn more at

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Monoacylglycerol lipase blockade impairs fine motor coordination and triggers cerebellar neuroinflammation through cyclooxygenase-2Download

This paper is also stored here: http://bit.ly/2Sh4JhA inside the CED Foundation Archive

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Gauging Mice with CBD, part 2

July 16, 2019 Abuse, Animal Model, Blood-Levels, Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Cannabis Science, Impairment, News, Overdose, Science, Stigma

A Forbes article shedding light on #CBD and its effects on the livers of mice. Dr Peter Grinspoon and Devitt-Lee wisely talk some sense around the lousy methods and insensible dosage used on mice to command sensational headlines. http://bit.ly/2XMP36W

The CED Foundation review of the topic: http://bit.ly/2jYOlFX

Cannabinoids and autoimmune diseases: A systematic review (Diabetes)

July 14, 2019 Animal Model, Anti-inflammatory properties, Autoimmunity, Blood-Levels, CBD, CED Clinic, Diabetes, Dr Caplan, Future Medicine, Placebo-Controlled, Video

As it stands, there is no cure for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. But, some of us in the medical community are starting to wonder if cannabis could be a viable treatment option. Several studies already address this, with impressive findings, and now, A new mouse model study suggests that not only could CBD prevent Type 1 Diabetes, but it seems to also reduce symptoms after onset.

Now researchers must determine the long term effects of CBD treatment. Watch a video summary below:

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Cannabinoids and autoimmune diseases: A systematic review Download

This paper is also stored here: http://bit.ly/2Y1paV5 inside the CED Foundation Archive

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The Endocannabinoid System May Play a Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders

July 12, 2019 Animal Model, Autism, Behavior change, Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Cannabis Science, CB1, Future Medicine, Science, Stigma

Title: CB1 receptor antagonism in capuchin monkeys alters social interaction and aversive memory extinction

A recent study has revealed that the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system may play a role in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Using non-human primates, researchers were able to mimic some of the social impairment seen in autism models by antagonizing cannabinoid 1 receptors with synthetic cannabinoids. Future research may continue to show links between ASD and the endocannabinoid system, suggesting that cannabinoids may be used to treat the social impairments characteristic in ASD.

This research highlights how the endocannabinoid system may provide novel targets for developing therapies for what have seemed, previously, to be treatment-resistant disorders. Autism is still not well-understood and has many false beliefs associated with it. By studying the possible role of the endocannabinoid systems in ASD, researchers may be able to shed light on the mechanism(s) underlining the disorders and develop targeted treatments that allow patients a degree of greater control over the symptoms.

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CB1-receptor-antagonism-in-capuchin-monkeys-alters-social-interaction-and-aversive-memory-extinction Download

This paper is also stored here: http://bit.ly/2Ju4dds inside the CED Foundation Archive

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Video: The Endocannabinoid System’s Intriguing Role in Gut Health

June 26, 2019 Animal Model, Anti-inflammatory properties, Antibiotic, Autoimmunity, Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Cannabis Education, Cannabis Science, CB1, CB2, CBD, Future Medicine, Gastrointestinal Effects, IBS, Neuropathy, Science, Stress, THC, Video

A 2018 literature review summarizes the findings on cannabis and gut health. The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in gut motility, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Targeting the endocannabinoid system with CBD oil or other cannabinoids seems to reduce colonic inflammation and relieve stress, at a microscopic level, inside the gastrointestinal tract. Watch our video adaptation of the effects of cannabis on IBD:

View this review (yellow link) or download:

The Endocannabinoid System’s Intriguing Role in Gut Health Download

This paper is also stored here: http://bit.ly/2IQCNy1 inside the CED Foundation Archive

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