Diffusion tensor imaging, a newly developed magnetic resonance imaging technique, could enable researchers to gain a better understanding of the effects of cannabis on the brain. In a preliminary study published today in the open access journal Harm Reduction Journal, researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to compare the brain tissue of young people who had used cannabis moderately as teenagers and young people who had not. The researchers failed to find any indication that damage to the developing adolescent brain occurred.

Lynn DeLisi and colleagues from the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and New York University School of Medicine used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to scan the brain of 10 young people who had smoked cannabis during adolescence. The participants were between 17 and 30 years old, they had smoked at least two to three times a week for one or more years during adolescence and had no personal or family history of mental health problems. They were matched for sex, age and social class of parents with 10 controls who had not smoked cannabis regularly as teenagers.

DTI is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that enables a detailed look at the organisation of nerves in the brain and the measurement of brain volume.

DeLisi and her colleagues found no significant differences in brain integrity and brain volume between cannabis smokers and non-smokers. This preliminary study suggests that moderate cannabis use has no direct adverse effects on brain structure and integrity. The authors warn however, that more research is necessary, both in a larger group of people and to see the effects of heavier use.

'"/>

Contact: Juliette Savin
juliette.savin@biomedcentral.com
44-020-763-19931
BioMed Central
7-May-2006

Page: 1
Related medicine news :

1. Indiana University Imaging Center receives $6M grant for kidney research
2. Imaging technique is highly accurate in diagnosing, locating pancreas defects in newborns
3. Imaging technique may prevent injury during ablation for atrial fibrillation
4. Imaging technique helps predict breast cancer spread before surgery
5. Imaging study may help point toward more effective smoking cessation treatments
6. Springer announces launch of Brain Imaging and Behavior
7. Imaging technology helps identify esophageal cancer patients who respond well to treatment
8. Imaging changes treatment for lower back pain
9. Imaging shows similarities in brains of marijuana smokers, schizophrenics
10. Imaging may not be major driver of hospital cost increases
11. Dartmouths alternative breast imaging techniques sort abnormal from normal tissue