9th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Presenter(s): Ruchi Patil
Title: Synthetic Cannabinoids Increase Aggregation in Isolated Human Platelets
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Stephen P. Holly , College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Thrombosis is a life-threatening condition involving blockages of blood vessels caused by platelet activation. Platelets are regulated by various compounds including natural cannabinoids found in Marijuana. Cannabinoids are associated with both increased and decreased incidence of myocardial infarctions, but manmade or synthetic cannabinoids are even more potent and potentially lethal. Since synthetic cannabinoids have not been extensively studied, we will test some of these compounds on isolated human platelets to measure their effect on aggregation and secretion. The effects will be quantified using luminescence, light transmission aggregometry, and particle size distribution. We hypothesize that these compounds will increase platelet aggregation and/or secretion.