Synthetic cannabinoid 5F-AMB reduced anxiety and impaired memory in mice through CB1 receptors

Central 5F-AMB produced anxiolytic effects and impaired recognition memory acquisition via CB1 receptors (blocked by AM251). Systemic 5F-AMB severely reduced locomotor activity. Direct prefrontal cortex infusion impaired memory but did not reduce anxiety, suggesting different brain regions mediate each effect.

Behavioral pharmacology in C57BL/6J mice using intraperitoneal, intracerebroventricular, and intra-prefrontal cortex administration of 5F-AMB with the CB1 antagonist AM251. Assessed via open field test (anxiety, locomotion) and novel object recognition test (memory).

Synthetic cannabinoids like 5F-AMB are increasingly found in illegal products, yet their specific effects on brain function are largely unknown. This study maps which brain functions they affect and through which mechanisms.

The dissociation between anxiety and memory effects in specific brain regions suggests that synthetic cannabinoid effects are not monolithic. The severe locomotor impairment at systemic doses is particularly concerning for user safety.

Mouse model with direct brain injection for mechanistic studies. Single synthetic cannabinoid studied. Acute effects only. The severe locomotor effect of systemic administration complicates interpretation of other behavioral measures.