Grant: Catalyst Grant: Cannabis Research in Urgent Priority Areas

Ethanol is a teratogen, that is, a substance that kills developing cells. When women consume alcohol while pregnant, ethanol can damage the developing fetus, producing physical deformities, neurological deficits, and behavioral issues. This constellation of conditions is referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD. Despite extensive advertising campaigns, a variety of social and psychological factors contribute to a significant percentage of women (2-5%) continuing to drink during their pregnancy, and thus FASD continues to be a serious health concern in Canada and around the world. Recent studies indicate that over half of regular cannabis users also consume alcohol, and recent changes to Canadian law may increase the number of unborn children affected by both pharmacological agents. The goal of this work is to determine how combined exposure impacts the development of the structure and function of the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a brain region known to be involved in learning and memory processes, but it also plays an important role in helping control our emotional reactions to memories. Thus our goals are to examine how combined exposure of ethanol and THC (Delta-9- tetrohydrocannabinol) impacts (1) the development of neurons in the hippocampus, (2) their ability to show forms of synaptic plasticity known to involve cannabinoid receptors, and (3) learning behaviors like pattern-separation, as well as anxiety-like behaviours (i.e. are the animals more anxious, and does this impact their learning/social behaviour). Understanding the effects of prenatal exposure to both drugs (ethanol and THC) has major implications, not only for the lives of affected individuals and families, but also for public health and establishing public policy.