How Cannabis Might Increase Schizophrenia Risk in the Developing Mind

In adolescent mice, a cannabinoid receptor agonist is linked to abnormal prepulse inhibition similar to that found in schizophrenia.

Using marijuana in adolescence is associated with a marked increase in schizophrenia risk (JW Neurol Nov 27 2007). These investigators used a mouse model to study possible pathways for this finding.

Adolescent and adult mice (postnatal days 30 and 63, respectively) received injections of a synthetic agonist of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor or vehicle. On postnatal day 120, behavioral testing was done. Two weeks after testing, researchers examined the hippocampi, which are dense in CB1 receptors and needed for fear conditioning.

Only adolescent mice that received cannabinoid for 10 days showed abnormal prepulse inhibition (which is also abnormal in schizophrenia) and less contextual fear conditioning, compared with both adult mice that received…

Reviewing Author

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

How Cannabis Might Increase Schizophrenia Risk in the Developing Mind

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Reviewing Author