Effects of Prenatal Nicotine and/or THC Exposure on Behavior, Brain Function, and Neurochemistry

Baby in utero made of smoke.

Assist in determining the long-term effects of prenatal nicotine and THC exposure on offspring. 

Project description

This project examines the effects exposure to inhaled nicotine, THC, or the combination in utero may have on behavior, brain function, and neurochemistry in adolescence and adulthood. Using a rat model, behaviors associated with obesity risk, cognitive deficits, and drug-seeking behavior are measured using a variety of tests throughout adolescence. In vitro autoradiography will be used to measure the effects of these drug exposures on neuroinflammation and brain signaling. By using a clinically relevant model of drug delivery, we can provide translational data that can educate on the potential harms of using these drugs during pregnancy. 

Project outcome

This project will provide students with the opportunity to train on a variety of research techniques including, behavioral paradigms, data analysis, writing and submit abstract/posters as well as peer-reviewed research papers. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Year Long (10-12 months)
Start time Fall (August/September)
Spring (January/February)
Summer (May/June) 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project (Can only function with in-person engagement)
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students) 
Benefits

Stipend

Academic Credit

Who is eligible
Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors

Project mentor

Panayotis Thanos

Senior Research Scientist

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Phone: (716) 881-7520

Email: thanos@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Students will watch supplied training videos and learn more about the background of the project. We will provide several articles from our lab that are related to the project the student will work on. 

Keywords

Pharmacology and Toxicology, THC, nicotine, neuroscience, development