Non-psychotropic cannabinoid based therapy modulates nociceptive signaling molecules, microglia, and pain behavior in a model of post-concussion headache

Corresponding PI: Melanie.Ellio;@jefferson.edu Acknowledgments: Research Support from DoD Awards W81XWH-­‐14-­‐1-­‐0594 and W81WH-­‐12-­‐1-­‐0326 to MBE. Model of Traumatic Brain Injury Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) was induced in Sprague Dawley rats utilizing a mild closed head injury (CHI) injury model using a modified electromagnetic impactor device (Leica Biosystems Inc.). Animals were anesthetized with isoflurane (3% induction; 2-2.5%) and had their body supported on a foam pad to prevent skull fracture. An incision was performed to expose the calvarium and CHI was induced using a 10 mm diameter rubber tip at 5.0 mm depth, 5.0 m/sec at a 40° impact angle to the calvarium. Controls received incision only without injury.