101
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Pertwee RG. The therapeutic potential of drugs that target cannabinoid receptors or modulate the tissue levels or actions of endocannabinoids. AAPS J 2005; 7:E625-54. [PMID: 16353941 PMCID: PMC2751266 DOI: 10.1208/aapsj070364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2005] [Accepted: 07/21/2005] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are at least 2 types of cannabinoid receptor, CB(1) and CB(2), both G protein coupled. CB(1) receptors are expressed predominantly at nerve terminals and mediate inhibition of transmitter release, whereas CB(2) receptors are found mainly on immune cells, their roles including the modulation of cytokine release and of immune cell migration. Endogenous agonists for cannabinoid receptors also exist. These "endocannabinoids" are synthesized on demand and removed from their sites of action by cellular uptake and intracellular enzymic hydrolysis. Endocannabinoids and their receptors together constitute the endocannabinoid system. This review summarizes evidence that there are certain central and peripheral disorders in which increases take place in the release of endocannabinoids onto their receptors and/or in the density or coupling efficiency of these receptors and that this upregulation is protective in some disorders but can have undesirable consequences in others. It also considers therapeutic strategies by which this upregulation might be modulated to clinical advantage. These strategies include the administration of (1) a CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist or antagonist that does or does not readily cross the blood brain barrier; (2) a CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist intrathecally or directly to some other site outside the brain; (3) a partial CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist rather than a full agonist; (4) a CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist together with a noncannabinoid, for example, morphine or codeine; (5) an inhibitor or activator of endocannabinoid biosynthesis, cellular uptake, or metabolism; (6) an allosteric modulator of the CB(1) receptor; and (7) a CB(2) receptor inverse agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
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102
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Awumey EM, Howlett AC, Diz DI. Is there a role for anandamide in cardiovascular regulation? Insights from studies of endocannabinoid metabolism. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2005; 289:H520-1. [PMID: 16014613 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00433.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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103
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Abstract
Prostaglandins and endogenous cannabinoid metabolites share the same lipid backbone with differing polar head groups at exactly the position through which a large molecule is attached to provide antigenicity and thus raise antisera. Hence, we hypothesized that antisera raised against prostaglandins linked to a large molecule such as BSA at the carboxyl functional group would also recognize endogenous cannabinoid metabolites and lead to highly misleading interpretations of data. We found major cross-reactivity of commercial antisera raised to prostaglandins with endocannabinoid metabolites. Furthermore, in a well-characterized cell line (WISH) or primary amnion tissue explants, endocannabinoid treatment led to increased production of endocannabinoid metabolites as opposed to primary prostaglandins. This was apparent only after separation of products by thin-layer chromatography, because they measured as prostaglandins by radioimmunoassay. These findings have major implications for our interpretation of data in situations in which these prostaglandin-like molecules are formed, and they stress the need for chromatographic or spectrometric confirmation of prostaglandin production detected by antibody-based methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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104
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Fowler CJ, Tiger G. Cyclooxygenation of the arachidonoyl side chain of 1-arachidonoylglycerol and related compounds block their ability to prevent anandamide and 2-oleoylglycerol metabolism by rat brain in vitro. Biochem Pharmacol 2005; 69:1241-5. [PMID: 15794945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2005.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2004] [Accepted: 01/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the abilities of cyclooxygenated derivatives of 1-arachidonoylglycerol and related compounds to prevent the metabolism of [3H]2-oleoylglycerol and [3H]anandamide by cytosolic and membrane fractions, respectively, have been investigated. For each compound, nine concentrations (range 0.2-100 microM) were tested. 1-Arachidonoylglycerol inhibited the hydrolysis of [3H]2-oleoylglycerol with a pI50 value of 5.17+/-0.04 (maximum attainable inhibition 88%). In contrast, the 1-glyceryl esters of prostaglandin D2, E2 and F2alpha were very weak inhibitors of this hydrolysis. Similarly, prostaglandin D2, prostaglandin D2 ethanolamide and prostaglandin D2 serinol amide produced <20% inhibition of [3H]2-oleoylglycerol metabolism at any concentration tested, in contrast to previous data with arachidonic acid, anandamide and arachidonoyl serinol which are all able to inhibit metabolism of this substrate under the assay conditions used here. A similar pattern was seen for all the compounds with respect to the inhibition of [3H]anandamide hydrolysis by the membrane fractions. Thus, cyclooxygenation of the arachidonoyl side chain greatly reduces the ability of 1-arachidonoylglycerol and related compounds to inhibit the hydrolysis of [3H]2-oleoylglycerol and [3H]anandamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
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105
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Di Marzo V, De Petrocellis L, Bisogno T. The biosynthesis, fate and pharmacological properties of endocannabinoids. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2005:147-85. [PMID: 16596774 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-26573-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The finding of endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoids, opened a new era in cannabinoid research. It meant that the biological role of cannabinoid signalling could be finally studied by investigating not only the pharmacological actions subsequent to stimulation of cannabinoid receptors by their agonists, but also how the activity of these receptors was regulated under physiological and pathological conditions by varying levels of the endocannabinoids. This in turn meant that the enzymes catalysing endocannabinoid biosynthesis and inactivation had to be identified and characterized, and that selective inhibitors of these enzymes had to be developed to be used as (1) probes to confirm endocannabinoid involvement in health and disease, and (2) templates for the design of new therapeutic drugs. This chapter summarizes the progress achieved in this direction during the 12 years following the discovery of the first endocannabinoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Fabbricato 70, 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy.
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106
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Hornby PJ, Prouty SM. Involvement of cannabinoid receptors in gut motility and visceral perception. Br J Pharmacol 2004; 141:1335-45. [PMID: 15100166 PMCID: PMC1574910 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
From a historical perspective to the present day, all the evidence suggests that activation of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) is beneficial for gut discomfort and pain, which are symptoms related to dysmotility and visceral perception. CBRs comprise G-protein coupled receptors that are predominantly in enteric and central neurones (CB1R) and immune cells (CB2R). In the last decade, evidence obtained from the use of selective agonists and inverse agonists/antagonists indicates that manipulation of CB1R can alter (1) sensory processing from the gut, (2) brain integration of brain-gut axis, (3) extrinsic control of the gut and (4) intrinsic control by the enteric nervous system. The extent to which activation of CB1R is most critical at these different levels is related to the region of the GI tract. The upper GI tract is strongly influenced by CB1R activation on central vagal pathways, whereas intestinal peristalsis can be modified by CB1R activation in the absence of extrinsic input. Actions at multiple levels make the CB1R a target for the treatment of functional bowel disorders, such as IBS. Since low-grade inflammation may act as a trigger for occurrence of IBS, CB2R modulation could be beneficial, but there is little supporting evidence for this yet. The challenge is to accomplish CBR activation while minimizing adverse effects and abuse liabilities. Potential therapeutic strategies involve increasing signaling by endocannabinoids (EC). The pathways involved in the biosynthesis, uptake and degradation of EC provide opportunities for modulation of CB1R and some recent evidence with inhibitors of EC uptake and metabolism suggest that these could be exploited for therapeutic gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Hornby
- Enterology Research Team, Box 776, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development LLC, Welsh and McKean Roads, Spring House, PA 19477-0776, U.S.A.
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Van Der Stelt M, Di Marzo V. Endovanilloids. Putative endogenous ligands of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 271:1827-34. [PMID: 15128293 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.2004.04081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Endovanilloids are defined as endogenous ligands of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) protein, a nonselective cation channel that belongs to the large family of TRP ion channels, and is activated by the pungent ingredient of hot chilli peppers, capsaicin. TRPV1 is expressed in some nociceptor efferent neurons, where it acts as a molecular sensor of noxious heat and low pH. However, the presence of these channels in various regions of the central nervous system, where they are not likely to be targeted by these noxious stimuli, suggests the existence of endovanilloids. Three different classes of endogenous lipids have been found recently that can activate TRPV1, i.e. unsaturated N-acyldopamines, lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid and the endocannabinoid anandamide with some of its congeners. To classify a molecule as an endovanilloid, the compound should be formed or released in an activity-dependent manner in sufficient amounts to evoke a TRPV1-mediated response by direct activation of the channel. To control TRPV1 signaling, endovanilloids should be inactivated within a short time-span. In this review, we will discuss, for each of the proposed endogenous ligands of TRPV1, their ability to act as endovanilloids in light of the criteria mentioned above.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Van Der Stelt
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
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108
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Matias I, Chen J, De Petrocellis L, Bisogno T, Ligresti A, Fezza F, Krauss AHP, Shi L, Protzman CE, Li C, Liang Y, Nieves AL, Kedzie KM, Burk RM, Di Marzo V, Woodward DF. Prostaglandin ethanolamides (prostamides): in vitro pharmacology and metabolism. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2004; 309:745-57. [PMID: 14757851 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.061705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether prostaglandin ethanolamides (prostamides) E(2), F(2alpha), and D(2) exert some of their effects by 1) activating prostanoid receptors either per se or after conversion into the corresponding prostaglandins; 2) interacting with proteins for the inactivation of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA), for example fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), thereby enhancing AEA endogenous levels; or 3) activating the vanilloid receptor type-1 (TRPV1). Prostamides potently stimulated cat iris contraction with potency approaching that of the corresponding prostaglandins. However, prostamides D(2), E(2), and F(2alpha) exhibited no meaningful interaction with the cat recombinant FP receptor, nor with human recombinant DP, EP(1-4), FP, IP, and TP prostanoid receptors. Prostamide F(2alpha) was also very weak or inactive in a panel of bioassays specific for the various prostanoid receptors. None of the prostamides inhibited AEA enzymatic hydrolysis by FAAH in cell homogenates, or AEA cellular uptake in intact cells. Furthermore, less than 3% of the compounds were hydrolyzed to the corresponding prostaglandins when incubated for 4 h with homogenates of rat brain, lung, or liver, and cat iris or ciliary body. Very little temperature-dependent uptake of prostamides was observed after incubation with rat brain synaptosomes or RBL-2H3 cells. We suggest that prostamides' most prominent pharmacological actions are not due to transformation into prostaglandins, activation of prostanoid receptors, enhancement of AEA levels, or gating of TRPV1 receptors, but possibly to interaction with novel receptors that seem to be functional in the cat iris.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Matias
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy
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109
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Abstract
In most countries Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug. Its use during pregnancy in developed nations is estimated to be approximately 10%. Recent evidence suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system, now consisting of two receptors and multiple endocannabinoid ligands, may also play an important role in the maintenance and regulation of early pregnancy and fertility. The purpose of this review is therefore twofold, to examine the impact that cannabis use may have on fertility and reproduction, and to review the potential role of the endocannabinoid system in hormonal regulation, embryo implantation and maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
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110
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Petrocellis LD, Cascio MG, Marzo VD. The endocannabinoid system: a general view and latest additions. Br J Pharmacol 2004; 141:765-74. [PMID: 14744801 PMCID: PMC1574255 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
After the discovery, in the early 1990s, of specific G-protein-coupled receptors for marijuana's psychoactive principle Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid receptors, and of their endogenous agonists, the endocannabinoids, a decade of investigations has greatly enlarged our understanding of this altogether new signalling system. Yet, while the finding of the endocannabinoids resulted in a new effort to reveal the mechanisms regulating their levels in the brain and peripheral organs under physiological and pathological conditions, more endogenous substances with a similar action, and more molecular targets for the previously discovered endogenous ligands, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, or for some of their metabolites, were being proposed. As the scenario becomes subsequently more complicated, and the experimental tasks to be accomplished correspondingly more numerous, we briefly review in this article the latest 'additions' to the endocannabinoid system together with earlier breakthroughs that have contributed to our present knowledge of the biochemistry and pharmacology of the endocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Fabbricato 70, 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cascio
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Fabbricato 70, 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Fabbricato 70, 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli), Italy
- Author for correspondence:
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111
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Abstract
A large body of evidence now exists to substantiate that the endocannabinoid, anandamide, activates TRPV1 receptors. It is a low intrinsic efficacy TRPV1 agonist that behaves as a partial agonist in tissues with a low receptor reserve, while in tissues with high receptor reserve and in circumstances associated with certain disease states, it behaves as a full agonist. The efficacy of anandamide as a TRPV1 agonist is influenced by a succession of factors including receptor reserve, phosphorylation, metabolism and uptake, CB1 receptor activation, voltage, temperature, pH and bovine serum albumin. There are indications that the endocannabinoid system may play a role in the modulation of TRPV1 receptor activation. The activation of TRPV1 receptors by anandamide has potential implications in the treatment of inflammatory, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. The relative importance of anandamide as a physiological and/or pathophysiological TRPV1 receptor agonist in comparison to other potential candidates has yet to be revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth A Ross
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland.
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112
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Pulfer M, Murphy RC. Electrospray mass spectrometry of phospholipids. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2003; 22:332-64. [PMID: 12949918 DOI: 10.1002/mas.10061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 666] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipids play a central role in the biochemistry of all living cells. These molecules constitute the lipid bilayer defining the outer confines of a cell, but also serve as the structural entities which confine subcellular components. Mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful tool useful for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex phospholipids, including glycerophospholipids and the sphingolipid, sphingomyelin. Collision induced decomposition of both positive and negative molecular ion species yield rich information as to the polar head group of the phospholipid and the fatty-acyl substituents esterified to the glycerophospholipid backbone. This review presents the current level of understanding of the mechanisms involved in the formation of various product ions following collisional activation of molecular ion species generated by electrospray ionization of the common glycerophospholipids, including phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, cardiolipin, and sphingomyelin. Recent advances in the application of matrix assisted laser desorption ionization is also considered. Several applications of mass spectrometry applied to phospholipid analysis are presented as they apply to physiology as well as pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Pulfer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cell Biology, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
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