1
|
de Ceglia M, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Romano A, Friuli M, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Gavito AL, Botticelli L, Gaetani S, de Fonseca FR, Cifani C. Anxiety associated with palatable food withdrawal is reversed by the selective FAAH inhibitor PF-3845: A regional analysis of the contribution of endocannabinoid signaling machinery. Int J Eat Disord 2023. [PMID: 36840536 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23917] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Consumption of energy-dense palatable "comfort" food can alleviate stress and negative emotions, while abrupt withdrawal from a palatable diet can worsen these symptoms, causing difficulties with adherence to weight-loss diets. Currently, no pharmacological treatment is effective for obesity-related anxiety, so we investigated the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and specifically the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), as an interesting emerging target in this context because of its key role in the regulation of both energy homeostasis and emotional behavior. METHODS Rats were subjected to exposure and subsequent abstinence from a palatable cafeteria diet. During abstinence period, rats were treated with the selective FAAH inhibitor PF-3845 (10 mg/kg; intraperitoneal administration every other day). RESULTS Abstinent rats displayed an anxiogenic-like behavior and changes in the proteins of ECS signaling machinery in brain areas involved both in anxiety and food intake regulation. In particular, withdrawal caused a reduction of the expression of cannabinoid receptors in the nucleus accumbens and of enzymes diacylglycerol lipase alpha and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in the amygdala. Pharmacological inhibition of FAAH exerted an anxiolytic-like effect in abstinent animals and increased both MAGL expression in amygdala and CB2 expression in prefrontal cortex. DISCUSSION Overall, our results suggest that emotional disturbances associated with dieting are coupled with region-specific alterations in the cerebral expression of the ECS and that the enhancement of the endocannabinoid signaling by FAAH inhibition might represent a novel pharmacological strategy for the treatment of anxiety related to abstinence from palatable food. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE The present study focused on evaluating the role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating withdrawal from naturally rewarding activities that have an impact on mood, such as feeding. The variations observed in the emotional behavior of abstinent rats was linked to neuroadaptations of the ECS in specific brain areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa de Ceglia
- UGC Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga-Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Friuli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ana L Gavito
- UGC Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga-Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- UGC Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga-Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hirsch S, Hinden L, Naim MBD, Baraghithy S, Permyakova A, Azar S, Nasser T, Portnoy E, Agbaria M, Nemirovski A, Golomb G, Tam J. Hepatic targeting of the centrally active cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB 1R) blocker rimonabant via PLGA nanoparticles for treating fatty liver disease and diabetes. J Control Release 2023; 353:254-269. [PMID: 36442615 PMCID: PMC9900386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.11.040] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Over-activation of the endocannabinoid/CB1R system is a hallmark feature of obesity and its related comorbidities, most notably type 2 diabetes (T2D), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although the use of drugs that widely block the CB1R was found to be highly effective in treating all metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity, they are no longer considered a valid therapeutic option due to their adverse neuropsychiatric side effects. Here, we describe a novel nanotechnology-based drug delivery system for repurposing the abandoned first-in-class global CB1R antagonist, rimonabant, by encapsulating it in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for effective hepatic targeting of CB1Rs, enabling effective treatment of NAFLD and T2D. Rimonabant-encapsulated NPs (Rimo-NPs) were mainly distributed in the liver, spleen, and kidney, and only negligible marginal levels of rimonabant were found in the brain of mice treated by iv/ip administration. In contrast to freely administered rimonabant treatment, no CNS-mediated behavioral activities were detected in animals treated with Rimo-NPs. Chronic treatment of diet-induced obese mice with Rimo-NPs resulted in reduced hepatic steatosis and liver injury as well as enhanced insulin sensitivity, which were associated with enhanced cellular uptake of the formulation into hepatocytes. Collectively, we successfully developed a method of encapsulating the centrally acting CB1R blocker in NPs with desired physicochemical properties. This novel drug delivery system allows hepatic targeting of rimonabant to restore the metabolic advantages of blocking CB1R in peripheral tissues, especially in the liver, without the negative CB1R-mediated neuropsychiatric side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shira Hirsch
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Liad Hinden
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Meital Ben-David Naim
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Saja Baraghithy
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Anna Permyakova
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Shahar Azar
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Taher Nasser
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Emma Portnoy
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Israel
| | - Majd Agbaria
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gershon Golomb
- The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, POB 12065, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gorberg V, Borisov V, Greig IR, Pertwee RG, McCaffery P, Anavi-Goffer S. Motor-like Tics are Mediated by CB 2 Cannabinoid Receptor-dependent and Independent Mechanisms Associated with Age and Sex. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5070-5083. [PMID: 35666403 PMCID: PMC9363400 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02884-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) inhibits tics in individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS). Δ9-THC has similar affinities for CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors. However, the effect of HU-308, a selective CB2 receptor agonist, on repetitive behaviors has not been investigated. The effects of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI)-induced motor-like tics and Δ9-THC were studied with gene analysis. The effects of HU-308 on head twitch response (HTR), ear scratch response (ESR), and grooming behavior were compared between wildtype and CB2 receptor knockout (CB2-/-) mice, and in the presence/absence of DOI or SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist. The frequency of DOI-induced repetitive behaviors was higher in CB2-/- than in wildtype mice. HU-308 increased DOI-induced ESR and grooming behavior in adult CB2-/- mice. In juveniles, HU-308 inhibited HTR and ESR in the presence of DOI and SR141716A. HU-308 and beta-caryophyllene significantly increased HTR. In the left prefrontal cortex, DOI increased transcript expression of the CB2 receptor and GPR55, but reduced fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6) expression levels. CB2 receptors are required to reduce 5-HT2A/2C-induced tics in adults. HU-308 has an off-target effect which increases 5-HT2A/2C-induced motor-like tics in adult female mice. The increased HTR in juveniles induced by selective CB2 receptor agonists suggests that stimulation of the CB2 receptor may generate motor tics in children. Sex differences suggest that the CB2 receptor may contribute to the prevalence of TS in boys. The 5-HT2A/2C-induced reduction in endocannabinoid catabolic enzyme expression level may explain the increased endocannabinoids' levels in patients with TS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gorberg
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Veronika Borisov
- Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Iain R Greig
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Peter McCaffery
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sharon Anavi-Goffer
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Muller T, Demizieux L, Troy-Fioramonti S, Buch C, Leemput J, Belloir C, Pais de Barros JP, Jourdan T, Passilly-Degrace P, Fioramonti X, Le Bon AM, Vergès B, Robert JM, Degrace P. Chemical Synthesis, Pharmacokinetic Properties and Biological Effects of JM-00266, a Putative Non-Brain Penetrant Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Inverse Agonist. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062923. [PMID: 35328343 PMCID: PMC8949893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1R) with peripherally restricted antagonists (or inverse agonists) shows promise to improve metabolic disorders associated with obesity. In this context, we designed and synthetized JM-00266, a new CB1R blocker with limited blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Pharmacokinetics were tested with SwissADME and in vivo in rodents after oral and intraperitoneal administration of JM-00266 in comparison with Rimonabant. In silico predictions indicated JM-00266 is a non-brain penetrant compound and this was confirmed by brain/plasma ratios and brain uptake index values. JM-00266 had no impact on food intake, anxiety-related behavior and body temperature suggesting an absence of central activity. cAMP assays performed in CB1R-transfected HEK293T/17 cells showed that the drug exhibited inverse agonist activity on CB1R. In addition, JM-00266 counteracted anandamide-induced gastroparesis indicating substantial peripheral activity. Acute administration of JM-00266 also improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in wild-type mice, but not in CB1R−/− mice. Furthermore, the accumulation of JM-00266 in adipose tissue was associated with an increase in lipolysis. In conclusion, JM-00266 or derivatives can be predicted as a new candidate for modulating peripheral endocannabinoid activity and improving obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Muller
- Equipe Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France; (T.M.); (L.D.); (S.T.-F.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (T.J.); (P.P.-D.); (B.V.)
| | - Laurent Demizieux
- Equipe Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France; (T.M.); (L.D.); (S.T.-F.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (T.J.); (P.P.-D.); (B.V.)
| | - Stéphanie Troy-Fioramonti
- Equipe Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France; (T.M.); (L.D.); (S.T.-F.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (T.J.); (P.P.-D.); (B.V.)
| | - Chloé Buch
- Equipe Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France; (T.M.); (L.D.); (S.T.-F.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (T.J.); (P.P.-D.); (B.V.)
| | - Julia Leemput
- Equipe Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France; (T.M.); (L.D.); (S.T.-F.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (T.J.); (P.P.-D.); (B.V.)
| | - Christine Belloir
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation (CSGA), AgroSup Dijon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France; (C.B.); (X.F.); (A.-M.L.B.)
| | - Jean-Paul Pais de Barros
- Plateforme de Lipidomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Tony Jourdan
- Equipe Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France; (T.M.); (L.D.); (S.T.-F.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (T.J.); (P.P.-D.); (B.V.)
| | - Patricia Passilly-Degrace
- Equipe Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France; (T.M.); (L.D.); (S.T.-F.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (T.J.); (P.P.-D.); (B.V.)
| | - Xavier Fioramonti
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation (CSGA), AgroSup Dijon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France; (C.B.); (X.F.); (A.-M.L.B.)
- Unité de Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrative (NutriNeuro), Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bordeaux - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (UMR-INRAE) 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Anne-Marie Le Bon
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation (CSGA), AgroSup Dijon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France; (C.B.); (X.F.); (A.-M.L.B.)
| | - Bruno Vergès
- Equipe Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France; (T.M.); (L.D.); (S.T.-F.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (T.J.); (P.P.-D.); (B.V.)
| | - Jean-Michel Robert
- Unité de Recherche Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité (UR115 IICiMed), Institut de Recherche en Santé 2 Nantes Université, F-44200 Nantes, France;
| | - Pascal Degrace
- Equipe Physiopathologie des dyslipidémies, Unité Mixte de Recherche Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (UMR-INSERM) 1231, F-21000 Dijon, France; (T.M.); (L.D.); (S.T.-F.); (C.B.); (J.L.); (T.J.); (P.P.-D.); (B.V.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vickstrom CR, Liu X, Liu S, Hu MM, Mu L, Hu Y, Yu H, Love SL, Hillard CJ, Liu QS. Role of endocannabinoid signaling in a septohabenular pathway in the regulation of anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3178-3191. [PMID: 33093652 PMCID: PMC8060365 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00905-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing endocannabinoid signaling produces anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects, but the neural circuits involved remain poorly understood. The medial habenula (MHb) is a phylogenetically-conserved epithalamic structure that is a powerful modulator of anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Here, we show that a robust endocannabinoid signaling system modulates synaptic transmission between the MHb and its sole identified GABA input, the medial septum and nucleus of the diagonal band (MSDB). With RNAscope in situ hybridization, we demonstrate that key enzymes that synthesize or degrade the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) or anandamide are expressed in the MHb and MSDB, and that cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is expressed in the MSDB. Electrophysiological recordings in MHb neurons revealed that endogenously-released 2-AG retrogradely depresses GABA input from the MSDB. This endocannabinoid-mediated depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) was limited by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) but not by fatty acid amide hydrolase. Anatomic and optogenetic circuit mapping indicated that MSDB GABA neurons monosynaptically project to cholinergic neurons of the ventral MHb. To test the behavioral significance of this MSDB-MHb endocannabinoid signaling, we induced MSDB-specific knockout of CB1 or MAGL via injection of virally-delivered Cre recombinase into the MSDB of Cnr1loxP/loxP or MgllloxP/loxP mice. Relative to control mice, MSDB-specific knockout of CB1 or MAGL bidirectionally modulated 2-AG signaling in the ventral MHb and led to opposing effects on anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Thus, depression of synaptic GABA release in the MSDB-ventral MHb pathway may represent a potential mechanism whereby endocannabinoids exert anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey R Vickstrom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Xiaojie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Meng-Ming Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Lianwei Mu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Santidra L Love
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Qing-Song Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luchsinger JR, Fetterly TL, Williford KM, Salimando GJ, Doyle MA, Maldonado J, Simerly RB, Winder DG, Centanni SW. Delineation of an insula-BNST circuit engaged by struggling behavior that regulates avoidance in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3561. [PMID: 34117229 PMCID: PMC8196075 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23674-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Active responses to stressors involve motor planning, execution, and feedback. Here we identify an insular cortex to BNST (insula→BNST) circuit recruited during restraint stress-induced active struggling that modulates affective behavior. We demonstrate that activity in this circuit tightly follows struggling behavioral events and that the size of the fluorescent sensor transient reports the duration of the struggle event, an effect that fades with repeated exposure to the homotypic stressor. Struggle events are associated with enhanced glutamatergic- and decreased GABAergic signaling in the insular cortex, indicating the involvement of a larger circuit. We delineate the afferent network for this pathway, identifying substantial input from motor- and premotor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and the amygdala. To begin to dissect these incoming signals, we examine the motor cortex input, and show that the cells projecting from motor regions to insular cortex are engaged shortly before struggle event onset. This study thus demonstrates a role for the insula→BNST pathway in monitoring struggling activity and regulating affective behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Luchsinger
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tracy L Fetterly
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kellie M Williford
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gregory J Salimando
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Marie A Doyle
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jose Maldonado
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Richard B Simerly
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Danny G Winder
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Samuel W Centanni
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Petrie GN, Nastase AS, Aukema RJ, Hill MN. Endocannabinoids, cannabinoids and the regulation of anxiety. Neuropharmacology 2021; 195:108626. [PMID: 34116110 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis has been used for hundreds of years, with its ability to dampen feelings of anxiety often reported as a primary reason for use. Only recently has the specific role cannabinoids play in anxiety been thoroughly investigated. Here we discuss the body of evidence describing how endocannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoids are capable of regulating the generation and termination of anxiety states. Disruption of the endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) system following genetic manipulation, pharmacological intervention or stress exposure reliably leads to the generation of an anxiety state. On the other hand, upregulation of eCB signaling is capable of alleviating anxiety-like behaviors in multiple paradigms. When considering exogenous cannabinoid administration, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) agonists have a biphasic, dose-dependent effect on anxiety such that low doses are anxiolytic while high doses are anxiogenic, a phenomenon that is evident in both rodent models and humans. Translational studies investigating a loss of function mutation in the gene for fatty acid amide hydrolase, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing AEA, have also shown that AEA signaling regulates anxiety in humans. Taken together, evidence reviewed here has outlined a convincing argument for cannabinoids being powerful regulators of both the manifestation and amelioration of anxiety symptoms, and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting the eCB system for the development of novel classes of anxiolytics. This article is part of the special issue on 'Cannabinoids'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin N Petrie
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Andrei S Nastase
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Robert J Aukema
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cannabis use and posttraumatic stress disorder comorbidity: Epidemiology, biology and the potential for novel treatment approaches. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 157:143-193. [PMID: 33648669 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is increasing among some demographics in the United States and is tightly linked to anxiety, trauma, and stress reactivity at the epidemiological and biological level. Stress-coping motives are highly cited reasons for cannabis use. However, with increased cannabis use comes the increased susceptibility for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Indeed, CUD is highly comorbid with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Importantly, endogenous cannabinoid signaling systems play a key role in the regulation of stress reactivity and anxiety regulation, and preclinical data suggest deficiencies in this signaling system could contribute to the development of stress-related psychopathology. Furthermore, endocannabinoid deficiency states, either pre-existing or induced by trauma exposure, could provide explanatory insights into the high rates of comorbid cannabis use in patients with PTSD. Here we review clinical and preclinical literature related to the cannabis use-PTSD comorbidity, the role of endocannabinoids in the regulation of stress reactivity, and potential therapeutic implications of recent work in this area.
Collapse
|
9
|
Newsom RJ, Stafford J, Garcia RJ, Campeau S. Endocannabinoid signaling as an intrinsic component of the circuits mediating adaptive responses to repeated stress exposure in adult male sprague dawley rats. Stress 2020; 23:174-189. [PMID: 31506004 PMCID: PMC7054150 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1655538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence implicates the endocannabinoid (eCB) system as a negative modulator of neural and endocrine responses to acute stressors. Recently, eCB signaling was also reported to contribute to habituation of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses to repeated homotypic stress. The present studies were initiated to distinguish a potential role of eCB signaling in the expression vs. the acquisition of habituation of the HPA axis response to repeated stress. In each of three experiments, adult male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to daily, 30-minute sessions of loud white noise (95 dB), which resulted in a progressive decrease in HPA axis response over successive days. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist AM251 (0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to examine the role of eCB signaling in homotypic stressor habituation and heterotypic (novel) stressor cross-sensitization of neuroendocrine activity. Pretreatment with high dose (2.0 mg/kg) AM251 before each of 7 consecutive, daily loud noise exposures (acquisition of habituation) resulted in potentiation of stress-induced HPA axis activation and disruption of habituation. After an 8th loud noise exposure without AM251 pretreatment, the same group of rats displayed a habituated plasma corticosterone (CORT) level similar to that of controls, indicating that CB1 receptor antagonist pretreatments did not disrupt the acquisition of habituation. In two additional experiments, rats acquired habituation to loud noise drug free, then lower doses of AM251 (0.5 and 1.0 mg.kg) were administered before a final exposure (expression of habituation) to the homotypic stressor and/or a novel heterotypic stressor. CB1 receptor antagonism disrupted the expression of CORT response habituation and some of the c-fos mRNA reduction associated with it and facilitated novel stressor sensitization in doses that did not potentiate acute responses to these stressors. Collectively, these data suggest a progressive intensification of neural eCB signaling at CB1 receptors with repeated stress exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Newsom
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, UCB 345, Boulder, CO 80309 USA
| | - Jacob Stafford
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, UCB 345, Boulder, CO 80309 USA
| | - Robert J. Garcia
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, UCB 345, Boulder, CO 80309 USA
| | - Serge Campeau
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, UCB 345, Boulder, CO 80309 USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bouter Y, Brzózka MM, Rygula R, Pahlisch F, Leweke FM, Havemann-Reinecke U, Rohleder C. Chronic Psychosocial Stress Causes Increased Anxiety-Like Behavior and Alters Endocannabinoid Levels in the Brain of C57Bl/6J Mice. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2020; 5:51-61. [PMID: 32322676 DOI: 10.1089/can.2019.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic stress causes a variety of physiological and behavioral alterations, including social impairments, altered endocrine function, and an increased risk for psychiatric disorders. Thereby, social stress is one of the most effective stressful stimuli among mammals and considered to be one of the major risk factors for the onset and progression of neuropsychiatric diseases. For analyzing the effects of social stress in mice, the resident/intruder paradigm of social defeat is a widely used model. Although the chronic social defeat stress model has been extensively studied, little is known about the effects of repeated or chronic social defeat stress on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The present study aimed to understand the effects of chronic social stress on anxiety behavior and the levels of endocannabinoids (ECs) and two N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) in different brain regions of mice. Materials and Methods: Two-month-old, male C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to chronic psychosocial stress for 3 weeks. The effects of stress on anxiety behavior were measured using the light-dark box and hole board test. The EC levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine [AEA]), as well as the levels of two NAEs (oleoylethanolamide [OEA] and palmitoylethanolamide), were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cortex. Results: In comparison with control mice (n=12), mice exposed to social defeat stress (n=11) showed increased anxiety behaviors in the light-dark box and hole board test and gained significantly more weight during the experimental period. Additionally, chronic social stress induced differential alterations in the brain levels of 2-AG and AEA. More precisely, 2-AG levels were higher in the cortex and cerebellum, whereas reduced AEA levels were found in the hippocampus. Furthermore, we observed lower OEA levels in the hippocampus. Conclusion: The current study confirms that the ECS plays an essential role in stress responses, whereby its modulation seems to be brain region dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Bouter
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Göttingen, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Magdalena M Brzózka
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Göttingen, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rafal Rygula
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Göttingen, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Franziska Pahlisch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - F Markus Leweke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ursula Havemann-Reinecke
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Göttingen, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cathrin Rohleder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Centanni SW, Morris BD, Luchsinger JR, Bedse G, Fetterly TL, Patel S, Winder DG. Endocannabinoid control of the insular-bed nucleus of the stria terminalis circuit regulates negative affective behavior associated with alcohol abstinence. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:526-537. [PMID: 30390064 PMCID: PMC6333805 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Negative affect is a core symptom domain associated with an array of neurological and psychiatric disorders and is only partially targeted by current therapies, highlighting the need for better, more targeted treatment options. This study focuses on negative affective symptoms associated with prolonged alcohol abstinence, one of the leading causes of relapse. Using a mouse model of chronic alcohol consumption followed by forced abstinence (CDFA), prolonged alcohol abstinence increased c-fos expression and spontaneous glutamatergic neurotransmission in the dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dBNST), a region heavily implicated in negative affect in both humans and rodents. Further, pharmacologically enhancing endogenous cannabinoids (eCB) with JZL184 prevents abstinence-induced increases in dBNST neuronal activity, underscoring the therapeutic potential of drugs targeting the brain's eCB system. Next, we used a channelrhodopsin-assisted mapping strategy to identify excitatory inputs to the dBNST that could contribute to CDFA-induced negative affect. We identified the insular cortex (insula), a region involved in regulating interoception, as a dense, functional, eCB-sensitive input to the dBNST. Using a chemogenetic strategy to locally mimic eCB signaling, we demonstrate that the insula strongly influences the CDFA behavioral phenotype and dBNST neuronal activity. Lastly, we used an anterograde strategy for transynaptic targeting of Cre expression in combination with a Gq-DREADD to selectively recruit dBNST neurons receiving insula projections. Chemogenetic recruitment of these neurons mimicked behavioral and c-fos responses observed in CDFA. Collectively, this study supports a role for the insula-BNST neural circuit in negative affective disturbances and highlights the therapeutic potential of the eCB system for treating negative affective disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Centanni
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bridget D Morris
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joseph R Luchsinger
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gaurav Bedse
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tracy L Fetterly
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Berger AL, Henricks AM, Lugo JM, Wright HR, Warrick CR, Sticht MA, Morena M, Bonilla I, Laredo SA, Craft RM, Parsons LH, Grandes PR, Hillard CJ, Hill MN, McLaughlin RJ. The Lateral Habenula Directs Coping Styles Under Conditions of Stress via Recruitment of the Endocannabinoid System. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:611-623. [PMID: 29887035 PMCID: PMC6162143 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to effectively cope with stress is a critical determinant of disease susceptibility. The lateral habenula (LHb) and the endocannabinoid (ECB) system have independently been shown to be involved in the selection of stress coping strategies, yet the role of ECB signaling in the LHb remains unknown. METHODS Using a battery of complementary techniques in rats, we examined the localization of type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs) and assessed the behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of intra-LHb CB1R manipulations. We further tested the extent to which the ECB system in the LHb is impacted following chronic unpredictable stress or social defeat stress, and whether manipulation of LHb CB1Rs can bias coping strategies in rats with a history of chronic stress. RESULTS Electron microscopy studies revealed CB1R expression on presynaptic axon terminals, postsynaptic membranes, mitochondria, and glial processes in the rat LHb. In vivo microdialysis experiments indicated that acute stress increased the amount of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the LHb, while intra-LHb CB1R blockade increased basal corticosterone, augmented proactive coping strategies, and reduced anxiety-like behavior. Basal LHb 2-arachidonoylglycerol content was similarly elevated in rats that were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress or social defeat stress and positively correlated with adrenal weight. Finally, intra-LHb CB1R blockade increased proactive behaviors in response to a novel conspecific, increasing approach behaviors irrespective of stress history and decreasing the latency to be attacked during an agonistic encounter. CONCLUSIONS Alterations in LHb ECB signaling may be relevant for development of stress-related pathologies in which LHb dysfunction and stress-coping impairments are hallmark symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L Berger
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Angela M Henricks
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Janelle M Lugo
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Hayden R Wright
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Collin R Warrick
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Martin A Sticht
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maria Morena
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Itziar Bonilla
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Spain; Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Spain
| | - Sarah A Laredo
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Rebecca M Craft
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Loren H Parsons
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Pedro R Grandes
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Spain; Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Spain; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ryan J McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington; Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Baggelaar MP, Maccarrone M, van der Stelt M. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol: A signaling lipid with manifold actions in the brain. Prog Lipid Res 2018; 71:1-17. [PMID: 29751000 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a signaling lipid in the central nervous system that is a key regulator of neurotransmitter release. 2-AG is an endocannabinoid that activates the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. It is involved in a wide array of (patho)physiological functions, such as emotion, cognition, energy balance, pain sensation and neuroinflammation. In this review, we describe the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of 2-AG and how chemical and genetic perturbation of these pathways has led to insight in the biological role of this signaling lipid. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of modulating 2-AG levels in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc P Baggelaar
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; European Centre for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, via del Fosso del Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands..
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Integrating Endocannabinoid Signaling and Cannabinoids into the Biology and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:80-102. [PMID: 28745306 PMCID: PMC5719095 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to stress is an undeniable, but in most cases surmountable, part of life. However, in certain individuals, exposure to severe or cumulative stressors can lead to an array of pathological conditions including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterized by debilitating trauma-related intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, hyperarousal, as well as depressed mood and anxiety. In the context of the rapidly changing political and legal landscape surrounding use of cannabis products in the USA, there has been a surge of public and research interest in the role of cannabinoids in the regulation of stress-related biological processes and in their potential therapeutic application for stress-related psychopathology. Here we review the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids in PTSD and the preclinical and clinical literature on the effects of cannabinoids and endogenous cannabinoid signaling systems in the regulation of biological processes related to the pathogenesis of PTSD. Potential therapeutic implications of the reviewed literature are also discussed. Finally, we propose that a state of endocannabinoid deficiency could represent a stress susceptibility endophenotype predisposing to the development of trauma-related psychopathology and provide biologically plausible support for the self-medication hypotheses used to explain high rates of cannabis use in patients with trauma-related disorders.
Collapse
|
15
|
Scarante FF, Vila-Verde C, Detoni VL, Ferreira-Junior NC, Guimarães FS, Campos AC. Cannabinoid Modulation of the Stressed Hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:411. [PMID: 29311804 PMCID: PMC5742214 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stressful situations is one of the risk factors for the precipitation of several psychiatric disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Schizophrenia. The hippocampal formation is a forebrain structure highly associated with emotional, learning and memory processes; being particularly vulnerable to stress. Exposure to stressful stimuli leads to neuroplastic changes and imbalance between inhibitory/excitatory networks. These changes have been associated with an impaired hippocampal function. Endocannabinoids (eCB) are one of the main systems controlling both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, as well as neuroplasticity within the hippocampus. Cannabinoids receptors are highly expressed in the hippocampus, and several lines of evidence suggest that facilitation of cannabinoid signaling within this brain region prevents stress-induced behavioral changes. Also, chronic stress modulates hippocampal CB1 receptors expression and endocannabinoid levels. Moreover, cannabinoids participate in mechanisms related to synaptic plasticity and adult neurogenesis. Here, we discussed the main findings supporting the involvement of hippocampal cannabinoid neurotransmission in stress-induced behavioral and neuroplastic changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franciele F Scarante
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Vila-Verde
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinícius L Detoni
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilson C Ferreira-Junior
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alline C Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chronic CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonism persistently increases dendritic spine densities in brain regions important to zebra finch vocal learning and production in an antidepressant-sensitive manner. Brain Res 2017; 1672:1-9. [PMID: 28743448 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
During typical late-postnatal CNS development, net reductions in dendritic spine densities are associated with activity-dependent learning. Prior results showed agonist exposure in young animals increased spine densities in a subset of song regions while adult exposures did not, suggesting endocannabinoid signaling regulates dendritic spine dynamics important to vocal development. Here we addressed this question using the CB1 receptor-selective antagonist SR141716A (SR) to disrupt endocannabinoid signaling both during and after vocal learning. We hypothesized antagonist exposure during vocal development, but not adulthood, would alter spine densities. Following 25days of exposure and a 25day maturation period, 3D reconstructions of Golgi-Cox stained neurons were used to measure spine densities. We found antagonist treatments during both age periods increased densities within Area X (basal ganglia) and following adult treatments within HVC (premotor cortical-like). Results suggest both inappropriate cannabinoid receptor stimulation and inhibition are capable of similar disregulatory effects during establishment of circuits important to vocal learning, with antagonism extending these effects through adulthood. Given clinical evidence of depressant effects of SR, we tested the ability of the antidepressant monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) phenelzine to mitigate SR-induced spine density increases. This was confirmed implicating interaction between monoamine and endocannabinoid systems. Finally, we evaluated acute effects of these drugs to alter ability of novel song exposure to increase spine densities in auditory NCM and other regions, finding when combined, SR and phenelzine increased densities within Area X. These results contribute to understanding relevance of dendritic spine dynamics in neuronal development, drug abuse, and depression.
Collapse
|
17
|
Varga B, Kassai F, Szabó G, Kovács P, Fischer J, Gyertyán I. Pharmacological comparison of traditional and non-traditional cannabinoid receptor 1 blockers in rodent models in vivo. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 159:24-35. [PMID: 28666894 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) antagonists have been proven to be effective anti-obesity drugs; however, psychiatric side effects have halted their pharmaceutical development worldwide. Despite the emergence of next generation CB1R blockers, a preclinical head to head comparison of the anti-obesity and psychiatric side effect profiles of the key compounds has not been performed. Here, we compared classical CB1R antagonists (rimonabant, taranabant, otenabant, ibipinabant, and surinabant) and non-traditional CB1R blockers (the partial agonist O-1269, the neutral antagonists VCHSR and LH-21 and the peripherally acting inverse agonist JD-5037) using an in vivo screening cascade. First, the potencies of these compounds to reduce CB1R agonist-induced hypothermia and decrease fasting-induced food intake were determined. Then, equipotent doses of the non-toxic compounds were compared in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) test, which includes measurements of metabolic syndrome markers. Psychiatric side effects were assessed by measuring anxiogenicity in an ultrasonic vocalization test. All classical CB1R blockers were centrally acting appetite suppressants and decreased body weight and food intake in an obesity-dependent manner, with only slight effects on metabolic syndrome markers. In addition, all classical CB1R blockers increased ultrasonic vocalization. Surprisingly, none of the non-classical CB1R blockers was eligible for the DIO comparison and side effect profiling. O-1269 and LH-21 induced convulsive behavior, whereas VCHSR and JD-5037 were devoid of any in vivo activity. The classical CB1R blockers displayed similar therapeutic and side effect profiles in vivo, whereas the available non-traditional CB1R blockers were not appropriate tools for testing the therapeutic potential of alternative CB1R inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Varga
- Gedeon Richter Plc, 10, PO Box 27, H-1475 Budapest, , Hungary.
| | - Ferenc Kassai
- MTA-SE NAP B Cognitive Translational Behavioural Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, H-1089, Budapest, Hungary; Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Research Centre of Natural Science, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapset, Hungary
| | - György Szabó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, 10, PO Box 27, H-1475 Budapest, , Hungary
| | - Péter Kovács
- Berlin-Chemie/A. Menarini Magyarország Kft., Neumann János u. 1. H-2040 Budaörs, Hungary
| | - János Fischer
- Gedeon Richter Plc, 10, PO Box 27, H-1475 Budapest, , Hungary
| | - István Gyertyán
- MTA-SE NAP B Cognitive Translational Behavioural Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, H-1089, Budapest, Hungary; Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Research Centre of Natural Science, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapset, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bluett RJ, Báldi R, Haymer A, Gaulden AD, Hartley ND, Parrish WP, Baechle J, Marcus DJ, Mardam-Bey R, Shonesy BC, Uddin MJ, Marnett LJ, Mackie K, Colbran RJ, Winder DG, Patel S. Endocannabinoid signalling modulates susceptibility to traumatic stress exposure. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14782. [PMID: 28348378 PMCID: PMC5379055 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is a ubiquitous risk factor for the exacerbation and development of affective disorders including major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms conferring resilience to the adverse consequences of stress could have broad implications for the treatment and prevention of mood and anxiety disorders. We utilize laboratory mice and their innate inter-individual differences in stress-susceptibility to demonstrate a critical role for the endogenous cannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in stress-resilience. Specifically, systemic 2-AG augmentation is associated with a stress-resilient phenotype and enhances resilience in previously susceptible mice, while systemic 2-AG depletion or CB1 receptor blockade increases susceptibility in previously resilient mice. Moreover, stress-resilience is associated with increased phasic 2-AG-mediated synaptic suppression at ventral hippocampal-amygdala glutamatergic synapses and amygdala-specific 2-AG depletion impairs successful adaptation to repeated stress. These data indicate amygdala 2-AG signalling mechanisms promote resilience to adverse effects of acute traumatic stress and facilitate adaptation to repeated stress exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Bluett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Rita Báldi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Andre Haymer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Andrew D. Gaulden
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Nolan D. Hartley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Walker P. Parrish
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Jordan Baechle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - David J. Marcus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Ramzi Mardam-Bey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Brian C. Shonesy
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Md. Jashim Uddin
- A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Lawrence J. Marnett
- A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Roger J. Colbran
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Human Development, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Danny G. Winder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Human Development, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Human Development, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Holleran KM, Wilson HH, Fetterly TL, Bluett RJ, Centanni SW, Gilfarb RA, Rocco LER, Patel S, Winder DG. Ketamine and MAG Lipase Inhibitor-Dependent Reversal of Evolving Depressive-Like Behavior During Forced Abstinence From Alcohol Drinking. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2062-71. [PMID: 26751284 PMCID: PMC4908652 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although alcoholism and depression are highly comorbid, treatment options that take this into account are lacking, and mouse models of alcohol (ethanol (EtOH)) intake-induced depressive-like behavior have not been well established. Recent studies utilizing contingent EtOH administration through prolonged two-bottle choice access have demonstrated depression-like behavior following EtOH abstinence in singly housed female C57BL/6J mice. In the present study, we found that depression-like behavior in the forced swim test (FST) is revealed only after a protracted (2 weeks), but not acute (24 h), abstinence period. No effect on anxiety-like behavior in the EPM was observed. Further, we found that, once established, the affective disturbance is long-lasting, as we observed significantly enhanced latencies to approach food even 35 days after ethanol withdrawal in the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT). We were able to reverse affective disturbances measured in the NSFT following EtOH abstinence utilizing the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and antidepressant ketamine but not memantine, another NMDAR antagonist. Pretreatment with the monoacylglycerol (MAG) lipase inhibitor JZL-184 also reduced affective disturbances in the NSFT in ethanol withdrawn mice, and this effect was prevented by co-administration of the CB1 inverse agonist rimonabant. Endocannabinoid levels were decreased within the BLA during abstinence compared with during drinking. Finally, we demonstrate that the depressive behaviors observed do not require a sucrose fade and that this drinking paradigm may favor the development of habit-like EtOH consumption. These data could set the stage for developing novel treatment approaches for alcohol-withdrawal-induced mood and anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Holleran
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hadley H Wilson
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tracy L Fetterly
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rebecca J Bluett
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samuel W Centanni
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachel A Gilfarb
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lauren E R Rocco
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse, Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37221, USA, Tel: +1 615 322 1462, Fax: +1 615 322 1144, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gamble-George JC, Baldi R, Halladay L, Kocharian A, Hartley N, Silva CG, Roberts H, Haymer A, Marnett LJ, Holmes A, Patel S. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition reduces stress-induced affective pathology. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27162170 PMCID: PMC4862754 DOI: 10.7554/elife.14137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mood and anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric conditions and are exacerbated by stress. Recent studies have suggested cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition could represent a novel treatment approach or augmentation strategy for affective disorders including anxiety disorders and major depression. We show that traditional COX-2 inhibitors and a newly developed substrate-selective COX-2 inhibitor (SSCI) reduce a variety of stress-induced behavioral pathologies in mice. We found that these behavioral effects were associated with a dampening of neuronal excitability in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) ex vivo and in vivo, and were mediated by small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel and CB1 cannabinoid receptor activation. Taken together, these data provide further support for the potential utility of SSCIs, as well as traditional COX-2 inhibitors, as novel treatment approaches for stress-related psychiatric disorders. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.14137.001 People may experience a stressful or traumatic event that can cause anxiety in their day-to-day lives. For some people, this anxiety can persist and develop into a disorder, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorder. Millions of people worldwide suffer from these disorders, but there are few classes of drug treatments currently available. Some preliminary studies in mice have suggested that anti-inflammatory drugs called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors may relieve symptoms of anxiety. COX-2 inhibitors target an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2, which is produced in many tissues throughout the body and brain. Some COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex, are already widely used to treat arthritis. Studies in people have also suggested these drugs given in combination with antidepressants might also help people with depression, while a recently developed COX-2 inhibitor, called LM-4131, stops the breakdown of chemicals produced in the brain that interact with the same brain receptors that marijuana does. In animal studies, this new drug reduced anxious behaviors. However, scientists didn’t know if the drug would also reduce anxious behaviors after animals were exposed to a traumatic or stressful experience. Now, Gamble-George et al. – including some of the same scientists that created LM-4131 – show this drug does reduce anxious behavior in mice after a traumatic or stressful experience. In the experiments, mice were stressed with an electric shock to their feet and then treated with LM-4131, Celebrex, another COX-2 inhibitor sometimes used in humans, or an inactive control. The mice were then placed in new environments or mazes high off the ground that usually trigger anxious behavior. The mice treated with any of the three COX-2 inhibitors were less likely to act like they were anxious than the mice treated with the control solution. Gamble-George et al. then showed that LM-4131 changes how cells in the brain become excited in both isolated mouse brain cells and live mice. Short-term stress in humans is known to excite cells in an area of the brain called the amygdala, which controls how we respond to stress or trauma. The experiments showed that LM-4131 decreases this activity and decreases anxiety in stressed mice. Future animal and human studies are needed to confirm that COX-2 inhibitors are a useful treatment for stress disorders, and learn more about how they work. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.14137.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyonna Carrie Gamble-George
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
| | - Rita Baldi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States
| | - Lindsay Halladay
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, United States
| | - Adrina Kocharian
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, United States
| | - Nolan Hartley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
| | - Carolyn Grace Silva
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States
| | - Holly Roberts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States
| | - Andre Haymer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States
| | - Lawrence J Marnett
- A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Center in Molecular Toxicology, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, United States
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, United States
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Morena M, Patel S, Bains JS, Hill MN. Neurobiological Interactions Between Stress and the Endocannabinoid System. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:80-102. [PMID: 26068727 PMCID: PMC4677118 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress affects a constellation of physiological systems in the body and evokes a rapid shift in many neurobehavioral processes. A growing body of work indicates that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is an integral regulator of the stress response. In the current review, we discuss the evidence to date that demonstrates stress-induced regulation of eCB signaling and the consequential role changes in eCB signaling have with respect to many of the effects of stress. Across a wide array of stress paradigms, studies have generally shown that stress evokes bidirectional changes in the two eCB molecules, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), with stress exposure reducing AEA levels and increasing 2-AG levels. Additionally, in almost every brain region examined, exposure to chronic stress reliably causes a downregulation or loss of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. With respect to the functional role of changes in eCB signaling during stress, studies have demonstrated that the decline in AEA appears to contribute to the manifestation of the stress response, including activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and increases in anxiety behavior, while the increased 2-AG signaling contributes to termination and adaptation of the HPA axis, as well as potentially contributing to changes in pain perception, memory and synaptic plasticity. More so, translational studies have shown that eCB signaling in humans regulates many of the same domains and appears to be a critical component of stress regulation, and impairments in this system may be involved in the vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric conditions, such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Collectively, these data create a compelling argument that eCB signaling is an important regulatory system in the brain that largely functions to buffer against many of the effects of stress and that dynamic changes in this system contribute to different aspects of the stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Morena
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Psychiatry, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt-Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada, Tel: +1 403 220 8466, Fax: +1 403 283 2700, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical data fully support the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the etiopathogenesis of several mental diseases. In this review we will briefly summarize the most common alterations in the endocannabinoid system, in terms of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid levels, present in mood disorders (anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and suicidality) as well as psychosis (schizophrenia) and autism. The arising picture for each pathology is not always straightforward; however, both animal and human studies seem to suggest that pharmacological modulation of this system might represent a novel approach for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences and Neuroscience Centre, University of Insubria, Via Manara 7, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences and Neuroscience Centre, University of Insubria, Via Manara 7, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
- Fondazione Zardi Gori, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences and Neuroscience Centre, University of Insubria, Via Manara 7, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
- Fondazione Zardi Gori, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Shonesy BC, Bluett RJ, Ramikie TS, Báldi R, Hermanson DJ, Kingsley PJ, Marnett LJ, Winder DG, Colbran RJ, Patel S. Genetic disruption of 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis reveals a key role for endocannabinoid signaling in anxiety modulation. Cell Rep 2014; 9:1644-1653. [PMID: 25466252 PMCID: PMC4268380 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling has been heavily implicated in the modulation of anxiety and depressive behaviors and emotional learning. However, the role of the most-abundant endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the physiological regulation of affective behaviors is not well understood. Here, we show that genetic deletion of the 2-AG synthetic enzyme diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα) in mice reduces brain, but not circulating, 2-AG levels. DAGLα deletion also results in anxiety-like and sex-specific anhedonic phenotypes associated with impaired activity-dependent eCB retrograde signaling at amygdala glutamatergic synapses. Importantly, acute pharmacological normalization of 2-AG levels reverses both phenotypes of DAGLα-deficient mice. These data suggest 2-AG deficiency could contribute to the pathogenesis of affective disorders and that pharmacological normalization of 2-AG signaling could represent an approach for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Shonesy
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rebecca J Bluett
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Teniel S Ramikie
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rita Báldi
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Daniel J Hermanson
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Pharmacology, A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Philip J Kingsley
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Pharmacology, A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lawrence J Marnett
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Pharmacology, A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt-Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Roger J Colbran
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt-Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt-Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Turner JR, Ray R, Lee B, Everett L, Xiang J, Jepson C, Kaestner KH, Lerman C, Blendy JA. Evidence from mouse and man for a role of neuregulin 3 in nicotine dependence. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:801-10. [PMID: 23999525 PMCID: PMC3877725 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to nicotine and the ability to quit smoking are influenced by genetic factors. We used functional genomic approaches (chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and whole-genome sequencing) to identify cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) targets following chronic nicotine administration and withdrawal (WD) in rodents. We found that chronic nicotine and WD differentially modulate CREB binding to the gene for neuregulin 3 (NRG3). Quantitative analysis of saline, nicotine and nicotine WD in two biological replicates corroborate this finding, with NRG3 increases in both mRNA and protein following WD from chronic nicotine treatment. To translate these data for human relevance, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across NRG3 were examined for association with prospective smoking cessation among smokers of European ancestry treated with transdermal nicotine in two independent cohorts. Individual SNP and haplotype analysis support the association of NRG3 SNPs and smoking cessation success. NRG3 is a neural-enriched member of the epidermal growth factor family, and a specific ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4, which is also upregulated following nicotine treatment and WD. Mice with significantly reduced levels of NRG3 or pharmacological inhibition of ErbB4 show similar reductions in anxiety following nicotine WD compared with control animals, suggesting a role for NRG3 in nicotine dependence. Although the function of the SNP in NRG3 in humans is not known, these data suggest that Nrg3/ErbB4 signaling may be an important factor in nicotine dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill R. Turner
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Riju Ray
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Bridgin Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Logan Everett
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jing Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Christopher Jepson
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Klaus H. Kaestner
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Caryn Lerman
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Julie A. Blendy
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Central anandamide deficiency predicts stress-induced anxiety: behavioral reversal through endocannabinoid augmentation. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e408. [PMID: 25004388 PMCID: PMC4119220 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a major risk factor for the development of mood and anxiety disorders; elucidation of novel approaches to mitigate the deleterious effects of stress could have broad clinical applications. Pharmacological augmentation of central endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) signaling may be an effective therapeutic strategy to mitigate the adverse behavioral and physiological consequences of stress. Here we show that acute foot-shock stress induces a transient anxiety state measured 24 h later using the light-dark box assay and novelty-induced hypophagia test. Acute pharmacological inhibition of the anandamide-degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), reverses the stress-induced anxiety state in a cannabinoid receptor-dependent manner. FAAH inhibition does not significantly affect anxiety-like behaviors in non-stressed mice. Moreover, whole brain anandamide levels are reduced 24 h after acute foot-shock stress and are negatively correlated with anxiety-like behavioral measures in the light-dark box test. These data indicate that central anandamide levels predict acute stress-induced anxiety, and that reversal of stress-induced anandamide deficiency is a key mechanism subserving the therapeutic effects of FAAH inhibition. These studies provide further support that eCB-augmentation is a viable pharmacological strategy for the treatment of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
26
|
Hill MN, Patel S. Translational evidence for the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in stress-related psychiatric illnesses. BIOLOGY OF MOOD & ANXIETY DISORDERS 2013; 3:19. [PMID: 24286185 PMCID: PMC3817535 DOI: 10.1186/2045-5380-3-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence over the past decade has highlighted an important role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in the regulation of stress and emotional behavior across divergent species, from rodents to humans. The general findings from this work indicate that the eCB system plays an important role in gating and buffering the stress response, dampening anxiety and regulating mood. Work in rodents has allowed researchers to determine the neural mechanisms mediating this relationship while work in human populations has demonstrated the possible importance of this system in stress-related psychiatric diseases, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety and major depression. These stress-protective effects of eCB signaling appear to be primarily mediated by their actions within corticolimbic structures, particularly the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date discussion of the current level of knowledge in this field, as well as address the current gaps in knowledge and specific areas of research that require attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Departments of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary AB T2N4N1, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Divergent functional effects of sazetidine-a and varenicline during nicotine withdrawal. Neuropsychopharmacology 2013; 38:2035-47. [PMID: 23624742 PMCID: PMC3746688 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Smoking is the largest preventable cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, a recent study found that <10% of quit attempts resulted in continuous abstinence for 1 year. With the introduction of pharmacotherapies like Chantix (varenicline), a selective α4β2 nicotinic partial agonist, successful quit attempts have significantly increased. Therefore, novel subtype-specific nicotinic drugs, such as sazetidine-A, present a rich area for investigation of therapeutic potential in smoking cessation. The present studies examine the anxiety-related behavioral and functional effects of the nicotinic partial agonists varenicline and sazetidine-A during withdrawal from chronic nicotine in mice. Our studies indicate that ventral hippocampal-specific infusions of sazetidine-A, but not varenicline, are efficacious in reducing nicotine withdrawal-related anxiety-like phenotypes in the novelty-induced hypophagia (NIH) paradigm. To further investigate functional differences between these partial agonists, we utilized voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSDi) in ventral hippocampal slices to determine the effects of sazetidine-A and varenicline in animals chronically treated with saline, nicotine, or undergoing 24 h withdrawal. These studies demonstrate a functional dissociation of varenicline and sazetidine-A on hippocampal network activity, which is directly related to previous drug exposure. Furthermore, the effects of the nicotinic partial agonists in VSDi assays are significantly correlated with their behavioral effects in the NIH test. These findings highlight the importance of drug history in understanding the mechanisms through which nicotinic compounds may be aiding smoking cessation in individuals experiencing withdrawal-associated anxiety.
Collapse
|