CONCOMITANT REPEATED EXPOSURE TO WIN 55,212-2 AND NICOTINE LEADS TO A MEMORY IMPAIRMENT IN ADOLESCENT BUT NOT ADULT MICE

The developing brain goes through critical periods wherein certain regions show higher plasticity and, consequently, are more prone to external modulation. Adolescence is characterized by a collection of the aforementioned periods. It is also associated with the indiscriminate use of psychotropic drugs, which can directly interfere with brain plasticity, being a prominent healthcare concern. Among the most commonly used drugs, nicotine is featured as one of the protagonists, especially after the rise of electronic cigarettes. Cannabinoids - both synthetic and phytocannabinoids - are also featured in vaping. Co-use of nicotine and cannabinoids is therefore common, and both drugs modulate various neurotransmitter pathways in the brain, possibly interacting with brain circuitry differentially when used together. However, the effects of co-use are not clearly understood.