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Lafzi A, Demirci T, Yüce N, Annaç E, Çiçek M, Şişman T. A study on the possible neurotoxic effects of CUMYL-4CN-BINACA in Sprague Dawley rats. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 67:102389. [PMID: 38185093 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Substances such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol cross the blood-brain barrier. Detecting the damage of these substances in the brain provides important data in drug abuse studies. The aim of the study is to define the neurotoxicity of a novel synthetic cannabinoid (CUMYL-4CN-BINACA) in the Sprague-Dawley rats. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, behavioral, and biochemical examinations were performed to determine the acute and subacute toxicity of the cannabinoid. Three cannabinoid doses were administered for 2 days in the acute exposure groups and 14 days in the subacute exposure groups. Observations were made for 14 days and various changes such as mortality, injury, and illness were recorded daily. No mortality was determined. Serious pathological changes such as neurodegeneration, focal plague formation, vacuolation, edema, congestion, and fibrosis were observed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the brain in a dose-dependent manner. Brain tissue caspase-3 activity showed that the cannabinoid triggered apoptosis in the rat brain. The detected cellular oxidative stress (higher lipid peroxidation and lower antioxidant enzyme activity) also supported neurotoxicity. Significant behavioral abnormalities were also observed in the acute groups, while no behavioral changes were detected in the subacute groups. This study showed for the first time that CUMYL-4CN-BINACA adversely affects the rat brain. It can be estimated that the abuse of the cannabinoid may harm human health in the same way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Lafzi
- Department of Criminalistics, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Science, Atatürk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - Tuba Demirci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medicine Faculty, Atatürk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - Neslihan Yüce
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medicine Faculty, Atatürk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - Ebru Annaç
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medicine Faculty, Adıyaman University, 02040 Adıyaman, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Çiçek
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Medicine Faculty, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, 46050 Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.
| | - Turgay Şişman
- Department of Criminalistics, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Science, Atatürk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Atatürk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey.
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Papadogkonaki S, Spyridakos D, Lapokonstantaki E, Chaniotakis N, Makriyannis A, Malamas MS, Thermos K. Investigating the Effects of Exogenous and Endogenous 2-Arachidonoylglycerol on Retinal CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors and Reactive Microglia in Naive and Diseased Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15689. [PMID: 37958673 PMCID: PMC10650178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a new target for the development of retinal disease therapeutics, whose pathophysiology involves neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) affects neurons and microglia by activating CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors (Rs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 2-AG on the CB1R expression/downregulation and retinal neurons/reactive microglia, when administered repeatedly (4 d), in three different paradigms. These involved the 2-AG exogenous administration (a) intraperitoneally (i.p.) and (b) topically and (c) by enhancing the 2-AG endogenous levels via the inhibition (AM11920, i.p.) of its metabolic enzymes (MAGL/ABHD6). Sprague Dawley rats were treated as mentioned above in the presence or absence of CB1/CB2R antagonists and the excitatory amino acid, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and a 2-AG level analyses were performed. The 2-AG repeated treatment (i.p.) induced the CB1R downregulation, abolishing its neuroprotective actions. However, 2-AG attenuated the AMPA-induced activation of microglia via the CB2R, as concurred by the AM630 antagonist effect. Topically administered 2-AG was efficacious as a neuroprotectant/antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory agent. AM11920 increased the 2-AG levels providing neuroprotection against excitotoxicity and reduced microglial activation without affecting the CB1R expression. Our findings show that 2-AG, in the three paradigms studied, displays differential pharmacological profiles in terms of the downregulation of the CB1R and neuroprotection. All treatments, however, attenuated the activation of microglia via the CB2R activation, supporting the anti-inflammatory role of 2-AG in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Papadogkonaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (S.P.); (D.S.)
| | - Dimitris Spyridakos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (S.P.); (D.S.)
| | | | - Nikos Chaniotakis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (E.L.); (N.C.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.M.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Michael S. Malamas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.M.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Kyriaki Thermos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (S.P.); (D.S.)
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Abdelmoneim WM, Bakr MH, Ghandour NM, Mohammed MK, Fawzy M, Ramadan AG, Abdellah NZ. Cytotoxicity associated with acute and chronic administration of synthetic cannabinoids “Strox” in the brain, liver, heart, and testes of male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-023-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances that invaded Egypt’s drug abuse market over the past few years.
Aim
Randomized controlled trial study to demonstrate the effects of acute and chronic toxicity by synthetic cannabinoid (Strox) on the brain, liver, heart, and testes in adult male albino rats through histopathological examination by light microscope and immunohistochemistry.
Methods
Total number of fifty male albino rats were divided into five different groups, two control and three treated groups. Negative and positive control groups received distilled water and dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, acute group received LD50 (lethal dose 50) once and observed for 14 days, chronic group received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months, and finally chronic withdrawal groups received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months and then left 2 weeks without the substance to observe the withdrawal manifestations.
Results
The current study revealed various histopathological changes in all organs with increased expression of cannabinoid receptor 1. The most important findings observed by light microscope examination were shrinkage and degenerative changes in Purkinje cells in brain sections, abnormalities in blood sinusoids and architecture in liver section, disruption in cardiac muscle fiber in heart sections, and finally testes showed irregularities in seminiferous tubules and germinal cells. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 in the brain, liver, and heart showed weak-positive reaction in acute group and a strong reaction with chronic groups. Additionally, increase in collagen fiber was observed in sections of the liver and heart of chronic group.
Conclusions
Synthetic cannabinoid sample (Strox) toxicity caused adverse effects on the brain, liver, heart, and testes as shown by increasing cannabinoid receptor 1 and caspase-3 expression.
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Spyridakos D, Papadogkonaki S, Dionysopoulou S, Mastrodimou N, Polioudaki H, Thermos K. Effect of acute and subchronic administration of (R)-WIN55,212-2 induced neuroprotection and anti inflammatory actions in rat retina: CB1 and CB2 receptor involvement. Neurochem Int 2020; 142:104907. [PMID: 33220388 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids have been shown to protect the retina from ischemic/excitotoxic insults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of the synthetic cannabinoid (R)-WIN55,212-2 (CB1/CB2 receptor agonist) when administered acutely or subchronically in control and AMPA treated retinas. Sprague-Dawley rats were intravitreally administered (acutely) with vehicle or AMPA, in the absence or presence of (R)-WIN55,212-2 (10-7-10-4M) alone or in combination with AM251 [CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist,10-4M] and AM630 (CB2 receptor antagonist,10-4M). In addition, AMPA was co-administered with the racemic (R,S)-WIN55,212 (10-4Μ). (R)-WIN55,212-2 was also administered subchronically (25,100 μg/kg,i.p.,4d) in control and AMPA treated rats. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using antibodies against the CB1R, and retinal markers for retinal neurons (brain nitric oxide synthetase, bNOS) and microglia (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, Iba1). ELISA assay was employed to assess TNFα levels in AMPA treated retinas. Intravitreal administration of (R)-WIN55,212-2 reversed the AMPA induced loss of bNOS expressing amacrine cells, an effect that was blocked by both AM251 and AM630. (R,S)WIN55,212 had no effect. (R)-WIN55,212-2 also reduced a) the AMPA induced activation of microglia, by activating CB2 receptors that were shown to be colocalized with Iba1+ reactive microglial cells, and b) TNFα levels in retina. (R)-WIN55,212-2 administered subchronically led to the downregulation of CB1 receptors at the high dose of 100 μg/kg(i.p.), and to the attenuation of the WIN55,212-2 induced neuroprotection of amacrine cells. At the same dose, (R)-WIN55,212-2 did not attenuate the AMPA induced increase in the number of reactive microglia cells, suggesting CB2 receptor downregulation under subchronic conditions. This study provides new findings regarding the role of CB1 and CB2 receptor activation by the synthetic cannabinoid (R)-WIN55,212-2, administered acutely or sub-chronically, on neuron viability and microglia activation in healthy and diseased retina.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage
- Benzoxazines/administration & dosage
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Male
- Morpholines/administration & dosage
- Naphthalenes/administration & dosage
- Neuroprotective Agents/administration & dosage
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Retina/drug effects
- Retina/metabolism
- alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid/toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Spyridakos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
| | - Sofia Papadogkonaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
| | - Stavroula Dionysopoulou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
| | - Niki Mastrodimou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
| | - Hara Polioudaki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
| | - Kyriaki Thermos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, 71003, Greece.
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Murphy T, Le Foll B. Targeting the Endocannabinoid CB1 Receptor to Treat Body Weight Disorders: A Preclinical and Clinical Review of the Therapeutic Potential of Past and Present CB1 Drugs. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060855. [PMID: 32512776 PMCID: PMC7356944 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity rates are increasing worldwide and there is a need for novel therapeutic treatment options. The endocannabinoid system has been linked to homeostatic processes, including metabolism, food intake, and the regulation of body weight. Rimonabant, an inverse agonist for the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, was effective at producing weight loss in obese subjects. However, due to adverse psychiatric side effects, rimonabant was removed from the market. More recently, we reported an inverse relationship between cannabis use and BMI, which has now been duplicated by several groups. As those results may appear contradictory, we review here preclinical and clinical studies that have studied the impact on body weight of various cannabinoid CB1 drugs. Notably, we will review the impact of CB1 inverse agonists, agonists, partial agonists, and neutral antagonists. Those findings clearly point out the cannabinoid CB1 as a potential effective target for the treatment of obesity. Recent preclinical studies suggest that ligands targeting the CB1 may retain the therapeutic potential of rimonabant without the negative side effect profile. Such approaches should be tested in clinical trials for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Murphy
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Acute Care Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Brain and Therapeutics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-535-8501
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Papadogkonaki S, Theodorakis Κ, Thermos K. Endogenous and synthetic cannabinoids induce the downregulation of cannabinoid CB1 receptor in retina. Exp Eye Res 2019; 185:107694. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Palamar JJ, Le A. Use of new and uncommon synthetic psychoactive drugs among a nationally representative sample in the United States, 2005-2017. Hum Psychopharmacol 2019; 34:e2690. [PMID: 30843283 PMCID: PMC6534815 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to examine patterns and first mentions of reported use of new or uncommon drugs across 13 years, among nationally representative samples in the United States. METHODS Participants (ages ≥12) in the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (2005-2017, N = 730,418) were provided opportunities to type in names of new or uncommon drugs they had ever used that were not specifically queried. We examined self-reported use across survey years and determined years of first mentions. RESULTS From 2005 to 2017, there were 2,343 type-in responses for use of 79 new or uncommon synthetic drugs, and 54 were first-ever mentions of these drugs. The majority (65.8%) of mentions were phenethylamines (e.g., 2C-x, NBOMe), which were also the plurality of new drug mentions (n = 22; 40.7%). Mentions of 2C-x drugs in particular increased from 30 mentions in 2005 to 147 mentions in 2013. We estimate an upward trend in use of new or uncommon drugs between 2005 and 2017 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Although type-in responses on surveys are limited and underestimate prevalence of use, such responses can help inform researchers when new compounds are used. Continued surveillance of use of new and uncommon drugs is needed to inform adequate public health response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Austin Le
- Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York, USA
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8
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Delis F, Rosko L, Shroff A, Leonard KE, Thanos PK. Oral haloperidol or olanzapine intake produces distinct and region-specific increase in cannabinoid receptor levels that is prevented by high fat diet. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 79:268-280. [PMID: 28619471 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies show higher levels of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) in the brain of schizophrenic patients while preclinical studies report a significant functional interaction between dopamine D2 receptors and CB1Rs as well as an upregulation of CB1Rs after antipsychotic treatment. These findings prompted us to study the effects of chronic oral intake of a first and a second generation antipsychotic, haloperidol and olanzapine, on the levels and distribution of CB1Rs in the rat brain. Rats consumed either regular chow or high-fat food and drank water, haloperidol drinking solution (1.5mg/kg), or olanzapine drinking solution (10mg/kg) for four weeks. Motor and cognitive functions were tested at the end of treatment week 3 and upon drug discontinuation. Two days after drug discontinuation, rats were euthanized and brains were processed for in vitro receptor autoradiography. In chow-fed animals, haloperidol and olanzapine increased CB1R levels in the basal ganglia and the hippocampus, in a similar, but not identical pattern. In addition, olanzapine had unique effects in CB1R upregulation in higher order cognitive areas, in the secondary somatosensory cortex, in the visual and auditory cortices and the geniculate nuclei, as well as in the hypothalamus. High fat food consumption prevented antipsychotic-induced increase in CB1R levels in all regions examined, with one exception, the globus pallidus, in which they were higher in haloperidol-treated rats. The results point towards the hypothesis that increased CB1R levels could be a confounding effect of antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia that is circumveneted by high fat feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Lauren Rosko
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Aditya Shroff
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Kenneth E Leonard
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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Palamar JJ, Barratt MJ, Coney L, Martins SS. Synthetic Cannabinoid Use Among High School Seniors. Pediatrics 2017; 140:peds.2017-1330. [PMID: 28893851 PMCID: PMC5613996 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-1330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we examined the prevalence and correlates of current synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use among high school seniors in the United States. METHODS Monitoring the Future, an annual nationally representative survey of high school seniors, began querying current (30-day) SC use in 2014. Data were examined from the 2 most recent cohorts (2014-2015; N = 7805). Prevalence of self-reported use was examined and differences in demographics and recency and frequency of other drug use was compared between current marijuana-only users and current SC (plus marijuana) users using χ2 and generalized linear model using Poisson. RESULTS We found that 2.9% of students reported current SC use; 1.4% of students (49.7% of users) reported using SCs on ≥3 days in the past month. SC users were more likely to report more recent (and often more frequent) use of lysergic acid diethylamide, cocaine, heroin, and/or nonmedical use of opioids compared with marijuana-only users. Compared with current marijuana-only users, SC users were more likely to report lower parent education (P < .05) and current use of a higher number of illegal drugs other than marijuana (Ps < .001). Students using SCs ≥10 times in the past month were more likely to be boys, frequent marijuana users (Ps < .01), African American, and users of multiple other illegal drugs (Ps < .001). CONCLUSIONS SC use is typically part of a repertoire of polydrug use, and polydrug use is less prevalent among marijuana-only users. Current SC users are at risk for poisoning from use of the newest generation of SCs and from concurrent drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Palamar
- Department of Population Health, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Monica J. Barratt
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia;,National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia;,Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and
| | - Leigh Coney
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Silvia S. Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Kevin RC, Wood KE, Stuart J, Mitchell AJ, Moir M, Banister SD, Kassiou M, McGregor IS. Acute and residual effects in adolescent rats resulting from exposure to the novel synthetic cannabinoids AB-PINACA and AB-FUBINACA. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:757-769. [PMID: 28093016 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116684336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have rapidly proliferated as recreational drugs, and may present a substantial health risk to vulnerable populations. However, information on possible effects of long-term use is sparse. This study compared acute and residual effects of the popular indazole carboxamide SC compounds AB-PINACA and AB-FUBINACA in adolescent rats with ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and control treatments. Albino Wistar rats were injected (i.p.) with AB-PINACA or AB-FUBINACA every second day (beginning post-natal day (PND) 31), first at a low dose (0.2 mg/kg on 6 days) followed by a higher dose (1 mg/kg on a further 6 days). THC-treated rats received equivalent doses of 6 × 1 mg/kg and 6 × 5 mg/kg. During drug treatment, THC, AB-PINACA, and AB-FUBINACA decreased locomotor activity at high and low doses, increased anxiety-like behaviours and audible vocalisations, and reduced weight gain. Two weeks after dosing was completed, all cannabinoid pre-treated rats exhibited object recognition memory deficits. These were notably more severe in rats pre-treated with AB-FUBINACA. However, social interaction was reduced in the THC pre-treated group only. Six weeks post-dosing, plasma levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-12 were reduced by AB-FUBINACA pre-treatment, while cerebellar endocannabinoids were reduced by THC and AB-PINACA pre-treatment. The acute effects of AB-PINACA and AB-FUBINACA were broadly similar to those of THC, suggesting that acute SC toxicity in humans may be modulated by dose factors, including inadvertent overdose and product contamination. However, some lasting residual effects of these different cannabinoid receptor agonists were subtly different, hinting at recruitment of different mechanisms of neuroadaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Kevin
- 1 School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katie E Wood
- 1 School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jordyn Stuart
- 1 School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew J Mitchell
- 2 Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Moir
- 3 School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Michael Kassiou
- 3 School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- 1 School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Nasehi M, Kamali-Dolatabadi L, Torabi-Nami M, Zarrindast MR. Possible involvement of the CA1 GABAA receptors upon acquisition and expression of the ACPA-induced place preference in mice. Physiol Behav 2016; 161:155-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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12
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Castaneto MS, Gorelick DA, Desrosiers NA, Hartman RL, Pirard S, Huestis MA. Synthetic cannabinoids: epidemiology, pharmacodynamics, and clinical implications. Drug Alcohol Depend 2014; 144:12-41. [PMID: 25220897 PMCID: PMC4253059 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 425] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) are a heterogeneous group of compounds developed to probe the endogenous cannabinoid system or as potential therapeutics. Clandestine laboratories subsequently utilized published data to develop SC variations marketed as abusable designer drugs. In the early 2000s, SC became popular as "legal highs" under brand names such as Spice and K2, in part due to their ability to escape detection by standard cannabinoid screening tests. The majority of SC detected in herbal products have greater binding affinity to the cannabinoid CB1 receptor than does Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, and greater affinity at the CB1 than the CB2 receptor. In vitro and animal in vivo studies show SC pharmacological effects 2-100 times more potent than THC, including analgesic, anti-seizure, weight-loss, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer growth effects. SC produce physiological and psychoactive effects similar to THC, but with greater intensity, resulting in medical and psychiatric emergencies. Human adverse effects include nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath or depressed breathing, hypertension, tachycardia, chest pain, muscle twitches, acute renal failure, anxiety, agitation, psychosis, suicidal ideation, and cognitive impairment. Long-term or residual effects are unknown. Due to these public health consequences, many SC are classified as controlled substances. However, frequent structural modification by clandestine laboratories results in a stream of novel SC that may not be legally controlled or detectable by routine laboratory tests. METHODS We present here a comprehensive review, based on a systematic electronic literature search, of SC epidemiology and pharmacology and their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol S Castaneto
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States; Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David A Gorelick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nathalie A Desrosiers
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States; Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca L Hartman
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States; Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sandrine Pirard
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Repeated administration of a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist differentially affects cortical and accumbal neuronal morphology in adolescent and adult rats. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 221:407-19. [PMID: 25348266 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate a differential trajectory for cannabinoid receptor expression in cortical and sub-cortical brain areas across postnatal development. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether chronic systemic exposure to a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist causes morphological changes in the structure of dendrites and dendritic spines in adolescent and adult pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and medium spiny neurons (MSN) in the nucleus accumbens (Acb). Following systemic administration of WIN 55,212-2 in adolescent (PN 37-40) and adult (P55-60) male rats, the neuronal architecture of pyramidal neurons and MSN was assessed using Golgi-Cox staining. While no structural changes were observed in WIN 55,212-2-treated adolescent subjects compared to control, exposure to WIN 55,212-2 significantly increased dendritic length, spine density and the number of dendritic branches in pyramidal neurons in the mPFC of adult subjects when compared to control and adolescent subjects. In the Acb, WIN 55,212-2 exposure significantly decreased dendritic length and number of branches in adult rat subjects while no changes were observed in the adolescent groups. In contrast, spine density was significantly decreased in both the adult and adolescent groups in the Acb. To determine whether regional developmental morphological changes translated into behavioral differences, WIN 55,212-2-induced aversion was evaluated in both groups using a conditioned place preference paradigm. In adult rats, WIN 55,212-2 administration readily induced conditioned place aversion as previously described. In contrast, adolescent rats did not exhibit aversion following WIN 55,212-2 exposure in the behavioral paradigm. The present results show that synthetic cannabinoid administration differentially impacts cortical and sub-cortical neuronal morphology in adult compared to adolescent subjects. Such differences may underlie the disparate development effects of cannabinoids on behavior.
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Zuardi AW, Guimarães FS, Hallak JEC, Crippa JAS. Is the highest density of CB1 receptors in paranoid schizophrenia a correlate of endocannabinoid system functioning? Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 11:1111-4. [DOI: 10.1586/ern.11.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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15
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Nguyen VH, Wang H, Verdurand M, Zavitsanou K. Differential treatment regimen-related effects of HU210 on CB(1) and D(2)-like receptor functionality in the rat basal ganglia. Pharmacology 2012; 89:64-73. [PMID: 22301450 DOI: 10.1159/000335368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Functional linkages between the cannabinoid CB(1) and the dopaminergic systems have been reported although the observations and the mechanisms hypothesizing their interactions at the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) functionality level are conflicting. METHODS Administration of a potent cannabinoid agonist, HU210, at various doses (25-100 μg/kg) and treatment regimens (1- to 14-day treatment) in rats was carried out to investigate the effect of HU210 treatment on the CB(1) and D(2)-like agonist-mediated GPCR activation. RESULTS The desensitizations (reduced coupling) of both D(2) agonist- and CB(1) agonist-mediated GPCR activation was found to be treatment duration dependent and region specific, suggesting implication of receptor tolerance and adaptation due to the cannabinoid treatment. The effect of HU210 on the CB(1) agonist-mediated GPCR desensitization in all treatment groups was not dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS The desensitization of D(2)-like receptors found after a cannabinoid treatment in this study strengthens the evidence that the two neurotransmitter systems interact at the intercellular level; this interaction might occur via multiple mechanisms, which also vary according to region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu H Nguyen
- LifeSciences Division, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, N.S.W., Australia.
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16
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Verdurand M, Nguyen V, Stark D, Zahra D, Gregoire MC, Greguric I, Zavitsanou K. Comparison of Cannabinoid CB(1) Receptor Binding in Adolescent and Adult Rats: A Positron Emission Tomography Study Using [F]MK-9470. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR IMAGING 2011; 2011:548123. [PMID: 22187642 PMCID: PMC3236487 DOI: 10.1155/2011/548123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the important role of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors (CB(1)R) in brain development, little is known about their status during adolescence, a critical period for both the development of psychosis and for initiation to substance abuse. In the present study, we assessed the ontogeny of CB(1)R in adolescent and adult rats in vivo using positron emission tomography with [(18)F]MK-9470. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to control for body weight that would potentially influence [(18)F]MK-9470 values between the two groups revealed a main effect of age (F(1,109)=5.0, P = 0.02) on [(18)F]MK-9470 absolute binding (calculated as percentage of injected dose) with adult estimated marginal means being higher compared to adolescents amongst 11 brain regions. This finding was confirmed using in vitro autoradiography with [(3)H]CP55,940 (F(10,99)=140.1, P < 0.0001). This ontogenetic pattern, suggesting increase of CB(1)R during the transition from adolescence to adulthood, is the opposite of most other neuroreceptor systems undergoing pruning during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Verdurand
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
- ANSTO LifeSciences, ANSTO, PMB 1 Menai, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vu Nguyen
- ANSTO LifeSciences, ANSTO, PMB 1 Menai, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniela Stark
- ANSTO LifeSciences, ANSTO, PMB 1 Menai, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Zahra
- ANSTO LifeSciences, ANSTO, PMB 1 Menai, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Ivan Greguric
- ANSTO LifeSciences, ANSTO, PMB 1 Menai, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katerina Zavitsanou
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Nguyen VH, Verdurand M, Dedeurwaerdere S, Wang H, Zahra D, Gregoire MC, Zavitsanou K. Increased brain metabolism after acute administration of the synthetic cannabinoid HU210: a small animal PET imaging study with 18F-FDG. Brain Res Bull 2011; 87:172-9. [PMID: 22155282 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use has been shown to alter brain metabolism in both rat models and humans although the observations between both species are conflicting. In the present study, we examined the short term effects of a single-dose injection of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist HU210 on glucose metabolism in the rat brain using small animal (18)F-2-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) 15 min (Day 1) and 24h (Day 2) post-injection of the agonist in the same animal. Young adult male Wistar rats received an intra-peritoneal injection of HU210 (100 μg/kg, n=7) or vehicle (n=5) on Day 1. Approximately 1mCi of (18)F-FDG was injected intravenously into each animal at 15 min (Day 1) and 24h (Day 2) post-injection of HU210. A 5-min Computer Tomography (CT) scan followed by a 20-min PET scan was performed 40 min after each (18)F-FDG injection. Standardised Uptake Values (SUVs) were calculated for 10 brain regions of interest (ROIs). Global increased SUVs in the whole brain, hence global brain metabolism, were observed following HU210 treatment on Day 1 compared to the controls (21%, P<0.0001), but not in individual brain regions. On Day 2, however, no statistically significant differences were observed between the treated and control groups. At the 24h time point (Day 2), SUVs in the HU210 treated group returned to control levels (21-30% decrease compared to Day 1), in all ROIs investigated (P<0.0001). In the control group, SUVs did not differ between the two acquisition days in all brain regions. The present results suggest that high-dose HU210 increases brain glucose metabolism in the rat brain shortly after administration, in line with normalised human in vivo studies, an effect that was no longer apparent 24 h later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu H Nguyen
- ANSTO LifeSciences, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia.
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18
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Paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by increased CB1 receptor binding in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:1620-30. [PMID: 21471953 PMCID: PMC3138655 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies suggest a dysregulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system in schizophrenia (SCZ). In the present study, we examined cannabinoid CB(1) receptor (CB(1)R) binding and mRNA expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (Brodmann's area 46) of SCZ patients and controls, post-mortem. Receptor density was investigated using autoradiography with the CB(1)R ligand [(3)H] CP 55,940 and CB(1)R mRNA expression was measured using quantitative RT-PCR in a cohort of 16 patients with paranoid SCZ, 21 patients with non-paranoid SCZ and 37 controls matched for age, post-mortem interval and pH. All cases were obtained from the University of Sydney Tissue Resource Centre. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni tests and with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to control for demographic factors that would potentially influence CB(1)R expression. There was a main effect of diagnosis on [(3)H] CP 55,940 binding quantified across all layers of the DLPFC (F(2,71) = 3.740, p = 0.029). Post hoc tests indicated that this main effect was due to patients with paranoid SCZ having 22% higher levels of CB(1)R binding compared with the control group. When ANCOVA was employed, this effect was strengthened (F(2,67) = 6.048, p = 0.004) with paranoid SCZ patients differing significantly from the control (p = 0.004) and from the non-paranoid group (p = 0.016). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in mRNA expression between the different disease subtypes and the control group. Our findings confirm the existence of a CB(1)R dysregulation in SCZ and underline the need for further investigation of the role of this receptor particularly in those diagnosed with paranoid SCZ.
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Song D, Bandsma RHJ, Xiao C, Xi L, Shao W, Jin T, Lewis GF. Acute cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) modulation influences insulin sensitivity by an effect outside the central nervous system in mice. Diabetologia 2011; 54:1181-9. [PMID: 21340622 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-011-2082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Modulation of central nervous system (CNS) and extra-CNS cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) affects metabolic conditions, independently of weight loss. Here we examined the relative contributions of acute CNS and extra-CNS CB1R modulation on insulin sensitivity using pharmacological gain- and loss-of-function of CB1R in mice. METHODS We assessed the effects of acute modulation of CB1R on insulin sensitivity and tissue glucose uptake by administering a CB1R agonist (HU210) and antagonist (AM251) (vs vehicle) i.v. in wild-type mice. In addition, we administered a CB1R agonist (vs vehicle) systemically (i.v.) to Cb1r (also known as Cnr1) knockout (Cb1r (-/-)) mice or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) in wild-type mice to elucidate the peripheral vs CNS-mediated regulatory effect of CB1R on insulin sensitivity. RESULTS HU210 induced significant insulin resistance in wild-type mice with a reduction of whole-body glucose disappearance rate and muscle Akt phosphorylation, as well as of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, but not by adipose tissue, changes that were prevented by pretreatment with AM251. HU210 did not affect insulin sensitivity in Cb1r (-/-) mice, suggesting that the observed effects were mediated through CB1R. HU210 administered i.c.v. did not induce insulin resistance, suggesting that acute stimulation of CNS CB1R was not required for this effect. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity is affected by acute CB1R modulation. These changes are mediated by extra-CNS CB1R, probably by the receptors in skeletal muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Song
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dalton VS, Zavitsanou K. Cannabinoid effects on CB1 receptor density in the adolescent brain: an autoradiographic study using the synthetic cannabinoid HU210. Synapse 2011; 64:845-54. [PMID: 20842718 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The short- and long-term behavioral effects of cannabinoids differ in adolescent and adult rodents. Few studies though have examined the underlying neurochemical changes that occur in the brain following adolescent cannabinoid exposure. In this study, we examined the effect of treatment with the synthetic cannabinoid, HU210, on CB1 receptor density in the brain and on body weight in adolescent male rats. Rats were treated daily with 25, 50, or 100 μg/kg HU210 for 4 or 14 days, or received a single dose of 100 μg/kg HU210 and sacrificed 24 h later. Receptor density was investigated using in vitro autoradiography with the CB1 receptor ligand [(3)H] CP55,940. In contrast to adult animals treated under the same paradigm in a previous study, adolescents continued on average, to gain weight over the course of the study. Weight gain was slowest in the 100 μg/kg group and improved dose dependently with controls gaining the most weight. Following the acute dose of HU210, a trend for a reduction in [(3)H] CP55,940 binding and a significant effect of treatment was observed. Statistically significant, dose-dependent, region-specific decreases in binding were observed in all brain regions examined following 4 and 14 days treatment. The pattern of CB1 receptor downregulation was similar to that observed in adults treated with cannabinoids in previous studies; however, its magnitude was smaller in adolescents. This reduced compensatory response may contribute to some acute behavioral effects, the pharmacological cross-tolerance and the long-lasting, adverse psychological consequences of cannabinoid exposure during adolescence.
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Cannabinoid administration increases 5HT1A receptor binding and mRNA expression in the hippocampus of adult but not adolescent rats. Neuroscience 2010; 169:315-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2009] [Revised: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Differential treatment regimen-related effects of cannabinoids on D1 and D2 receptors in adolescent and adult rat brain. J Chem Neuroanat 2010; 40:272-80. [PMID: 20673846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2010.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Animal studies suggest differential effects of cannabinoids on dopamine-related behaviours in adolescence and adulthood however few studies have investigated the underlying neurochemical effects of cannabinoids during adolescence. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of treatment with the synthetic cannabinoid, HU210, on dopamine receptor density in adolescent and adult rats. Adolescent (postnatal day (PND) 35) and adult (PND 70) rats received a single dose of 100μg/kg HU210 or 25, 50 or 100μg/kg HU210 for 4 or 14 days. Dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) or D2 receptor (D2R) density was measured in the medial and lateral (CPUL) caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle (TU) and substantia nigra (D1R only) using in vitro autoradiography. D1R and D2R densities were 1.6-1.7- and 1.1-1.4-fold higher respectively in adolescent control rats compared to adults. In adult rats, D1R density was increased by 1.2- and 1.3-fold (p<0.05) in CPUL and TU respectively compared to controls, after 14 days of HU210 treatment. A significant overall effect of treatment (p<0.05) on D2R density was also observed in adults after the single dose and 4 and 14 days administration of HU210. In adolescents, an overall effect of treatment on D1R density after a single exposure to HU210 was seen (p=0.0026) but no changes in D1R or D2R densities were observed in other treatment groups. These results suggest that the adolescent rat brain does not display the same compensatory mechanisms activated in the adult brain following cannabinoid treatment.
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Verdurand M, Dalton VS, Zavitsanou K. GABA(A) receptor density is altered by cannabinoid treatment in the hippocampus of adult but not adolescent rats. Brain Res 2010; 1351:238-245. [PMID: 20599838 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/10/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are known to induce transient psychotic symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in healthy individuals and contribute to trigger schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals, particularly during adolescence. Converging preclinical evidence suggests important interactions between cannabinoid and GABAergic systems. In the present study, we compared the effects of cannabinoid treatment on GABA(A) receptor binding in the brain of adolescent and adult rats. Adolescent (5 weeks old) and adult (10 weeks old) rats were treated with the synthetic cannabinoid HU210 (25, 50 or 100 microg/kg/day) or vehicle for 1, 4 or 14 days. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection and GABA(A) receptor density was measured in several brain regions using [(35)S]TBPS and in vitro autoradiography. Adolescent rats had higher numbers of GABA(A) receptors compared to adults. A 24% increase of binding in adult rats treated with 100 microg/kg HU210 for 14 days compared to controls was observed in the CA1 region of the hippocampus (16.1 versus 12.9 fmol/mg tissue equivalent, t=2.720, p<0.05). HU210 did not affect GABA(A) receptors in adolescent rats in any treatment regimen and in adult rats treated with HU210 for 1 or 4 days. These data suggest that long-term, high-dose treatment with HU210 increases GABA(A) receptors in the hippocampus of adult rats, changes that may interfere with associated hippocampal cognitive functions such as learning and memory. In addition, our results suggest that the adolescent brain does not display the same compensatory mechanisms that are activated in the adult brain following cannabinoid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Verdurand
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, Australia; ANSTO Life Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Katerina Zavitsanou
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, Australia; ANSTO Life Sciences, Sydney, Australia.
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Batetta B, Griinari M, Carta G, Murru E, Ligresti A, Cordeddu L, Giordano E, Sanna F, Bisogno T, Uda S, Collu M, Bruheim I, Di Marzo V, Banni S. Endocannabinoids may mediate the ability of (n-3) fatty acids to reduce ectopic fat and inflammatory mediators in obese Zucker rats. J Nutr 2009; 139:1495-501. [PMID: 19549757 DOI: 10.3945/jn.109.104844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary (n-3) long-chain PUFA [(n-3) LCPUFA] ameliorate several metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, although the mechanisms of these beneficial effects are not fully understood. In this study, we compared the effects of dietary (n-3) LCPUFA, in the form of either fish oil (FO) or krill oil (KO) balanced for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content, with a control (C) diet containing no EPA and DHA and similar contents of oleic, linoleic, and alpha-linolenic acids, on ectopic fat and inflammation in Zucker rats, a model of obesity and related metabolic dysfunction. Diets were fed for 4 wk. Given the emerging evidence for an association between elevated endocannabinoid concentrations and metabolic syndrome, we also measured tissue endocannabinoid concentrations. In (n-3) LCPUFA-supplemented rats, liver triglycerides and the peritoneal macrophage response to an inflammatory stimulus were significantly lower than in rats fed the control diet, and heart triglycerides were lower, but only in KO-fed rats. These effects were associated with a lower concentration of the endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, in the visceral adipose tissue and of anandamide in the liver and heart, which, in turn, was associated with lower levels of arachidonic acid in membrane phospholipids, but not with higher activity of endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes. Our data suggest that the beneficial effects of a diet enriched with (n-3) LCPUFA are the result of changes in membrane fatty acid composition. The reduction of substrates for inflammatory molecules and endocannabinoids may account for the dampened inflammatory response and the physiological reequilibration of body fat deposition in obese rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Batetta
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari 09100, Italy
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