Maternal Cannabis Impact Group
Ryan Joseph Mclaughlin · Pullman, Washington
Washington State University · Biology
Research focus
Dr. Ryan McLaughlin's lab focuses on how maternal cannabis use during pregnancy affects the brain development and cognitive abilities of offspring. Using a unique animal model, the lab investigates the neurobiological mechanisms behind cognitive inflexibility caused by prenatal cannabis exposure. The research aims to understand the long-term impacts of cannabis on decision-making processes and explore potential interventions to mitigate these effects.
cognitive inflexibilitymaternal cannabis exposureneurodevelopmentcorticostriatal circuitpregnant ratspharmacotherapyglutamate dynamicsendocannabinoid signaling
Research aims
3AIM 01Investigate the impact of maternal cannabis exposure on cognitive flexibility in offspring.
AIM 02Examine the corticostriatal circuitry and its alterations due to cannabis exposure.
AIM 03Test pharmacological and circuit-based interventions to restore cognitive function in affected offspring.
Skills the lab values
fiber photometryviral labeling techniqueselectrophysiologyanimal behavior assessmentin vivo pharmacological interventiondata analysiscustom equipment designneurotransmitter measurement
Output against the department
99publicationsbottom 35% of the department672nd of 1,033
most publishedleast published
4.8kcitationsbottom 37% of the department653rd of 1,033
most citedleast cited
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