Marijuana and Cannabinoid Research: Methods and Protocols / Edition 1

by Emmanuel S. Onaivi

Overview

A cutting-edge collection of readily reproducible in vitro and in vivo methods to elucidate the mechanisms associated with cannabinoid function in health and disease. The techniques can be used in studies across the board from genes to behavior. The molecular neurobiological methods are invaluable in analyzing the structure, the polymorphisms, and the molecular expression of the cannabinoid receptors (CBrs), as well as their association with polysubstance abuse. There are also methods for localizing cannabinoid receptors in different systems, visualizing cannabinoid effects using brain slice imaging and elctrophysiological approaches, and designing and synthesizing cannabinoids and endocannabinoids. The prools follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine™ series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617375132
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	11/10/2010
Series:	Methods in Molecular Medicine , #123
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2006
Pages:	306
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.03(d)

Table of Contents

Molecular Neurobiological Methods in Marijuana-Cannabinoid Research.- Experimental Methods to Study the Role of the Peripheral Cannabinoid Receptor in Immune Function.- Localization of Cannabinoid Receptors Using Immunoperoxidase Methods.- Localization of Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor mRNA Using Ribonucleotide Probes.- Morphometric Study on Cytoskeletal Components of Neuronal and Astroglial Cells After a Chronic CB1 Agonist Treatment.- Visualizing Cannabinoid Effects Using Brain Slice Imaging and Electrophysiological Approaches.- Methods for the Synthesis of Cannabinergic Ligands.- Cannabinoid Receptor Binding to Membrane Homogenates and Cannabinoid-Stimulated [35S]GTP-S Binding to Membrane Homogenates or Intact Cultured Cells.- Methods to Assay Anandamide Hydrolysis and Transport in Synaptosomes.- Methods Evaluating Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Effects on Gastrointestinal Functions.- The Bioassay of Cannabinoids Using the Mouse Isolated Vas Deferens.- Assessment of Cannabis Craving Using the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire.- Methods for Studying Acute and Chronic Effects of Marijuana on Human Associative Processes and Memory.- Methods for Clinical Research Involving Cannabis Administration.- Neurological Assessments of Marijuana Users.- Behavioral Methods in Cannabinoid Research.- Methods to Study the Behavioral Effects and Expression of CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors and Its Gene Transcripts in Chronic Mild Stress Model of Depression.

Editorial Reviews

"...will be a great asset internationally to emerging researchers embarking on investigations of cannabinoid seeking further understanding in their specific field, by expanding upon their exisiting methodologies to incorporate multi-disciplinary approaches." -Addiction

From the Publisher

Reviewer: Kenneth E. McCarson, PhD (University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description: This book, an installment in Methods in Molecular Neuroscience, focuses on experimental research methods relevant to studying the effects of marijuana and the cannabinoids, from molecular to behavioral levels.
Purpose: The purpose is to gather current examples of expert experimental techniques and research protocols in cannabinoid research, in order to facilitate progress in understanding the role of this important signaling and regulatory system in human development, health, and disease. The recent explosion of information and research on the cannabinoids and their endogenous ligands and receptors makes this a timely addition to the field. The book meets the editor's goals, through both the depth and breadth of the techniques described and their relevance to cannabinoid research.
Audience: This book targets experienced biomedical researchers interested in the application of biochemical, molecular biological, and behavioral techniques specifically to the study of the effects of cannabinoids. The research techniques described in the book have application beyond cannabinoid research in many cases. The authors of the chapters, organized by technique, are known experts in the field of cannabinoid research.
Features: Each of the chapters presents an in-depth description of a technique used in cannabinoid research. The topics vary widely in focus, from genetic to cellular to behavioral science protocols. For example, individual chapters cover histological and in-situ hybridization analyses of cannabinoid receptor location, methods for synthesis of cannabinoid ligands, neurological assessment of cannabis users, and behavioral methods for studying cannabinoid effects in experimental animals. The detail afforded each method in the book is striking, and the descriptions are supported by legible, informative figures and flow-charts.
Assessment: This book is a useful addition to the Methods in Molecular Medicine series, addressing a relatively new "hot topic" in molecular and behavioral neuroscience — the discovery of endogenous cannabinoids and their receptors. The strengths of this collection of methods are the editor's selection of expert, well-known authors and the degree of detail offered in the description of each method.

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