October 13, 2005 Source: University of Saskatchewan:
http://www.usask.ca/events/news/articles/20051013-1.html U of S Research Suggests Marijuana Analogue Stimulates Brain Cell Growth Organization: University of Saskatchewan Communications
Email: communications@usask.ca
Released: Oct. 13, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, October 13, 2005
2005-10-07-ME U of S Research Suggests Marijuana Analogue Stimulates Brain Cell Growth A synthetic substance similar to ones found in marijuana stimulates cell
growth in regions of the brain associated with anxiety and depression,
pointing the way for new treatments for these diseases, according to
University of Saskatchewan medical research published today in The Journal
of Clinical Investigation. Xia Zhang, an associate professor in the U of S neuropsychiatry research
unit, led the team that tested the effects of HU-210, a potent synthetic
cannabinoid similar to a group of compounds found in marijuana. The
synthetic version is about 100 times as powerful as THC, the compound
responsible for the high experienced by recreational users. The team found that rats treated with HU-210 on a regular basis showed
neurogenesis - the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus. This region
of the brain is associated with learning and memory, as well as anxiety and
depression. The effect is the opposite of most legal and illicit drugs such as alcohol,
nicotine, heroin, and cocaine. "Most 'drugs of abuse' suppress neurogenesis," Zhang says. "Only marijuana
promotes neurogenesis." Current theory states that depression may be sparked when too few new brain
cells are grown in the hippocampus. It is unclear whether anxiety is part of
this process, but if true, HU-210 could offer a treatment for both mood
disorders by stimulating the growth of new brain cells. But Zhang cautions that HU-210 is only one of many cannabinoids. His
previous work with marijuana shows that while the plant may contain
medicinal compounds, they come in the same package as those that cause
symptoms such as acute memory impairment, addiction, and withdrawal. Also,
the HU-210 used in the study is highly purified. "This is a very potent cannabinoid oil," Zhang says. "It's not something
that would be available on the street." Marijuana has been used for recreational and medicinal purposes for
centuries, evoking public interest and controversy along the way. As a
medicine, the plant is used to ease pain in multiple sclerosis patients,
combat nausea in cancer patients, and stimulate appetite in people afflicted
with AIDS. It has also been used to treat epilepsy and stroke. Zhang's work is the latest product of the U of S Neural Systems and
Plasticity Research Group (http://www.usask.ca/neuralsystems/group.htm), a
multidisciplinary effort by researchers from the Colleges of Arts and
Science, Engineering, Kinesiology, Medicine, Pharmacy and Nutrition, and
Veterinary Medicine. The group collaborates to study the function of neural
systems, from nerves to brain, in living organisms. In particular, they look
at how these systems change over time with experience. Zhang's research is supported by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of
Health Research (CIHR), and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan
as well as a CIHR New Investigator Award. The Saskatchewan Health Research
Foundation provided funding support to establish the Neural Systems and
Plasticity Research Group, as well as post-doctoral fellowship awards to
research team members Wen Jiang and Shao-Ping Ji. -30- For more information, contact: Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research Xia Zhang
Neuropsychiatry Research Unit
Department of Psychiatry
College of Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2288
zhangxia@duke.usask.ca Lisa Kalynchuk
Member, Neural Systems and Plasticity Research Group
Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neuroscience
Department of Psychology
College of Arts and Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2920
lisa.kalynchuk@usask.ca
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