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Effect of repeated juvenile exposure to Δ9‑tetrahydrocannabinol on anxiety-related behavior and social interactions in adolescent rats. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2018; 69:11-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Kubilius RA, Kaplick PM, Wotjak CT. Highway to hell or magic smoke? The dose-dependence of Δ 9-THC in place conditioning paradigms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:446-454. [PMID: 30115766 PMCID: PMC6097764 DOI: 10.1101/lm.046870.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The prerequisites for responsible cannabis use are at the heart of current inquiries into cannabis decriminalization by policy makers as well as academic and nonacademic stakeholders at a global scale. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the prime psychoactive compound of the cannabis sativa, as well as cannabimimetics that resemble the pharmacological properties and psychological effects of Δ9-THC, lend themselves handsomely to the preclinical scrutiny of reward-related behavior because they carry marked translational value. Although a functional dichotomy of the psychological effects of Δ9-THC (rewarding versus aversive) has been abundantly reported in place conditioning (PC) paradigms, and might be best attributed to a dose-dependence of Δ9-THC, most PC studies with Δ9-THC feature no significant effects at all. Therefore, after decades of rigorous research, it still remains undetermined whether Δ9-THC generally exerts rewarding or aversive effects in rodents. Here, we set out to extrapolate the commonly alleged dose-dependence of the rewarding and aversive effects of Δ9-THC from the existing literature, at the behavioral pharmacological level of analysis. Specifically, our meta-analysis investigated: (i) the alleged bidirectional effects and dose-dependence of Δ9-THC in the PC test; (ii) methodological inconsistencies between PC studies; and (iii) other pharmacological studies on cannabinoids (i.e., dopamine release, anxiety, stress, conditioned taste aversion, catalepsy) to substantiate the validity of PC findings. Our findings suggest that: (i) Δ9-THC dose-dependently generates rewarding (1 mg/kg) and aversive (5 mg/kg) effects in PC; (ii) an inconsistent use of priming injections hampers a clear establishment of the rewarding effects of Δ9-THC in PC tests and might explain the seemingly contradictory plethora of nonsignificant THC studies in the PC test; and (iii) other pharmacological studies on Δ9-THC substantiate the dose-dependent biphasic effects of Δ9-THC in PC. A standardized experimental design would advance evidence-based practice in future PC studies with Δ9-THC and facilitate the pointed establishment of rewarding and aversive effects of the substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimas A Kubilius
- Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Paul M Kaplick
- Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany.,Structural and Functional Plasticity of the Nervous System Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
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Takkinen JS, López-Picón FR, Kirjavainen AK, Pihlaja R, Snellman A, Ishizu T, Löyttyniemi E, Solin O, Rinne JO, Haaparanta-Solin M. [ 18F]FMPEP-d 2 PET imaging shows age- and genotype-dependent impairments in the availability of cannabinoid receptor 1 in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 69:199-208. [PMID: 29909177 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Contradictory findings on the role of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been reported. Here, we evaluated the CB1R brain profile in an AD mouse model using longitudinal positron emission tomography with an inverse agonist for CB1R, [18F]FMPEP-d2. APP/PS1-21 and wild-type (n = 8 in each group) mice were repeatedly imaged between 6 to 15 months of age, accompanied by brain autoradiography, western blot, and CB1R immunohistochemistry with additional mice. [18F]FMPEP-d2 positron emission tomography demonstrated lower (p < 0.05) binding ratios in the parietotemporal cortex and hippocampus of APP/PS1-21 mice compared with age-matched wild-type mice. Western blot demonstrated no differences between APP/PS1-21 and wild-type mice in the CB1R abundance, whereas significantly lower (p < 0.05) receptor expression was observed in male than female mice. The results provide the first demonstration that [18F]FMPEP-d2 is a promising imaging tool for AD research in terms of CB1R availability, but not expression. This finding may further facilitate the development of novel therapeutic approaches based on endocannabinoid regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatta S Takkinen
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; PET Preclinical Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Francisco R López-Picón
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; PET Preclinical Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anna K Kirjavainen
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Rea Pihlaja
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; PET Preclinical Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anniina Snellman
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; PET Preclinical Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tamiko Ishizu
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Olof Solin
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Accelerator Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juha O Rinne
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Merja Haaparanta-Solin
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; PET Preclinical Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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54
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Cooper ZD, Craft RM. Sex-Dependent Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Translational Perspective. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:34-51. [PMID: 28811670 PMCID: PMC5719093 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent policy changes have led to significant increases in the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. Although men are more likely to endorse past month cannabis use and are more frequently diagnosed with Cannabis Use Disorder relative to women, a growing proportion of medical cannabis users are reported to be women. The increased popularity of cannabis for medical purposes and the narrowing gap in prevalence of use between men and women raises questions regarding sex-dependent effects related to therapeutic efficacy and negative health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. The objective of this review is to provide a translational perspective on the sex-dependent effects of cannabis and cannabinoids by synthesizing findings from preclinical and clinical studies focused on sex comparisons of their therapeutic potential and abuse liability, two specific areas that are of significant public health relevance. Hormonal and pharmacological mechanisms that may underlie sex differences in the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziva D Cooper
- Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca M Craft
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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55
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Renard J, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. Effects of Adolescent THC Exposure on the Prefrontal GABAergic System: Implications for Schizophrenia-Related Psychopathology. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:281. [PMID: 30013490 PMCID: PMC6036125 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Marijuana is the most commonly used drug of abuse among adolescents. Considerable clinical evidence supports the hypothesis that adolescent neurodevelopmental exposure to high levels of the principal psychoactive component in marijuana, -delta-9-tetrahydrocanabinol (THC), is associated with a high risk of developing psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia later in life. This marijuana-associated risk is believed to be related to increasing levels of THC found within commonly used marijuana strains. Adolescence is a highly vulnerable period for the development of the brain, where the inhibitory GABAergic system plays a pivotal role in the maturation of regulatory control mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS). Specifically, adolescent neurodevelopment represents a critical period wherein regulatory connectivity between higher-order cortical regions and sub-cortical emotional processing circuits such as the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system is established. Emerging preclinical evidence demonstrates that adolescent exposure to THC selectively targets schizophrenia-related molecular and neuropharmacological signaling pathways in both cortical and sub-cortical regions, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and mesolimbic DA pathway, comprising the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). Prefrontal cortical GABAergic hypofunction is a key feature of schizophrenia-like neuropsychopathology. This GABAergic hypofunction may lead to the loss of control of the PFC to regulate proper sub-cortical DA neurotransmission, thereby leading to schizophrenia-like symptoms. This review summarizes preclinical evidence demonstrating that reduced prefrontal cortical GABAergic neurotransmission has a critical role in the sub-cortical DAergic dysregulation and schizophrenia-like behaviors observed following adolescent THC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Renard
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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56
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Bhattacharyya S, Egerton A, Kim E, Rosso L, Riano Barros D, Hammers A, Brammer M, Turkheimer FE, Howes OD, McGuire P. Acute induction of anxiety in humans by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol related to amygdalar cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptors. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15025. [PMID: 29101333 PMCID: PMC5670208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of Cannabis, the most widely used illicit drug worldwide, is associated with acute anxiety, and anxiety disorders following regular use. The precise neural and receptor basis of these effects have not been tested in man. Employing a combination of functional MRI (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), we investigated whether the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, on anxiety and on amygdala response while processing fearful stimuli were related to local availability of its main central molecular target, cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptors in man. Fourteen healthy males were studied with fMRI twice, one month apart, following an oral dose of either delta-9-THC (10 mg) or placebo, while they performed a fear-processing task. Baseline availability of the CB1 receptor was studied using PET with [11C]MePPEP, a CB1 inverse agonist radioligand. Relative to the placebo condition, delta-9-THC induced anxiety and modulated right amygdala activation while processing fear. Both these effects were positively correlated with CB1 receptor availability in the right amygdala. These results suggest that the acute effects of cannabis on anxiety in males are mediated by the modulation of amygdalar function by delta-9-THC and the extent of these effects are related to local availability of CB1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Alice Egerton
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Euitae Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Lula Rosso
- Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Alexander Hammers
- King's College London & Guy's and St Thomas' PET Centre, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 4th floor Lambeth Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Michael Brammer
- Department of Neuroimaging, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, PO Box 089, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Federico E Turkheimer
- Department of Neuroimaging, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, PO Box 089, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Oliver D Howes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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57
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Walter C, Oertel BG, Felden L, Nöth U, Vermehren J, Deichmann R, Lötsch J. Effects of oral Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the cerebral processing of olfactory input in healthy non-addicted subjects. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 73:1579-1587. [PMID: 28866743 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-017-2331-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the increasing acknowledgment of the human sense of smell as a significant component of the quality of life, olfactory drug effects gain potential clinical importance. A recent observation in a human experimental context indicated that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impaired the subject's performance in olfactory tests. To further analyze the role of THC in human olfaction, the present report addresses its effects on the central processing of olfactory stimuli. METHODS Employing a placebo-controlled randomized crossover design, an oral dose of 20 mg THC was administered in 15 healthy volunteers. The central processing of olfactory input, consisting of short pulses of gaseous vanillin or hydrogen sulfide, and for comparison, of non-odorous but painful carbon dioxide, were investigated before and after administration of THC or placebo in a pharmacological functional magnet resonance imaging study. RESULTS Following THC administration, the vanillin stimuli lost their pleasantness and became hedonically inert. This observation had its functional correlate in reduced stimulus-associated brain activations located in the left amygdala, the hippocampus and superior temporal pole (peak MNI coordinates x = - 27, y = - 1, z = - 26 mm p = 0.039). Differences in amygdala activations were significantly correlated with the corresponding differences in vanillin pleasantness (p = 0.025). By contrast, no effects were observed on the perception of processing of H2S stimuli. CONCLUSIONS The results support that THC induced a modulation of the central processing of olfactory input. The THC-induced reduction in the pleasantness of a pleasurable odor was accompanied by reduced activations in the limbic system. Results agree with previous observation of negative effects of cannabinoids on the human sense of smell and strengthen the evidence that THC-based medications will be among drugs with olfactory side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Walter
- Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology - Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (IME-TMP), Theodor - Stern - Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bruno G Oertel
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe - University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Felden
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe - University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulrike Nöth
- Brain Imaging Center, Goethe - University, Schleusenweg 2 - 16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Johannes Vermehren
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe - University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ralf Deichmann
- Brain Imaging Center, Goethe - University, Schleusenweg 2 - 16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörn Lötsch
- Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology - Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (IME-TMP), Theodor - Stern - Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe - University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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58
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Mela V, Piscitelli F, Berzal AL, Chowen J, Silvestri C, Viveros MP, Di Marzo V. Sex-dependent effects of neonatal maternal deprivation on endocannabinoid levels in the adipose tissue: influence of diet. J Physiol Biochem 2017; 73:349-357. [DOI: 10.1007/s13105-017-0558-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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59
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Carnevali L, Rivara S, Nalivaiko E, Thayer JF, Vacondio F, Mor M, Sgoifo A. Pharmacological inhibition of FAAH activity in rodents: A promising pharmacological approach for psychological—cardiac comorbidity? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:444-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Abstract
Maladaptive decision-making is a cardinal feature of drug use, contributing to ongoing use, and reflecting alterations in how drug users assess uncertain reward value. Accumulating evidence indicates the consequences of heavy marijuana use are worse for female versus male animals and humans, but research assessing sex differences in reward-related decision-making among marijuana users remains scarce. We examined sex differences in the subjective valuation of certain and uncertain rewards among heavy marijuana users (52; 26 male and 26 female) and controls (52; 26 male and 26 female). We offered male and female heavy marijuana users and controls monetary rewards of certain and uncertain (probabilistic) values. We measured how preferences for uncertain rewards varied by the objective value of those rewards, moderators of reward uncertainty, Marijuana Group and Sex. Men were more sensitive to changes in the objective value of uncertain rewards than women. However, this effect of Sex differed by Marijuana Group. Female heavy marijuana users were more sensitive to changes in uncertain reward value, particularly when the "stakes" were high (i.e., greater difference between potential uncertain rewards), than female controls. Female heavy marijuana users' sensitivity to changes in the value of high stakes uncertain rewards was comparable to male marijuana users and controls. In contrast, male marijuana users' sensitivity to changes in the value of high stakes uncertain rewards did not differ from male controls. These results suggest sex differences in sensitivity to high risk rewards may be one pathway contributing to severer consequences of heavy marijuana use among women. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R. Hefner
- Mental Illness Research, Education & Clinical Centers, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States,Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA,Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 W Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53076, USA
| | - Mark. J. Starr
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 W Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53076, USA
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61
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Pavón FJ, Marco EM, Vázquez M, Sánchez L, Rivera P, Gavito A, Mela V, Alén F, Decara J, Suárez J, Giné E, López-Moreno JA, Chowen J, Rodríguez-de-Fonseca F, Serrano A, Viveros MP. Effects of Adolescent Intermittent Alcohol Exposure on the Expression of Endocannabinoid Signaling-Related Proteins in the Spleen of Young Adult Rats. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163752. [PMID: 27662369 PMCID: PMC5035052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermittent alcohol exposure is a common pattern of alcohol consumption among adolescents and alcohol is known to modulate the expression of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in metabolism and inflammation. However, it is unknown whether this pattern may have short-term consequences on the ECS in the spleen. To address this question, we examined the plasma concentrations of metabolic and inflammatory signals and the splenic ECS in early adult rats exposed to alcohol during adolescence. A 4-day drinking in the dark (DID) procedure for 4 weeks was used as a model of intermittent forced-alcohol administration (20%, v/v) in female and male Wistar rats, which were sacrificed 2 weeks after the last DID session. First, there was no liver damage or alterations in plasma metabolic parameters. However, certain plasma inflammatory signals were altered according to sex and alcohol exposition. Whereas fractalkine [chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1] was only affected by sex with lower concentration in male rats, there was an interaction between sex and alcohol exposure in the TNF-α and interleukin-6 concentrations and only female rats displayed changes. Regarding the mRNA and protein expression of the ECS, the receptors and endocannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes were found to be altered with area-specific expression patterns in the spleen. Overall, whereas the expression of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 and the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPARα were lower in alcohol-exposed rats compared to control rats, the CB2 expression was higher. Additionally, the N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D expression was high in female alcohol-exposed rats and low in male alcohol-exposed rats. In conclusion, intermittent alcohol consumption during adolescence may be sufficient to induce short-term changes in the expression of splenic endocannabinoid signaling-related proteins and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines in young adult rats with a strong sexual dimorphism. The potential impact of these alterations in early adulthood remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Pavón
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Eva María Marco
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariam Vázquez
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Ana Gavito
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Virginia Mela
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Alén
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Decara
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Elena Giné
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Julie Chowen
- Servicio de Pediatría y Endocrinología Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (IP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-de-Fonseca
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- * E-mail: (ASC); (MPV)
| | - María Paz Viveros
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (ASC); (MPV)
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Martin GG, Chung S, Landrock D, Landrock KK, Dangott LJ, Peng X, Kaczocha M, Murphy EJ, Kier AB, Schroeder F. Female Mice are Resistant to Fabp1 Gene Ablation-Induced Alterations in Brain Endocannabinoid Levels. Lipids 2016; 51:1007-20. [PMID: 27450559 PMCID: PMC5418128 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-016-4175-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Although liver fatty acid binding protein (FABP1, L-FABP) is not detectable in the brain, Fabp1 gene ablation (LKO) markedly increases endocannabinoids (EC) in brains of male mice. Since the brain EC system of females differs significantly from that of males, it was important to determine if LKO differently impacted the brain EC system. LKO did not alter brain levels of arachidonic acid (ARA)-containing EC, i.e. arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), but decreased non-ARA-containing N-acylethanolamides (OEA, PEA) and 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG) that potentiate the actions of AEA and 2-AG. These changes in brain potentiating EC levels were not associated with: (1) a net decrease in levels of brain membrane proteins associated with fatty acid uptake and EC synthesis; (2) a net increase in brain protein levels of cytosolic EC chaperones and enzymes in EC degradation; or (3) increased brain protein levels of EC receptors (CB1, TRVP1). Instead, the reduced or opposite responsiveness of female brain EC levels to loss of FABP1 (LKO) correlated with intrinsically lower FABP1 level in livers of WT females than males. These data show that female mouse brain endocannabinoid levels were unchanged (AEA, 2-AG) or decreased (OEA, PEA, 2-OG) by complete loss of FABP1 (LKO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory G Martin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - Sarah Chung
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - Danilo Landrock
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - Kerstin K Landrock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - Lawrence J Dangott
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2128, USA
| | - Xiaoxue Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Eric J Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58202-9037, USA
| | - Ann B Kier
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA
| | - Friedhelm Schroeder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4466, USA.
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Martin GG, Chung S, Landrock D, Landrock KK, Huang H, Dangott LJ, Peng X, Kaczocha M, Seeger DR, Murphy EJ, Golovko MY, Kier AB, Schroeder F. FABP-1 gene ablation impacts brain endocannabinoid system in male mice. J Neurochem 2016; 138:407-22. [PMID: 27167970 PMCID: PMC4961623 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver fatty acid-binding protein (FABP1, L-FABP) has high affinity for and enhances uptake of arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4, n-6) which, when esterified to phospholipids, is the requisite precursor for synthesis of endocannabinoids (EC) such as arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The brain derives most of its ARA from plasma, taking up ARA and transporting it intracellularly via cytosolic fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs 3,5, and 7) localized within the brain. In contrast, the much more prevalent cytosolic FABP1 is not detectable in the brain but is instead highly expressed in the liver. Therefore, the possibility that FABP1 outside the central nervous system may regulate brain AEA and 2-AG was examined in wild-type (WT) and FABP1 null (LKO) male mice. LKO increased brain levels of AA-containing EC (AEA, 2-AG), correlating with increased free and total ARA in brain and serum. LKO also increased brain levels of non-ARA that contain potentiating endocannabinoids (EC*) such as oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA), PEA, 2-OG, and 2-PG. Concomitantly, LKO decreased serum total ARA-containing EC, but not non-ARA endocannabinoids. LKO did not elicit these changes in the brain EC and EC* as a result of compensatory up-regulation of brain protein levels of enzymes in EC synthesis (NAPEPLD, DAGLα) or cytosolic EC chaperone proteins (FABPs 3, 5, 7, SCP-2, HSP70), or cannabinoid receptors (CB1, TRVP1). These data show for the first time that the non-CNS fatty acid-binding protein FABP1 markedly affected brain levels of both ARA-containing endocannabinoids (AEA, 2-AG) as well as their non-ARA potentiating endocannabinoids. Fatty acid-binding protein-1 (FABP-1) is not detectable in brain but instead is highly expressed in liver. The possibility that FABP1 outside the central nervous system may regulate brain endocannabinoids arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was examined in wild-type (WT) and FABP-1 null (LKO) male mice. LKO increased brain levels of arachidonic acid-containing endocannabinoids (AEA, 2-AG), correlating with increased free and total arachidonic acid in brain and serum. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 371.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory G. Martin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466
| | - Sarah Chung
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467
| | - Danilo Landrock
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467
| | - Kerstin K. Landrock
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467
| | - Huan Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466
| | - Lawrence J. Dangott
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2128
| | - Xiaoxue Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Drew R. Seeger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037 USA
| | - Eric J. Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037 USA
| | - Mikhail Y. Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037 USA
| | - Ann B. Kier
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467
| | - Friedhelm Schroeder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466
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Conroy DA, Kurth ME, Brower KJ, Strong DR, Stein MD. Impact of marijuana use on self-rated cognition in young adult men and women. Am J Addict 2016; 24:160-165. [PMID: 25864605 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Marijuana (MJ) is a widely used substance that has been shown to impair cognition in laboratory settings. There is a growing number of medical MJ dispensaries and state policies permitting the use of MJ in the United States. This study is a naturalistic study that explores the association of same day MJ use on self-rated cognition in young adult men and women. METHODS Forty-eight (n = 48) young adults (22 F; mean age = 22.3) participated. After a baseline assessment, participants made daily phone calls to study staff over the next 3 weeks. Cumulative minutes of MJ use in the last 24-hours were assessed. Demographic information collected and self-ratings of cognitive impairment were assessed using six questions about areas of difficulty thinking each day. RESULTS There was a significant relationship between greater number of minutes of MJ use and higher levels of self-rated cognitive difficulties (b = .004; SE = .001; p < .006). There was no main effect of gender (b = 1.0; SE = .81; p < .22). Planned evaluation of the interaction between gender and minutes of MJ use was not significant statistically, suggesting a similar relationship between minutes of MJ use and cognitive difficulties among women compared to men (p < .54). CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE There is an association between current and heavy MJ use and self-perceived cognitive ability in both males and females. These findings reveal important information regarding one consequence of MJ use that has real-world meaning to young adult smokers. (Am J Addict 2015;24:160-165).
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre A Conroy
- University of Michigan Addiction Research Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Megan E Kurth
- General Medicine Research Unit, Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kirk J Brower
- University of Michigan Addiction Research Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David R Strong
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Michael D Stein
- General Medicine Research Unit, Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.,Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Rubino T, Parolaro D. The Impact of Exposure to Cannabinoids in Adolescence: Insights From Animal Models. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:578-85. [PMID: 26344755 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The regular use of cannabis during adolescence is of particular concern because use by this age group seems to be associated with an increased likelihood of deleterious consequences, as reported by several epidemiologic studies. However, despite their unquestionable value, epidemiologic data are inconclusive. Modeling the adolescent phase in animals appears to be a useful approach to investigate the impact of cannabis use on the adolescent brain. In these models, adolescent cannabinoid exposure has been reported to cause long-term impairment in specific components of learning and memory and to have differential effects on anxiety, social behavior, and depressive-like signs. These findings suggest that it may represent, per se or in association with other hits, a risk factor for developing psychotic-like symptoms in adulthood. The neurobiological bases of this association include the induction of alterations in the maturational events of the endocannabinoid system occurring in the adolescent brain. Alterations in the endocannabinoid system may profoundly dysregulate developmental processes in some neurotransmitter systems, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate, mainly in the cortex. The resulting picture strongly resembles the one present in schizophrenic patients, highlighting the translational value of this experimental approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Research Division, and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizi, Italy..
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Research Division, and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizi, Italy
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Modulation of food consumption and sleep-wake cycle in mice by the neutral CB1 antagonist ABD459. Behav Pharmacol 2015; 26:289-303. [PMID: 25356730 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The brain endocannabinoid system is a potential target for the treatment of psychiatric and metabolic conditions. Here, a novel CB1 receptor antagonist (ABD459) was synthesized and assayed for pharmacological efficacy in vitro and for modulation of food consumption, vigilance staging and cortical electroencephalography in the mouse. ABD459 completely displaced the CB1 agonist CP99540 at a Ki of 8.6 nmol/l, and did not affect basal, but antagonized CP55940-induced GTPγS binding with a KB of 7.7 nmol/l. Acute ABD459 (3-20 mg/kg) reliably inhibited food consumption in nonfasted mice, without affecting motor activity. Active food seeking was reduced for 5-6 h postdrug, with no rebound after washout. Epidural recording of electroencephalogram confirmed that ABD459 (3 mg/kg) robustly reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, with no alterations of wakefulness or non-REM sleep. Effects were strongest during 3 h postdrug, followed by a progressive washout period. The CB1 antagonist AM251 (3 mg/kg) and agonist WIN-55,212-2 (WIN-2: 3 mg/kg) also reduced REM, but variously affected other vigilance stages. WIN-2 caused a global suppression of normalized spectral power. AM251 and ABD459 lowered delta power and increased power in the theta band in the hippocampus, but not the prefrontal cortex. The neutral antagonist ABD459 thus showed a specific role of endocannabinoid release in attention and arousal, possibly through modulation of cholinergic activity.
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Rubino T, Parolaro D. Sex-dependent vulnerability to cannabis abuse in adolescence. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:56. [PMID: 25941498 PMCID: PMC4403248 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this review is to summarize current evidence for sex differences in the response to cannabinoid compounds, focusing mainly on a specific age of exposure, i.e., adolescence. Preclinical as well as clinical studies are examined. Among the different possible underlying mechanisms, the consistent dimorphism in the endocannabinoid system and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol metabolism may play a part. All the collected data point to the need of including females in basic research as well as of analyzing results for sex differences in epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria , Busto Arsizio , Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria , Busto Arsizio , Italy
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Mendrek A. Existe-t-il des différences entre les hommes et les femmes en ce qui concerne les problèmes de toxicomanie ? SANTE MENTALE AU QUEBEC 2014. [DOI: 10.7202/1027832ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
La consommation et la dépendance aux drogues furent longtemps considérées comme un problème typiquement masculin. Néanmoins, bien que l’abus et la dépendance à l’alcool, au cannabis et à la nicotine soient encore plus répandus chez les hommes, les différences de genre en ce qui concerne les stimulants et les opiacés ont largement disparu. Il semblerait également que les motivations pour commencer à consommer, l’escalade vers la dépendance et les taux de cessation diffèrent chez les hommes et les femmes. Les raisons qui expliquent ces différences sont multiples et complexes. Nous allons examiner ici les données des études épidémiologiques et cliniques concernant la consommation de diverses drogues chez des hommes et chez des femmes en contexte des facteurs socioculturels, psychologiques et neurobiologiques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Mendrek
- Département de psychologie, Bishop’s University
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal
- Département de psychiatrie, Université de Montréal
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Lopez-Rodriguez AB, Llorente-Berzal A, Garcia-Segura LM, Viveros MP. Sex-dependent long-term effects of adolescent exposure to THC and/or MDMA on neuroinflammation and serotoninergic and cannabinoid systems in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:1435-47. [PMID: 24236988 PMCID: PMC3954483 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Many young people consume ecstasy as a recreational drug and often in combination with cannabis. In this study, we aimed to mimic human consumption patterns and investigated, in male and female animals, the long-term effects of Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on diverse neuroinflammation and neurotoxic markers. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male and female Wistar rats were chronically treated with increasing doses of THC and/or MDMA during adolescence. The effects of THC and/or MDMA on glial reactivity and on serotoninergic and cannabinoid systems were assessed by immunohistochemistry in the hippocampus and parietal cortex. KEY RESULTS THC increased the area staining for glial fibrilar acidic protein in both sexes. In males, both drugs, either separately or in combination, increased the proportion of reactive microglia cells [ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1)]. In contrast, in females, each drug, administered alone, decreased of this proportion, whereas the combination of both drugs resulted in a 'normalization' to control values. In males, MDMA reduced the number of SERT positive fibres, THC induced the opposite effect and the group receiving both drugs did not significantly differ from the controls. In females, MDMA reduced the number of SERT positive fibres and the combination of both drugs counteracted this effect. THC also reduced immunostaining for CB1 receptors in females and this effect was aggravated by the combination with MDMA. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Adolescent exposure of rats to THC and/or MDMA induced long-term, sex-dependent neurochemical and glial alterations, and revealed interactions between the two drugs. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belen Lopez-Rodriguez
- Department of Animal Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid – Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC)Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC)Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Llorente-Berzal
- Department of Animal Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid – Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC)Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC)Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Paz Viveros
- Department of Animal Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid – Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC)Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Delta⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) competes with the endogenous cannabinoids arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) at cannabinoid receptors. This may cause adaptive changes in the endocannabinoid signaling cascade with possible consequences for the biological functions of the endocannabinoid system. We show that administration of a single oral dose of 20 mg THC to 30 healthy volunteers resulted in higher circulating concentrations of anandamide, 2-AG, palmitoyl ethanolamide, and oleoylethanolamide at 2 and 3 hours after administration as compared with placebo. At 2 hours after THC administration, changes in oleoylethanolamide plasma concentrations from baseline were linearly related to the THC plasma concentrations. In rats, treatment with the CB₁/CB₂ agonist WIN 55,212 also increased plasma endocannabinoid concentrations. However, this was associated with a decrease of ethanolamide endocannabinoids in specific brain regions including spinal cord, cortex, and hypothalamus; whereas 2-arachidonoyl glycerol increased in the cortex. Thus, administration of THC to human volunteers influenced the concentrations of circulating endocannabinoids, which was mimicked by WIN-55,212 in rats, suggesting that exogenous cannabinoids may lead to changes in the endocannabinoid system that can be detected in plasma.
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Lee KS, Asgar J, Zhang Y, Chung MK, Ro JY. The role of androgen receptor in transcriptional modulation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 gene in rat trigeminal ganglia. Neuroscience 2013; 254:395-403. [PMID: 24055403 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that anti-hyperalgesic effects of cannabinoid agonists under inflammatory condition are much greater in male than female, and that inflammatory cytokines upregulate cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) expression in male, but not female, trigeminal ganglia (TG) in a testosterone-dependent manner. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the testosterone-mediated regulation of peripheral CB1 expression. We hypothesized that testosterone upregulates CB1 through transcriptional modulation by androgen receptor (AR). Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, upregulated CB1 mRNA expression in TG of male rats. The cytokine-induced upregulation was prevented by the pretreatment with flutamide, a specific antagonist for AR, but not by ICI 182,780, a specific antagonist for estrogen receptor, suggesting that the effects of testosterone are not mediated by estradiol, a testosterone metabolite. The expression levels of AR and IL-1β receptors were comparable between male and female TG, suggesting that the male specific IL-1β effects on CB1 upregulation occurs downstream to these receptors. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed AR binding to the CB1 promoter in the rat TG. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay revealed that AR activated the CB1 gene in response to testosterone or dihydrotestosterone treatment. These experiments provided compelling evidence that testosterone regulates CB1 gene transcription in TG through AR following cytokine stimulation. These results should provide mechanistic bases for understanding cytokine-hormone-neuron interactions in peripheral cannabinoid systems, and have important clinical implications for pain patients in whom testosterone level is naturally low, gradually declining or pharmacologically compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Lee
- University of Maryland Dental School, Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Fagundo AB, de la Torre R, Jiménez-Murcia S, Agüera Z, Pastor A, Casanueva FF, Granero R, Baños R, Botella C, del Pino-Gutierrez A, Fernández-Real JM, Fernández-García JC, Frühbeck G, Gómez-Ambrosi J, Menchón JM, Moragrega I, Rodríguez R, Tárrega S, Tinahones FJ, Fernández-Aranda F. Modulation of the Endocannabinoids N-Arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) on Executive Functions in Humans. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66387. [PMID: 23840456 PMCID: PMC3686875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies point to an implication of the endocannabinoid system on executive functions. In humans, several studies have suggested an association between acute or chronic use of exogenous cannabinoids (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and executive impairments. However, to date, no published reports establish the relationship between endocannabinoids, as biomarkers of the cannabinoid neurotransmission system, and executive functioning in humans. The aim of the present study was to explore the association between circulating levels of plasma endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and executive functions (decision making, response inhibition and cognitive flexibility) in healthy subjects. One hundred and fifty seven subjects were included and assessed with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test; Stroop Color and Word Test; and Iowa Gambling Task. All participants were female, aged between 18 and 60 years and spoke Spanish as their first language. Results showed a negative correlation between 2-AG and cognitive flexibility performance (r = −.37; p<.05). A positive correlation was found between AEA concentrations and both cognitive flexibility (r = .59; p<.05) and decision making performance (r = .23; P<.05). There was no significant correlation between either 2-AG (r = −.17) or AEA (r = −.08) concentrations and inhibition response. These results show, in humans, a relevant modulation of the endocannabinoid system on prefrontal-dependent cognitive functioning. The present study might have significant implications for the underlying executive alterations described in some psychiatric disorders currently associated with endocannabinoids deregulation (namely drug abuse/dependence, depression, obesity and eating disorders). Understanding the neurobiology of their dysexecutive profile might certainly contribute to the development of new treatments and pharmacological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B. Fagundo
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zaida Agüera
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felipe F. Casanueva
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Endocrine Division, Complejo Hospitalario U. de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Roser Granero
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Baños
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment of the University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Botella
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Basic Psychology, Clinic and Psychobiology of the University Jaume I, Castelló, Spain
| | - Amparo del Pino-Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Nursing Department of Public Health, Maternal and Child Health the Nursing School of the University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose M. Fernández-Real
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IdlBGi) Hospital Dr Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Jose C. Fernández-García
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | - Gema Frühbeck
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Gómez-Ambrosi
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - José M. Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERsam), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Moragrega
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Basic Psychology, Clinic and Psychobiology of the University Jaume I, Castelló, Spain
| | - Roser Rodríguez
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IdlBGi) Hospital Dr Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Salomé Tárrega
- Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Tinahones
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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73
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Campolongo P, Trezza V. The endocannabinoid system: a key modulator of emotions and cognition. Front Behav Neurosci 2012; 6:73. [PMID: 23133409 PMCID: PMC3490098 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2012.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza Rome, Italy
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74
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Niu KY, Zhang Y, Ro JY. Effects of gonadal hormones on the peripheral cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) system under a myositis condition in rats. Pain 2012; 153:2283-2291. [PMID: 22940464 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2012.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the effects of peripherally administered cannabinoids in an orofacial myositis model, and the role of sex hormones in cannabinoid receptor (CBR) expression in trigeminal ganglia (TG). Peripherally administered arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA), a specific CB1R agonist, significantly attenuated complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced mechanical hypersensitivity in the masseter muscle in male rats. The ACPA effect was blocked by a local administration of AM251, a specific CB1R antagonist, but not by AM630, a specific CB2R antagonist. In female rats, a 30-fold higher dose of ACPA was required to produce a moderate reduction in mechanical hypersensitivity. CFA injected in masseter muscle significantly upregulated CB1R mRNA expression in TG in male, but not in female, rats. There was a close correlation between the CB1R mRNA levels in TG and the antihyperalgesic effect of ACPA. Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, which are elevated in the muscle tissue following CFA treatment, induced a significant upregulation of CB1R mRNA expression in TG from male rats. The upregulation of CB1R was prevented in TG cultures from orchidectomized male rats, which was restored by the application of testosterone. The cytokines did not alter the CB1R mRNA level in TG from intact as well as ovariectomized female rats. Neither estradiol supplement nor estrogen receptor blockade had any effects on CB1R expression. These data indicate that testosterone, but not estradiol, is required for the regulation of CB1Rs in TG under inflammatory conditions, which provide explanations for the sex differences in the antihyperalgesic effects of peripherally administered cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Y Niu
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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75
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Viveros MP, Mendrek A, Paus T, López-Rodríguez AB, Marco EM, Yehuda R, Cohen H, Lehrner A, Wagner EJ. A comparative, developmental, and clinical perspective of neurobehavioral sexual dimorphisms. Front Neurosci 2012; 6:84. [PMID: 22701400 PMCID: PMC3372960 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2012.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Women and men differ in a wide variety of behavioral traits and in their vulnerability to developing certain mental disorders. This review endeavors to explore how recent preclinical and clinical research findings have enhanced our understanding of the factors that underlie these disparities. We start with a brief overview of some of the important genetic, molecular, and hormonal determinants that contribute to the process of sexual differentiation. We then discuss the importance of animal models in studying the mechanisms responsible for sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., drug dependence) - with a special emphasis on experimental models based on the neurodevelopmental and "three hits" hypotheses. Next, we describe the most common brain phenotypes observed in vivo with magnetic resonance imaging. We discuss the challenges in interpreting these phenotypes vis-à-vis the underlying neurobiology and revisit the known sex differences in brain structure from birth, through adolescence, and into adulthood. This is followed by a presentation of pertinent clinical and epidemiological data that point to important sex differences in the prevalence, course, and expression of psychopathologies such as schizophrenia, and mood disorders including major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Recent evidence implies that mood disorders and psychosis share some common genetic predispositions and neurobiological bases. Therefore, modern research is emphasizing dimensional representation of mental disorders and conceptualization of schizophrenia and major depression as a continuum of cognitive deficits and neurobiological abnormalities. Herein, we examine available evidence on cerebral sexual dimorphism to verify if sex differences vary quantitatively and/or qualitatively along the psychoses-depression continuum. Finally, sex differences in the prevalence of posttraumatic disorder and drug abuse have been described, and we consider the genomic and molecular data supporting these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Paz Viveros
- Physiology Department (Animal Physiology II), Biology Faculty, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Complutense University of Madrid Madrid, Spain
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76
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Harte-Hargrove LC, Dow-Edwards DL. Withdrawal from THC during adolescence: sex differences in locomotor activity and anxiety. Behav Brain Res 2012; 231:48-59. [PMID: 22421367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that the use and abuse of marijuana can be especially harmful if it occurs during adolescence, a period of vast developmental changes throughout the brain. Due to the localization of cannabinoid receptors within the limbic system and the established effects of cannabinoids on emotional states and anxiety levels of rats and humans, we studied the sex- and dose-related effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the main psychoactive component in marijuana) on behavior and anxiety during spontaneous withdrawal. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were administered 2, 7.5 or 15 mg/kg THC or vehicle from postnatal day 35-41 (approximating mid-adolescence in humans). Locomotor activity and anxiety-related behaviors were measured during drug administration and abstinence. THC caused significant dose-dependent locomotor depression during drug administration. Locomotor depression initially abated upon drug cessation, but re-emerged by the end of the abstinence period and was greater in female than male rats. We found sensitization to the locomotor-depressing effects of THC in middle- and high-dose rats and the subsequent development of tolerance in high-dose rats. The high dose of THC increased anxiety-like behaviors while the low dose decreased anxiety-like behaviors during drug administration, with females more sensitive to the anxiogenic effects of THC than males. During abstinence, females were again especially sensitive to the anxiogenic effects of THC. This study demonstrates sexually-dimorphic effects of THC on anxiety-related behaviors and locomotor activity during and after THC administration during adolescence. This information may be useful in the development of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of marijuana withdrawal in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Harte-Hargrove
- Department of Physiology/Pharmacology, Program in Neural and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Trezza V, Campolongo P, Manduca A, Morena M, Palmery M, Vanderschuren LJMJ, Cuomo V. Altering endocannabinoid neurotransmission at critical developmental ages: impact on rodent emotionality and cognitive performance. Front Behav Neurosci 2012; 6:2. [PMID: 22291624 PMCID: PMC3265033 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2012.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system shows functional activity from early stages of brain development: it plays an important role in fundamental developmental processes such as cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, thus shaping brain organization during pre- and postnatal life. Cannabis sativa preparations are among the illicit drugs most commonly used by young people, including pregnant women. The developing brain can be therefore exposed to cannabis preparations during two critical periods: first, in offspring of cannabis-using mothers through perinatal and/or prenatal exposure; second, in adolescent cannabis users during neural maturation. In the last decade, it has become clear that the endocannabinoid system critically modulates memory processing and emotional responses. Therefore, it is well possible that developmental exposure to cannabinoid compounds induces enduring changes in behaviors and neural processes belonging to the cognitive and emotional domains. We address this issue by focusing on rodent studies, in order to provide a framework for understanding the impact of cannabinoid exposure on the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Trezza
- Department of Biology, University "Roma Tre" Rome, Italy
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