By Jing Han
3/2/2012
A new study shows that THC in marijuana is not directly affecting the neurons themselves but in fact the neural support system: astrocytes. Both astrocytes and neurons have cannaboids type-1 receptors (CB1R) and to compare the effects of THC in mice researchers mutated two groups of mice. One group did not have the CB1R on their astrocytes and the other group didn't have them on their neurons. The researchers found that the mice without the CB1R on the astrocytes did NOT have impaired spatial working memory, whereas those lacking the receptors on the neurons did. So in conclusion that means the astrocytes are the ones that cause the memory problems when taking cannaboids.
This new development clearly raises questions about astrocytes general role in forming memories. This new information will also potentially help engineer a THC using drug that doesn't mess with your memory.
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