LE3 .A278 2021

2021

Easy, Russell

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Stress in animals is typically caused by factors such as predation and competition. In humans, stressful experiences more often include major life events, trauma, abuse and, even more commonly, difficult social situations, job loss, and navigating relationships. Potential treatments or coping mechanisms for dealing with or mitigating stress would be useful. The objective of this study was to determine if Δ9-etrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) had an effect on the acute stress response of the zebrafish, Danio rerio, during the novel tank diving test. Behavioural observations including the latency to enter the top half of the tank, entries to the top, duration in the top, erratic movements, freezing frequency, and freezing duration were made after fish were treated with THC (200 nM in DMSO), CBD (200 nM in DMSO), or AM251 (1.8μM;a CB1 receptor antagonist) for one hour. In addition, the effect of THC, CBD, and AM251 treatments on skin mucus cortisol levels were measured. THC, but not CBD, had a significant effect on several stress-related behaviours though neither cannabinoid had an effect on mucus cortisol levels in stressed fish. These results suggest that THC may be anxiogenic in zebrafish but the role of THC, CBD, and other cannabis compounds in modulating the impact of stress requires further study.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3623