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Dionne O, Abolghasemi A, Corbin F, Çaku A. Implication of the endocannabidiome and metabolic pathways in fragile X syndrome pathophysiology. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115962. [PMID: 38763080 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) results from the silencing of the FMR1 gene and is the most prevalent inherited cause of intellectual disability and the most frequent monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder. It is well established that Fragile X individuals are subjected to a wide array of comorbidities, ranging from cognitive, behavioural, and medical origin. Furthermore, recent studies have also described metabolic impairments in FXS individuals. However, the molecular mechanisms linking FMRP deficiency to improper metabolism are still misunderstood. The endocannabinoidome (eCBome) is a lipid-based signalling system that regulates several functions across the body, ranging from cognition, behaviour and metabolism. Alterations in the eCBome have been described in FXS animal models and linked to neuronal hyperexcitability, a core deficit of the disease. However, the potential link between dysregulation of the eCBome and altered metabolism observed in FXS remains unexplored. As such, this review aims to overcome this issue by describing the most recent finding related to eCBome and metabolic dysfunctions in the context of FXS. A better comprehension of this association will help deepen our understanding of FXS pathophysiology and pave the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Dionne
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada.
| | - Armita Abolghasemi
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - François Corbin
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Artuela Çaku
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
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2
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Monsalvo-Maraver LA, Ovalle-Noguez EA, Nava-Osorio J, Maya-López M, Rangel-López E, Túnez I, Tinkov AA, Tizabi Y, Aschner M, Santamaría A. Interactions Between the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System, Nrf2, and the Cannabinoidome as Protective Strategies to Combat Neurodegeneration: Review on Experimental Evidence. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:18. [PMID: 38393521 PMCID: PMC10891226 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00694-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are chronic brain diseases that affect humans worldwide. Although many different factors are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders, alterations in several key elements such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS or endocannabinoidome) have been implicated in their etiology. Impairment of these elements has been linked to the origin and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, while their potentiation is thought to promote neuronal survival and overall neuroprotection, as proved with several experimental models. These key neuroprotective pathways can interact and indirectly activate each other. In this review, we summarize the neuroprotective potential of the UPS, ECS, and Nrf2 signaling, both separately and combined, pinpointing their role as a potential therapeutic approach against several hallmarks of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Angel Monsalvo-Maraver
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.U. Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Enid A Ovalle-Noguez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.U. Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jade Nava-Osorio
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.U. Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marisol Maya-López
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.U. Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edgar Rangel-López
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, S.S.A., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isaac Túnez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Maimonides de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad de Córdoba, Red Española de Excelencia en Estimulación Cerebral (REDESTIM), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Abel Santamaría
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.U. Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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3
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Mahomed A, Girn D, Pattani A, Wells BK, King CC, Patel S, Kaur H, Noravian CM, Sieminski J, Pham C, Dante H, Ezin M, Elul T. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 regulates sequential stages of migration and morphogenesis of neural crest cells and derivatives in chicken and frog embryos. J Morphol 2023; 284:e21606. [PMID: 37313768 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The main cannabinoid receptor CB1R first shows expression during early neurula stage in chicken (Gallus gallus) embryos, and at early tailbud stage in the frog (Xenopus laevis) embryos. This raises the question of whether CB1R regulates similar or distinct processes during the embryonic development of these two species. Here, we examined whether CB1R influences the migration and morphogenesis of neural crest cells and derivatives in both chicken and frog embryos. Early neurula stage chicken embryos were exposed to arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA; a CB1R agonist), N-(Piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM251; a CB1R inverse agonist) or Blebbistatin (nonmuscle Myosin II inhibitor) in ovo and examined during migration of neural crest cells and at condensing cranial ganglia stage. Early tailbud stage frog embryos were bathed in ACEA, AM251 or Blebbistatin, and analyzed at late tailbud stage for changes in craniofacial and eye morphogenesis, and in patterning and morphology of melanophores (neural crest-derived pigment cells). In chicken embryos exposed to ACEA and Myosin II inhibitor, cranial neural crest cells migrated erratically from the neural tube, and the right, but not the left, ophthalmic nerve of the trigeminal ganglia was affected in ACEA- and AM251-treated embryos. In frog embryos with inactivation or activation of CB1R, or inhibition of Myosin II, the craniofacial and eye regions were smaller and/or less developed, and the melanophores overlying the posterior midbrain were more dense, and stellate in morphology, than the same tissues and cells in control embryos. This data suggests that despite differences in the time of onset of expression, normal activity of CB1R is required for sequential steps in migration and morphogenesis of neural crest cells and derivatives in both chicken and frog embryos. In addition, CB1R may signal through Myosin II to regulate migration and morphogenesis of neural crest cells and derivatives in chicken and frog embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Mahomed
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daljit Girn
- Foundational Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA
| | - Afrin Pattani
- Foundational Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA
| | - Brian K Wells
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chloe C King
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sonya Patel
- Foundational Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA
| | - Harsimran Kaur
- Foundational Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA
| | - Christina M Noravian
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jessica Sieminski
- Foundational Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA
| | - Chi Pham
- Foundational Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA
| | - Halley Dante
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Max Ezin
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tamira Elul
- Foundational Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California, Vallejo, California, USA
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4
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Cáceres D, Ochoa M, González-Ortiz M, Bravo K, Eugenín J. Effects of Prenatal Cannabinoids Exposure upon Placenta and Development of Respiratory Neural Circuits. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:199-232. [PMID: 37466775 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has risen dangerously during pregnancy in the face of incipient therapeutic use and a growing perception of safety. The main psychoactive compound of the Cannabis sativa plant is the phytocannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (A-9 THC), and its status as a teratogen is controversial. THC and its endogenous analogues, anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG, exert their actions through specific receptors (eCBr) that activate intracellular signaling pathways. CB1r and CB2r, also called classic cannabinoid receptors, together with their endogenous ligands and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade them, constitute the endocannabinoid system. This system is distributed ubiquitously in various central and peripheral tissues. Although the endocannabinoid system's most studied role is controlling the release of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, the study of long-term exposure to cannabinoids on fetal development is not well known and is vital for understanding environmental or pathological embryo-fetal or postnatal conditions. Prenatal exposure to cannabinoids in animal models has induced changes in placental and embryo-fetal organs. Particularly, cannabinoids could influence both neural and nonneural tissues and induce embryo-fetal pathological conditions in critical processes such as neural respiratory control. This review aims at the acute and chronic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabinoids on placental function and the embryo-fetal neurodevelopment of the respiratory pattern. The information provided here will serve as a theoretical framework to critically evaluate the teratogen effects of the consumption of cannabis during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martín Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Karina Bravo
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
| | - Jaime Eugenín
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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5
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Lo HF, Hong M, Szutorisz H, Hurd YL, Krauss RS. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits Hedgehog-dependent patterning during development. Development 2021; 148:272342. [PMID: 34610637 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many developmental disorders are thought to arise from an interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway regulates myriad developmental processes, and pathway inhibition is associated with birth defects, including holoprosencephaly (HPE). Cannabinoids are HH pathway inhibitors, but little is known of their effects on HH-dependent processes in mammalian embryos, and their mechanism of action is unclear. We report that the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) induces two hallmark HH loss-of-function phenotypes (HPE and ventral neural tube patterning defects) in Cdon mutant mice, which have a subthreshold deficit in HH signaling. THC therefore acts as a 'conditional teratogen', dependent on a complementary but insufficient genetic insult. In vitro findings indicate that THC is a direct inhibitor of the essential HH signal transducer smoothened. The canonical THC receptor, cannabinoid receptor-type 1, is not required for THC to inhibit HH signaling. Cannabis consumption during pregnancy may contribute to a combination of risk factors underlying specific developmental disorders. These findings therefore have significant public health relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Fan Lo
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Mingi Hong
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Henrietta Szutorisz
- Addiction Institute and Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Addiction Institute and Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Robert S Krauss
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, New York, NY 10029, USA
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6
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Pandelides Z, Aluru N, Thornton C, Watts HE, Willett KL. Transcriptomic Changes and the Roles of Cannabinoid Receptors and PPARγ in Developmental Toxicities Following Exposure to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol. Toxicol Sci 2021; 182:44-59. [PMID: 33892503 PMCID: PMC8285010 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human consumption of cannabinoid-containing products during early life or pregnancy is rising. However, information about the molecular mechanisms involved in early life stage Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) toxicities is critically lacking. Here, larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to measure THC- and CBD-mediated changes on transcriptome and the roles of cannabinoid receptors (Cnr) 1 and 2 and peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ (PPARγ) in developmental toxicities. Transcriptomic profiling of 96-h postfertilization (hpf) cnr+/+ embryos exposed (6 - 96 hpf) to 4 μM THC or 0.5 μM CBD showed differential expression of 904 and 1095 genes for THC and CBD, respectively, with 360 in common. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enriched in the THC and CBD datasets included those related to drug, retinol, and steroid metabolism and PPAR signaling. The THC exposure caused increased mortality and deformities (pericardial and yolk sac edemas, reduction in length) in cnr1-/- and cnr2-/- fish compared with cnr+/+ suggesting Cnr receptors are involved in protective pathways. Conversely, the cnr1-/- larvae were more resistant to CBD-induced malformations, mortality, and behavioral alteration implicating Cnr1 in CBD-mediated toxicity. Behavior (decreased distance travelled) was the most sensitive endpoint to THC and CBD exposure. Coexposure to the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 and CBD in cnr+/+ and cnr2-/- strains caused more adverse outcomes compared with CBD alone, but not in the cnr1-/- fish, suggesting that PPARγ plays a role in CBD metabolism downstream of Cnr1. Collectively, PPARγ, Cnr1, and Cnr2 play important roles in the developmental toxicity of cannabinoids with Cnr1 being the most critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Pandelides
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
| | - Neelakanteswar Aluru
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Cammi Thornton
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
| | - Haley E Watts
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
| | - Kristine L Willett
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
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7
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Song CG, Kang X, Yang F, Du WQ, Zhang JJ, Liu L, Kang JJ, Jia N, Yue H, Fan LY, Wu SX, Jiang W, Gao F. Endocannabinoid system in the neurodevelopment of GABAergic interneurons: implications for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:803-831. [PMID: 33781002 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In mature mammalian brains, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and the functioning of neural networks. Besides, the ECS also contributes to the neurodevelopment of the central nervous system. Due to the increase in the medical and recreational use of cannabis, it is inevitable and essential to elaborate the roles of the ECS on neurodevelopment. GABAergic interneurons represent a group of inhibitory neurons that are vital in controlling neural network activity. However, the role of the ECS in the neurodevelopment of GABAergic interneurons remains to be fully elucidated. In this review, we provide a brief introduction of the ECS and interneuron diversity. We focus on the process of interneuron development and the role of ECS in the modulation of interneuron development, from the expansion of the neural stem/progenitor cells to the migration, specification and maturation of interneurons. We further discuss the potential implications of the ECS and interneurons in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Geng Song
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Kang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wan-Qing Du
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Jia Zhang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun-Jun Kang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ning Jia
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Yue
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lu-Yu Fan
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sheng-Xi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
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8
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De Giacomo V, Ruehle S, Lutz B, Häring M, Remmers F. Cell type-specific genetic reconstitution of CB1 receptor subsets to assess their role in exploratory behaviour, sociability, and memory. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 55:939-951. [PMID: 33253450 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Several studies support the notion that exploratory behaviour depends on the functionality of the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor in a cell type-specific manner. Mice lacking the CB1 receptor in forebrain GABAergic or dorsal telencephalic glutamatergic neurons have served as essential tools revealing the necessary CB1 receptor functions in these two neuronal populations. However, whether these specific CB1 receptor populations are also sufficient within the endocannabinoid system for wild-type-like exploratory behaviour has remained unknown. To evaluate cell-type-specific sufficiency of CB1 receptor signalling exclusively in dorsal telencephalic glutamatergic neurons (Glu-CB1-RS) or in forebrain GABAergic neurons (GABA-CB1-RS), we utilised a mouse model in which CB1 receptor expression can be reactivated conditionally at endogenous levels from a complete CB1-KO background. The two types of conditional CB1-rescue mice were compared with CB1 receptor-deficient [no reactivation (Stop-CB1)] and wild-type [ubiquitous reactivation of endogenous CB1 receptor (CB1-RS)] controls to investigate the behavioural consequences. We evaluated social and object exploratory behaviour in four different paradigms. Remarkably, the reduced exploration observed in Stop-CB1 animals was rescued in Glu-CB1-RS mice and sometimes even surpassed CB1-RS (wild-type) exploration. In contrast, GABA-CB1-RS animals showed the lowest exploratory drive in all paradigms, with an even stronger phenotype than Stop-CB1 mice. Interestingly, these effects weakened with increasing familiarity with the environment, suggesting a causal role for altered neophobia in the observed phenotypes. Taken together, using our genetic approach, we were able to substantiate the opposing role of the CB1 receptor in dorsal telencephalic glutamatergic versus forebrain GABAergic neurons regarding exploratory behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa De Giacomo
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabine Ruehle
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Häring
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Floortje Remmers
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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9
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Rodríguez-Rodríguez I, Kalafut J, Czerwonka A, Rivero-Müller A. A novel bioassay for quantification of surface Cannabinoid receptor 1 expression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18191. [PMID: 33097803 PMCID: PMC7584592 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75331-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) plays critical roles in multiple physiological processes such as pain perception, brain development and body temperature regulation. Mutations on this gene (CNR1), results in altered functionality and/or biosynthesis such as reduced membrane expression, changes in mRNA stability or changes in downstream signaling that act as triggers for diseases such as obesity, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, among others; thus, it is considered as a potential pharmacological target. To date, multiple quantification methods have been employed to determine how these mutations affect receptor expression and localization; however, they present serious disadvantages that may arise quantifying errors. Here, we describe a sensitive bioassay to quantify receptor surface expression; in this bioassay the Gaussia Luciferase (GLuc) was fused to the extracellular portion of the CB1. The GLuc activity was assessed by coelenterazine addition to the medium followed by immediate readout. Based on GLuc activity assay, we show that the GLuc signals corelate with CB1 localization, besides, we showed the assay’s functionality and reliability by comparing its results with those generated by previously reported mutations on the CNR1 gene and by using flow cytometry to determine the cell surface receptor expression. Detection of membrane-bound CB1, and potentially other GPCRs, is able to quickly screen for receptor levels and help to understand the effect of clinically relevant mutations or polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Kalafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Czerwonka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.,Department of Virology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
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10
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Smith A, Kaufman F, Sandy MS, Cardenas A. Cannabis Exposure During Critical Windows of Development: Epigenetic and Molecular Pathways Implicated in Neuropsychiatric Disease. Curr Environ Health Rep 2020; 7:325-342. [PMID: 32441004 PMCID: PMC7458902 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cannabis exposure during critical windows of development may have intergenerational physiological consequences disrupting epigenetic programming and marks. This review examines the literature relating to pre-gestational and prenatal cannabinoid exposure and its effect on genes and molecular pathways related to the development of psychiatric disease. RECENT FINDINGS Developmental cannabis exposure alters epigenetic processes with functional gene consequences. These include potentially heritable alterations in genes and molecular pathways critical for brain development and associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, addiction, and other psychiatric diseases. Cannabis consumption and mental health illness in adolescents and young adults are increasing in the United States (U.S.), and recent studies suggest that cannabis consumption during critical periods of brain development could contribute to mental health illness through epigenetic mechanisms. These findings warrant future studies and consideration by regulators and health communicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Farla Kaufman
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Martha S Sandy
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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11
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Ozekin YH, Isner T, Bates EA. Ion Channel Contributions to Morphological Development: Insights From the Role of Kir2.1 in Bone Development. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:99. [PMID: 32581710 PMCID: PMC7296152 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of ion channels in neurons and muscles has been well characterized. However, recent work has demonstrated both the presence and necessity of ion channels in diverse cell types for morphological development. For example, mutations that disrupt ion channels give rise to abnormal structural development in species of flies, frogs, fish, mice, and humans. Furthermore, medications and recreational drugs that target ion channels are associated with higher incidence of birth defects in humans. In this review we establish the effects of several teratogens on development including epilepsy treatment drugs (topiramate, valproate, ethosuximide, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine), nicotine, heat, and cannabinoids. We then propose potential links between these teratogenic agents and ion channels with mechanistic insights from model organisms. Finally, we talk about the role of a particular ion channel, Kir2.1, in the formation and development of bone as an example of how ion channels can be used to uncover important processes in morphogenesis. Because ion channels are common targets of many currently used medications, understanding how ion channels impact morphological development will be important for prevention of birth defects. It is becoming increasingly clear that ion channels have functional roles outside of tissues that have been classically considered excitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus H Ozekin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Trevor Isner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Emily A Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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12
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Amin MR, Ahmed KT, Ali DW. Early Exposure to THC Alters M-Cell Development in Zebrafish Embryos. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8010005. [PMID: 31947970 PMCID: PMC7168183 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit recreational drugs that is often taken for medicinal purposes. The psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, hereafter referred to as THC), which is an agonist at the endocannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R. Here, we exposed zebrafish embryos to THC during the gastrulation phase to determine the long-term effects during development. We specifically focused on reticulospinal neurons known as the Mauthner cells (M-cell) that are involved in escape response movements. The M- cells are born during gastrulation, thus allowing us to examine neuronal morphology of neurons born during the time of exposure. After the exposure, embryos were allowed to develop normally and were examined at two days post-fertilization for M-cell morphology and escape responses. THC treated embryos exhibited subtle alterations in M-cell axon diameter and small changes in escape response dynamics to touch. Because escape responses were altered, we also examined muscle fiber development. The fluorescent labelling of red and white muscle fibers showed that while muscles were largely intact, the fibers were slightly disorganized with subtle but significant changes in the pattern of expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, there were no overt changes in the expression of nicotinic receptor subunit mRNA ascertained by qPCR. Embryos were allowed to further develop until 5 dpf, when they were examined for overall levels of movement. Animals exposed to THC during gastrulation exhibited reduced activity compared with vehicle controls. Together, these findings indicate that zebrafish exposed to THC during the gastrula phase exhibit small changes in neuronal and muscle morphology that may impact behavior and locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ruhul Amin
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (M.R.A.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Kazi T. Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (M.R.A.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Declan W. Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (M.R.A.); (K.T.A.)
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-780-492-6094
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13
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Goldstein Ferber S, Trezza V, Weller A. Early life stress and development of the endocannabinoid system: A bidirectional process in programming future coping. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 63:143-152. [PMID: 31849055 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) critically regulates stress responsivity and emotional behavior throughout development. It regulates anxiety-like behaviors in humans and animal models. In addition, it is sensitive to early life stress at the gene expression level in a sex-dependent and region-dependent manner, and these changes are already evident in the adolescent brain. The ECS modulates the neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of stress, and is also capable of being affected by stress exposure itself. Early life stress interferes with the development of corticolimbic circuits, a major location of endocannabinoid receptors, and increases vulnerability to adult psychopathology. Early life stress alters the ontogeny of the ECS, resulting in a sustained deficit in its function, particularly within the hippocampus. Specifically, exposure to early stress results in bidirectional changes in anandamide and 2-AG tissue levels within the amygdala and hippocampus and reduces hippocampal endocannabinoid function at puberty. CB1 receptor densities across all brain regions are downregulated later in life following exposure to early life stress. Manipulations affecting the glucocorticoid and the endocannabinoid systems persistently adjust individual emotional responses and synaptic plasticity. This review aims to show the bidirectional trajectories of endocannabinoid modulation of emotionality in reaction to early life stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari Goldstein Ferber
- Psychology Department and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Aron Weller
- Psychology Department and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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14
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Cannabinoids Exacerbate Alcohol Teratogenesis by a CB1-Hedgehog Interaction. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16057. [PMID: 31690747 PMCID: PMC6831672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We tested whether cannabinoids (CBs) potentiate alcohol-induced birth defects in mice and zebrafish, and explored the underlying pathogenic mechanisms on Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling. The CBs, Δ9-THC, cannabidiol, HU-210, and CP 55,940 caused alcohol-like effects on craniofacial and brain development, phenocopying Shh mutations. Combined exposure to even low doses of alcohol with THC, HU-210, or CP 55,940 caused a greater incidence of birth defects, particularly of the eyes, than did either treatment alone. Consistent with the hypothesis that these defects are caused by deficient Shh, we found that CBs reduced Shh signaling by inhibiting Smoothened (Smo), while Shh mRNA or a CB1 receptor antagonist attenuated CB-induced birth defects. Proximity ligation experiments identified novel CB1-Smo heteromers, suggesting allosteric CB1-Smo interactions. In addition to raising concerns about the safety of cannabinoid and alcohol exposure during early embryonic development, this study establishes a novel link between two distinct signaling pathways and has widespread implications for development, as well as diseases such as addiction and cancer.
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15
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Gustafsson SB, Jacobsson SOP. Effects of cannabinoids on the development of chick embryos in ovo. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13486. [PMID: 31530885 PMCID: PMC6748917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have examined the effects of the synthetic cannabinoids HU 210 and HU 211, the plant-derived cannabidiol and the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide on the viability and development of chick embryos. Fertilized White Leghorn chicken eggs were injected with the test compounds or carrier vehicle, via a drilled small hole in the egg, directly into the egg yolk. After nine days of exposure, the embryonal viability, length and wet weight of embryos, and wet weight of brains were measured, and the development stages were assessed according to the Hamburger and Hamilton (HH) scale. The potent synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist HU 210 and the non-psychotropic cannabidiol were embryotoxic at the highest concentrations examined (10 µM and 50 µM, respectively), with no viable embryos after the HU 210 injection, and 20% viability after the cannabidiol injections. The effects of HU 210 on the chick embryo were attenuated by α-tocopherol and the cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251, whereas only α-tocopherol gave a statistically significant protection against the embryotoxic effects of cannabidiol. This study shows that exposure to plant-derived or synthetic cannabinoids during early embryonal development decreases embryonal viability. Extrapolation of data across species is of course difficult, but the data would argue against the use of cannabinoids, be it recreationally or therapeutically, during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia B Gustafsson
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stig O P Jacobsson
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
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16
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Sufian MS, Amin MR, Kanyo R, Allison WT, Ali DW. CB 1 and CB 2 receptors play differential roles in early zebrafish locomotor development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.206680. [PMID: 31253713 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.206680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) mediate their effects through actions on several receptors, including the cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R. The role played by eCBs in the development of locomotor systems is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the roles of the eCB system in zebrafish development by pharmacologically inhibiting CB1R and CB2R (with AM251 and AM630, respectively) in either the first or second day of development. We examined the morphology of motor neurons and we determined neuromuscular outputs by quantifying the amount of swimming in 5 days post-fertilization larvae. Blocking CB2R during the first day of development resulted in gross morphological deficits and reductions in heart rate that were greater than those following treatment with the CB1R blocker AM251. Blocking CB1Rs from 0 to 24 h post-fertilization resulted in an increase in the number of secondary and tertiary branches of primary motor neurons, whereas blocking CB2Rs had the opposite effect. Both treatments manifested in reduced levels of swimming. Additionally, blocking CB1Rs resulted in greater instances of non-inflated and partially inflated swim bladders compared with AM630 treatment, suggesting that at least some of the deficits in locomotion may result from an inability to adjust buoyancy. Together, these findings indicate that the eCB system is pivotal to the development of the locomotor system in zebrafish, and that perturbations of the eCB system early in life may have detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shah Sufian
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - Md Ruhul Amin
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - Richard Kanyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - W Ted Allison
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | - Declan W Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9 .,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9.,Department of Physiology, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
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17
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Raghunathan R, Liu CH, Kouka A, Singh M, Miranda RC, Larin KV. Assessing the acute effects of prenatal synthetic cannabinoid exposure on murine fetal brain vasculature using optical coherence tomography. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2019; 12:e201900050. [PMID: 30887665 PMCID: PMC10039318 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201900050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused substances during pregnancy. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) are a group of heterogeneous compounds that are 40- to 600-fold more potent than Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive component of marijuana. With SCBs being legally available for purchase and the prevalence of unplanned pregnancies, the possibility of prenatal exposure to SCBs is high. However, the effects of prenatal SCB exposure on embryonic brain development are not well understood. In this study, we use complex correlation mapping optical coherence angiography to evaluate changes in murine fetal brain vasculature in utero, minutes after maternal exposure to an SCB, CP-55940. Results showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in fetal brain vessel diameter, length fraction and area density when compared to the sham group. This preliminary study shows that acute prenatal exposure to an SCB resulted in significant fetal brain vasoconstriction during the peak period for brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raksha Raghunathan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Chih-Hao Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Amur Kouka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Manmohan Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Rajesh C. Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, TAMHSC College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Kirill V. Larin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Correspondence: Kirill V. Larin, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd., Houston, TX 77204.
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18
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Pinson MR, Miranda RC. Noncoding RNAs in development and teratology, with focus on effects of cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and ethanol. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:1308-1319. [PMID: 31356004 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Completion of the Human Genome Project has led to the identification of a large number of transcription start sites that are not paired with protein-coding genes, supporting the growing recognition of the abundance of encoded nonprotein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their importance for speciation and species-specific development. Present in both plants and animals, ncRNAs vary in size, function, primary sequence, and secondary structure. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are the best known, there are a number of other ncRNAs (long[er] nonprotein-coding RNA, pseudogenes, circular RNAs, and so on) that have been shown to play an important role in the development either directly or via networks of proteins and other ncRNAs, including modulating the impact of miRNAs. Furthermore, these ncRNAs and their developmental regulatory networks are sensitive to teratogens such as ethanol, cannabis, cocaine, and nicotine. A better understanding of the developmental role of ncRNAs and their capacity to mediate teratogenesis is a necessary step in efforts to minimize the long-term consequences of developmental exposures to drugs-of-abuse. Moreover, with increasing awareness of the prevalence of polydrug use, experimental models will need to incorporate more complex drug exposure paradigms into meaningful assessments of developmental ncRNA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa R Pinson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy Suite 1005 MREB, Bryan, Texas
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy Suite 1005 MREB, Bryan, Texas
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19
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Dong C, Chen J, Harrington A, Vinod KY, Hegde ML, Hegde VL. Cannabinoid exposure during pregnancy and its impact on immune function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:729-743. [PMID: 30374520 PMCID: PMC6632091 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are the most commonly abused illicit drugs worldwide. While cannabis can be beneficial for certain heath conditions, abuse of potent synthetic cannabinoids has been on the rise. Exposure to cannabinoids is also prevalent in women of child-bearing age and pregnant women. These compounds can cross the placental barrier and directly affect the fetus. They mediate their effects primarily through G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. In addition to significant neurological effects, cannabinoids can trigger robust immunomodulation by altering cytokine levels, causing apoptosis of lymphoid cells and inducing suppressor cells of the immune system. Profound effects of cannabinoids on the immune system as discussed in this review, suggest that maternal exposure during pregnancy could lead to dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune system of developing fetus and offspring potentially leading to weakening of immune defenses against infections and cancer later in life. Emerging evidence also indicates the underlying role of epigenetic mechanisms causing long-lasting impact following cannabinoid exposure in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Dong
- School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Amy Harrington
- School of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - K Yaragudri Vinod
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Emotional Brain Institute, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Muralidhar L Hegde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute for Academic Medicine and Research Institute, The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), 6550 Fannin St, Smith 08-077, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Venkatesh L Hegde
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute for Academic Medicine and Research Institute, The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), 6550 Fannin St, Smith 08-077, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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20
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Bukiya AN. Physiology of the Endocannabinoid System During Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1162:13-37. [PMID: 31332732 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system comprises endogenously produced cannabinoids (CBs), enzymes of their production and degradation, and CB-sensing receptors and transporters. The eCB system plays a critical role in virtually all stages of animal development. Studies on eCB system components and their physiological role have gained increasing attention with the rising legalization and medical use of marijuana products. The latter represent exogenous interventions that target the eCB system. This chapter summarizes knowledge in the field of CB contribution to gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo implantation, fetal development, birth, and adolescence-equivalent periods of ontogenesis. The material is complemented by the overview of data from our laboratory documenting the functional presence of the eCB system within cerebral arteries of baboons at different stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna N Bukiya
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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21
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Carty DR, Miller ZS, Thornton C, Pandelides Z, Kutchma ML, Willett KL. Multigenerational consequences of early-life cannabinoid exposure in zebrafish. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 364:133-143. [PMID: 30594692 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been widely studied in the realm of developmental and reproductive toxicology, few studies have investigated potential toxicities from a second widely used cannabis constituent, cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is popularized for its therapeutic potential for reducing seizure frequencies in epilepsy. This study investigated developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) via multigenerational gene expression patterns, behavior phenotypes, and reproductive fitness of a subsequent F1 following an F0 developmental exposure of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to THC (0.024, 0.12, 0.6 mg/L; 0.08, 0.4, 2 μM) or CBD (0.006, 0.03, 0.15 mg/L; 0.02, 0.1, 0.5 μM). Embryonic exposure at these concentrations did not cause notable morphological abnormalities in either F0 or F1 generations. However, during key developmental stages (14, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post fertilization) THC and CBD caused differential expression of c-fos, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf), and deleted-in-azoospermia like (dazl), while in F1 larvae only CBD differentially expressed dazl. Larval photomotor behavior was reduced (F0) or increased (F1) by THC exposure, while CBD had no effect on F0 larvae, but decreased activity in the unexposed F1 larvae. These results support our hypothesis of cannabinoid-related developmental neurotoxicity. As adults, F0 fecundity was reduced, but it was not in F1 adults. Conversely, in the adult open field test there were no significant effects in F0 fish, but a significant reduction in the time in periphery was seen in F1 fish from the highest THC exposure group. The results highlight the need to consider long-term ramifications of early-life exposure to cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis R Carty
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Zachary S Miller
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Cammi Thornton
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Zacharias Pandelides
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Marisa L Kutchma
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Kristine L Willett
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
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22
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Motor neuron development in zebrafish is altered by brief (5-hr) exposures to THC (∆ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol) during gastrulation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10518. [PMID: 30002406 PMCID: PMC6043604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit recreational drugs and is widely used for medicinal purposes. The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), whereas the major non-psychoactive ingredient is cannabidiol (CBD). Here, we exposed zebrafish embryos to ∆9-THC or CBD for 5 hours during the critical stage of development known as gastrulation. Embryos were allowed to develop normally and were examined at 2 and 5 days post fertilization. THC and CBD treated embryos exhibited reduced heart rates, axial malformations and shorter trunks. Cannabinoid treatment altered synaptic activity at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), and fluorescent labelling of primary and secondary motor neurons indicated a change in branching patterns and a reduction in the number of axonal branches in the trunk musculature. Furthermore, there were alterations in the α-bungarotoxin labelling of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at NMJs. Locomotion studies show that larvae exposed to THC or CBD during gastrulation exhibited drastic reductions in the number of C-start escape responses to sound stimuli, but not to touch stimuli. Together these findings indicate that zebrafish embryos exposed to ∆9-THC or CBD during the brief but critical period of gastrulation exhibited alterations in heart rate, motor neuronal morphology, synaptic activity at the NMJ and locomotor responses to sound.
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23
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Hungund BL. Drinking during pregnancy: Potential role of endocannabinoid signaling in fetal alcohol effects. World J Neurol 2017; 7:1-5. [DOI: 10.5316/wjn.v7.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol is a well-recognized teratogen that can cause variable physical and behavioral effects on the fetus. Alcohol use and abuse during pregnancy is one of the major health and societal problems and has been linked to a wide range of birth defects in the offspring collectively termed as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The severity of abnormalities may depend on a number of factors that include the amount, the frequency, the period during gestation and the route of alcohol administration. The current knowledge about the neurobiological basis of FASD is limited. However, recent studies have suggested that the membrane-derived lipids especially bioactive endogenous cannabinoids (eCB) such as arachidonyl ethanolamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol resulting from alcohol exposure, may play a significant role in modulating neurophysiological and neurobehavioral effects in chronic alcohol exposed adult animals. Based on these findings and on reported studies on the role of eCB signaling in neurodevelopment and behavior, it is speculated that the eCB signaling may play a critical role in fetal alcohol syndrome and FASD-related behavioral effects. The current discussion will touch upon some of the mechanistic explanations about the role of eCB signaling system in FASD and provide further guidance for future direction.
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Beggiato S, Borelli AC, Tomasini MC, Morgano L, Antonelli T, Tanganelli S, Cuomo V, Ferraro L. Long-lasting alterations of hippocampal GABAergic neurotransmission in adult rats following perinatal Δ 9-THC exposure. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 139:135-143. [PMID: 28104530 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The long-lasting effects of gestational cannabinoids exposure on the adult brain of the offspring are still controversial. It has already been shown that pre- or perinatal cannabinoids exposure induces learning and memory disruption in rat adult offspring, associated with permanent alterations of cortical glutamatergic neurotransmission and cognitive deficits. In the present study, the risk of long-term consequences induced by perinatal exposure to cannabinoids on rat hippocampal GABAergic system of the offspring, has been explored. To this purpose, pregnant rats were treated daily with Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC; 5mg/kg) or its vehicle. Perinatal exposure to Δ9-THC induced a significant reduction (p<0.05) in basal and K+-evoked [3H]-GABA outflow of 90-day-old rat hippocampal slices. These effects were associated with a reduction of hippocampal [3H]-GABA uptake compared to vehicle exposed group. Perinatal exposure to Δ9-THC induced a significant reduction of CB1 receptor binding (Bmax) in the hippocampus of 90-day-old rats. However, a pharmacological challenge with either Δ9-THC (0.1μM) or WIN55,212-2 (2μM), similarly reduced K+-evoked [3H]-GABA outflow in both experimental groups. These reductions were significantly blocked by adding the selective CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A. These findings suggest that maternal exposure to cannabinoids induces long-term alterations of hippocampal GABAergic system. Interestingly, previous behavioral studies demonstrated that, under the same experimental conditions as in the present study, perinatal cannabinoids exposure induced cognitive impairments in adult rats, thus resembling some effects observed in humans. Although it is difficult and sometimes misleading to extrapolate findings obtained from animal models to humans, the possibility that an alteration of hippocampus aminoacidergic transmission might underlie, at least in part, some of the cognitive deficits affecting the offspring of marijuana users, is supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Lucia Morgano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Antonelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sergio Tanganelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cuomo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Liu LY, Alexa K, Cortes M, Schatzman-Bone S, Kim AJ, Mukhopadhyay B, Cinar R, Kunos G, North TE, Goessling W. Cannabinoid receptor signaling regulates liver development and metabolism. Development 2016; 143:609-22. [PMID: 26884397 DOI: 10.1242/dev.121731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid (EC) signaling mediates psychotropic effects and regulates appetite. By contrast, potential roles in organ development and embryonic energy consumption remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that genetic or chemical inhibition of cannabinoid receptor (Cnr) activity disrupts liver development and metabolic function in zebrafish (Danio rerio), impacting hepatic differentiation, but not endodermal specification: loss of cannabinoid receptor 1 (cnr1) and cnr2 activity leads to smaller livers with fewer hepatocytes, reduced liver-specific gene expression and proliferation. Functional assays reveal abnormal biliary anatomy and lipid handling. Adult cnr2 mutants are susceptible to hepatic steatosis. Metabolomic analysis reveals reduced methionine content in Cnr mutants. Methionine supplementation rescues developmental and metabolic defects in Cnr mutant livers, suggesting a causal relationship between EC signaling, methionine deficiency and impaired liver development. The effect of Cnr on methionine metabolism is regulated by sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factors (Srebfs), as their overexpression rescues Cnr mutant liver phenotypes in a methionine-dependent manner. Our work describes a novel developmental role for EC signaling, whereby Cnr-mediated regulation of Srebfs and methionine metabolism impacts liver development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Y Liu
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kristen Alexa
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mauricio Cortes
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Andrew J Kim
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bani Mukhopadhyay
- Laboratory of Physiological Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20982, USA
| | - Resat Cinar
- Laboratory of Physiological Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20982, USA
| | - George Kunos
- Laboratory of Physiological Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20982, USA
| | - Trista E North
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Genetics Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Gastroenterology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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26
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Lee TTY, Hill MN, Lee FS. Developmental regulation of fear learning and anxiety behavior by endocannabinoids. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:108-24. [PMID: 26419643 PMCID: PMC4713313 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The developing brain undergoes substantial maturation into adulthood and the development of specific neural structures occurs on differing timelines. Transient imbalances between developmental trajectories of corticolimbic structures, which are known to contribute to regulation over fear learning and anxiety, can leave an individual susceptible to mental illness, particularly anxiety disorders. There is a substantial body of literature indicating that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system critically regulates stress responsivity and emotional behavior throughout the life span, making this system a novel therapeutic target for stress- and anxiety-related disorders. During early life and adolescence, corticolimbic eCB signaling changes dynamically and coincides with different sensitive periods of fear learning, suggesting that eCB signaling underlies age-specific fear learning responses. Moreover, perturbations to these normative fluctuations in corticolimbic eCB signaling, such as stress or cannabinoid exposure, could serve as a neural substrate contributing to alterations to the normative developmental trajectory of neural structures governing emotional behavior and fear learning. In this review, we first introduce the components of the eCB system and discuss clinical and rodent models showing eCB regulation of fear learning and anxiety in adulthood. Next, we highlight distinct fear learning and regulation profiles throughout development and discuss the ontogeny of the eCB system in the central nervous system, and models of pharmacological augmentation of eCB signaling during development in the context of fear learning and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany T.-Y. Lee
- Dept. of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Matthew N. Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Center for Mental Health Research and Education, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada T2N4N1
| | - Francis S. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Gilbert MT, Sulik KK, Fish EW, Baker LK, Dehart DB, Parnell SE. Dose-dependent teratogenicity of the synthetic cannabinoid CP-55,940 in mice. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015; 58:15-22. [PMID: 26708672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Potent synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) are illegally distributed drugs of abuse that are frequently consumed in spite of their adverse consequences. This study was designed to determine if the toxicity observed in adults also extends to the prenatal period by examining the developmental toxicity/teratogenicity of one of these SCBs, CP-55,940, in a mammalian model. First, immunohistochemistry was employed for cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) localization within gestational day (GD) 8 mouse embryos; this receptor was identified in the cranial neural plate, suggesting that the endogenous cannabinoid system may be involved in normal development. Based on this information and on previous avian teratogenicity studies, the current investigation focused on cannabinoid exposure during neurulation. The treatment paradigm involved acute i.p. administration of vehicle, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0mg/kg CP-55,940 to time-mated C57Bl/6J mice on their 8th day of pregnancy (n>10 litters per treatment group). On GD 17, litters were harvested and examined for numbers of live, dead, or resorbed fetuses, as well as for fetal weight, length, and gross morphological abnormalities. No effect on litter size, fetal weight, or crown rump length was seen at any of the CP-55,940 dosages tested. Major malformations involving the craniofacies and/or eyes were noted in all drug-treated groups. Selected fetuses with craniofacial malformations were histologically sectioned and stained, allowing investigation of brain anomalies. Observed craniofacial, ocular, and brain abnormalities in drug-treated fetuses included lateral and median facial clefts, cleft palate, microphthalmia, iridial coloboma, anophthalmia, exencephaly, holoprosencephaly, and cortical dysplasia. With the most commonly observed defects involving the eyes, the incidence and severity of readily identifiable ocular malformations were utilized as a basis for dose-response analyses. Ocular malformation ratings revealed dose-dependent CP-55,940 teratogenicity within the full range of dosages tested. While examination of additional critical periods and in depth mechanistic studies is warranted, the results of this investigation clearly show the dose-dependent teratogenicity of this SCB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcoita T Gilbert
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, United States
| | - Kathleen K Sulik
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, United States; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7255, United States; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545, United States
| | - Eric W Fish
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, United States
| | - Lorinda K Baker
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, United States
| | - Deborah B Dehart
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, United States
| | - Scott E Parnell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, United States; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7255, United States; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7545, United States.
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28
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Baumeister D, Tojo LM, Tracy DK. Legal highs: staying on top of the flood of novel psychoactive substances. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2015; 5:97-132. [PMID: 26240749 PMCID: PMC4521440 DOI: 10.1177/2045125314559539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been growing clinical, public, and media awareness and concern about the availability and potential harmfulness of so-called 'legal highs', which are more appropriately called new or novel psychoactive substances (NPS). A cat-and-mouse process has emerged wherein unknown chemists and laboratories are producing new, and as yet nonproscribed, compounds for human consumption; and as soon as they are banned, which they inevitably are, slightly modified analogues are produced to circumvent new laws. This rapidly changing environment, 81 new substances were identified in 2013 alone, has led to confusion for clinicians, psychopharmacologists, and the public at large. Our difficulties in keeping up with the process has had a two-fold negative effect: the danger of ignoring what is confusing; and the problem that some of the newer synthesized compounds appear ever more potent. This review aims to circumscribe a quick moving and growing field, and to categorize NPS into five major groups based upon their 'parent' compounds: stimulants similar to cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy; cannabinoids; benzodiazepine based drugs; dissociatives similar to ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP); and those modelled after classic hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin. Pharmacodynamic actions, subjective and physical effects, harmfulness, risk of dependency and, where appropriate, putative clinical potentials are described for each class. Clinicians might encounter NPS in various ways: anecdotal reportage; acute intoxication; as part of a substance misuse profile; and as a precipitant or perpetuating factor for longer-term physical and psychological ill health. Current data are overall limited, and much of our knowledge and treatment strategies are based upon those of the 'parent' compound. There is a critical need for more research in this field, and for professionals to make themselves more aware of this growing issue and how it might affect those we see clinically and try to help: a brave new world of so-called 'psychonauts' consuming NPS will also need informed 'psychotherapeutonauts'. The paper should serve as a primer for clinicians and interested readers, as well as provide a framework into which to place the new substances that will inevitably be synthesized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Baumeister
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Luis M Tojo
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Lab, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
| | - Derek K Tracy
- Consultant Psychiatrist and Associate Clinical Director, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Princess Royal University Hospital, and Cognition, Schizophrenia and Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London BR6 8NY, UK
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29
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Zheng X, Suzuki T, Takahashi C, Nishida E, Kusakabe M. cnrip1 is a regulator of eye and neural development in Xenopus laevis. Genes Cells 2015; 20:324-39. [PMID: 25652037 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1 (CNRIP1), which has been originally identified as the binding partner of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1), is evolutionarily conserved throughout vertebrates, but its physiological function has been unknown. Here, we identify a developmental role of CNRIP1 using Xenopus laevis embryos. During early embryogenesis, expression of Xenopus laevis cnrip1 is highly restricted to the animal region of gastrulae where neural and eye induction occur, and afterward it is seen in neural and other tissues with a temporally and spatially regulated pattern. Morpholino-mediated knockdown experiments indicate that cnrip1 has an essential role in early eye and neural development by regulating the onset of expression of key transcription factor genes, sox2, otx2, pax6 and rax. Also, over-expression experiments suggest that cnrip1 has a potential to expand sox2, otx2, pax6 and rax expression. These results suggest an instructive role of Xenopus laevis cnrip1 in early eye and neural development. Furthermore, Xenopus laevis cnr1 knockdown leads to eye defects, which are partly similar to, but milder than, those caused by cnrip1 knockdown, suggesting a possible functional similarity between CNRIP1 and CNR1. This study is the first characterization of an in vivo role of CNRIP1 in the context of whole organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Zheng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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30
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Calvigioni D, Hurd YL, Harkany T, Keimpema E. Neuronal substrates and functional consequences of prenatal cannabis exposure. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2014; 23:931-41. [PMID: 24793873 PMCID: PMC4459494 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-014-0550-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis remains one of the world's most widely used substance of abuse amongst pregnant women. Trends of the last 50 years show an increase in popularity in child-bearing women together with a constant increase in cannabis potency. In addition, potent herbal "legal" highs containing synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of cannabis with unknown pharmacological and toxicological effects have gained rapid popularity amongst young adults. Despite the surge in cannabis use during pregnancy, little is known about the neurobiological and psychological consequences in the exposed offspring. In this review, we emphasize the importance of maternal programming, defined as the intrauterine presentation of maternal stimuli to the foetus, in neurodevelopment. In particular, we focus on cannabis-mediated maternal adverse effects, resulting in direct central nervous system alteration or sensitization to late-onset chronic and neuropsychiatric disorders. We compare clinical and preclinical experimental studies on the effects of foetal cannabis exposure until early adulthood, to stress the importance of animal models that permit the fine control of environmental variables and allow the dissection of cannabis-mediated molecular cascades in the developing central nervous system. In sum, we conclude that preclinical experimental models confirm clinical studies and that cannabis exposure evokes significant molecular modifications to neurodevelopmental programs leading to neurophysiological and behavioural abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Calvigioni
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden. Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Yasmin L. Hurd
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
| | - Tibor Harkany
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden. Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Erik Keimpema
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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31
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Brents LK, Prather PL. The K2/Spice phenomenon: emergence, identification, legislation and metabolic characterization of synthetic cannabinoids in herbal incense products. Drug Metab Rev 2013; 46:72-85. [PMID: 24063277 DOI: 10.3109/03602532.2013.839700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In 2008, the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) detected unregulated, psychoactive synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) in purportedly all-natural herbal incense products (often known as K2 or Spice) that were being covertly abused as marijuana substitutes. These drugs, which include JWH-018, JWH-073 and CP-47,497, bind and activate the cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R with remarkable potency and efficacy. Serious adverse effects that often require medical attention, including severe cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and psychiatric sequelae, are highly prevalent with SCB abuse. Consequently, progressively restrictive legislation in the US and Europe has banned the distribution, sale and use of prevalent SCBs, initiating cycles in which herbal incense manufacturers replace banned SCBs with newer unregulated SCBs. The contents of the numerous, diverse herbal incense products was unknown when SCB abuse first emerged. Furthermore, the pharmacology of the active components was largely uncharacterized, and confirmation of SCB use was hindered by a lack of known biomarkers. These knowledge gaps prompted scientists across multiple disciplines to rapidly (1) monitor, identify and quantify with chromatography/mass spectrometry the ever-changing contents of herbal incense products, (2) determine the metabolic pathways and major urinary metabolites of several commonly abused SCBs and (3) identify active metabolites that possibly contribute to the severe adverse effect profile of SCBs. This review comprehensively describes the emergence of SCB abuse and provides a historical account of the major case reports, legal decisions and scientific discoveries of the "K2/Spice Phenomenon". Hypotheses concerning potential mechanisms SCB adverse effects are proposed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K Brents
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock, AR , USA and
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32
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Anandamide-CB1 receptor signaling contributes to postnatal ethanol-induced neonatal neurodegeneration, adult synaptic, and memory deficits. J Neurosci 2013; 33:6350-66. [PMID: 23575834 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3786-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transient exposure of immature rodents to ethanol during postnatal day 7 (P7), which is comparable with the third trimester in human pregnancy, induces synaptic dysfunctions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these dysfunctions are still poorly understood. Although the endocannabinoid system has been shown to be an important modulator of ethanol sensitivity in adult mice, its potential role in synaptic dysfunctions in mice exposed to ethanol during early brain development is not examined. In this study, we investigated the potential role of endocannabinoids and the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) in neonatal neurodegeneration and adult synaptic dysfunctions in mice exposed to ethanol at P7. Ethanol treatment at P7, which induces neurodegeneration, increased anandamide (AEA) but not 2-arachidonylglycerol biosynthesis and CB1R protein expression in the hippocampus and cortex, two brain areas that are important for memory formation and storage, respectively. N-Arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine-phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), glycerophosphodiesterase (GDE1), and CB1R protein expression were enhanced by transcriptional activation of the genes encoding NAPE-PLD, GDE1, and CB1R proteins, respectively. In addition, ethanol inhibited ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation. The blockade of CB1Rs before ethanol treatment at P7 relieved ERK1/2 but not AKT phosphorylation and prevented neurodegeneration. CB1R knock-out mice exhibited no ethanol-induced neurodegeneration and inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The protective effects of CB1R blockade through pharmacological or genetic deletion resulted in normal adult synaptic plasticity and novel object recognition memory in mice exposed to ethanol at P7. The AEA/CB1R/pERK1/2 signaling pathway may be directly responsible for the synaptic and memory deficits associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Psychoyos D, Vinod KY. Marijuana, Spice 'herbal high', and early neural development: implications for rescheduling and legalization. Drug Test Anal 2012; 5:27-45. [PMID: 22887867 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug by pregnant women in the world. In utero exposure to Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), a major psychoactive component of marijuana, is associated with an increased risk for anencephaly and neurobehavioural deficiencies in the offspring, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and memory impairment. Recent studies demonstrate that the developing central nervous system (CNS) is susceptible to the effects of Δ⁹-THC and other cannabimimetics, including the psychoactive ingredients of the branded product 'Spice' branded products. These exocannabinoids interfere with the function of an endocannabinoid (eCB) system, present in the developing CNS from E12.5 (week 5 of gestation in humans), and required for proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neurons. Until recently, it was not known whether the eCB system is also present in the developing CNS during the initial stages of its ontogeny, i.e. from E7.0 onwards (week 2 of gestation in humans), and if so, whether this system is also susceptible to the action of exocannabinoids. Here, we review current data, in which the presence of an eCB system during the initial stage of development of the CNS is demonstrated. Furthermore, we focus on recent advances on the effect of canabimimetics on early gestation. The relevance of these findings and potential adverse developmental consequences of in utero exposure to 'high potency' marijuana, Spice branded products and/or cannabinoid research chemicals during this period is discussed. Finally, we address the implication of these findings in terms of the potential dangers of synthetic cannabinoid use during pregnancy, and the ongoing debate over legalization of marijuana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Psychoyos
- Center for Environmental and Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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