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Navarro D, Gasparyan A, Navarrete F, Manzanares J. Fetal Cannabinoid Syndrome: Behavioral and Brain Alterations of the Offspring Exposed to Dronabinol during Gestation and Lactation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7453. [PMID: 39000559 PMCID: PMC11242182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This study establishes a fetal cannabinoid syndrome model to evaluate the effects of high doses of dronabinol (synthetic THC) during pregnancy and lactation on behavioral and brain changes in male and female progeny and their susceptibility to alcohol consumption. Female C57BL/6J mice received dronabinol (10 mg/kg/12 h, p.o.) from gestational day 5 to postnatal day 21. On the weaning day, the offspring were separated by sex, and on postnatal day 60, behavioral and neurobiological changes were analyzed. Mice exposed to dronabinol exhibited increased anxiogenic and depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. These behaviors were associated with neurodevelopment-related gene and protein expression changes, establishing, for the first time, an association among behavioral changes, cognitive impairment, and neurobiological alterations. Exposure to dronabinol during pregnancy and lactation disrupted the reward system, leading to increased motivation to consume alcohol in the offspring. All these modifications exhibited sex-dependent patterns. These findings reveal the pronounced adverse effects on fetal neurodevelopment resulting from cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation and strongly suggest the need to prevent mothers who use cannabis in this period from the severe and permanent side effects on behavior and brain development that may occur in their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Navarro
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
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Hume C, Baglot SL, Javorcikova L, Lightfoot SHM, Scheufen J, Hill MN. Effects of prenatal THC vapor exposure on body weight, glucose metabolism, and feeding behaviors in chow and high-fat diet fed rats. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024; 48:981-992. [PMID: 38528095 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 4-20% of people report using cannabis during pregnancy, thereby it is essential to assess the associated risks. There is some evidence that prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) may be associated with increased risk for developing of obesity and diabetes later in life, however this has not been well explored under controlled conditions. The aim of this study was to use a translational THC vapor model in rodents to characterize the effects of PCE on adiposity, glucose metabolism, and feeding patterns in adulthood, with focus on potential sex differences. METHODS Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to vaporized THC (100 mg/ml) or control (polyethylene glycol vehicle) across the entire gestational period. Adult offspring from PCE (n = 24) or control (n = 24) litters were subjected to measures of adiposity, glucose metabolism and feeding behavior. Rats were then placed onto special diets (60% high-fat diet [HFD] or control 10% low fat diet [LFD]) for 4-months, then re-subjected to adiposity, glucose metabolism and feeding behavior measurements. RESULTS PCE did not influence maternal weight or food consumption but was associated with transient decreased pup weight. PCE did not initially influence bodyweight or adiposity, but PCE did significantly reduce the rate of bodyweight gain when on HFD/LFD, regardless of which diet. Further, PCE had complex effects on glucose metabolism and feeding behavior that were both sex and diet dependent. No effects of PCE were found on plasma leptin or insulin, or white adipose tissue mass. CONCLUSIONS PCE may not promote obesity development but may increase risk for diabetes and abnormal eating habits under certain biological and environmental conditions. Overall, this data enhances current understanding of the potential impacts of PCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Hume
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy | Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Samantha L Baglot
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lucia Javorcikova
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Savannah H M Lightfoot
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Scheufen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy | Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Peterson CS, Baglot SL, Sallam NA, Mina S, Hill MN, Borgland SL. Oral pre- and early postnatal cannabis exposure disinhibits ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron activity but does not influence cocaine preference in offspring in mice. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25369. [PMID: 39037062 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25369] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis consumption has increased from 1.5% to 2.5% in Canada between 2012 and 2019. Clinical studies have indicated effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on birth weight, substance use, and neurodevelopmental disorders, but are confounded by several difficult to control variables. Animal models allow for examination of the mechanism of cannabis-induced changes in neurodevelopment and behavior, while controlling dose and timing. Several animal models of prenatal cannabis exposure exist which provide varying levels of construct validity, control of dose, and exposure to maternal stress. Using a voluntary oral consumption model, mouse dams received 5 mg/kg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) whole cannabis oil in peanut butter daily from gestational day 1 (GD1) to postnatal day 10 (PD10). At GD1, GD18, PD1, PD10, and PD15, maternal plasma was collected; pup brains were collected from GD18 onward. Pup brains had higher levels of THC and cannabidiol at each time point, each of which persisted in maternal plasma and pup brains past the end of treatment (PD15). Male and female adolescent offspring were examined for changes to ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neuron activity and cocaine-seeking behavior. Prenatal and early postnatal (GD1-PD10) cannabis-exposed male, but not female mice had decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) input, depolarized resting membrane potential, and increased spontaneous firing of VTA dopamine neurons. Cannabis-exposed offspring showed faster decay of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) currents in both sexes. However, no differences in cocaine-seeking behavior were noted. These data characterize a voluntary prenatal cannabis exposure model and demonstrates VTA dopamine neuronal activity is disinhibited in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S Peterson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Samantha L Baglot
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nada A Sallam
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarah Mina
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephanie L Borgland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Vila-Farinas A, Pérez-Ríos M, Montes-Martínez A, Ahluwalia JS, Mourino N, Rey-Brandariz J, Triñanes-Pego Y, Candal-Pedreira C, Ruano-Ravina A, Gómez-Salgado P, Miguez-Varela C, Tajes-Alonso M, Loureiro-Fuentes I, Riesgo-Martín J, Valverde-Trillo A, Fernández-Lema I, Rey-Arijón M, Freiría-Somoza I, Rodríguez-Pampín M, Varela-Lema L. Perception of pregnant individuals, health providers and decision makers on interventions to cease substance consumption during pregnancy: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:990. [PMID: 38594646 PMCID: PMC11003004 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18397-x] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite multiple recommendations and strategies implemented at a national and international level, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and cannabis use during pregnancy remains high in most countries. The objective of this study was to examine key stakeholders' perception of the treatment interventions adopted in Spain, to identify political, organizational and personal factors associated with successful implementation, and to propose strategies for improvement. METHODS A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted in 2022. The target groups were: (1) clinical decision makers in the field of addiction science, (2) health professionals who carry out treatment interventions, and (3) pregnant individuals who use tobacco, alcohol or cannabis. Two focus groups and eight in-depth interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. Exploratory analysis and inductive open coding was performed, codes were merged into categories, and subcategories were identified. RESULTS The analysis resulted in 10 subcategories which were further merged into three main categories: (1) Degree of adoption and utility of treatment interventions implemented; (2) Needs and demands with respect to the organization of treatment interventions; and, (3) Personal barriers to and facilitators for treatment. Respondents reported that despite multiple national and regional cessation initiatives, treatment interventions were rarely adopted in clinical practice. Health care administrators demanded reliable records to quantify substance use for better planning of activities. Health care professionals advocated for additional time and training and both echoed the importance of integrating cessation interventions into routine prenatal care and creating in-house specialized units. The difficulty in quitting, lack of awareness of risk for foetus and child and the controversial advice were identified as barriers by pregnant individuals. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with previous work, this study found that cessation strategies implemented by the health authorities are not effective if they are not accompanied by organizational and behavioral changes. The current study identifies a set of factors that could be pivotal in ensuring the success of treatment interventions targeting tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use among pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vila-Farinas
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Spain
| | - Mónica Pérez-Ríos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Spain.
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, [CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP], A Coruna, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela [Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela - IDIS], A Coruna, Spain.
| | - Agustín Montes-Martínez
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, [CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP], A Coruna, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela [Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela - IDIS], A Coruna, Spain
| | - Jasjit S- Ahluwalia
- Departament of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nerea Mourino
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Spain
| | - Julia Rey-Brandariz
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, [CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP], A Coruna, Spain
| | - Yolanda Triñanes-Pego
- Scientific-technical Assessment Unit [Avalia-t]. Galician Health Knowledge Management Agency, Agencia Gallega de Conocimiento en Salud/ACIS, A Coruna, Spain
| | - Cristina Candal-Pedreira
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, [CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP], A Coruna, Spain
| | - Alberto Ruano-Ravina
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, [CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP], A Coruna, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela [Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela - IDIS], A Coruna, Spain
| | - Patricia Gómez-Salgado
- Scientific-technical Assessment Unit [Avalia-t]. Galician Health Knowledge Management Agency, Agencia Gallega de Conocimiento en Salud/ACIS, A Coruna, Spain
| | - Carmen Miguez-Varela
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Spain
| | - María Tajes-Alonso
- Mental Health Department, Regional Health Authority, Galician Regional Authority [Xunta de Galicia], A Coruna, Spain
| | - Isabel Loureiro-Fuentes
- Ordes Health Center, Galician Health Service [Servicio Galego de Saúde/SERGAS], A Coruna, Spain
| | - Juan Riesgo-Martín
- Catalonian Health Institute, Institut Català de la Salut/ICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Araceli Valverde-Trillo
- Department of Health, Catalonian Public Health Agency, Catalonian Regional Authority [Generalitat de Cataluña], A Coruna, Spain
| | | | - Mercedes Rey-Arijón
- Santiago de Compostela University Clinical Teaching Hospital, Galician Health Service, A Coruna, Spain
| | - Isabel Freiría-Somoza
- Santiago de Compostela University Clinical Teaching Hospital, Galician Health Service, A Coruna, Spain
| | - María Rodríguez-Pampín
- Santiago de Compostela University Clinical Teaching Hospital, Galician Health Service, A Coruna, Spain
| | - Leonor Varela-Lema
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, [CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP], A Coruna, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela [Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela - IDIS], A Coruna, Spain
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Sorkhou M, Singla DR, Castle DJ, George TP. Birth, cognitive and behavioral effects of intrauterine cannabis exposure in infants and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction 2024; 119:411-437. [PMID: 37968824 PMCID: PMC10872597 DOI: 10.1111/add.16370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component of cannabis, has been implicated in affecting fetal neurodevelopment by readily crossing the placenta. However, little is known regarding the long-term effects of intrauterine cannabis exposure. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized prospective and cross-sectional human studies to measure the effects of intrauterine cannabis exposure on birth, behavioral, psychological and cognitive outcomes in infancy until early childhood. METHODS Reporting according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, cross-sectional and prospective studies published from database inception until June 2023, investigating developmental outcomes of infants, toddlers and young children with intrauterine cannabis exposure were considered. All articles were obtained from PubMed or PsycINFO databases. RESULTS The literature search resulted in 932 studies, in which 57 articles met eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that intrauterine cannabis exposure increases the risk of preterm delivery [odds ratio (OR) = 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-2.71, P = 0.03], low birth weight (OR = 2.60, CI = 1.71-3.94, P < 0.001) and requirement for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.46-4.31; P < 0.001). Our qualitative synthesis suggests that intrauterine cannabis exposure may be associated with poorer attention and externalizing problems in infancy and early childhood. We found no evidence for impairments in other cognitive domains or internalizing behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal cannabis use appears to be associated with lower birth weight, preterm birth and neonatal intensive care unit admission in newborns, but there is little evidence that prenatal cannabis exposure adversely impacts behavioral or cognitive outcomes in early childhood, with the exception of attention and externalizing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sorkhou
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daisy R Singla
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David J Castle
- Tasmania Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Tony P George
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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Black T, Baccetto SL, Barnard IL, Finch E, McElroy DL, Austin-Scott FVL, Greba Q, Michel D, Zagzoog A, Howland JG, Laprairie RB. Characterization of cannabinoid plasma concentration, maternal health, and cytokine levels in a rat model of prenatal Cannabis smoke exposure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21070. [PMID: 38030657 PMCID: PMC10687022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47861-8] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa has gained popularity as a "natural substance", leading many to falsely assume that it is not harmful. This assumption has been documented amongst pregnant mothers, many of whom consider Cannabis use during pregnancy as benign. The purpose of this study was to validate a Cannabis smoke exposure model in pregnant rats by determining the plasma levels of cannabinoids and associated metabolites in the dams after exposure to either Cannabis smoke or injected cannabinoids. Maternal and fetal cytokine and chemokine profiles were also assessed after exposure. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated daily from gestational day 6-20 with either room air, i.p. vehicle, inhaled high-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (18% THC, 0.1% cannabidiol [CBD]) smoke, inhaled high-CBD (0.7% THC, 13% CBD) smoke, 3 mg/kg i.p. THC, or 10 mg/kg i.p. CBD. Our data reveal that THC and CBD, but not their metabolites, accumulate in maternal plasma after repeated exposures. Injection of THC or CBD was associated with fewer offspring and increased uterine reabsorption events. For cytokines and chemokines, injection of THC or CBD up-regulated several pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to control or high-THC smoke or high-CBD smoke in placental and fetal brain tissue, whereas smoke exposure was generally associated with reduced cytokine and chemokine concentrations in placental and fetal brain tissue compared to controls. These results support existing, but limited, knowledge on how different routes of administration contribute to inconsistent manifestations of cannabinoid-mediated effects on pregnancy. Smoked Cannabis is still the most common means of human consumption, and more preclinical investigation is needed to determine the effects of smoke inhalation on developmental and behavioural trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallan Black
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Sarah L Baccetto
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ilne L Barnard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Emma Finch
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Dan L McElroy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Faith V L Austin-Scott
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Deborah Michel
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Talavera-Barber MM, Morehead E, Ziegler K, Hockett C, Elliott AJ. Prenatal cannabinoid exposure and early language development. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1290707. [PMID: 38078314 PMCID: PMC10702953 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1290707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The effect of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) on childhood neurodevelopment remains poorly understood. There is a paucity of studies describing the neurodevelopment impact of PCE in infancy. The Mullen Scale of Early Learning (MSEL) is a cognitive screening tool that can be used from birth to 68 months and includes language and motor domains. Here we aim to explore the association between PCE during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months of age. Methods Participants were pregnant persons/infant pairs enrolled in The Safe Passage Study, a large prospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria included data available on PCE with associated MSEL scores at 12 months of age. Exposed participants were defined as early exposure (1st trimester only) or late exposure (2nd or 3rd trimester) and were randomly matched with unexposed participants. Multiple linear regression models were performed to test associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and the five Mullen subscales: gross motor, fine motor, expressive language, receptive language, and visual reception. Results Sixty-nine exposed and 138 randomly matched unexposed infants were included in the analyses. Mothers of children with PCE were younger with the mean age 23.7 years for early exposure (n = 51) and 22.8 years for late exposure (n = 18). Maternal characteristics with prenatal cannabis use include a high-school education, American Indian or Alaska Native descent, lower socioeconomic status and co-use of tobacco. There were no gestational age or sex difference among the groups. Expressive (95% CI: 2.54-12.76; p = 0.0036,) and receptive language scores (95% CI: 0.39-8.72; p = 0.0322) were significantly increased between late-exposed infants compared to unexposed infants following adjustment for covariates. Gross motor scores (95% CI: 1.75-13; p = 0.0105) were also significantly increased for early-exposed infants with no difference in visual reception scores. Conclusion Preclinical studies have shown abnormal brain connectivity in offspring exposed to cannabis affecting emotional regulation, hyperactivity, and language development. Results from this study link PCE to altered early language development within the first year of life. Exposed infants demonstrated increased expressive and receptive language scores at 12 months of age, which can translate to better performance in school. However, further research is needed to determine the implications of these results later in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M. Talavera-Barber
- Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Evlyn Morehead
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Katherine Ziegler
- Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Christine Hockett
- Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Amy J. Elliott
- Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
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Gabarin A, Yarmolinsky L, Budovsky A, Khalfin B, Ben-Shabat S. Cannabis as a Source of Approved Drugs: A New Look at an Old Problem. Molecules 2023; 28:7686. [PMID: 38067416 PMCID: PMC10707504 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis plants have been used in medicine since ancient times. They are well known for their anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities. A growing body of evidence indicates that targeting the endocannabinoid system and various other receptors with cannabinoid compounds holds great promise for addressing multiple medical conditions. There are two distinct avenues in the development of cannabinoid-based drugs. The first involves creating treatments directly based on the components of the cannabis plant. The second involves a singular molecule strategy, in which specific phytocannabinoids or newly discovered cannabinoids with therapeutic promise are pinpointed and synthesized for future pharmaceutical development and validation. Although the therapeutic potential of cannabis is enormous, few cannabis-related approved drugs exist, and this avenue warrants further investigation. With this in mind, we review here the medicinal properties of cannabis, its phytochemicals, approved drugs of natural and synthetic origin, pitfalls on the way to the widespread clinical use of cannabis, and additional applications of cannabis-related products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Gabarin
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Ludmila Yarmolinsky
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Arie Budovsky
- Research and Development Authority, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel;
| | - Boris Khalfin
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Shimon Ben-Shabat
- The Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.G.); (L.Y.); (B.K.)
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9
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Sandini TM, Onofrychuk TJ, Roebuck AJ, Hammond SA, Udenze D, Hayat S, Herdzik MA, McElroy DL, Orvold SN, Greba Q, Laprairie RB, Howland JG. Repeated Exposure to High-THC Cannabis Smoke during Gestation Alters Sex Ratio, Behavior, and Amygdala Gene Expression of Sprague Dawley Rat Offspring. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0100-23.2023. [PMID: 37957008 PMCID: PMC10687874 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0100-23.2023] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of the legalization of Cannabis in many jurisdictions and the trend of increasing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in Cannabis products, an urgent need exists to understand the impact of Cannabis use during pregnancy on fetal neurodevelopment and behavior. To this end, we exposed female Sprague Dawley rats to Cannabis smoke daily from gestational day 6 to 20 or room air. Maternal reproductive parameters, offspring behavior, and gene expression in the offspring amygdala were assessed. Body temperature was decreased in dams following smoke exposure and more fecal boli were observed in the chambers before and after smoke exposure in dams exposed to smoke. Maternal weight gain, food intake, gestational length, litter number, and litter weight were not altered by exposure to Cannabis smoke. A significant increase in the male-to-female ratio was noted in the Cannabis-exposed litters. In adulthood, male and female Cannabis smoke-exposed offspring explored the inner zone of an open field significantly less than control offspring. Gestational Cannabis smoke exposure did not affect behavior on the elevated plus maze test or social interaction test in the offspring. Cannabis offspring were better at visual pairwise discrimination and reversal learning tasks conducted in touchscreen-equipped operant conditioning chambers. Analysis of gene expression in the adult amygdala using RNA sequencing revealed subtle changes in genes related to development, cellular function, and nervous system disease in a subset of the male offspring. These results demonstrate that repeated exposure to high-THC Cannabis smoke during gestation alters maternal physiological parameters, sex ratio, and anxiety-like behaviors in the adulthood offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisa M Sandini
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Timothy J Onofrychuk
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Andrew J Roebuck
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
- School of Liberal Arts, Yukon University, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory Y1A 5K4, Canada
| | - S Austin Hammond
- Global Institute for Food Security, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 4L8, Canada
| | - Daniel Udenze
- Next Generation Sequencing Facility, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Shahina Hayat
- Deparment of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Melissa A Herdzik
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Dan L McElroy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Spencer N Orvold
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
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10
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Pinky PD, Bloemer J, Smith WD, Du Y, Heslin RT, Setti SE, Pfitzer JC, Chowdhury K, Hong H, Bhattacharya S, Dhanasekaran M, Dityatev A, Reed MN, Suppiramaniam V. Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure Elicits Memory Deficits Associated with Reduced PSA-NCAM Expression, Altered Glutamatergic Signaling, and Adaptations in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity. Cells 2023; 12:2525. [PMID: 37947603 PMCID: PMC10648717 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212525] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is now one of the most commonly used illicit substances among pregnant women. This is particularly concerning since developmental exposure to cannabinoids can elicit enduring neurofunctional and cognitive alterations. This study investigates the mechanisms of learning and memory deficits resulting from prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE) in adolescent offspring. The synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 was administered to pregnant rats, and a series of behavioral, electrophysiological, and immunochemical studies were performed to identify potential mechanisms of memory deficits in the adolescent offspring. Hippocampal-dependent memory deficits in adolescent PCE animals were associated with decreased long-term potentiation (LTP) and enhanced long-term depression (LTD) at hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses, as well as an imbalance between GluN2A- and GluN2B-mediated signaling. Moreover, PCE reduced gene and protein expression of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and polysialylated-NCAM (PSA-NCAM), which are critical for GluN2A and GluN2B signaling balance. Administration of exogenous PSA abrogated the LTP deficits observed in PCE animals, suggesting PSA mediated alterations in GluN2A- and GluN2B- signaling pathways may be responsible for the impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity resulting from PCE. These findings enhance our current understanding of how PCE affects memory and how this process can be manipulated for future therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka D. Pinky
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jenna Bloemer
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Touro College of Pharmacy, New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - Warren D. Smith
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Yifeng Du
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Ryan T. Heslin
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Sharay E. Setti
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Jeremiah C. Pfitzer
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Kawsar Chowdhury
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Hao Hong
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Subhrajit Bhattacharya
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Keck Graduate Institute, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Claremont Colleges, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Molecular Neuroplasticity, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37075 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dityatev
- Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Molecular Neuroplasticity, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37075 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Miranda N. Reed
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Vishnu Suppiramaniam
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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11
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Achterberg EJM, Vanderschuren LJMJ. The neurobiology of social play behaviour: Past, present and future. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105319. [PMID: 37454882 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Social play behaviour is a highly energetic and rewarding activity that is of great importance for the development of brain and behaviour. Social play is abundant during the juvenile and early adolescent phases of life, and it occurs in most mammalian species, as well as in certain birds and reptiles. To date, the majority of research into the neural mechanisms of social play behaviour has been performed in male rats. In the present review we summarize studies on the neurobiology of social play behaviour in rats, including work on pharmacological and genetic models for autism spectrum disorders, early life manipulations and environmental factors that influence play in rats. We describe several recent developments that expand the field, and highlight outstanding questions that may guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Marijke Achterberg
- Dept. of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Louk J M J Vanderschuren
- Dept. of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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12
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Gräfe EL, Reid HMO, Shkolnikov I, Conway K, Kit A, Acosta C, Christie BR. Women are Taking the Hit: Examining the Unique Consequences of Cannabis Use Across the Female Lifespan. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 70:101076. [PMID: 37217080 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has risen dramatically in recent years due to global decriminalization and a resurgence in the interest of potential therapeutic benefits. While emerging research is shaping our understanding of the benefits and harms of cannabis, there remains a paucity of data specifically focused on how cannabis affects the female population. The female experience of cannabis use is unique, both in the societal context and because of the biological ramifications. This is increasingly important given the rise in cannabis potency, as well as the implications this has for the prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Therefore, this scoping review aims to discuss the prevalence of cannabis use and CUD in women throughout their lifespan and provide a balanced prospective on the positive and negative consequences of cannabis use. In doing so, this review will highlight the necessity for continued research that goes beyond sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Gräfe
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - H M O Reid
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - I Shkolnikov
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - K Conway
- Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Kit
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - C Acosta
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - B R Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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13
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Moore BF, Salmons KA, Hoyt AT, Swenson KS, Bates EA, Sauder KA, Shapiro ALB, Wilkening G, Kinney GL, Neophytou AM, Sempio C, Klawitter J, Christians U, Dabelea D. Associations between Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Cannabis with Cognition and Behavior at Age 5 Years: The Healthy Start Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4880. [PMID: 36981794 PMCID: PMC10049128 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to cannabis may influence childhood cognition and behavior, but the epidemiologic evidence is mixed. Even less is known about the potential impact of secondhand exposure to cannabis during early childhood. OBJECTIVE This study sought to assess whether prenatal and/or postnatal exposure to cannabis was associated with childhood cognition and behavior. STUDY DESIGN This sub-study included a convenience sample of 81 mother-child pairs from a Colorado-based cohort. Seven common cannabinoids (including delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)) and their metabolites were measured in maternal urine collected mid-gestation and child urine collected at age 5 years. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to cannabis was dichotomized as exposed (detection of any cannabinoid) and not exposed. Generalized linear models examined the associations between prenatal or postnatal exposure to cannabis with the NIH Toolbox and Child Behavior Checklist T-scores at age 5 years. RESULTS In this study, 7% (n = 6) of the children had prenatal exposure to cannabis and 12% (n = 10) had postnatal exposure to cannabis, with two children experiencing this exposure at both time points. The most common cannabinoid detected in pregnancy was Δ9-THC, whereas the most common cannabinoid detected in childhood was CBD. Postnatal exposure to cannabis was associated with more aggressive behavior (β: 3.2; 95% CI: 0.5, 5.9), attention deficit/hyperactivity problems (β: 8.0; 95% CI: 2.2, 13.7), and oppositional/defiant behaviors (β: 3.2; 95% CI: 0.2, 6.3), as well as less cognitive flexibility (β: -15.6; 95% CI: -30.0, -1.2) and weaker receptive language (β: -9.7; 95% CI: -19.2, -0.3). By contrast, prenatal exposure to cannabis was associated with fewer internalizing behaviors (mean difference: -10.2; 95% CI: -20.3, -0.2) and fewer somatic complaints (mean difference: -5.2, 95% CI: -9.8, -0.6). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that postnatal exposure to cannabis is associated with more behavioral and cognitive problems among 5-year-old children, independent of prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco. The potential risks of cannabis use (including smoking and vaping) during pregnancy and around young children should be more widely communicated to parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna F Moore
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, Health Science Center, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kaytlyn A Salmons
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Adrienne T Hoyt
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, Health Science Center, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Karli S Swenson
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Emily A Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katherine A Sauder
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Allison L B Shapiro
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Greta Wilkening
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Gregory L Kinney
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Andreas M Neophytou
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Cristina Sempio
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jost Klawitter
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Uwe Christians
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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14
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Emerging Roles of Endocannabinoids as Key Lipid Mediators for a Successful Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065220. [PMID: 36982295 PMCID: PMC10048990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Cannabis use/misuse for treating pregnancy-related symptoms and other chronic conditions has increased among pregnant women, favored by decriminalization and/or legalization of its recreational uses in addition to its easy accessibility. However, there is evidence that prenatal Cannabis exposure might have adverse consequences on pregnancy progression and a deleterious impact on proper neurodevelopmental trajectories in the offspring. Maternal Cannabis use could interfere with the complex and finely controlled role performed by the endocannabinoid system in reproductive physiology, impairing multiple gestational processes from blastocyst implantation to parturition, with long-lasting intergenerational effects. In this review, we discuss current clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the role of endocannabinoids in development, function, and immunity of the maternal–fetal interface, focusing on the impact of Cannabis constituents on each of these gestational processes. We also discuss the intrinsic limitations of the available studies and the future perspectives in this challenging research field.
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15
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Mulligan MK, Hamre KM. Influence of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on early development and beyond. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:10981. [PMID: 38389825 PMCID: PMC10880766 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.10981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Public perception surrounding whether cannabis use is harmful during pregnancy often diverges greatly from the recommendations of doctors and healthcare providers. In contrast to the medical guidance of abstinence before, during, and after pregnancy, many women of reproductive age believe cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with little potential harm. Legalization and social cues support public perceptions that cannabis use during pregnancy is safe. Moreover, pregnant women may consider cannabis to be a safe alternative for treating pregnancy related ailments, including morning sickness. Compounding the problem is a lack of medical and federal guidance on safe, low, or high-risk levels of cannabis use. These issues mirror the continuing debate surrounding alcohol use and health, in particular, whether there are safe or lower risk levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Clinical studies to date suffer from several limitations. First, most human studies are correlative in nature, meaning that causal associations cannot be made between in utero cannabis exposure and health and behavioral outcomes later in life. Due to obvious ethical constraints, it is not possible to randomly assign pregnant mothers to cannabis or other drug exposure conditions-a requirement needed to establish causality. In addition, clinical studies often lack quantitative information on maternal exposure (i.e., dose, frequency, and duration), include a small number of individuals, lack replication of outcome measures across cohorts, rely on self-report to establish maternal drug use, and suffer from unmeasured or residual confounding factors. Causal associations between maternal cannabis exposure and offspring outcomes are possible in preclinical cohorts but there is a large amount of heterogeneity across study designs and developmental differences between rodents and humans may limit translatability. In this review, we summarize research from human and preclinical models to provide insight into potential risks associated with prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE). Finally, we highlight gaps in knowledge likely to contribute to the growing divide between medical guidance and public attitudes regarding cannabis use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Kristin M Hamre
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), Memphis, TN, United States
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16
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Patrone LGA, Ferrari GD, da Silva RM, Alberici LC, Lopes NP, Stabile AM, Klein W, Bícego KC, Gargaglioni LH. Sex- and age-specific respiratory alterations induced by prenatal exposure to the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36710256 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabis legalization has risen in many countries, and its use during pregnancy has increased. The endocannabinoid system is present in the CNS at early stages of embryonic development, and regulates functional brain maturation including areas responsible for respiratory control, data on the influence of external cannabinoids on the development of the respiratory system and possible consequences during postnatal life are limited. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We evaluated the effects of prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoid (WIN 55,212-2 [WIN], 0.5 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) on the respiratory control system in neonatal (P0, P6-7 and P12-13) and juvenile (P27-28) male and female rats. KEY RESULTS WIN administration to pregnant rats interfered sex-specifically with breathing regulation of offspring, promoting a greater sensitivity to CO2 at all ages in males (except P6-7) and in juvenile females. An altered hypoxic chemoreflex was observed in P0 (hyperventilation) and P6-7 (hypoventilation) males, which was absent in females. Along with breathing alterations, brainstem analysis showed an increase in the number of catecholaminergic neurons and cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 ) and changes in tissue respiration in the early males. A reduction in pulmonary compliance was observed in juvenile male rats. Preexposure to WIN enhanced spontaneous apnoea and reduced the number of serotoninergic (5-HT) neurons in the raphe magnus nucleus of P0 females. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data demonstrate that excess stimulation of the endocannabinoid system during gestation has prolonged and sex-specific consequences for the respiratory control system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Gustavo A Patrone
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo D Ferrari
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Moreira da Silva
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciane C Alberici
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Norberto Peporine Lopes
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angelita M Stabile
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, School of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilfried Klein
- Department of Biology, School of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kênia C Bícego
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciane H Gargaglioni
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University - UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
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17
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In utero exposure to cannabidiol disrupts select early-life behaviors in a sex-specific manner. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:501. [PMID: 36470874 PMCID: PMC9722662 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main components of cannabis, is generally considered safe. CBD crosses the placenta and its use during pregnancy is steadily increasing, the impact of gestational CBD's effects on prenatal life and neurodevelopment are poorly understood. Here, we combined behavioral approaches and deep learning analysis to assess the sex-dependent neonatal behavior of CBD exposed progeny. Gestating C57BL6/J dams were exposed daily with vehicle or CBD (3 mg/Kg, s.c.), from gestational day 5 to 18. Body weight, pup ultrasound vocalizations (USVs, PND 10) and homing behavior (PND 13) were quantified in the progeny. Thus, male (but not female) pups from CBD-treated dams gained more weight than sham. There were sex-dependent differences in the coarse characteristics of ultrasonic vocalizations. Prenatally-CBD exposed male pups emitted shorter calls, whereas CBD females made more high frequency calls when compared with their control counterparts. There were significant qualitative changes in the syllabic USV repertoire reflected in call typologies and communication patterns. Finally, the homing behavior test showed that CBD-exposed females presented a greater vulnerability to gestational CBD than males. Only CBD-exposed female pups showed reduced motor and discriminatory abilities. Together the results suggest a sexual divergence in the consequences of in utero CBD exposure on neonates at early developmental ages, which may be predictive of adult psychopathology. Given the extent of cannabis and CBD use worldwide, these findings challenge the idea that CBD is a universally safe compound and reveal the need for additional studies on the effect of perinatal CBD exposure.
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18
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Iyer P, Niknam Y, Campbell M, Moran F, Kaufman F, Kim A, Sandy M, Zeise L. Animal evidence considered in determination of cannabis smoke and
Δ
9
‐tetrahydrocannabinol (
Δ
9
‐THC
) as causing reproductive toxicity (developmental endpoint); part
II
. Neurodevelopmental effects. Birth Defects Res 2022; 114:1155-1168. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Poorni Iyer
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Sacramento California USA
| | - Yassaman Niknam
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Sacramento California USA
| | - Marlissa Campbell
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Sacramento California USA
| | - Francisco Moran
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Sacramento California USA
| | - Farla Kaufman
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Sacramento California USA
| | - Allegra Kim
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Sacramento California USA
| | - Martha Sandy
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Sacramento California USA
| | - Lauren Zeise
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Sacramento California USA
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19
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Ramírez S, Miguez G, Quezada-Scholz VE, Pardo L, Alfaro F, Varas FI, Laborda MA. Behavioral effects on the offspring of rodent mothers exposed to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:934600. [PMID: 36092118 PMCID: PMC9462465 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.934600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre and perinatal administration of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rodents and their offspring has many effects that have been studied using different methods that have not been integrated using quantitative methods. The effect of THC administration on behavior can be better understood by meta-analytic techniques. We examined whether there is an overall effect on the behavior of the offspring when THC is administered to mothers. Eligibility criteria included experiments using an experimental design with a control group without THC, in which THC is administered to mothers during pregnancy and lactation in rodents, and in which at least one type of behavioral (locomotor, emotional or cognitive) measurement in the offspring was implemented. Cohen’s d was obtained for each study, then each individual study was weighted, and moderator analysis was performed. Analysis was performed using fixed and random effect models, and the heterogeneity was assessed by calculating Qb, I2 and the prediction interval. Furthermore, 3 sub-meta-analyses were carried out according to the type of behavior. The general analysis determined a low weighted effect size of THC on the behavior of the offspring, moderated by type of rat strain. The sub-meta-analyses showed a medium effect for cognitive effects of THC in the offspring, and a low effect on locomotor activity and emotional behavior. In addition, publication bias was not detected. More research is needed to contribute to the understanding of the effect of THC exposure on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simón Ramírez
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Miguez
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Luis Pardo
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Alfaro
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidad de Aysén, Coyhaique, Chile
| | - Felipe I. Varas
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario A. Laborda
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Mario A. Laborda,
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20
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Prenatal exposure to Cannabis smoke induces early and lasting damage to the brain. Neurochem Int 2022; 160:105406. [PMID: 35970295 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug during pregnancy, however, the effects of gestational exposure to Cannabis smoke (CS) on the central nervous system development remain uncharacterised. This study investigates the effects of maternal CS inhalation on brain function in the offspring. Pregnant mice were exposed daily to 5 min of CS during gestational days (GD) 5.5-17.5. On GD 18.5 half of the dams were euthanized for foetus removal. The offspring from the remaining dams were euthanized on postnatal days (PND) 20 and 60 for evaluation. Brain volume, cortex cell number, SOX2, histone-H3, parvalbumin, NeuN, and BDNF immunoreactivity were assessed in all groups. In addition, levels of NeuN, CB1 receptor, and BDNF expression were assessed and cortical primary neurons from rats were treated with Cannabis smoke extract (CSE) for assessment of cell viability. We found that male foetuses from the CS exposed group had decreased brain volume, whereas mice at PND 60 from the exposed group presented with increased brain volume. Olfactory bulb and diencephalon volume were found lower in foetuses exposed to CS. Mice at PND 60 from the exposed group had a smaller volume in the thalamus and hypothalamus while the cerebellum presented with a greater volume. Also, there was an increase in cortical BDNF immunoreactivity in CS exposed mice at PND 60. Protein expression analysis showed an increase in pro-BDNF in foetus brains exposed to CS. Mice at PND 60 presented an increase in mature BDNF in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the exposed group and a higher CB1 receptor expression in the PFC. Moreover, hippocampal NeuN expression was higher in adult animals from the exposed group. Lastly, treatment of cortical primary neurons with doses of CSE resulted in decreased cell viability. These findings highlight the potential negative neurodevelopmental outcomes induced by gestational CS exposure.
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21
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Cannabinoid CB 1 receptor gene inactivation in oligodendrocyte precursors disrupts oligodendrogenesis and myelination in mice. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:585. [PMID: 35798697 PMCID: PMC9263142 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are known to modulate oligodendrogenesis and developmental CNS myelination. However, the cell-autonomous action of these compounds on oligodendroglial cells in vivo, and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects have not yet been studied. Here, by using oligodendroglial precursor cell (OPC)-targeted genetic mouse models, we show that cannabinoid CB1 receptors exert an essential role in modulating OPC differentiation at the critical periods of postnatal myelination. We found that selective genetic inactivation of CB1 receptors in OPCs in vivo perturbs oligodendrogenesis and postnatal myelination by altering the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, leading to hypomyelination, and motor and cognitive alterations in young adult mice. Conversely, pharmacological CB1 receptor activation, by inducing E3 ubiquitin ligase-dependent RhoA proteasomal degradation, promotes oligodendrocyte development and CNS myelination in OPCs, an effect that was not evident in OPC-specific CB1 receptor-deficient mice. Moreover, pharmacological inactivation of ROCK in vivo overcomes the defects in oligodendrogenesis and CNS myelination, and behavioral alterations found in OPC-specific CB1 receptor-deficient mice. Overall, this study supports a cell-autonomous role for CB1 receptors in modulating oligodendrogenesis in vivo, which may have a profound impact on the scientific knowledge and therapeutic manipulation of CNS myelination by cannabinoids.
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22
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Effects of endocannabinoid system modulation on social behaviour: A systematic review of animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104680. [PMID: 35513169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
There is a clear link between psychiatric disorders and social behaviour, and evidence suggests the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). A systematic review of preclinical literature was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) and PsychINFO databases to examine whether pharmacological and/or genetic manipulations of the ECS alter social behaviours in wildtype (WT) animals or models of social impairment (SIM). Eighty studies were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using SYRCLE's RoB tool. While some variability was evident, studies most consistently found that direct cannabinoid receptor (CBR) agonism decreased social behaviours in WT animals, while indirect CBR activation via enzyme inhibition or gene-knockout increased social behaviours. Direct and, more consistently, indirect CBR activation reversed social deficits in SIM. These CBR-mediated effects were often sex- and developmental-phase-dependent and blocked by CBR antagonism. Overall, ECS enzyme inhibition may improve social behaviour in SIM, suggesting the potential usefulness of ECS enzyme inhibition as a therapeutic approach for social deficits. Future research should endeavour to elucidate ECS status in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social deficits.
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23
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Mastinu A, Ascrizzi R, Ribaudo G, Bonini SA, Premoli M, Aria F, Maccarinelli G, Gianoncelli A, Flamini G, Pistelli L, Memo M. Prosocial Effects of Nonpsychotropic Cannabis sativa in Mice. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:170-178. [PMID: 34370607 PMCID: PMC9070742 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:Cannabis sativa L. (C. sativa) is used since ancient times to produce fabrics, baskets, and cords. Later, different ethnic groups used to burn the leaves and flowers of psychotropic cultivars with high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC) levels, during the religious or propitiatory rites to alter the state of consciousness. To date, it is not known whether also nonpsychotropic cultivars of C. sativa were used during these rites, and whether these varieties could have an effect on human behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the behavioral effects of an extract of nonpsychotropic C. sativa (NP-CS) in mice. Materials and Methods: An extract of a nonpsychotropic cultivar of C. sativa dissolved in medium-chain triglyceride oil was used and the different phytochemical components were evaluated. The relative composition in terms of phytocannabinoid content was assessed by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to UV detection (RP-HPLC-UV), and the volatile components were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, the behavioral effect of NP-CS was assessed on a wild-type mouse model. The animals were treated for 14 days (oral gavage) and motility, anxiety, and social effects were assessed. Results: RP-HPLC-UV analysis demonstrated that D9-THC was present in lower concentration with respect to other cannabinoids, like cannabidiol. Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several terpenoids. Concerning in vivo studies, chronic treatment with NP-CS did not alter body weight, motility, and anxiety and increased social interaction. Conclusions: This study highlighted the prosocial effects of NP-CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mastinu
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Ribaudo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marika Premoli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Aria
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guido Flamini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Memo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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24
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Silva M, Kwok RKH. Use of Computational Toxicology Tools to Predict In Vivo Endpoints Associated with Mode of Action and the Endocannabinoid System: A Case Study with Chlorpyrifos, Chlorpyrifos-oxon and Δ9Tetrahydrocannabinol. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100064. [PMID: 35243363 PMCID: PMC8860916 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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25
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de Abreu MS, Giacomini ACVV, Genario R, Demin KA, Amstislavskaya TG, Costa F, Rosemberg DB, Sneddon LU, Strekalova T, Soares MC, Kalueff AV. Understanding early-life pain and its effects on adult human and animal emotionality: Translational lessons from rodent and zebrafish models. Neurosci Lett 2022; 768:136382. [PMID: 34861343 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Critical for organismal survival, pain evokes strong physiological and behavioral responses in various sentient species. Clinical and preclinical (animal) studies markedly increase our understanding of biological consequences of developmental (early-life) adversity, as well as acute and chronic pain. However, the long-term effects of early-life pain exposure on human and animal emotional responses remain poorly understood. Here, we discuss experimental models of nociception in rodents and zebrafish, and summarize mounting evidence of the role of early-life pain in shaping emotional traits later in life. We also call for further development of animal models to probe the impact of early-life pain exposure on behavioral traits, brain disorders and novel therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscreening Platform, School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA.
| | - Ana C V V Giacomini
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Genario
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medcial Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Granov Russian Scientific Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Scientific Research Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia; Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Fabiano Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil; Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Lynne U Sneddon
- University of Gothenburg, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov 1st Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia; Department of Preventive Medicine, Maastricht Medical Center Annadal, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marta C Soares
- CIBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia.
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26
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Conrad SE, Davis D, Vilcek N, Thompson JB, Guarino S, Papini S, Papini MR. Frustrative nonreward and cannabinoid receptors: Chronic (but not acute) WIN 55,212-2 treatment increased resistance to change in two reward downshift tasks. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 213:173320. [PMID: 34990705 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Assessing the role of cannabinoid (CB) receptors in behavior is relevant given the trend toward the legalization of medicinal and recreational marijuana. The present research aims at bridging a gap in our understanding of CB-receptor function in animal models of frustrative nonreward. These experiments were designed to (1) determine the effects of chronic administration of the nonselective CB1-receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) on reward downshift in rats and (2) determine whether the effects of chronic WIN were reducible to acute effects. In Experiment 1, chronic WIN (7 daily injections, 10 mg/kg, ip) accelerated the recovery of consummatory behavior after a 32-to-4% sucrose downshift relative to vehicle controls. In addition, chronic WIN eliminated the preference for an unshifted lever when the other lever was subject to a 12-to-2 pellet downshift in free-choice trials, but only in animals with previous experience with a sucrose downshift. In Experiment 2, acute WIN (1 mg/kg, ip) reduced consummatory behavior, but did not affect recovery from a 32-to-4% sucrose downshift. The antagonist SR 141716A (3 mg/kg, ip) also failed to interfere with recovery after the sucrose downshift. In Experiment 3, acute WIN administration (1 mg/kg, ip) did not affect free-choice behavior after a pellet downshift, although it reduced lever pressing and increased magazine entries relative to vehicle controls. The effects of chronic WIN on frustrative nonreward were not reducible to acute effects of the drug. Chronic WIN treatment in rats, like chronic marijuana use in humans, seems to increase resistance to the effects of frustrative nonreward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Conrad
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Delaney Davis
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Natalia Vilcek
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Joanna B Thompson
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Sara Guarino
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Santiago Papini
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Mauricio R Papini
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA.
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27
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Baglot SL, VanRyzin JW, Marquardt AE, Aukema RJ, Petrie GN, Hume C, Reinl EL, Bieber JB, McLaughlin RJ, McCarthy MM, Hill MN. Maternal-fetal transmission of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites following inhalation and injection exposure during pregnancy in rats. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:713-730. [PMID: 34882838 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24992] [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: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use during pregnancy has increased over the past few decades, with recent data indicating that, in youth and young adults especially, up to 22% of people report using cannabis during pregnancy. Animal models provide the ability to study prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) with control over timing and dosage; however, these studies utilize both injection and inhalation approaches. While it is known that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; primary psychoactive component of cannabis) can cross the placenta, examination of the transmission and concentration of THC and its metabolites from maternal blood into the placenta and fetal brain remains relatively unknown, and the influence of route of administration has never been examined. Pregnant female rats were exposed to either vaporized THC-dominant cannabis extract for pulmonary consumption or subcutaneous injection of THC repeatedly during the gestational period. Maternal blood, placenta, and fetal brains were collected following the final administration of THC for analysis of THC and its metabolites, as well as endocannabinoid concentrations, through mass spectrometry. Both routes of administration resulted in the transmission of THC and its metabolites in placenta and fetal brain. Repeated exposure to inhaled THC vapor resulted in fetal brain THC concentrations that were about 30% of those seen in maternal blood, whereas repeated injections resulted in roughly equivalent concentrations of THC in maternal blood and fetal brain. Neither inhalation nor injection of THC during pregnancy altered fetal brain endocannabinoid concentrations. Our data provide the first characterization of maternal-fetal transmission of THC and its metabolites following both vaporized delivery and injection routes of administration. These data are important to establish the maternal-fetal transmission in preclinical injection and inhalation models of PCE and may provide insight into predicting fetal exposure in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Baglot
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan W VanRyzin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashley E Marquardt
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert J Aukema
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gavin N Petrie
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine Hume
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Erin L Reinl
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John B Bieber
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ryan J McLaughlin
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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28
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Maternal cannabis use is associated with suppression of immune gene networks in placenta and increased anxiety phenotypes in offspring. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2106115118. [PMID: 34782458 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106115118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While cannabis is among the most used recreational drugs during pregnancy, the impact of maternal cannabis use (mCB) on fetal and child development remains unclear. Here, we assessed the effects of mCB on psychosocial and physiological measures in young children along with the potential relevance of the in utero environment reflected in the placental transcriptome. Children (∼3 to 6 y) were assessed for hair hormone levels, neurobehavioral traits on the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC-2) survey, and heart rate variability (HRV) at rest and during auditory startle. For a subset of children with behavioral assessments, placental specimens collected at birth were processed for RNA sequencing. Hair hormone analysis revealed increased cortisol levels in mCB children. In addition, mCB was associated with greater anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity. Children with mCB also showed a reduction in the high-frequency component of HRV at baseline, reflecting reduced vagal tone. In the placenta, there was reduced expression of many genes involved in immune system function including type I interferon, neutrophil, and cytokine-signaling pathways. Finally, several of these mCB-linked immune genes organized into coexpression networks that correlated with child anxiety and hyperactivity. Overall, our findings reveal a relationship between mCB and immune response gene networks in the placenta as a potential mediator of risk for anxiety-related problems in early childhood.
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29
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Bukke VN, Archana M, Villani R, Serviddio G, Cassano T. Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects of Phytocannabinoids and Recreational Synthetic Cannabinoids: Increasing Risk of Public Health. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14100965. [PMID: 34681189 PMCID: PMC8541640 DOI: 10.3390/ph14100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic Cannabinoids (CBs) are a novel class of psychoactive substances that have rapidly evolved around the world with the addition of diverse structural modifications to existing molecules which produce new structural analogues that can be associated with serious adverse health effects. Synthetic CBs represent the largest class of drugs detected by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) with a total of 207 substances identified from 2008 to October 2020, and 9 compounds being reported for the first time. Synthetic CBs are sprayed on natural harmless herbs with an aim to mimic the euphoric effect of Cannabis. They are sold under different brand names including Black mamba, spice, K2, Bombay Blue, etc. As these synthetic CBs act as full agonists at the CB receptors, they are much more potent than natural Cannabis and have been increasingly associated with acute to chronic intoxications and death. Due to their potential toxicity and abuse, the US government has listed some synthetic CBs under schedule 1 classification. The present review aims to provide a focused overview of the literature concerning the development of synthetic CBs, their abuse, and potential toxicological effects including renal toxicity, respiratory depression, hyperemesis syndrome, cardiovascular effects, and a range of effects on brain function.
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30
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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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Manduca A, Carbone E, Schiavi S, Cacchione C, Buzzelli V, Campolongo P, Trezza V. The neurochemistry of social reward during development: What have we learned from rodent models? J Neurochem 2021; 157:1408-1435. [PMID: 33569830 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social rewards are fundamental to survival and overall health. Several studies suggest that adequate social stimuli during early life are critical for developing appropriate socioemotional and cognitive skills, whereas adverse social experiences negatively affect the proper development of brain and behavior, by increasing the susceptibility to develop neuropsychiatric conditions. Therefore, a better understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social interactions, and their rewarding components in particular, is an important challenge of current neuroscience research. In this context, preclinical research has a crucial role: Animal models allow to investigate the neurobiological aspects of social reward in order to shed light on possible neurochemical alterations causing aberrant social reward processing in neuropsychiatric diseases, and they allow to test the validity and safety of innovative therapeutic strategies. Here, we discuss preclinical research that has investigated the rewarding properties of two forms of social interaction that occur in different phases of the lifespan of mammals, that is, mother-infant interaction and social interactions with peers, by focusing on the main neurotransmitter systems mediating their rewarding components. Together, the research performed so far helped to elucidate the mechanisms of social reward and its psychobiological components throughout development, thus increasing our understanding of the neurobiological substrates sustaining social functioning in health conditions and social dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.,Neuroendocrinology, Metabolism and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Carbone
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Cacchione
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Buzzelli
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neurobiology of Behavior Laboratory, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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32
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Traccis F, Serra V, Sagheddu C, Congiu M, Saba P, Giua G, Devoto P, Frau R, Cheer JF, Melis M. Prenatal THC Does Not Affect Female Mesolimbic Dopaminergic System in Preadolescent Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041666. [PMID: 33562259 PMCID: PMC7914408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use among pregnant women is increasing worldwide along with permissive sociocultural attitudes toward it. Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE), however, is associated with adverse outcome among offspring, ranging from reduced birth weight to child psychopathology. We have previously shown that male rat offspring prenatally exposed to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a rat model of PCE, exhibit extensive molecular, cellular, and synaptic changes in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), resulting in a susceptible mesolimbic dopamine system associated with a psychotic-like endophenotype. This phenotype only reveals itself upon a single exposure to THC in males but not females. Here, we characterized the impact of PCE on female behaviors and mesolimbic dopamine system function by combining in vivo single-unit extracellular recordings in anesthetized animals and ex vivo patch clamp recordings, along with neurochemical and behavioral analyses. We find that PCE female offspring do not show any spontaneous or THC-induced behavioral disease-relevant phenotypes. The THC-induced increase in dopamine levels in nucleus accumbens was reduced in PCE female offspring, even when VTA dopamine activity in vivo and ex vivo did not differ compared to control. These findings indicate that PCE impacts mesolimbic dopamine function and its related behavioral domains in a sex-dependent manner and warrant further investigations to decipher the mechanisms determining this sex-related protective effect from intrauterine THC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Traccis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Valeria Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Mauro Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Pierluigi Saba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Gabriele Giua
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Paola Devoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Joseph Francois Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-675-4322
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Di Bartolomeo M, Stark T, Maurel OM, Iannotti FA, Kuchar M, Ruda-Kucerova J, Piscitelli F, Laudani S, Pekarik V, Salomone S, Arosio B, Mechoulam R, Maccarrone M, Drago F, Wotjak CT, Di Marzo V, Vismara M, Dell'Osso B, D'Addario C, Micale V. Crosstalk between the transcriptional regulation of dopamine D2 and cannabinoid CB1 receptors in schizophrenia: Analyses in patients and in perinatal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-exposed rats. Pharmacol Res 2021; 164:105357. [PMID: 33285233 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) affects brain development and might increase the incidence of psychopathology later in life, which seems to be related to a dysregulation of endocannabinoid and/or dopaminergic systems. We here evaluated the transcriptional regulation of the genes encoding for the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (Cnr1) and the dopamine D2 receptor (Drd2) in perinatal THC-(pTHC) exposed male rats, focusing on the role of DNA methylation analyzed by pyrosequencing. Simultaneously, the molecular and behavioral abnormalities at two different time points (i.e., neonatal age and adulthood) and the potential preventive effect of peripubertal treatment with cannabidiol, a non-euphoric component of Cannabis, were assessed. The DRD2 methylation was also evaluated in a cohort of subjects with schizophrenia. We observed an increase in both Cnr1 and Drd2 mRNA levels selectively in the prefrontal cortex of adult pTHC-exposed rats with a consistent reduction in DNA methylation at the Drd2 regulatory region, paralleled by social withdrawal and cognitive impairment which were reversed by cannabidiol treatment. These adult abnormalities were preceded at neonatal age by delayed appearance of neonatal reflexes, higher Drd2 mRNA and lower 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) brain levels, which persisted till adulthood. Alterations of the epigenetic mark for DRD2 were also found in subjects with schizophrenia. Overall, reported data add further evidence to the dopamine-cannabinoid interaction in terms of DRD2 and CNR1 dysregulation which could be implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, suggesting that cannabidiol treatment may normalize pTHC-induced psychopathology by modulating the altered dopaminergic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Oriana Maria Maurel
- Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy
| | - Samuele Laudani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vladimir Pekarik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Beatrice Arosio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & KO KG, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic, Health, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Joint International Unit on Chemical and Biomolecular Research on the Microbiome and its Impact on Metabolic Health and Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), between Université Laval and Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Matteo Vismara
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'Luigi Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Mental Health, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'Luigi Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Mental Health, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy; "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan Medical School, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.
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Wanner NM, Colwell M, Drown C, Faulk C. Developmental cannabidiol exposure increases anxiety and modifies genome-wide brain DNA methylation in adult female mice. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:4. [PMID: 33407853 PMCID: PMC7789000 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of cannabidiol (CBD), the primary non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, has recently risen dramatically, while relatively little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms of its effects. Previous work indicates that direct CBD exposure strongly impacts the brain, with anxiolytic, antidepressant, antipsychotic, and other effects being observed in animal and human studies. The epigenome, particularly DNA methylation, is responsive to environmental input and can direct persistent patterns of gene regulation impacting phenotype. Epigenetic perturbation is particularly impactful during embryogenesis, when exogenous exposures can disrupt critical resetting of epigenetic marks and impart phenotypic effects lasting into adulthood. The impact of prenatal CBD exposure has not been evaluated; however, studies using the psychomimetic cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have identified detrimental effects on psychological outcomes in developmentally exposed adult offspring. We hypothesized that developmental CBD exposure would have similar negative effects on behavior mediated in part by the epigenome. Nulliparous female wild-type Agouti viable yellow (Avy) mice were exposed to 20 mg/kg CBD or vehicle daily from two weeks prior to mating through gestation and lactation. Coat color shifts, a readout of DNA methylation at the Agouti locus in this strain, were measured in F1 Avy/a offspring. Young adult F1 a/a offspring were then subjected to tests of working spatial memory and anxiety/compulsive behavior. Reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing was performed on both F0 and F1 cerebral cortex and F1 hippocampus to identify genome-wide changes in DNA methylation for direct and developmental exposure, respectively. RESULTS F1 offspring exposed to CBD during development exhibited increased anxiety and improved memory behavior in a sex-specific manner. Further, while no significant coat color shift was observed in Avy/a offspring, thousands of differentially methylated loci (DMLs) were identified in both brain regions with functional enrichment for neurogenesis, substance use phenotypes, and other psychologically relevant terms. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate for the first time that despite positive effects of direct exposure, developmental CBD is associated with mixed behavioral outcomes and perturbation of the brain epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Wanner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Mathia Colwell
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, 225 Food Science, St. Paul, MN, 55018, USA
| | - Chelsea Drown
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, 225 Food Science, St. Paul, MN, 55018, USA
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, 225 Food Science, St. Paul, MN, 55018, USA.
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35
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Huerga-Gómez A, Aguado T, Sánchez-de la Torre A, Bernal-Chico A, Matute C, Mato S, Guzmán M, Galve-Roperh I, Palazuelos J. Δ 9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol promotes oligodendrocyte development and CNS myelination in vivo. Glia 2020; 69:532-545. [PMID: 32956517 PMCID: PMC7821226 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main bioactive compound found in the plant Cannabis sativa, exerts its effects by activating cannabinoid receptors present in many neural cells. Cannabinoid receptors are also physiologically engaged by endogenous cannabinoid compounds, the so‐called endocannabinoids. Specifically, the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol has been highlighted as an important modulator of oligodendrocyte (OL) development at embryonic stages and in animal models of demyelination. However, the potential impact of THC exposure on OL lineage progression during the critical periods of postnatal myelination has never been explored. Here, we show that acute THC administration at early postnatal ages in mice enhanced OL development and CNS myelination in the subcortical white matter by promoting oligodendrocyte precursor cell cycle exit and differentiation. Mechanistically, THC‐induced‐myelination was mediated by CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, as demonstrated by the blockade of THC actions by selective receptor antagonists. Moreover, the THC‐mediated modulation of oligodendroglial differentiation relied on the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway, as mTORC1 pharmacological inhibition prevented the THC effects. Our study identifies THC as an effective pharmacological strategy to enhance oligodendrogenesis and CNS myelination in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Huerga-Gómez
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Aguado
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aníbal Sánchez-de la Torre
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Bernal-Chico
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Carlos Matute
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Susana Mato
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia, Multiple Sclerosis and Other Demyelinating Diseases Unit, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Palazuelos
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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36
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Weimar HV, Wright HR, Warrick CR, Brown AM, Lugo JM, Freels TG, McLaughlin RJ. Long-term effects of maternal cannabis vapor exposure on emotional reactivity, social behavior, and behavioral flexibility in offspring. Neuropharmacology 2020; 179:108288. [PMID: 32860776 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The use of cannabis during pregnancy is a growing public health concern. As more countries implement legislation permitting recreational cannabis use, there is an urgent need to better understand its impact on fetal neurodevelopment and its long-term effects in exposed offspring. Studies examining effects of prenatal cannabis exposure typically employ injections of synthetic cannabinoids or isolated cannabis constituents that may not accurately model cannabis use in human populations. To address this limitation, we developed a novel e-cigarette technology-based system to deliver vaporized cannabis extracts to pregnant Long Evans rats. We used this model to determine effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on emotional, social, and cognitive endpoints of male and female offspring during early development and into adulthood. Dams were exposed to cannabis vapor (CANTHC: 400 mg/ml), vehicle vapor (VEH), or no vapor (AIR) twice daily during mating and gestation. Offspring exposed to CANTHC and VEH showed reduced weight gain relative to AIR offspring prior to weaning. CANTHC offspring made more isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) on postnatal day 6 (P6) relative to VEH-exposed offspring, which is indicative of increased emotional reactivity. Male CANTHC offspring engaged in fewer social investigation behaviors than VEH-exposed male offspring during a social play test on P26. In adulthood, CANTHC-exposed offspring spent less time exploring the open arms of the elevated plus maze and exhibited dose-dependent deficits in behavioral flexibility in an attentional set-shifting task relative to AIR controls. These data collectively indicate that prenatal cannabis exposure may cause enduring effects on the behavioral profile of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halle V Weimar
- Departments of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, WA, USA
| | - Hayden R Wright
- Departments of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, WA, USA
| | - Collin R Warrick
- Departments of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, WA, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amanda M Brown
- Departments of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, WA, USA
| | - Janelle M Lugo
- Departments of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, WA, USA
| | - Timothy G Freels
- Departments of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, WA, USA
| | - Ryan J McLaughlin
- Departments of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, WA, USA; Department of Psychology, Washington State University, WA, USA.
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37
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Grant KS, Conover E, Chambers CD. Update on the developmental consequences of cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1126-1138. [PMID: 32770666 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is a strong increase in prevalence trends for cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation as more states legalize use of this drug. Information on the teratogenic risk of cannabis is limited but some important themes can be gleaned. Studies have not found a unique phenotypic signature of prenatal exposure but an increased risk of congenital anomalies, particularly gastroschisis, has been reported. Changes in fetal growth have been described in some epidemiological studies but long-term patterns of physical growth appear unaffected. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is not generally associated with reductions in global IQ but specific cognitive skills, especially attention and memory, can be negatively impacted. Long-term impacts on psychological health include increased rates of depressive symptoms and anxiety as well as delinquency. Relatively little is known about the risk of maternal cannabis use during lactation but data suggest that infant exposure is relatively low compared to maternal exposure. As delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels increase to meet consumer demand and routes of exposure diversify, there is a strong need for prospective birth-cohort studies that collect biological samples to quantify exposure. Data from such studies will be critical to overcoming the weaknesses of past cannabis research and are essential to establishing reliable information on the risks of maternal use. Until that time, health care providers should be encouraged to talk about the risks and benefits associated with cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation with their patients, emphasizing that fetal and neonatal risks cannot be excluded at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly S Grant
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth Conover
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Christina D Chambers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Brancato A, Castelli V, Lavanco G, Marino RAM, Cannizzaro C. In utero Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure confers vulnerability towards cognitive impairments and alcohol drinking in the adolescent offspring: Is there a role for neuropeptide Y? J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:663-679. [PMID: 32338122 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120916135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoid consumption during pregnancy has been increasing on the wave of the broad-based legalisation of cannabis in Western countries, raising concern about the putative detrimental outcomes on foetal neurodevelopment. Indeed, since the endocannabinoid system regulates synaptic plasticity, emotional and cognitive processes from early stages of life interfering with it and other excitability endogenous modulators, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), might contribute to the occurrence of a vulnerable phenotype later in life. AIMS This research investigated whether in utero exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may induce deficits in emotional/cognitive processes and alcohol vulnerability in adolescent offspring. NPY and excitatory postsynaptic density (PSD) machinery were measured as markers of neurobiological vulnerability. METHODS Following in utero THC exposure (2 mg/kg delivered subcutaneously), preadolescent male rat offspring were assessed for: behavioural reactivity in the open field test, neutral declarative memory and aversive limbic memory in the Novel Object and Emotional Object Recognition tests, immunofluorescence for NPY neurons and the PSD proteins Homer-1, 1b/c and 2 in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and nucleus accumbens at adolescence (cohort 1); and instrumental learning, alcohol taking, relapse and conflict behaviour in the operant chamber throughout adolescence until early adulthood (cohort 2). RESULTS In utero THC-exposed adolescent rats showed: (a) increased locomotor activity; (b) no alteration in neutral declarative memory; (c) impaired aversive limbic memory; (d) decreased NPY-positive neurons in limbic regions; (e) region-specific variations in Homer-1, 1b/c and 2 immunoreactivity; (f) decreased instrumental learning and increased alcohol drinking, relapse and conflict behaviour in the operant chamber. CONCLUSION Gestational THC impaired the formation of memory traces when integration between environmental encoding and emotional/motivational processing was required and promoted the development of alcohol-addictive behaviours. The abnormalities in NPY signalling and PSD make-up may represent the common neurobiological background, suggesting new targets for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother-Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother-Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- INSERM U1215, NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Anna Maria Marino
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother-Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Scheyer AF, Borsoi M, Wager-Miller J, Pelissier-Alicot AL, Murphy MN, Mackie K, Manzoni OJJ. Cannabinoid Exposure via Lactation in Rats Disrupts Perinatal Programming of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Trajectory and Select Early-Life Behaviors. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:666-677. [PMID: 31653479 PMCID: PMC7056509 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis usage is increasing with its widespread legalization. Cannabis use by mothers during lactation transfers active cannabinoids to the developing offspring during this critical period and alters postnatal neurodevelopment. A key neurodevelopmental landmark is the excitatory to inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) switch caused by reciprocal changes in expression ratios of the K+/Cl- transporters potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) and sodium-potassium-chloride transporter (NKCC1). METHODS Rat dams were treated with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or a synthetic cannabinoid during the first 10 days of postnatal development, and experiments were then conducted in the offspring exposed to these drugs via lactation. The network influence of GABA transmission was analyzed using cell-attached recordings. KCC2 and NKCC1 levels were determined using Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. Ultrasonic vocalization and homing behavioral experiments were carried out at relevant time points. RESULTS Treating rat dams with cannabinoids during early lactation retards transcriptional upregulation and expression of KCC2, thereby delaying the GABA switch in pups of both sexes. This perturbed trajectory was corrected by the NKCC1 antagonist bumetanide and accompanied by alterations in ultrasonic vocalization without changes in homing behavior. Neurobehavioral deficits were prevented by CB1 receptor antagonism during maternal exposure, showing that the CB1 receptor underlies the cannabinoid-induced alterations. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal how perinatal cannabinoid exposure retards an early milestone of development, delaying the trajectory of GABA's polarity transition and altering early-life communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Scheyer
- Institut de neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France; Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University
| | - Milene Borsoi
- Institut de neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France; Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University
| | - Jim Wager-Miller
- Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Anne-Laure Pelissier-Alicot
- Institut de neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France; Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University; Service de Psychiatrie, CHU Conception, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France; Service de Médecine Légale, CHU Timone-Adultes, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Michelle N Murphy
- Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Ken Mackie
- Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
| | - Olivier J J Manzoni
- Institut de neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France; Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale-Aix-Marseille University/Indiana University.
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40
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Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during rat pregnancy leads to symmetrical fetal growth restriction and labyrinth-specific vascular defects in the placenta. Sci Rep 2020; 10:544. [PMID: 31953475 PMCID: PMC6969028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
1 in 5 women report cannabis use during pregnancy, with nausea cited as their primary motivation. Studies show that (-)-△9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, causes fetal growth restriction, though the mechanisms are not well understood. Given the critical role of the placenta to transfer oxygen and nutrients from mother, to the fetus, any compromise in the development of fetal-placental circulation significantly affects maternal-fetal exchange and thereby, fetal growth. The goal of this study was to examine, in rats, the impact of maternal Δ9-THC exposure on fetal development, neonatal outcomes, and placental development. Dams received a daily intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of vehicle control or Δ9-THC (3 mg/kg) from embryonic (E)6.5 through 22. Dams were allowed to deliver normally to measure pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, with a subset sacrificed at E19.5 for placenta assessment via immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Gestational Δ9-THC exposure resulted in pups born with symmetrical fetal growth restriction, with catch up growth by post-natal day (PND)21. During pregnancy there were no changes to maternal food intake, maternal weight gain, litter size, or gestational length. E19.5 placentas from Δ9-THC-exposed pregnancies exhibited a phenotype characterized by increased labyrinth area, reduced Epcam expression (marker of labyrinth trophoblast progenitors), altered maternal blood space, decreased fetal capillary area and an increased recruitment of pericytes with greater collagen deposition, when compared to vehicle controls. Further, at E19.5 labyrinth trophoblast had reduced glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in response to Δ9-THC exposure. In conclusion, maternal exposure to Δ9-THC effectively compromised fetal growth, which may be a result of the adversely affected labyrinth zone development. These findings implicate GLUT1 as a Δ9-THC target and provide a potential mechanism for the fetal growth restriction observed in women who use cannabis during pregnancy.
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Manduca A, Servadio M, Melancia F, Schiavi S, Manzoni OJ, Trezza V. Sex-specific behavioural deficits induced at early life by prenatal exposure to the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55, 212-2 depend on mGlu5 receptor signalling. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:449-463. [PMID: 31658362 PMCID: PMC6989958 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Marijuana is the illicit drug most commonly used among pregnant and breastfeeding women. Different studies reported long-term adverse effects induced by in utero exposure to the main component of marijuana, Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), both in rodents and in humans. However, little is known about any potential sex-dependent effects of marijuana consumption during pregnancy on newborns at early developmental ages. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We studied the effects of prenatal exposure to the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN; 0.5 mg·kg-1 from GD5 to GD20) on the emotional reactivity and cognitive performance of male and female rat offspring from infancy through adolescence and tested the role of mGlu5 receptor signalling in the observed effects. KEY RESULTS Prenatally WIN-exposed male infant pups emitted less isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations compared with male control pups, when separated from the dam and siblings and showed increased locomotor activity while females were spared. These effects were normalized when male pups were treated with the positive allosteric modulator of mGlu5 receptor CDPPB. When tested at the prepubertal and pubertal periods, WIN-prenatally exposed rats of both sexes did not show any difference in social play behaviour, anxiety and temporal order memory. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We reveal a previously undisclosed sexual divergence in the consequences of fetal cannabinoids on newborns at early developmental ages, which is dependent on mGlu5 receptor signalling. These results provide new impetus for the urgent need to investigate the functional and behavioural substrates of prenatal cannabinoid exposure in both the male offspring and the female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity “Roma Tre”RomeItaly
- INSERM, INMEDAix Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
- Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERMIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Michela Servadio
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity “Roma Tre”RomeItaly
| | - Francesca Melancia
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity “Roma Tre”RomeItaly
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity “Roma Tre”RomeItaly
| | - Olivier J. Manzoni
- INSERM, INMEDAix Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
- Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, INSERMIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity “Roma Tre”RomeItaly
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Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Femenía T, Manzanares J. Cannabis Use in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Behavioral and Neurobiological Consequences. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:586447. [PMID: 33240134 PMCID: PMC7667667 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.586447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, cannabis is the most consumed illicit drug. The global prevalence of the use of cannabis in 2017 was estimated in 188 million of people, 3.8% of worldwide population. Importantly, the legalization of cannabis in different countries, together with the increase in the apparent safety perception, may result in a great variety of health problems. Indeed, an important concern is the increase in cannabis use among pregnant and breastfeeding women, especially since the content of delta9-tetrahidrocannabinol (THC) is currently around 2-fold higher than it was 15-20 years ago. The purpose of this study was to review cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding including epidemiological aspects, therapeutic or preventive strategies, and experimental considerations and results from animal models of perinatal cannabis exposure to analyze the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and to identify new therapeutic approaches. A recent report revealed that among pregnant women aged 15-44, last month cannabis use prevalence was over 4.9%, raising to 8.5% in the 18-25-year-old age range. Pre- and post-natal exposure to cannabis may be associated with critical alterations in the newborn infants that are prolonged throughout childhood and adolescence. Briefly, several reports revealed that perinatal cannabis exposure was associated with low birth weight, reduction in the head circumference, cognitive deficits (attention, learning, and memory), disturbances in emotional response leading to aggressiveness, high impulsivity, or affective disorders, and higher risk to develop a substance use disorder. Furthermore, important neurobiological alterations in different neuromodulatory and neurotransmission systems have been associated with cannabis consumption during pregnancy and lactation. In spite of the evidences pointing out the negative behavioral and neurobiological consequences of cannabis use in pregnant and breastfeeding women, there are still limitations to identify biomarkers that could help to establish preventive or therapeutic approaches. It is difficult to define the direct association specifically with cannabis, avoiding other confusing factors, co-occurrence of other drugs consumption (mainly nicotine and alcohol), lifestyle, or socioeconomic factors. Therefore, it is necessary to progress in the characterization of short- and long-term cannabis exposure-related disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Teresa Femenía
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
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43
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Nashed MG, Hardy DB, Laviolette SR. Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure: Emerging Evidence of Physiological and Neuropsychiatric Abnormalities. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:624275. [PMID: 33519564 PMCID: PMC7841012 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.624275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical reports of cannabis use prevalence during pregnancy vary widely from 3% to upwards of 35% in North America; this disparity likely owing to underestimates from self-reporting in many cases. The rise in cannabis use is mirrored by increasing global legalization and the overall perceptions of safety, even during pregnancy. These trends are further compounded by a lack of evidence-based policy and guidelines for prenatal cannabis use, which has led to inconsistent messaging by healthcare providers and medically licensed cannabis dispensaries regarding prenatal cannabis use for treatment of symptoms, such as nausea. Additionally, the use of cannabis to self-medicate depression and anxiety during pregnancy is a growing medical concern. This review aims to summarize recent findings of clinical and preclinical data on neonatal outcomes, as well as long-term physiological and neurodevelopmental outcomes of prenatal cannabis exposure. Although many of the outcomes under investigation have produced mixed results, we consider these data in light of the unique challenges facing cannabis research. In particular, the limited longitudinal clinical studies available have not previously accounted for the exponential increase in (-)-Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC; the psychoactive compound in cannabis) concentrations found in cannabis over the past two decades. Polydrug use and the long-term effects of individual cannabis constituents [Δ9-THC vs. cannabidiol (CBD)] are also understudied, along with sex-dependent outcomes. Despite these limitations, prenatal cannabis exposure has been linked to low birth weight, and emerging evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to Δ9-THC, which crosses the placenta and impacts placental development, may have wide-ranging physiological and neurodevelopmental consequences. The long-term effects of these changes require more rigorous investigation, though early reports suggest Δ9-THC increases the risk of cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric disease, including psychosis, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. In light of the current trends in the perception and use of cannabis during pregnancy, we emphasize the social and medical imperative for more rigorous investigation of the long-term effects of prenatal cannabis exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina G Nashed
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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Hurd YL, Manzoni OJ, Pletnikov MV, Lee FS, Bhattacharyya S, Melis M. Cannabis and the Developing Brain: Insights into Its Long-Lasting Effects. J Neurosci 2019; 39:8250-8258. [PMID: 31619494 PMCID: PMC6794936 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1165-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent shift in sociopolitical debates and growing liberalization of cannabis use across the globe has raised concern regarding its impact on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and adolescents. Epidemiological studies have long demonstrated a relationship between developmental cannabis exposure and later mental health symptoms. This relationship is especially strong in people with particular genetic polymorphisms, suggesting that cannabis use interacts with genotype to increase mental health risk. Seminal animal research directly linked prenatal and adolescent exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive component of cannabis, with protracted effects on adult neural systems relevant to psychiatric and substance use disorders. In this article, we discuss some recent advances in understanding the long-term molecular, epigenetic, electrophysiological, and behavioral consequences of prenatal, perinatal, and adolescent exposure to cannabis/delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Insights are provided from both animal and human studies, including in vivo neuroimaging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin L Hurd
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029,
| | - Olivier J Manzoni
- Aix Marseille University, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de neurobiologie de la méditerranée, 13273 Marseille, France, and Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, 13273 Marseille, France
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Francis S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom, and
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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Abstract
The prevalence and perceived safety of marijuana use in pregnancy are increasing with expanding legalization. Marijuana crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk, resulting in fetal and neonatal exposure. Many women cite medical reasons for prenatal marijuana use such as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, anxiety, and chronic pain. The scientific literature regarding marijuana in pregnancy is mixed, resulting in confusion among practitioners as to how to counsel women about risks of use. In addition, there is a paucity of literature related to marijuana use and breastfeeding. Existing pregnancy studies are predominantly retrospective cohorts with a reliance on self-report for ascertainment of exposure, which underestimates use. Many studies fail to adjust for important confounding factors such as tobacco use and sociodemographic differences. Despite the limitations of the existing evidence, there are animal and human data suggesting potential harm of cannabis use. The harms are biologically plausible given the role of the endocannabinoid system in pregnancy implantation, placentation, and fetal neurologic development. Two recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses found an association between marijuana use and adverse perinatal outcomes, especially with heavy marijuana use. In addition, three longitudinal cohort studies demonstrate a possible effect of prenatal marijuana exposure on long-term neurobehavioral outcomes. Marijuana use may be associated with growth restriction, stillbirth, spontaneous preterm birth, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Therefore, women should be advised to refrain from using marijuana during pregnancy and lactation.
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Drazanova E, Ruda-Kucerova J, Kratka L, Stark T, Kuchar M, Maryska M, Drago F, Starcuk Z, Micale V. Different effects of prenatal MAM vs. perinatal THC exposure on regional cerebral blood perfusion detected by Arterial Spin Labelling MRI in rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6062. [PMID: 30988364 PMCID: PMC6465353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies consistently report structural impairments (i.e.: ventricular enlargement, decreased volume of anterior cingulate cortex or hippocampus) and functional abnormalities including changes in regional cerebral blood flow in individuals suffering from schizophrenia, which can be evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. The aim of this study was to assess cerebral blood perfusion in several schizophrenia-related brain regions using Arterial Spin Labelling MRI (ASL MRI, 9.4 T Bruker BioSpec 94/30USR scanner) in rats. In this study, prenatal exposure to methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM, 22 mg/kg) at gestational day (GD) 17 and the perinatal treatment with Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 5 mg/kg) from GD15 to postnatal day 9 elicited behavioral deficits consistent with schizophrenia-like phenotype, which is in agreement with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. In MAM exposed rats a significant enlargement of lateral ventricles and perfusion changes (i.e.: increased blood perfusion in the circle of Willis and sensorimotor cortex and decreased perfusion in hippocampus) were detected. On the other hand, the THC perinatally exposed rats did not show differences in the cerebral blood perfusion in any region of interest. These results suggest that although both pre/perinatal insults showed some of the schizophrenia-like deficits, these are not strictly related to distinct hemodynamic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Drazanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Kratka
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Maryska
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Zenon Starcuk
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
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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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Effect of repeated juvenile exposure to Δ9‑tetrahydrocannabinol on anxiety-related behavior and social interactions in adolescent rats. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2018; 69:11-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Walker SE, Papilloud A, Huzard D, Sandi C. The link between aberrant hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity during development and the emergence of aggression—Animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:138-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Harris EP, Allardice HA, Schenk AK, Rissman EF. Effects of maternal or paternal bisphenol A exposure on offspring behavior. Horm Behav 2018; 101:68-76. [PMID: 28964733 PMCID: PMC5882611 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and resins. Exposure to BPA during gestation has been proposed as a risk factor for the development of neurobehavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. To address the behavioral impact of developmental exposure to BPA, we tested offspring of mice exposed to a daily low dose of BPA during pregnancy. We also asked if preconception exposure of the sire affected behaviors in offspring. Sires that consumed BPA for 50days prior to mating weighed less than controls, but no effects on any reproductive measures were noted. Juvenile offspring exposed to BPA maternally, but not paternally, spent less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze than controls, indicating increased anxiety-like behavior. However, neither parental exposure group differed significantly from controls in the social recognition task. We also assessed the behaviors of maternally exposed offspring in two novel tasks: ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in pups and operant reversal learning in adults. Maternal BPA exposure increased the duration and median frequency of USVs emitted by pups during maternal separation. In the reversal learning task, females responded more accurately and earned more rewards than males. Additionally, control females received more rewards than BPA females during the acquisition phase of the task. These are among the first studies conducted to ask if BPA exposure via the sire affects offspring behavior and the first study to report effects of gestational BPA exposure on pup USVs and adult operant responding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin P Harris
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Heather A Allardice
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - A Katrin Schenk
- Department of Physics, Randolph College, Lynchburg, VA 24503, USA
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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