Species comparison and pharmacological characterization of rat and human CB2 cannabinoid receptors

Targeting CB2 receptors and the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of pain

The endocannabinoid system consists of the cannabinoid (CB) receptors, CB(1) and CB(2), the endogenous ligands anandamide (AEA, arachidonoylethanolamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their synthetic and metabolic machinery. The use of cannabis has been described in classical and recent literature for the treatment of pain, but the potential for psychotropic effects as a result of the activation of central CB(1) receptors places a limitation upon its use. There are, however, a number of modern approaches being undertaken to circumvent this problem, and this review represents a concise summary of these approaches, with a particular emphasis upon CB(2) receptor agonists. Selective CB(2) agonists and peripherally restricted CB(1) or CB(1)/CB(2) dual agonists are being developed for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, as they demonstrate efficacy in a range of pain models. CB(2) receptors were originally described as being restricted to cells of immune origin, but there is evidence for their expression in human primary sensory neurons, and increased levels of CB(2) receptors reported in human peripheral nerves have been seen after injury, particularly in painful neuromas. CB(2) receptor agonists produce antinociceptive effects in models of inflammatory and nociceptive pain, and in some cases these effects involve activation of the opioid system. In addition, CB receptor agonists enhance the effect of mu-opioid receptor agonists in a variety of models of analgesia, and combinations of cannabinoids and opioids may produce synergistic effects. Antinociceptive effects of compounds blocking the metabolism of anandamide have been reported, particularly in models of inflammatory pain. There is also evidence that such compounds increase the analgesic effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), raising the possibility that a combination of suitable agents could, by reducing the NSAID dose needed, provide an efficacious treatment strategy, while minimizing the potential for NSAID-induced gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disturbances. Other potential "partners" for endocannabinoid modulatory agents include alpha(2)-adrenoceptor modulators, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonists and TRPV1 antagonists. An extension of the polypharmacological approach is to combine the desired pharmacological properties of the treatment within a single molecule. Hopefully, these approaches will yield novel analgesics that do not produce the psychotropic effects that limit the medicinal use of cannabis.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of coumarin derivatives as cannabinoid receptor antagonists and inverse agonists

In the present study we synthesized 36 coumarin and 2H-chromene derivatives applying a recently developed umpoled domino reaction using substituted salicylaldehyde and alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde derivatives as starting compounds. In radioligand binding studies 5-substituted 3-benzylcoumarin derivatives showed affinity to cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors and were identified as new lead structures. In further GTPgammaS binding studies selected compounds were shown to be antagonists or inverse agonists.

MDA7: a novel selective agonist for CB2 receptors that prevents allodynia in rat neuropathic pain models

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is growing interest in using cannabinoid type 2 (CB(2)) receptor agonists for the treatment of neuropathic pain. In this report, we describe the pharmacological characteristics of MDA7 (1-[(3-benzyl-3-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-6-yl)carbonyl]piperidine), a novel CB(2) receptor agonist.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We characterized the pharmacological profile of MDA7 by using radioligand-binding assays and in vitro functional assays at human cannabinoid type 1 (CB(1)) and CB(2) receptors. In vitro functional assays were performed at rat CB(1) and CB(2) receptors. The effects of MDA7 in reversing neuropathic pain were assessed in spinal nerve ligation and paclitaxel-induced neuropathy models in rats.

KEY RESULTS

MDA7 exhibited selectivity and agonist affinity at human and rat CB(2) receptors. MDA7 treatment attenuated tactile allodynia produced by spinal nerve ligation or by paclitaxel in a dose-related manner. These effects were selectively antagonized by a CB(2) receptor antagonist but not by CB(1) or opioid receptor antagonists. MDA7 did not affect rat locomotor activity.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

MDA7, a novel selective CB(2) agonist, was effective in suppressing neuropathic nociception in two rat models without affecting locomotor behaviour. These results confirm the potential for CB(2) agonists in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid

The psychoactive cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. and the arachidonic acid-derived endocannabinoids are nonselective natural ligands for cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB(1)) and CB(2) receptors. Although the CB(1) receptor is responsible for the psychomodulatory effects, activation of the CB(2) receptor is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of inflammation, pain, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis. Here, we report that the widespread plant volatile (E)-beta-caryophyllene [(E)-BCP] selectively binds to the CB(2) receptor (K(i) = 155 +/- 4 nM) and that it is a functional CB(2) agonist. Intriguingly, (E)-BCP is a common constituent of the essential oils of numerous spice and food plants and a major component in Cannabis. Molecular docking simulations have identified a putative binding site of (E)-BCP in the CB(2) receptor, showing ligand pi-pi stacking interactions with residues F117 and W258. Upon binding to the CB(2) receptor, (E)-BCP inhibits adenylate cylcase, leads to intracellular calcium transients and weakly activates the mitogen-activated kinases Erk1/2 and p38 in primary human monocytes. (E)-BCP (500 nM) inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory cytokine expression in peripheral blood and attenuates LPS-stimulated Erk1/2 and JNK1/2 phosphorylation in monocytes. Furthermore, peroral (E)-BCP at 5 mg/kg strongly reduces the carrageenan-induced inflammatory response in wild-type mice but not in mice lacking CB(2) receptors, providing evidence that this natural product exerts cannabimimetic effects in vivo. These results identify (E)-BCP as a functional nonpsychoactive CB(2) receptor ligand in foodstuff and as a macrocyclic antiinflammatory cannabinoid in Cannabis.

Full mass spectrometric characterization of human monoacylglycerol lipase generated by large-scale expression and single-step purification

The serine hydrolase monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) modulates endocannabinoid signaling in vivo by inactivating 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the main endogenous agonist for central CB1 and peripheral CB2 cannabinoid receptors. To characterize this key endocannabinoid enzyme by mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we first overexpressed recombinant hexa-histidine-tagged human MGL (hMGL) in Escherichia coli and purified it in a single chromatographic step with high yield (approximately 30 mg/L). With 2-AG as substrate, hMGL displayed an apparent V max of 25 micromol/(microg min) and K m of 19.7 microM, an affinity for 2-AG similar to that of native rat-brain MGL (rMGL) (Km=33.6 microM). hMGL also demonstrated a comparable affinity (Km approximately 8-9 microM) for the novel fluorogenic substrate, arachidonoyl, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin ester (AHMMCE), in a sensitive, high-throughput fluorometric MGL assay. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) unequivocably demonstrated the mass (34,126 Da) and purity of this hMGL preparation. After in-solution tryptic digestion, hMGL full proteomic characterization was carried out, which showed (1) an absence of intramolecular disulfide bridges in the functional, recombinant enzyme and (2) the post-translational removal of the enzyme's N-terminal methionine. Availability of sufficient quantities of pure, well-characterized hMGL will enable further molecular and structural profiling of this key endocannabinoid-system enzyme.

Inhibition of cancer cell invasion by cannabinoids via increased expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1

BACKGROUND

Cannabinoids, in addition to having palliative benefits in cancer therapy, have been associated with anticarcinogenic effects. Although the antiproliferative activities of cannabinoids have been intensively investigated, little is known about their effects on tumor invasion.

METHODS

Matrigel-coated and uncoated Boyden chambers were used to quantify invasiveness and migration, respectively, of human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells that had been treated with cannabinoids (the stable anandamide analog R(+)-methanandamide [MA] and the phytocannabinoid delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) in the presence or absence of antagonists of the CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptors or of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) or inhibitors of p38 or p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting were used to assess the influence of cannabinoids on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). The role of TIMP-1 in the anti-invasive action of cannabinoids was analyzed by transfecting HeLa, human cervical carcinoma (C33A), or human lung carcinoma cells (A549) cells with siRNA targeting TIMP-1. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Without modifying migration, MA and THC caused a time- and concentration-dependent suppression of HeLa cell invasion through Matrigel that was accompanied by increased expression of TIMP-1. At the lowest concentrations tested, MA (0.1 microM) and THC (0.01 microM) led to a decrease in invasion (normalized to that observed with vehicle-treated cells) of 61.5% (95% CI = 38.7% to 84.3%, P < .001) and 68.1% (95% CI = 31.5% to 104.8%, P = .0039), respectively. The stimulation of TIMP-1 expression and suppression of cell invasion were reversed by pretreatment of cells with antagonists to CB1 or CB2 receptors, with inhibitors of MAPKs, or, in the case of MA, with an antagonist to TRPV1. Knockdown of cannabinoid-induced TIMP-1 expression by siRNA led to a reversal of the cannabinoid-elicited decrease in tumor cell invasiveness in HeLa, A549, and C33A cells.

CONCLUSION

Increased expression of TIMP-1 mediates an anti-invasive effect of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids may therefore offer a therapeutic option in the treatment of highly invasive cancers.

Cannabilactones: a novel class of CB2 selective agonists with peripheral analgesic activity

The identification of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor has provided a novel target for the development of therapeutically useful cannabinergic molecules. We have synthesized benzo[ c]chromen-6-one analogs possessing high affinity and selectivity for this receptor. These novel compounds are structurally related to cannabinol (6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6 H-benzo[ c]chromen-1-ol), a natural constituent of cannabis with modest CB2 selectivity. Key pharmacophoric features of the new selective agonists include a 3-(1',1'-dimethylheptyl) side chain and a 6-oxo group on the cannabinoid tricyclic structure that characterizes this class of compounds as "cannabilactones." Our results suggest that the six-membered lactone pharmacophore is critical for CB2 receptor selectivity. Optimal receptor subtype selectivity of 490-fold and subnanomolar affinity for the CB2 receptor is exhibited by a 9-hydroxyl analog 5 (AM1714), while the 9-methoxy analog 4b (AM1710) had a 54-fold CB2 selectivity. X-ray crystallography and molecular modeling show the cannabilactones to have a planar ring conformation. In vitro testing revealed that the novel compounds are CB2 agonists, while in vivo testing of cannabilactones 4b and 5 found them to possess potent peripheral analgesic activity.

In vitro and in vivo characterization of A-796260: a selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist exhibiting analgesic activity in rodent pain models

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonists have demonstrated analgesic activity across multiple preclinical pain models. AM1241 is an indole derivative that exhibits high affinity and selectivity for the CB2 binding site and broad spectrum analgesic activity in rodent models, but is not an antagonist of CB2 in vitro functional assays. Additionally, its analgesic effects are mu-opioid receptor-dependent. Herein, we describe the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of A-796260, a novel CB2 agonist.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A-796260 was characterized in radioligand binding and in vitro functional assays at rat and human CB1 and CB2 receptors. The behavioural profile of A-796260 was assessed in models of inflammatory, post-operative, neuropathic, and osteoarthritic (OA) pain, as well as its effects on motor activity. The receptor specificity was confirmed using selective CB1, CB2 and mu-opioid receptor antagonists.

KEY RESULTS

A-796260 exhibited high affinity and agonist efficacy at human and rat CB2 receptors, and was selective for the CB2 vs CB1 subtype. Efficacy in models of inflammatory, post-operative, neuropathic and OA pain was demonstrated, and these activities were selectively blocked by CB2, but not CB1 or mu-opioid receptor-selective antagonists. Efficacy was achieved at doses that had no significant effects on motor activity.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results further confirm the therapeutic potential of CB2 receptor-selective agonists for the treatment of pain. In addition, they demonstrate that A-796260 may be a useful new pharmacological compound for further studying CB2 receptor pharmacology and for evaluating its role in the modulation of pain.

Differential effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists on regional brain activity using pharmacological MRI

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Activation of cannabinoid CB1 and/or CB2 receptors mediates analgesic effects across a broad spectrum of preclinical pain models. Selective activation of CB2 receptors may produce analgesia without the undesirable psychotropic side effects associated with modulation of CB1 receptors. To address selectivity in vivo, we describe non-invasive, non-ionizing, functional data that distinguish CB1 from CB2 receptor neural activity using pharmacological MRI (phMRI) in awake rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Using a high field (7 T) MRI scanner, we examined and quantified the effects of non-selective CB1/CB2 (A-834735) and selective CB2 (AM1241) agonists on neural activity in awake rats. Pharmacological specificity was determined using selective CB1 (rimonabant) or CB2 (AM630) antagonists. Behavioural studies, plasma and brain exposures were used as benchmarks for activity in vivo.

KEY RESULTS

The non-selective CB1/CB2 agonist produced a dose-related, region-specific activation of brain structures that agrees well with published autoradiographic CB1 receptor density binding maps. Pretreatment with a CB1 antagonist but not with a CB2 antagonist, abolished these activation patterns, suggesting an effect mediated by CB1 receptors alone. In contrast, no significant changes in brain activity were found with relevant doses of the CB2 selective agonist.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

These results provide the first clear evidence for quantifying in vivo functional selectivity between CB1 and CB2 receptors using phMRI. Further, as the presence of CB2 receptors in the brain remains controversial, our data suggest that if CB2 receptors are expressed, they are not functional under normal physiological conditions.

Conformationally constrained analogues of 2-arachidonoylglycerol

Novel monocyclic analogues of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were designed in order to explore the pharmacophoric conformations of this endocannabinoid ligand at the key cannabinergic proteins. All 2-arachidonoyl esters of 1,2,3-cyclohexanetriol [meso-7 (AM5504), (+/-)-8 (AM5503), and meso-9 (AM5505)] were synthesized by regioselective acylation of 2,3-dihydroxycyclohexanone followed by selective reductions. The optically active isomers (+)-8 (AM4434) and (-)-8 (AM4435) were synthesized from (2S,3S)- and (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxycyclohexanone, respectively, via a chemoenzymatic route. These head group constrained and conformationally restricted analogues of 2-AG as well as the 1-keto precursors were evaluated as substrates for the endocannabinoid deactivating hydrolytic enzymes monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and also were tested for their affinities for CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. The observed biochemical differences between these ligands can help define the conformational requirements for 2-AG activity at each of the above endocannabinoid protein targets.

Targeting cannabinoid agonists for inflammatory and neuropathic pain

The cannabinoid receptors CB(1) and CB(2) are class A G-protein-coupled receptors. It is well known that cannabinoid receptor agonists produce relief of pain in a variety of animal models by interacting with cannabinoid receptors. CB(1) receptors are located centrally and peripherally, whereas CB(2) receptors are expressed primarily on immune cells and tissues. A large body of preclinical data supports the hypothesis that either CB(2)-selective agonists or CB(1) agonists acting at peripheral sites, or with limited CNS exposure, will inhibit pain and neuroinflammation without side effects within the CNS. There has been a growing interest in developing cannabinoid agonists. Many new cannabinoid ligands have been synthesized and studied covering a wide variety of novel structural scaffolds. This review focuses on the present development of cannabinoid agonists with an emphasis on selective CB(2) agonists and peripherally restricted CB(1) or CB(1)/CB(2) dual agonists for treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Antiapoptotic mechanism of cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist on cisplatin-induced apoptosis in the HEI-OC1 auditory cell line

Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent but with significant ototoxic side effects. Apoptosis is an important mechanism of cochlear hair cell loss following exposure to an ototoxic level of cisplatin. The present study investigated the effects of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) ligand JWH-015 on cisplatin-induced apoptosis. CB2 mRNA was constitutively expressed in the auditory cell line HEI-OC1. By using MTT assay, DNA fragmentation, and FACS analysis, we demonstrated that apoptosis induced by cisplatin was inhibited by treatment with JWH-015 in a dose-dependent manner. Activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 was detected after treatment with cisplatin, and the cleavage of poly-(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) was observed within cisplatin-treated HEI-OC1 cells. JWH-015 inhibited the activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9; cleavage of PARP; and release of cytochrome c. JWH-015 also inhibited the apoptosis through activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. Finally, JWH-015 inhibited cisplatin-induced reactive oxygen species and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production. Collectively, these findings show that blocking a critical step in apoptosis by using JWH-015 may be a useful strategy to prevent harmful side effects of cisplatin ototoxicity in patients having to undergo chemotherapy.

Anandamide and NADA bi-directionally modulate presynaptic Ca2+ levels and transmitter release in the hippocampus

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inhibitory CB(1) cannabinoid receptors and excitatory TRPV(1) vanilloid receptors are abundant in the hippocampus. We tested if two known hybrid endocannabinoid/endovanilloid substances, N-arachidonoyl-dopamine (NADA) and anandamide (AEA), presynapticaly increased or decreased intracellular calcium level ([Ca(2+)](i)) and GABA and glutamate release in the hippocampus.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Resting and K(+)-evoked levels of [Ca(2+)](i) and the release of [(3)H]GABA and [(3)H]glutamate were measured in rat hippocampal nerve terminals.

KEY RESULTS

NADA and AEA per se triggered a rise of [Ca(2+)](i) and the release of both transmitters in a concentration- and external Ca(2+)-dependent fashion, but independently of TRPV(1), CB(1), CB(2), or dopamine receptors, arachidonate-regulated Ca(2+)-currents, intracellular Ca(2+) stores, and fatty acid metabolism. AEA was recently reported to block TASK-3 potassium channels thereby depolarizing membranes. Common inhibitors of TASK-3, Zn(2+), Ruthenium Red, and low pH mimicked the excitatory effects of AEA and NADA, suggesting that their effects on [Ca(2+)](i) and transmitter levels may be attributable to membrane depolarization upon TASK-3 blockade. The K(+)-evoked Ca(2+) entry and Ca(2+)-dependent transmitter release were inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of the CB(1) receptor agonist WIN55212-2; this action was sensitive to the selective CB(1) receptor antagonist AM251. However, in the low micromolar range, WIN55212-2, NADA and AEA inhibited the K(+)-evoked Ca(2+) entry and transmitter release independently of CB(1) receptors, possibly through direct Ca(2+) channel blockade.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

We report here for hybrid endocannabinoid/endovanilloid ligands novel dual functions which were qualitatively similar to activation of CB(1) or TRPV(1) receptors, but were mediated through interactions with different targets.

Inhibition of potassium- and ischemia-evoked [3H] D-aspartate release from isolated bovine retina by cannabinoids

We investigated the effect of cannabinoids on potassium chloride (K+)- and ischemia-induced [3H]D-aspartate release from isolated bovine retinae. The superfusion method was employed for studies of [3H]-neurotransmitter release. Cannabinoid receptor CB1 agonists, but not the CB2 agonist JWH 015, inhibited K+ -induced [3H]D-aspartate release from bovine retinae with the following rank order of activity: anandamide > ACEA > methanandamide > WIN 55,212-2. In the ischemic model, the rank order of activity was as follows: methanandamide > ACEA > WIN 55,212-2. The CB1 receptor antagonist AM 251 blocked inhibitory responses produced by cannabinoids in both experimental conditions. In conclusion, cannabinoids inhibit evoked [3H]D-aspartate release from isolated bovine retinae via an effect on CB1 receptors.

Cannabinoids and neuronal damage: differential effects of THC, AEA and 2-AG on activated microglial cells and degenerating neurons in excitotoxically lesioned rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures

Cannabinoids (CBs) are attributed neuroprotective effects in vivo. Here, we determined the neuroprotective potential of CBs during neuronal damage in excitotoxically lesioned organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs). OHSCs are the best characterized in vitro model to investigate the function of microglial cells in neuronal damage since blood-borne monocytes and T-lymphocytes are absent and microglial cells represent the only immunocompetent cell type. Excitotoxic neuronal damage was induced by NMDA (50 microM) application for 4 h. Neuroprotective properties of 9-carboxy-11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) or 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in different concentrations were determined after co-application with NMDA by counting degenerating neurons identified by propidium iodide labeling (PI(+)) and microglial cells labeled by isolectin B(4) (IB(4)(+)). All three CBs used significantly decreased the number of IB(4)(+) microglial cells in the dentate gyrus but the number of PI(+) neurons was reduced only after 2-AG treatment. Application of AM630, antagonizing CB2 receptors highly expressed by activated microglial cells, did not counteract neuroprotective effects of 2-AG, but affected THC-mediated reduction of IB(4)(+) microglial cells. Our results indicate that (1) only 2-AG exerts neuroprotective effects in OHSCs; (2) reduction of IB(4)(+) microglial cells is not a neuroprotective event per se and involves other CB receptors than the CB2 receptor; (3) the discrepancy in the neuroprotective effects of CBs observed in vivo and in our in vitro model system may underline the functional relevance of invading monocytes and T-lymphocytes that are absent in OHSCs.

In vitro pharmacological characterization of AM1241: a protean agonist at the cannabinoid CB2 receptor?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The CB2 receptor has been proposed as a novel target for the treatment of pain, and CB2 receptor agonists defined in in vitro assays have demonstrated analgesic activity in animal models. Based on its in vivo analgesic efficacy, AM1241 has been classified as a CB2-selective agonist. However, in vitro characterization of AM1241 in functional assays has not been reported.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

In this study, AM1241 was characterized across multiple in vitro assays employing heterologous recombinant receptor expression systems to assess its binding potencies at the human CB2 and CB1 receptors and its functional efficacies at the human CB2 receptor.

KEY RESULTS

AM1241 exhibited distinct functional properties depending on the assay conditions employed, a unique profile in contrast to those of the agonist CP 55,940 and the inverse agonist SR144528. AM1241 displayed neutral antagonist activities in FLIPR and cyclase assays. However, when cyclase assays were performed using lower forskolin concentrations for stimulation, AM1241 exhibited partial agonist efficacy. In addition, it behaved as a partial agonist in ERK (or MAP) kinase assays.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The unusual phenomenon of inconsistent functional efficacies suggests that AM1241 is a protean agonist at the CB2 receptor. We postulate that functional efficacies displayed by protean agonists in various assay systems may depend on the levels of receptor constitutive activities exhibited in the assay systems, and therefore, efficacies observed in in vitro assays may not predict in vivo activities.

R(+)-Methanandamide and Other Cannabinoids Induce the Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Nonpigmented Ciliary Epithelial Cells

Prostaglandins (PGs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been implicated in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) by facilitating aqueous humor outflow. A possible role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in this process was emphasized by findings showing an impaired COX-2 expression in the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium (NPE) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Using human NPE cells, the present study therefore investigated the effect of the IOP-lowering cannabinoid R(+)-methanandamide [R(+)-MA] on the expression of COX-2 and different MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). R(+)-MA led to a concentration- and time-dependent increase of COX-2 mRNA expression. R(+)-MA-induced COX-2 expression was accompanied by time-dependent phosphorylations of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p42/44 MAPK and was abrogated by inhibitors of both pathways. Moreover, R(+)-MA increased the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 but not that of MMP-2 and TIMP-2. Inhibition of COX-2 activity with NS-398 [N-[2-(cyclohexyloxy)-4-nitrophenyl]-methanesulfonamide] was associated with a virtually complete suppression of R(+)-MA-induced MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression. Consistent with these data, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression was also induced by PGE2, a major COX-2 product. Two other COX-2-inducing cannabinoids, anandamide and Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, caused the same pattern of MMP and TIMP expression as R(+)-MA both in the absence and presence of NS-398. Altogether, cannabinoids induce the production of several outflow-facilitating mediators in the human NPE. Our results further imply an involvement of COX-2-dependent PGs in MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression. In conclusion, stimulation of intraocular COX-2 and MMP expression may represent a potential mechanism contributing to the IOP-lowering action of different cannabinoids.

Different pharmacological profile of two closely related endocannabinoid ester analogs

The pharmacological and neuroprotective properties of two ester analogs of the endocannabinoids, arachidonoylethyleneglycol (AA-EG) and alpha,alpha,-dimethyl arachidonoylethyleneglycol (DMA-EG), were investigated. We examined the interaction of both compounds with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and their efficacy in functional assays. In competition binding assays, AA-EG and DMA-EG had low potency to displace the CB1/CB2 agonist [3H]CP-55,940 in membrane preparations expressing rodent or human receptors. Binding data correlate with low efficacy of both compounds as regards to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity. It was also shown that DMA-EG resists hydrolysis by rat brain membranes while AA-EG undergo complete splitting under these conditions. In the cannabinoid tetrad, AA-EG induced hypomotility, analgesia, catalepsy and decreased rectal temperature indicating cannabimimetic activity. By contrast, DMA-EG was completely inactive in the same models. DMA-EG and AA-EG potently protected rat cortical neurons in culture against oxygen deprivation at nanomolar concentrations. In glutamate-induced damage, the compounds were less active protecting neurons at micromolar concentrations. The data obtained indicate that the ester endocannabinoid template can be used for the development of new compounds with potent biological activity lacking some of the undesirable behavioral side effects.