Neuroscience 2005 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 563.15 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Limbic dopamine and opioid impairment in the prenatal cannabis-exposed human fetus. |
| Authors: |
Wang, X.*1
; Dow-Edwards, D.2
; Hurd, Y. L.1
1Dept Clin Neurosci, Karolinska Inst., Stockholm, Sweden 2NY, Karolinska Hosp, R5, 17176, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Disorders of the Nervous System - Addiction and Drugs of Abuse -- Cannabinoids |
| Session: |
563. Cannabinoids Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Monday, November 14, 2005 3:00 PM-4:00 PM |
| Location: | Washington Convention Center - Hall A-C, Board # UU80 |
| Keywords: | CANNABINOIDS, STRIATUM, AMYGDALA, DRUG ABUSE |
Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is one of the most used illicit drugs in our society. Impairment in brain functions and behavioral problems have been documented in children exposed to marijuana during prenatal development. The active component of marijuana, D9-tetrahydrocannabinol acts through cannabinoid receptor in the brain which tightly interacts with the mesocorticolimbic dopamine and endogenous opioid system. We have previously identified reduced dopamine D2 receptor mRNA expression in amygdala of prenatal cannabis-exposed human fetuses. The present study investigated the effects of in utero cannabis exposure on D2 expression levels in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and opioid-related genes in the human fetal forebrain. The study group consisted of midgestational fetuses from saline-induced voluntary abortion. The effect of prenatal cannabis exposure was analyzed by multiple regression controlling for confounding variables (maternal alcohol and cigarette use, fetal age, sex, postmortem interval and fetal growth measure). The results showed significant effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on the expression of specific genes in distinct brain regions. Prenatal cannabis exposure was significantly associated with reduced D2 expression in the NAc (no changes in the dorsal striatum) and increased mu receptor expression in the amygdala. Proenkephalin expression was reduced in the caudal putamen (no change for prodynorphin gene expression), but was not changed in the NAc and rostral putamen. The alterations in gene expression were significantly correlated with the amount of maternal drug use. These results indicate that maternal cannabis use during pregnancy has a preferential influence on limbic-related amygdala and NAc but also affect specific enkephalinergic motor-related dorsal neuronal population in the fetal brain. The alterations in the limbic system provide neurochemical basis for long-term consequences on cognitive, emotional and social behaviors.
Supported by NIDA DA12030
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2005 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2005. Online.
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