Rat models of prenatal and adolescent cannabis exposure

Methods Mol Biol. 2012:829:231-42. doi: 10.1007/978-1-61779-458-2_14.

Abstract

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is the illicit drug most commonly used by two vulnerable populations relevant to neurodevelopment-pregnant women and teenagers. Human longitudinal studies have linked prenatal and adolescent cannabis exposure with long-term behavioral abnormalities as well as increased vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders in adulthood. Animal models provide a means of studying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these long-term effects. This chapter provides an overview of the animal models we have used to study the developmental impact of cannabis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Cannabis / adverse effects*
  • Dronabinol / administration & dosage*
  • Dronabinol / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse
  • Models, Animal
  • Nervous System / drug effects
  • Nervous System / embryology
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / physiopathology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Dronabinol