Date of Award
Spring 5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department/Program
Forensic Science
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Shu-Yuan Cheng
Second Reader
Richard Stripp
Third Advisor
Aliya Lewis
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), as well as synthetic cannabinoids AB-CHMINACA and MMB-CHMICA, exert their effects by regulating the main cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors that modulate intracellular calcium concentrations. THC acts as a partial agonist at the orthosteric site of CB1 receptors while AB-CHMINACA and MMB-CHMICA act as full agonists, demonstrating higher efficacy and potency. The exact mechanism of action of CBD at the CB1 receptor is yet to be elucidated, but it is proposed as a negative allosteric modulator and an inverse agonist. In this study, the effects of both phytocannabinoids and the two synthetic cannabinoids on the CB1 receptor in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were monitored by a Fura-2 AM calcium flux assay (Abcam, ab176766). The 510 nm emission ratios in response to 340/380 nm excitation indicate intracellular calcium levels and were used to discern CB1 receptor responses. Welch’s ANOVA did not indicate concentration as a significant factor in mean emission ratios while drug type was. Elevation of intracellular calcium from basal activity was observed in THC and CBD treated cells while a decrease in calcium was observed in AB-CHMINACA and MMB-CHMICA treated cells.
Recommended Citation
Borshchevskaya, Krystyna, "Regulation of CB1 Receptors in SH-SY5Y Cells by THC, CBD, AB-CHMINACA, and MMB-CHMICA Determined by Measurement of Intracellular Ca2+" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/395
