? Marijuana is undoubtedly the most abused illicit drug in the world. The active ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, a member of the cannabinoid family for which there are two known receptors: CB1 (primarily CNS) and CB2 receptors. We will test the hypothesis that intra-VTA CB1 receptor activation with the synthetic agonist CP55, 940 can induce hyperactivity and that these receptors are located on GABA neurons within the VTA. Furthermore, we will test the hypothesis that normal GABA function is necessary for the behavioral effects of intra-VTA CP55, 940 infusion by selectively lesioning the GABA neurons within the VTA followed by subsequent CB1 agonist administration. The observation that acute microinfusion of the cannabinoid agonist CP55, 940 into the reward pathway results in hyperactivity would support the hypothesis that cannabinoids utilize similar circuitry as other abused drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, etc.) and suggest that the systemic effects of cannabinoids are a composite of actions in the mesoaccumbens and other pathways. These data are, therefore, critical in elucidating the rewarding/reinforcing effects of cannabinoid agonists. ? ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31DA018015-01
Application #
6790923
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Babecki, Beth
Project Start
2004-03-01
Project End
2007-02-28
Budget Start
2004-03-01
Budget End
2005-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$29,324
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Medical Br Galveston
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800771149
City
Galveston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77555