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Belkacemi A, Fecher-Trost C, Tinschert R, Flormann D, Malihpour M, Wagner C, Meyer MR, Beck A, Flockerzi V. The TRPV2 channel mediates Ca2+ influx and the Δ9-THC-dependent decrease in osmotic fragility in red blood cells. Haematologica 2021; 106:2246-2250. [PMID: 33596644 PMCID: PMC8327723 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.274951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anouar Belkacemi
- Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie und Präklinisches Zentrum für Molekulare Signalverarbeitung (PZMS), Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Fecher-Trost
- Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie und Präklinisches Zentrum für Molekulare Signalverarbeitung (PZMS), Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - René Tinschert
- Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie und Präklinisches Zentrum für Molekulare Signalverarbeitung (PZMS), Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Flormann
- Experimentalphysik, Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Mahsa Malihpour
- Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie und Präklinisches Zentrum für Molekulare Signalverarbeitung (PZMS), Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - Christian Wagner
- Experimentalphysik, Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken, Germany,University of Luxembourg, Physics and Materials Science Research Unit, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Markus R. Meyer
- Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie und Präklinisches Zentrum für Molekulare Signalverarbeitung (PZMS), Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Beck
- Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie und Präklinisches Zentrum für Molekulare Signalverarbeitung (PZMS), Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
| | - Veit Flockerzi
- Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie und Präklinisches Zentrum für Molekulare Signalverarbeitung (PZMS), Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany,VEIT FLOCKERZI -
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Scherma M, Masia P, Satta V, Fratta W, Fadda P, Tanda G. Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:309-323. [PMID: 30050084 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anandamide is a lipid mediator that acts as an endogenous ligand of CB1 receptors. These receptors are also the primary molecular target responsible for the pharmacological effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis sativa. Several studies demonstrate that anandamide exerts an overall modulatory effect on the brain reward circuitry. Several reports suggest its involvement in the addiction-producing actions of other abused drugs, and it can also act as a behavioral reinforcer in animal models of drug abuse. Importantly, all these effects of anandamide appear to be potentiated by pharmacological inhibition of its metabolic degradation. Enhanced brain levels of anandamide after treatment with inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase, the main enzyme responsible for its degradation, seem to affect the rewarding and reinforcing actions of many drugs of abuse. In this review, we will provide an overview from a preclinical perspective of the current state of knowledge regarding the behavioral pharmacology of anandamide, with a particular emphasis on its motivational/reinforcing properties. We will also discuss how modulation of anandamide levels through inhibition of enzymatic metabolic pathways could provide a basis for developing new pharmaco-therapeutic tools for the treatment of substance use disorders.
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Scherma M, Masia P, Deidda M, Fratta W, Tanda G, Fadda P. New Perspectives on the Use of Cannabis in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 5:E107. [PMID: 30279403 PMCID: PMC6313625 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5040107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Following the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and its potential as a therapeutic target for various pathological conditions, growing interest led researchers to investigate the role of cannabis and its derivatives for medical purposes. The compounds Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the most abundant phytocannabinoids found in cannabis extracts, as well as the most studied. The present review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence for their beneficial effects in treating psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to clarify many pending issues, especially those relative to the assessment of benefits and risks when using cannabis for therapeutic purposes, thereby also helping national and federal jurisdictions to remain updated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Paolo Masia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Matteo Deidda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Medication Development program, NIDA-IRP, NIH/DHHS, NIDA suite 3301, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience ⁻ Cagliari, National Research Council, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
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Preclinical studies on the reinforcing effects of cannabinoids. A tribute to the scientific research of Dr. Steve Goldberg. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1845-66. [PMID: 27026633 PMCID: PMC5073892 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The reinforcing effects of most abused drugs have been consistently demonstrated and studied in animal models, although those of marijuana were not, until the demonstration 15 years ago that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could serve as a reinforcer in self-administration (SA) procedures in squirrel monkeys. Until then, those effects were inferred using indirect assessments. OBJECTIVES The aim of this manuscript is to review the primary preclinical procedures used to indirectly and directly infer reinforcing effects of cannabinoid drugs. METHODS Results will be reviewed from studies of cannabinoid discrimination, intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), conditioned place preference (CPP), as well as change in levels of dopamine assessed in brain areas related to reinforcement, and finally from self-administration procedures. For each procedure, an evaluation will be made of the predictive validity in detecting the potential abuse liability of cannabinoids based on seminal papers, with the addition of selected reports from more recent years especially those from Dr. Goldberg's research group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS ICSS and CPP do not provide consistent results for the assessment of potential for abuse of cannabinoids. However, drug discrimination and neurochemistry procedures appear to detect potential for abuse of cannabinoids, as well as several novel "designer cannabinoid drugs." Though after 15 years transfer of the self-administration model of marijuana abuse from squirrel monkeys to other species remains somewhat problematic, studies with the former species have substantially advanced the field, and several reports have been published with consistent self-administration of cannabinoid agonists in rodents.
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Bileck A, Ferk F, Al-Serori H, Koller VJ, Muqaku B, Haslberger A, Auwärter V, Gerner C, Knasmüller S. Impact of a synthetic cannabinoid (CP-47,497-C8) on protein expression in human cells: evidence for induction of inflammation and DNA damage. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:1369-82. [PMID: 26194647 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are marketed worldwide as legal surrogates for marihuana. In order to predict potential health effects in consumers and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, we investigated the impact of a representative of the cyclohexylphenols, CP47,497-C8, which binds to both cannabinoid receptors, on protein expression patterns, genomic stability and on induction of inflammatory cytokines in human lymphocytes. After treatment of the cells with the drug, we found pronounced up-regulation of a variety of enzymes in nuclear extracts which are involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory signaling; some of the identified proteins are also involved in the endogenous synthesis of endocannabinoids. The assumption that the drug causes inflammation is further supported by results obtained in additional experiments with cytosols of LPS-stimulated lymphocytes which showed that the SC induces pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL12p40 and IL-6) as well as TNF-α. Furthermore, the proteome analyses revealed that the drug causes down-regulation of proteins which are involved in DNA repair. This observation provides an explanation for the formation of comets which was seen in single-cell gel electrophoresis assays and for the induction of micronuclei (which reflect structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations) by the drug. These effects were seen in experiments with human lymphocytes which were conducted under identical conditions as the proteome analysis. Taken together, the present findings indicate that the drug (and possibly other structurally related SCs) may cause DNA damage and inflammation in directly exposed cells of consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bileck
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Ferk
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Halh Al-Serori
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena J Koller
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Besnik Muqaku
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Haslberger
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, UZA 2/2D541, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Albertstraße 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Knasmüller
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8A, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Fišar Z, Singh N, Hroudová J. Cannabinoid-induced changes in respiration of brain mitochondria. Toxicol Lett 2014; 231:62-71. [PMID: 25195527 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids exert various biological effects that are either receptor-mediated or independent of receptor signaling. Mitochondrial effects of cannabinoids were interpreted either as non-receptor-mediated alteration of mitochondrial membranes, or as indirect consequences of activation of plasma membrane type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1). Recently, CB1 receptors were confirmed to be localized to the membranes of neuronal mitochondria, where their activation directly regulates respiration and energy production. Here, we performed in-depth analysis of cannabinoid-induced changes of mitochondrial respiration using both an antagonist/inverse agonist of CB1 receptors, AM251 and the cannabinoid receptor agonists, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol, anandamide, and WIN 55,212-2. Relationships were determined between cannabinoid concentration and respiratory rate driven by substrates of complex I, II or IV in pig brain mitochondria. Either full or partial inhibition of respiratory rate was found for the tested drugs, with an IC50 in the micromolar range, which verified the significant role of non-receptor-mediated mechanism in inhibiting mitochondrial respiration. Effect of stepwise application of THC and AM251 evidenced protective role of AM251 and corroborated the participation of CB1 receptor activation in the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. We proposed a model, which includes both receptor- and non-receptor-mediated mechanisms of cannabinoid action on mitochondrial respiration. This model explains both the inhibitory effect of cannabinoids and the protective effect of the CB1 receptor inverse agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdeněk Fišar
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, Prague 2 120 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Namrata Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, Prague 2 120 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Hroudová
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, Prague 2 120 00, Czech Republic.
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Abstract
Serotonin is involved in many of the same processes affected by cannabinoids; therefore, we investigated in vitro and in vivo effects of these drugs on the function of serotonin transporter. The effect of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), endocannabinoid anandamide and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 on platelet serotonin uptake and membrane microviscosity was examined in 19 marijuana smokers and 20 controls. (1) Serotonin uptake was inhibited at higher doses of Delta(9)-THC (IC(50) = 139 micromol/l), anandamide (IC(50) = 201 micromol/l) or WIN 55,212-2 (IC(50) = 17.4 micromol/l); the inhibition was found non-competitive. Delta(9)-THC, anandamide and WIN 55,212-2 produced different effects on the membrane microviscosity. (2) Maximal velocity of platelet serotonin uptake was significantly increased in a group of chronic marijuana smokers suffering impairment of cognitive functions when compared with controls. Opposite effect of marijuana smoking on the serotonin uptake efficiency was observed in males beside females. In summary, this study provides evidence that (1) Activity of serotonin transporter is acutely affected by cannabinoids at relatively high drug concentrations; this effect is indirect and can be partially accounted for the changes in the membrane microviscosity. (2) Increase of maximal velocity of the serotonin uptake could be understood as adaptation change in the serotonergic system induced by chronic cannabis use. A hypothesis was supported that lowered serotonin uptake may reflect a gender-related differences in effects of psychoactive cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Velenovská
- Department of Psychiatry, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Morita Y, Ujike H, Tanaka Y, Uchida N, Nomura A, Ohtani K, Kishimoto M, Morio A, Imamura T, Sakai A, Inada T, Harano M, Komiyama T, Yamada M, Sekine Y, Iwata N, Iyo M, Sora I, Ozaki N, Kuroda S. A nonsynonymous polymorphism in the human fatty acid amide hydrolase gene did not associate with either methamphetamine dependence or schizophrenia. Neurosci Lett 2005; 376:182-7. [PMID: 15721218 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2004] [Revised: 11/11/2004] [Accepted: 11/17/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Genetic contributions to the etiology of substance abuse and dependence are topics of major interest. Acute and chronic cannabis use can produce drug-induced psychosis resembling schizophrenia and worsen positive symptoms of schizophrenia. The endocannabinoid system is one of the most important neural signaling pathways implicated in substance abuse and dependence. The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a primary catabolic enzyme of endocannabinoids. To clarify a possible involvement of FAAH in the etiology of methamphetamine dependence/psychosis or schizophrenia, we examined the genetic association of a nonsynonymous polymorphism of the FAAH gene (Pro129Thr) by a case-control study. We found no significant association in allele and genotype frequencies of the polymorphism with either disorder. Because the Pro129Thr polymorphism reduces enzyme instability, it is unlikely that dysfunction of FAAH and enhanced endocannabinoid system induce susceptibility to either methamphetamine dependence/psychosis or schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukitaka Morita
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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Abstract
THC-like psychoactive cannabinoids permeate the lipid bilayer of the membrane, altering its physicochemical properties and activating phospholipases. As a result, an increased production of arachidonic acid occurs with its cascade of eicosanoids, including prostaglandins. In addition, THC and its psychoactive derivatives bind within the membrane in a stereospecific fashion, to a transmembrane G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) for which THC has a much higher affinity than the natural ligands, arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonyglycerol (2-AG). These natural lipid ligands may be considered signaling molecules which are generated in the membrane lipid bilayer. THC alters the physicochemical disposition of the lipid bilayer and interacts with the integral membrane protein receptors through alteration of the boundary lipid. This effect is distinct from the mechanism resulting from its persistent binding to a G protein coupled transmembrane receptor. THC does not interact directly with neurotransmitter receptors but alters their pharmacological response in an allosteric fashion. It is proposed that the binding of AEA and 2-AG to the G protein coupled transmembrane receptor possesses a physiological function which is to regulate the signaling between boundary lipids and membrane receptors in response to extracellular signals. AEA and 2-AG are eicosanoid signaling molecules which modulate the activity of G protein coupled transmembrane receptors. AEA and 2-AG should not be identified with synthetic ligand molecules dubbed 'endogenous cannabinoids' which are 'xenobiotics' with no physiological regulating function. THC deregulates persistently a basic signaling mechanism of the membrane lipid bilayer and of its integrated receptors with resulting impairment of cellular function of brain, heart and male gonads. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel G Nahas
- Department of Anesthesiology, New York University Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, USA 10016
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A combined use of 13C-cross polarization/magic angle spinning, 13C-magic angle spinning and 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with differential scanning calorimetry to study cannabinoid-membrane interactions. Chem Phys Lipids 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0009-3084(98)00005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Bloom AS, Edgemond WS, Moldvan JC. Nonclassical and endogenous cannabinoids: effects on the ordering of brain membranes. Neurochem Res 1997; 22:563-8. [PMID: 9131634 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022413901857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The effects of several nonclassical cannabinoids and the endogenous cannabinoid ligand, anandamide on the lipid ordering of rat brain synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) were examined and compared to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC). SPM order was determined using fluorescence polarization. All compounds tested affected membrane ordering. delta 9-THC, CP-55,940, CP-55,244 and WIN-55212 decreased lipid ordering in SPM. Some stereospecificity was observed with delta 9-THC and WIN-55212, but not other compounds. Anandamide also decreased lipid order as did its putative precursor, arachidonic acid. In contrast to these compounds, levonantradol increased SPM lipid order. Although all pharmacologically active cannabinoids affect SPM lipid order, potency on this measure does not correlate well with their pharmacological potency. The results of this study suggest that membrane perturbation (either increases or decreases in lipid order) may be a necessary characteristic for cannabinoid pharmacological activity, but it is not a primary or sufficient determinate of action for this class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Bloom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA.
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Mavromoustakos T, Yang DP, Makriyannis A. Topography and thermotropic properties of cannabinoids in brain sphingomyelin bilayers. Life Sci 1996; 59:1969-79. [PMID: 8950296 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(96)00548-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In our previous publications we compared the locations of the biologically active (-)-delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8-THC) with that of its inactive analog O-methyl-(-)-delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Me-delta 8-THC) in the liquid crystalline phase of partially hydrated dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayers (Mavromoustakos et al. (1990) Biophys. Acta 1024, 336-344; Yang et al. (1993) Life Sci. 53, 117-122). delta 8-THC was shown to localize itself preferentially in the vicinity of the membrane interface with its phenolic hydroxyl group anchored near the carbonyl groups of DMPC while the more lipophilic Me-delta 8-THC is located deeper towards the center of the bilayer. In the present publication we studied and compared the topography of the two analogs in the gel phase of brain sphingomyelin bilayers. Again we found that delta 8-THC is located near the membrane interface approximately 15 A from the center of the bilayer while its inactive analog localizes deeper in the bilayer at an average site only 8 A from the center of the membrane bilayer. It thus, appears that both analogs preferentially localize in distinct sites within the membrane bilayer which are independent of the mesomorphic state and the nature of the phospholipid. Our results suggest that in the more complex environment of biological membrane which is composed of different phospholipids and proteins the two analogs are expected to prefer different average locations within the bilayer, a property which may in part explain the observed differences in their biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mavromoustakos
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Athens, Greece
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Mavromoustakos T, Theodoropoulou E, Papahatjis D, Kourouli T, Yang DP, Trumbore M, Makriyannis A. Studies on the thermotropic effects of cannabinoids on phosphatidylcholine bilayers using differential scanning calorimetry and small angle X-ray diffraction. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1996; 1281:235-44. [PMID: 8664323 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2736(96)00027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We have studied the thermotropic properties of a wide variety of cannabinoids in DPPC bilayers. The molecules under study were divided into four classes: (a) classical cannabinoids possessing a phenolic hydroxyl group; (b) delta9-THC metabolites with an additional hydroxyl group on the C ring; (c) non-classical cannabinoids, and (d) cannabinoids with a protected phenolic hydroxyl group. The results showed that the first three groups have similar effects on the thermotropic properties of DPPC bilayers up to x = 0.05 (molar ratio) and that these effects do not parallel their biological activity. For concentrations less than x = 0.01, cannabinoids affect mainly the pretransition temperature in a progressive manner until its final abolishment. At x = 0.05, they further affect the main phase transition by lowering its phase transition temperature and broadening its half width. At high concentrations the thermograms have multiple components, indicating that membranes are no longer homogeneous but rather consist of different domains. At these concentrations cannabinoids with more hydroxyl groups give simpler thermograms. Low concentrations of cannabinoids in group d affect significantly the pretransition temperature, while high concentrations affect only marginally the main phase transition by slightly lowering its temperature and broadening its half width. These results point out the importance of the phenolic hydroxyl group in inducing membrane perturbations. The d-spacing data from our small angle X-ray diffraction experiments show that delta8-THC produces significant structural changes in the lipid bilayer, including the gel-phase tilting angle, the intermolecular cooperativity and the gauche:trans conformer ratio. Conversely, the inactive analog Me-delta8-THC does not cause drastic changes to the bilayer structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mavromoustakos
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Athens, Greece
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Hillard CJ, Auchampach JA. In vitro activation of brain protein kinase C by the cannabinoids. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1994; 1220:163-70. [PMID: 8312360 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4889(94)90131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoids have been shown to affect both membrane lipid ordering and the activities of several membrane-associated proteins. We have investigated the effects of the cannabinoids on protein kinase C, a lipid-dependent enzyme that functions as an important regulator of signal-transduction processes in the brain. The naturally occurring cannabinoid delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) increased the activity of protein kinase C isolated from rat forebrain at concentrations of 10 microM and above. 11-OH-delta 9-THC, cannabinol and cannabidiol also increased protein kinase C activity in the same concentration range. delta 9-THC (10 microM) decreased the Kact of protein kinase C for calcium from 28 microM to 18 microM and had no effect on the phosphatidylserine concentration-stimulation relationship. At a concentration of 30 microM, delta 9-THC increased the binding of [3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PDBu) to protein kinase C and decreased the Kd for [3H]PDBu from 8.2 nM to 5.4 nM. delta 9-THC also had effects on lipid ordering of PS micelles, producing a significant increase in the fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene at a concentration of 10 microM. These data suggest that delta 9-THC activates protein kinase C via a novel mechanism, possibly as a result of effects on vesicle lipid physical characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226
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Makriyannis A, Yang DP, Griffin RG, Das Gupta SK. The perturbation of model membranes by (-)-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Studies using solid-state 2H- and 13C-NMR. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1990; 1028:31-42. [PMID: 2169880 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2736(90)90262-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The effects of (-)-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) on model phospholipid membranes were studied using solid-state 2H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Aqueous multilamellar dispersions of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine with specific 2H- and 13C-labels as endogenous probes at the C7, methylene and the carbonyl groups, respectively, of the sn-2 chain were used to study the conformational and dynamic properties of the bilayer as a function of temperature and drug concentration. The drug molecule decreases the phase transition temperature of the bilayer in a concentration dependent manner up to 20 molar percent when full saturation has occurred. The 2H spectra show that delta 9-THC broadens the phase transition during which the spectra acquire a characteristic shape of a two-component system exchanging at an intermediate rate (approximately 10(6) s-1) with some liquid crystalline features. Such spectra provide information related to the melting of the phospholipid chains. At intermediate temperatures, the 13C spectra show a gel-like and a liquid-crystalline-like exchanging components and provide information about a conformational change at the phospholipid glycerol backbone occurring at or near the pretransition. The spectral composition and rate of exchange are both dependent on drug concentration. We have carried out computer simulations of the 13C spectra and obtained conformational information related to the phase transition process in the bilayer from gel to liquid crystal. Our studies show that delta 9-THC has a stronger effect on the sn-2 carbonyl near the bilayer interface than on the lipid chains and serve to describe the membrane perturbing effects of cannabinoids in molecular terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Makriyannis
- School of Pharmacy and Institute of Materials Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269
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17
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Brown NK, Harvey DJ. Metabolism of n-hexyl-homologues of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the mouse. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1988; 13:165-76. [PMID: 2853671 DOI: 10.1007/bf03189936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
n-Hexyl-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (n-hexyl-delta-8-THC) and n-hexyl-delta-9-THC were synthesized by condensation of (1S)-cis-verbenol with 5-n-hexyl-1,3-dihydroxybenzene and administered intraperitoneally to male Charles-River CD-1 mice. Hepatic metabolites were isolated by solvent extraction and chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 and identified by GC/MS. Eleven metabolites were identified from n-hexyl-delta-8-THC and sixteen from n-hexyl-delta-9-THC. The pattern of metabolites was intermediate between that previously observed from the pentyl homologues and that from n-heptyl-delta-9-THC with the major biotransformation pathway being hydroxylation and oxidation at C-11. Other metabolites were mainly hydroxylated derivatives of these compounds. Metabolites containing two hydroxy groups in the side-chain were present in low concentration. These have not been observed from lower homologues but are major metabolites of n-heptyl-delta-9-THC. Compared with the metabolism of the n-pentyl homologue, there was a trend towards the production of more hydroxy metabolites at the expense of carboxylic acids, in keeping with the general reduction of oxidation observed with other homologous cannabinoids as the chain length increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Brown
- University Department of Pharmacology, Oxford, UK
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18
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Harvey DJ. In vivo metabolism of (+)-trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the mouse. BIOMEDICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL MASS SPECTROMETRY 1988; 15:117-22. [PMID: 2832023 DOI: 10.1002/bms.1200150210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
(+)-trans-Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [(+)-delta-9-THC], a biologically inactive isomer of (-)-trans-delta-9-THC, the major psychoactive constituent of cannabis, was administered intraperitoneally to male Charles River CD-1 mice; hepatic metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate and isolated by chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 in chloroform. The metabolites were converted into trimethylsilyl (TMS), 2H9-TMS and methyl ester/TMS derivatives for examination by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and additional samples were prepared by reduction of metabolic fractions with lithium aluminium deuteride. Sixteen metabolites were characterized: these were alcohols and carboxylic acids, together with several of their hydroxylated analogues. The major biotransformation pathway was hydroxylation at C(11) to give the major metabolite, followed by oxidation of this compound to a carboxylic acid. Hydroxylated analogues of these two compounds were substituted mainly in the side-chain. Although metabolism was very similar to that of the naturally occurring (-)-isomer as far as positions of substitution were concerned, some differences were observed. These related mainly to the positions of hydroxylation on the side-chain, where 1'-hydroxylation was preferred to hydroxylation at the 2'-position. The major difference in metabolism between the two isomers was that much less oxidation of the 11-hydroxy group to a carboxylic acid occurred and there was less hydroxylation at the 8-position. Thus, 11-hydroxy-(+)-trans-delta-9-THC was the major metabolite and most other metabolites were hydroxylated derivatives of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Harvey
- University Department of Pharmacology, Oxford, UK
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Pertwee
- Department of Pharmacology, Marischal College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland
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