Ontogeny of the Endocannabinoid System

Consistent with a role for anandamide as an endogenous neuroprotectant in the adult brain, it has been hypothesized that the endocannabinoid system promotes neuroprotection in the developing brain (Fride, 2008 Fride and Shohami, 2002). Several studies support this hypothesis (i) activation of CB1 receptors in 7-day-old rats by WIN55,212-2 prevented neuronal loss (Martinez- 

Orgado et al, 2003), (ii) exogenous anandamide reduced ouabain-induced neuronal damage in 1- and 7-day-old rat pups through activation of CB1 receptors (van der Stelt et al., 2001), and (iii) a dramatic increase of anandamide precursors has been observed in the infant rat brain after head trauma (Hansen et al., 2001). 

Morphological and Neurafunctional Outcomes Induced by Developmental Exposure to Cannabinoids 

Clinical reports on the neurofunctional effects induced by marijuana exposure during development are still controversial and far from definitive (Fried and Smith, 2001). Most prospective longitudinal studies are currently underway, 

The OPPS, initiated in 197 8, is examining the effects of cannabis and tobacco use in low-risk, white, predominantly middle-class families from pregnancy to young adulthood. The OPPS study suggests that in utero exposure to marijuana affects performance in tasks related to problem-solving situations, which require visual integration and analytical skills as well as sustained attention (Fried, 2002 Smith et al., 2006). 

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