8th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Presenter(s): Midhun Anne
Title: Effect of Chronic CP-55,940 and THC treatment on ΔFosB accumulation in mouse brain NAc and PFC
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Christopher S. Breivogel , Pharmaceutical Sciences

Synthetic cannabinoids are being used recreationally due to their high potency and to bypass the detection of Δ9-THC metabolites. Δ9-THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis sativa, is the most widely studied cannabinoid, but little is known of the addictive potential of potent synthetic cannabinoids like CP-55,940. The accumulation of ΔFosB mouse brain has been associated with addiction to drugs. The present study hypothesizes that chronic CP-55,940 treatment will induce higher levels of ΔFosB accumulation in mouse NAc and PFC compared to Δ9-THC or vehicle, implying greater potential for addiction. This study involves RT-qPCR and immunoblotting techniques.