Mentor/s:
Carmen Maldonado-Vlaar, Ph.D
Project Title:
Effects of Endocannabinoid System Activation Through Exercise on Sociability in Adolescent Rats
Project Description:
This study investigates how endocannabinoid system activation and exercise influence sociability in adolescent rats. Prior research suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders negatively impact sociability and that anandamide (AEA) levels are positively correlated with social behaviors in adult rats. Inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme that degrades AEA, has been shown to enhance sociability, while exercise is also linked to improved social behaviors and motivation.
Status: November 2024 – Present – Molecular emphasis
Mentor/s:
Carmen Maldonado-Vlaar, Ph.D
Project Title:
Effects of Endocannabinoid System Activation Through Exercise on Sociability in Adolescent Rats
Project Description:
This study investigates how endocannabinoid system activation and exercise influence sociability in adolescent rats. Prior research suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders negatively impact sociability and that anandamide (AEA) levels are positively correlated with social behaviors in adult rats. Inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme that degrades AEA, has been shown to enhance sociability, while exercise is also linked to improved social behaviors and motivation. Status: June – October 2024 – Behavioral Tests/Observations were in process for the later poster presentation in the 2024 Society for Neuroscience Conference as a Co-Author.
