LE3 .A278 2020

2020

Wilson, Brian

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Stress can negatively impact one’s mental and physical health. Cannabinoids, isolated from Cannabis sp., may be an effective treatment for stress and stress-related illness. Two cannabinoids,THC and CBD, isolated from the plant Cannabis sativa act on two cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 to modulate the stress response through the endocannabinoid system. Experiments discussed in this thesis studied the effects of CBD and THC on acute stress in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were treated with 150nM THC, 150nM CBD, methanol or water for two hours in a 1L beaker. Subsequently, the fish were stressed using the Novel Tank Diving Test and behavioural responses were recorded. In addition, whole-body cortisol levels were measured using GC-FID. Mucus protein profiles were also examined using 1D SDS-PAGE to look for potential protein biomarkers of stress. Behaviours, whole-body cortisol levels, and mucus protein profiles were not significantly different between treatment groups. A minor effect of increased variation in the stress response of the THC treatment group was observed and should be explored further. It is possible that a higher dose and increased sample size might elucidate the effects of cannabinoids on acute stress in zebrafish. This research should be expanded on to clarify the effects that THC and CBD have on the stress response and to reveal if THC and CBD can be effectively used as a treatment for stress-related illness in humans.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3417