35. Pre-Trauma Hair N-Arachidonylethanolamine Concentration Moderates the Association of Hippocampal Body Volume With Post-Trauma Stress Symptoms in Acute Trauma Survivors

Pre-clinical studies indicate basolateral amygdala release endocannabinoids, like N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA), may influence stress respond and contribute to post-trauma stress symptoms (PTSS) after acute trauma. However, effects of pre-trauma AEA levels on hippocampal components underlying acute PTSS have not been studied. Recent studies measured the concentrations of stress hormones in hair samples collected within hours after trauma, reflecting the status immediately before trauma exposure. This approach allows examination of associations between pre-trauma AEA levels, early post-trauma PTSS and volumes of amygdala and hippocampus as well as their subdivisions.