Strain and sex differences in puberty onset and the effects of THC administration on weight gain and brain volumes

摘要: The use of recreational marijuana is widespread and frequently begins persists through adolescence. Some research has shown negative consequences adolescent use, but this not seen across studies, certain factors, like genetic background sex, may influence the results. It critical to identify which characteristics predispose an individual be susceptible chronic exposure in adolescence on brain health behavior. To end, using males females two strains rats, Long-Evans hooded (LER) Wistar (WR) we explored whether these anatomically behaviorally dimorphic demonstrated differences puberty onset strain-specific effects Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), main psychoactive component marijuana. Daily 5 mg/kg treatment began day continued for 14 days. Of particular interest were metrics growth volumetric estimates areas involved cognition that contain high densities cannabinoid receptors, including hippocampus its subregions, amygdala, frontal cortex. Brain volumetrics analyzed immediately following period. LER WR started at different ages, no strain observed volumes. THC decreased weight gain throughout period all groups. Only some subregions affected by THC, increased volumes with administration was exclusively females, regardless strain. Long-term did affect individuals equally, displayed evidence sensitivity extension, Identifying physiology rats could help determine cause sex behavior adults refine animal models research.