The effect of marijuana on the spatial learning and memory at different ages: the role of BDNF protein
The effect of marijuana on the spatial learning and memory at different ages: the role of BDNF protein
Mohadeseh Chahkandi,1,*Somayeh Vazifekhah,2Sedigheh Amiresmaili,3
1. Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran 3. Department of Physiology, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
Introduction: Cannabis or marijuana is the most common psychoactive substance used by 183 million people worldwide. Some studies suggest that the effect of cannabis on performance behavior depends on the age of use initiation. Few animal studies have examined the effects of the life-long use of marijuana. This study evaluated the role of BDNF in the effects of marijuana (M) spatial learning and memory of young and old female rats
Methods: Young (5-7 months) and old (22-24 months) female rats received an intraperitoneal injection (i.p) of M (every day), for 28 days. One hour after the last injection, the Morris water maze (MWM) test was conducted. Moreover, the density of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) was assessed by the ELIZA method
Results: Marijuana impaired spatial learning and memory in young female rats, while improved in old rats. we did not observe the change in the BDNF protein levels in this study.
Conclusion: There are age-related differences in the effects of marijuana on spatial learning and memory BDNF plays no role in these differences, probably.