# ICAL: Impact of Cannabinoids Across Lifespan: Analytical Core

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2020 · $135,385

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: ANALYTICAL CORE
The proposed NIDA Center of Excellence, entitled Impact of Cannabinoids Across the Lifespan (ICAL),
will test the hypothesis that non-physiological activation of the endocannabinoid (ECB) system in
adolescence initiates a reprogramming of the genetic and epigenetic processes that govern this
system’s molecular structure, neuroanatomical architecture, and synaptic functions, ultimately
producing persistent abnormalities in cognition and motivated behavior. To test this hypothesis, ICAL
will deploy a vertically integrated strategy combining molecular, neuroanatomical, electrophysiological,
and behavioral approaches. The Analytical Core will utilize contemporary liquid chromatography/mass
spectrometry (LC/MS) methods to achieve two specific aims: Aim 1: To provide analytical support to
ICAL’s Animal Core. Working in close collaboration with the Animal Core, the Analytical Core will carry
out drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DM-PK) studies to ensure that the THC treatment
regimens employed by ICAL (a) produce consistent levels of systemic THC exposure across the various
experimental groups under investigation (adolescent and adult mice and rats of both sexes); (b) are
pharmacologically relevant (i.e., produce graded and defined degrees of CBR-dependent intoxication);
and (c) take into consideration THC metabolism as well as accumulation in, and leakage from, lipid-
rich tissues (e.g. white adipose). Aim 2: To provide bioanalytical support to ICAL projects. Even though
ICAL’s Molecular, Synaptic and Behavioral Projects will advance in parallel, each will address specific
questions that will require ECB quantification in brain tissue. The Analytical Core will fulfill this important
experimental need. Its director, Dr. Faizy Ahmed, will have the following primary responsibilities: (a)
implement LC/MS methods for the determination of THC and its metabolites in blood and other tissues;
(b) implement LC/MS methods for the quantitative analysis of ECB lipids in the brain; (c) schedule
shared use and maintenance of LC/MS instrumentation: (d) supervise a Senior Staff Research
Associate (TBN; 25% effort) who will be responsible for sample preparation; and (e) train graduate
students and post-doctoral scholars in the use of LC/MS equipment. In sum, working in collaboration
with the Animal Core, the Analytical Core will generate a systematic set of robust pharmacodynamics
and DM-PK data that will permit the development and implementation of pharmacologically and
translationally relevant THC treatment protocols.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9934172
- **Project number:** 5P50DA044118-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Faizy Ahmed
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $135,385
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9934172

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9934172, ICAL: Impact of Cannabinoids Across Lifespan: Analytical Core (5P50DA044118-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9934172. Licensed CC0.

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