College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2025-06-04 12:48:45
Major
Biomedical Science
Honors Course
BIOL 499 - Senior Honors Program in Biology
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2025
Abstract
Marijuana (Cannabis) is currently federally illegal within the United States and classified as a Schedule I drug. This leaves a large research gap on the impacts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use. Daphnia magna are frequently used as a model organism for the human heart and toxicology screenings due to their myogenic heart, similarities in physiological pathways, and sensitivity to toxins. As such, in order to bridge the research gap and uncover potential use of Daphnia magna as a model organism for humans in regard to impact on heart rate, we hypothesized that if Daphnia magna possess CB1 receptors or an equivalent G-protein coupled receptor, then the addition of THC, a CB1 agonist, will result in higher heart rates as compared to Daphnia magna that are not exposed to THC. We found that the addition of 2% Ethanol and THC significantly lowered the heart rate in Daphnia magna when compared to Daphnia exposed to dechlorinated water or 2% Ethanol. Thus, additional research is needed before it can be determined if Daphnia magna are a suitable model organism for the downstream effects of THC on the human cardiovascular system.
Research Sponsor
Brian Bagatto
First Reader
Rachel
Second Reader
Jordan Renna
Honors Faculty Advisor
Brian Bagatto
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Cosgrave, Ashley, "Impact of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Daphnia magna Heart Rate" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2052.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2052
Included in
Animal Experimentation and Research Commons, Biochemistry Commons, Biology Commons, Cardiovascular System Commons, Cellular and Molecular Physiology Commons, Chemical and Pharmacologic Phenomena Commons, Homeopathy Commons, Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Medical Pharmacology Commons, Medical Toxicology Commons, Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Commons, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics Commons, Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacognosy Commons, Other Medicine and Health Sciences Commons, Other Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons, Pharmacology Commons, Toxicology Commons