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Cannabis use in pregnancy and early life and its consequences: animal models

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Abstract

Cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands have been detected from the earliest stages of embryonic development. The endocannabinoid system appears to play essential roles in these early stages for neuronal development and cell survival, although its detailed involvement in fundamental developmental processes such as proliferation, migration and differentiation has not yet been completely understood. Therefore, it is not surprising that manipulations of the endocannabinoid system by cannabinoid exposure during early developmental stages can result in long-lasting neurobehavioural consequences. The present review will summarize the possible residual behavioural effects of cannabinoid administration during pre- and perinatal as well as early postnatal development, derived from animal studies.

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Abbreviations

BGS:

Brain growth spurt

CBD:

Cannabidiol

CPP:

Conditioned place preference

CP:

CP 55,940

EPM:

Elevated plus maze

FST:

Forced swim test

GD:

Gestational day

PD:

Postnatal day

PR:

Progressive ratio

THC:

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

USV:

Ultrasonic vocalization

WIN:

WIN 55,212-2

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  1. Department of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI), J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany

    Miriam Schneider

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Schneider, M. Cannabis use in pregnancy and early life and its consequences: animal models. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 259, 383–393 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-009-0026-0

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