Abstract:
The psychoactive component of marijuana, A9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known
to have effects in humans that are mediated by the cannabinoid receptor (CB 1). Although a great deal of research has been done to confirm the interaction of exogenous cannabinoids with the CB 1 receptor, little is known about the receptor's natural function. Our lab's working hypothesis suggests that the sexual behavior of the male roughskin newt, Taricha granulosa, is regulated by an endogenous cannabinoid signaling system. For the purpose of
determining such a mechanism, localization of the CBI receptor in the brain ofT. granulosa
is essential. Therefore, immunohistochemistry was used to localize the CB1 receptor in the
newt utilizing a primary antibody against the carbonyl-terminus of the rat CB 1 receptor.
The study determined the presence of the CB1 receptor throughout the various sub-regions of the telencephalic hemispheres and the diencephalon. The localization of the CB 1 receptor in T. granulosa, not only suggests evolutionary conservation of the receptor distribution, but also provides evidence for an endogenous cannabinoid signaling system in the roughskin newt.
