THC Can Protect From Brain Deficits
Cannabis research has continued to grow in popularity in recent years, and it has recently been suggested that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) offers protection for the brain.
In a study published in September 2012, researchers intentionally caused injuries to the brains of mice with:
- Repeated exposure to MDMA (ecstasy)
- Carbon monoxide exposure
- Anesthesia caused by pentobarbital, an anesthetic which is sometimes used for execution.
They also administered a single ultra-low dosage of the cannabinoid THC (.002mg/kg) either:
- 1-7 days before the brain injury, or
- 1-3 days after the brain injury
The researchers found that the single ultra-low doses of THC were protective against injury to neurons (i.e. cells of the nervous system that transmit signals, resulting in thinking, memory, movement, etc.).
Neuroplasticity Is Encouraged By THC
The role of neuroplasticity (i.e. the way that the brain develops over time) is widely recognized in healthy development, learning, memory, and recovery from brain damage. It occurs in response to experiences and consists of neurogenesis(neuron creation) and neuro-degeneration (neuron death). According to this study from Israel performed by Sackler Faculty of Medicine, there are a number of ways in which neuroplasticity is measured.
Extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are protein enzymes that modify other proteins. These protein enzymes are involved in regulating the processes involved with cell differentiation. Researchers observed the amount of ERKs in the brain and found long-lasting differences within the hippocampus (involved in memory integration), frontalcortex (involved in planning, judging, personality, etc.), and cerebellum (involved in regulating balance, attention, etc.).
cAMP response element-binding protein(CREB) is a protein that binds to the cAMP DNA sequence. It is believed that CREB plays a role in neuronal plasticity and long-term memory formation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is protein that helps maintain the process of neurogenesis.A study published in 1995 suggests that it is necessary for normal neural development.
The researchers at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine investigated the levels of CREB and BDNF after the THC treatment. They found pCREB (phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein) was elevated in the hippocampus. BDNF levels increased in the frontal cortex as well.
Neuroplasticity is vital in learning, and this study sheds light on the possible benefit of small doses of THC in head trauma treatment.
This originally appeared at https://www.medicaljane.com/2013/07/23/study-shows-thc-can-help-encourage-neuroplasticity/
