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Neurosciences

Virginia Commonwealth University

Theses and Dissertations

Cannabinoid

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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Thc-Mediated Induction Of Δfosb And Its Modulation Of Cb1r Signaling And Adaptation, Lazenka Matthew Jan 2013

Thc-Mediated Induction Of Δfosb And Its Modulation Of Cb1r Signaling And Adaptation, Lazenka Matthew

Theses and Dissertations

The main psychoactive and therapeutic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are mediated through cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs). The therapeutic uses of THC are mitigated by the development of tolerance to these therapeutic effects, whereas tolerance does not readily develop to some of the side-effects of THC, like motor impairment and reward. The development of tolerance occurs through adaptations at CB1Rs, which include desensitization (G-protein uncoupling) and downregulation (receptor degradation). Brain region-dependent differences in THC-mediated adaptations are proposed to explain the differences in tolerance to various THC-mediated effects. These studies focused on whether ΔFosB, a stable transcription factor, could regulate CB1R …


Characterization And Development Of A Stroke-Induced Model Of Acquired Epilepsy In Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures: Role Of The Cannabinoid Cb1 Receptors In Modulation Of Neuronal Excitation And Inhibition, Julie Ziobro Nov 2010

Characterization And Development Of A Stroke-Induced Model Of Acquired Epilepsy In Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures: Role Of The Cannabinoid Cb1 Receptors In Modulation Of Neuronal Excitation And Inhibition, Julie Ziobro

Theses and Dissertations

Stroke is the most common cause of acquired epilepsy in persons 35 and older. The massive increase in extracellular glutamate during stroke causes a cascade of intracellular events that can lead to cell death or the molecular changes that initiate the development of epilepsy. In addition, many studies point to a modulatory role of the endocannabinoid system in controlling seizures. Animal models of stroke induced acquired epilepsy have been difficult to develop. Therefore, this dissertation was initiated to develop an organotypic hippocampal slice culture model of acquired epilepsy and examine the changes in distribution and function of the endogenous CB1 …