Experts at Indiana University showed how exposure to cannabis or its main psychoactive substance tetrahydrocannabinol may affect the response to fluoxetine during the gestational period among rodents.
According to the findings in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, upon exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol, the brain’s endocannabinoid and serotonin activity reduce as an aging milestone is reached: adulthood.
“In this study, we used mice to investigate the adult impact of perinatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE) with THC, CBD, or a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD on behaviorism,” researchers explained in their journal article.
“Furthermore, the lasting impact of PCE on fluoxetine sensitivity in the forced swim test (FST) was evaluated to probe neurochemical pathways interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).”
“Our data suggest that PCE with either THC, CBD, or THC+CBD alters repetitive and hedonic behaviors in a phytocannabinoid and sex-dependent manner. In addition, PCE with THC or CBD prevents fluoxetine from enhancing coping behavior,” researchers concluded.