How cannabis affects brain receptors in people with schizophrenia
Terminal type-specific cannabinoid CB1 receptor alterations in schizophrenia and cannabis use
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11054844
This study looks at how using cannabis affects certain brain receptors in people with schizophrenia, especially how THC, the active part of cannabis, might change these receptors in areas of the brain that help with memory, to better understand if cannabis use can make schizophrenia symptoms worse.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11054844 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of cannabis use on cannabinoid receptors in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia. It focuses on how the psychoactive component of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), alters the expression of CB1 receptors in specific brain regions associated with working memory. By comparing brain samples from individuals with schizophrenia and those exposed to THC, the study aims to understand the relationship between cannabis use and the worsening of schizophrenia symptoms. The findings could provide insights into how cannabis impacts brain function in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who also use cannabis.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those who do not use cannabis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of schizophrenia symptoms in patients who use cannabis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that cannabis use can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHOU, SHINN-YI — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: CHOU, SHINN-YI
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.