How natural cannabis-like signals shape immune cells in the developing brain
Endocannabinoids regulate microglia in developing brain
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11293428
This project looks at whether natural cannabinoid signals and early-life brain immune cells change brain wiring in newborns and later adolescent behavior, and how exposure to cannabis (THC) during that window might alter the outcome.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11293428 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers use newborn rat brains to model a sensitive early-life window when brain immune cells (microglia) prune cells and shape future brain circuits. They manipulate hormone and endocannabinoid levels, expose animals to THC, and then follow how those changes alter microglial behavior, cell populations, and social behaviors during adolescence. The team applies modern gene-expression (transcriptomics) methods and uses adeno-associated viruses (AAV) to target or label specific cells to track cause-and-effect. Findings are intended to link early exposures to later brain and behavior changes that could be relevant to human pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although the grant is preclinical and does not enroll people, its results are most relevant to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, parents of newborns, and adolescents with early-life cannabis exposure.
Not a fit: People whose health concerns are unrelated to prenatal or early-life brain development or cannabis exposure are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify risks of maternal or infant cannabis exposure and inform guidance or interventions to protect early brain development.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work has shown that endocannabinoids and microglia influence brain development and that prenatal THC can change outcomes, but translating these findings to humans remains limited.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MCCARTHY, MARGARET M. — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: MCCARTHY, MARGARET M.
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.