1
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Iyer V, Saberi SA, Pacheco R, Sizemore EF, Stockman S, Kulkarni A, Cantwell L, Thakur GA, Hohmann AG. Negative allosteric modulation of CB 1 cannabinoid receptor signaling suppresses opioid-mediated tolerance and withdrawal without blocking opioid antinociception. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110052. [PMID: 38936657 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The direct blockade of CB1 cannabinoid receptors produces therapeutic effects as well as adverse side-effects that limit their clinical potential. CB1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) represent an indirect approach to decrease the affinity and/or efficacy of orthosteric cannabinoid ligands or endocannabinoids at CB1. We recently reported that GAT358, a CB1-NAM, blocked opioid-induced mesocorticolimbic dopamine release and reward via a CB1-allosteric mechanism of action. Whether a CB1-NAM dampens opioid-mediated therapeutic effects such as analgesia or alters other unwanted opioid side-effects remain unknown. Here, we characterized the effects of GAT358 on nociceptive behaviors in the presence and absence of morphine in male rats. We examined the impact of GAT358 on formalin-evoked pain behavior and Fos protein expression, a marker of neuronal activation, in the lumbar spinal cord. We also assessed the impact of GAT358 on morphine-induced slowing of colonic transit, tolerance, and withdrawal behaviors in male mice. GAT358 attenuated morphine antinociceptive tolerance without blocking acute antinociception and reduced morphine-induced slowing of colonic motility without impacting fecal boli production. GAT358 also produced antinociception in the presence and absence of morphine in the formalin model of inflammatory nociception and reduced the number of formalin-evoked Fos protein-like immunoreactive cells in the lumbar spinal cord. Finally, GAT358 mitigated the somatic signs of naloxone-precipitated, but not spontaneous, opioid withdrawal following chronic morphine dosing. Our results support the therapeutic potential of CB1-NAMs as novel drug candidates aimed at preserving opioid-mediated analgesia while preventing their unwanted side-effects. Our studies also uncover previously unrecognized antinociceptive properties associated with an arrestin-biased CB1-NAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakh Iyer
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Shahin A Saberi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Romario Pacheco
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Emily Fender Sizemore
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Sarah Stockman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Abhijit Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lucas Cantwell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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2
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Cui D, Zhang Y, Zhang M. The effect of cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist on morphine tolerance. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:43-50. [PMID: 38145173 PMCID: PMC10733637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain highly impacts the quality of life of patients. Morphine is used for pain treatment; however, its side effects, especially morphine tolerance, limit its use in the clinic. The problem of morphine tolerance has plagued health workers and patients for years. Unfortunately, the exact mechanism of morphine tolerance has not been fully clarified. The mechanisms of morphine tolerance that are currently being studied may include μ-opioid receptor (MOR) desensitization and internalization, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation and crosstalk, the effects of microglia and the increase in inflammatory factors. Morphine tolerance can be alleviated by improving the pathophysiological changes that lead to morphine tolerance. Previous studies have shown that a cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor agonist could attenuate morphine tolerance in a variety of animal models. Many studies have shown an interaction between the cannabinoid system and the opioid system. The CB2 receptor may modulate the effect of morphine through a pathway that is common to the MOR, since both receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This study introduces the potential mechanism of morphine tolerance and the effect of CB2 receptor agonists on reducing morphine tolerance, which can provide new ideas for researchers studying morphine and provide beneficial effects for patients suffering from morphine tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Mingyue Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
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3
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Iyer V, Saberi SA, Pacheco R, Sizemore EF, Stockman S, Kulkarni A, Cantwell L, Thakur GA, Hohmann AG. Negative allosteric modulation of cannabinoid CB 1 receptor signaling suppresses opioid-mediated tolerance and withdrawal without blocking opioid antinociception. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.06.574477. [PMID: 38260598 PMCID: PMC10802405 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.06.574477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The direct blockade of CB 1 cannabinoid receptors produces therapeutic effects as well as adverse side-effects that limit their clinical potential. CB 1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) represent an indirect approach to decrease the affinity and/or efficacy of orthosteric cannabinoid ligands or endocannabinoids at CB 1 . We recently reported that GAT358, a CB 1 -NAM, blocked opioid-induced mesocorticolimbic dopamine release and reward via a CB 1 -allosteric mechanism of action. Whether a CB 1 -NAM dampens opioid-mediated therapeutic effects such as analgesia or alters other unwanted side-effects of opioids remain unknown. Here, we characterized the effects of GAT358 on nociceptive behaviors in the presence and absence of morphine. We examined the impact of GAT358 on formalin-evoked pain behavior and Fos protein expression, a marker of neuronal activation, in the lumbar dorsal horn. We also assessed the impact of GAT358 on morphine-induced slowing of colonic transit, tolerance, and withdrawal behaviors. GAT358 attenuated morphine antinociceptive tolerance without blocking acute antinociception. GAT358 also reduced morphine-induced slowing of colonic motility without impacting fecal boli production. GAT358 produced antinociception in the presence and absence of morphine in the formalin model of inflammatory nociception and reduced the number of formalin-evoked Fos protein-like immunoreactive cells in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn. Finally, GAT358 mitigated the somatic signs of naloxone-precipitated, but not spontaneous, opioid withdrawal following chronic morphine dosing in mice. Our results support the therapeutic potential of CB 1 -NAMs as novel drug candidates aimed at preserving opioid-mediated analgesia while preventing their unwanted side-effects. Our studies also uncover previously unrecognized antinociceptive properties associated with an arrestin-biased CB 1 -NAMs. Highlights CB 1 negative allosteric modulator (NAM) GAT358 attenuated morphine tolerance GAT358 reduced morphine-induced slowing of colonic motility but not fecal productionGAT358 was antinociceptive for formalin pain alone and when combined with morphineGAT358 reduced formalin-evoked Fos protein expression in the lumbar spinal cordGAT358 mitigated naloxone precipitated withdrawal after chronic morphine dosing.
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4
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Grabon W, Rheims S, Smith J, Bodennec J, Belmeguenai A, Bezin L. CB2 receptor in the CNS: from immune and neuronal modulation to behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105226. [PMID: 37164044 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite low levels of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) expression in the central nervous system in human and rodents, a growing body of evidence shows CB2R involvement in many processes at the behavioral level, through both immune and neuronal modulations. Recent in vitro and in vivo evidence have highlighted the complex role of CB2R under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Under neuroinflammatory states, its activation seems to protect the brain and its functions, making it a promising target in a wide range of neurological disorders. Here, we provide a complete and updated overview of CB2R function in the central nervous system of rodents, spanning from modulation of immune function in microglia but also in other cell types, to behavior and neuronal activity, in both physiological and neuroinflammatory contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Grabon
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France.
| | - Sylvain Rheims
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France; Department of Functional Neurology and Epileptology, Hospices Civils de Lyon - France
| | - Jonathon Smith
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France
| | - Jacques Bodennec
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France
| | - Amor Belmeguenai
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France; Epilepsy Institute IDEE, 59 boulevard Pinel - F-69500 Bron, France
| | - Laurent Bezin
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, U10208 UMR5292, TIGER Team - F-69500 Bron, France.
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5
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Haddad M, Alsalem M, Saleh T, Jaffal SM, Barakat NA, El-Salem K. Interaction of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55212 with tramadol on nociceptive thresholds and core body temperature in a chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy pain model. Neuroreport 2023; 34:441-448. [PMID: 37096753 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant adverse effect of many anticancer drugs. Current strategies for the management of CIPN pain are still largely unmet. The aim of this study is to investigate the antinociceptive potential of combining tramadol with the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55212, and to evaluate their associated adverse effects, separately or in combination, in a CIPN rat model, and to investigate their ability to modulate the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor activity. Von Frey filaments were used to determine the paw withdrawal threshold in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) following intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of cisplatin. Single cell ratiometric calcium imaging was used to investigate WIN55212/tramadol combination ability to modulate the TRPV1 receptor activity. Both tramadol and WIN55212 produced dose-dependent antinociceptive effect when administered separately. The lower dose of tramadol (1 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the antinociceptive effects of WIN55212 without interfering with core body temperature. Mechanistically, capsaicin (100 nM) produced a robust increase in [Ca2+]i in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons ex vivo. Capsaicin-evoked calcium responses were significantly reduced upon pre-incubation of DRG neurons with only the highest concentration of tramadol (10 µM), but not with WIN55212 at any concentration (0.1, 1 and 10 µM). However, combining sub-effective doses of WIN55212 (1 µM) and tramadol (0.1 µM) produced a significant inhibition of capsaicin-evoked calcium responses. Combining WIN55212 with tramadol shows better antinociceptive effects with no increased risk of hypothermia, and provides a potential pain management strategy for CIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tareq Saleh
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | - Sahar M Jaffal
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman
| | | | - Khalid El-Salem
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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6
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Kayode A, Adrish S, Muhammad A, Amin R, Muhammad D, Rida Z, Alabi G, Okumede G, Kayode O. Therapeutic Uses of Medical Cannabis: An Overview of its Functions in Disease Management. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.3923/jms.2023.32.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
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7
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Jesus CHA, Ferreira MV, Gasparin AT, Rosa ES, Genaro K, Crippa JADS, Chichorro JG, Cunha JMD. Cannabidiol enhances the antinociceptive effects of morphine and attenuates opioid-induced tolerance in the chronic constriction injury model. Behav Brain Res 2022; 435:114076. [PMID: 36028000 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a complex health problem that includes sensorial manifestations such as evoked and ongoing pain. Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown potential in the treatment of NP and the combination between opioids and cannabinoids has provided promising results on pain relief. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the effect of treatment combination between CBD and morphine on evoked and ongoing pain, and the effect of CBD on morphine-induced tolerance in the model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rats. Mechanical thresholds (i.e., evoked pain) were evaluated before and 7 days after surgery. We also employed a 4-day conditioned place preference (CPP) protocol, to evaluate relief of ongoing pain (6-9 days after surgery). Treatment with morphine (2 and 4 mg/kg) or CBD (30 mg/kg) induced a significant antinociceptive effect on evoked pain. The combination of CBD (30 mg/kg) and morphine (1 mg/kg) produced an enhanced antinociceptive effect, when compared to morphine alone (1 mg/Kg). Treatment with morphine (1 and 2 mg/kg) or CBD (30 mg/kg) alone failed to induce significant scores in the CPP test. However, combined treatment of CBD (30 mg/kg) and morphine (1 mg/kg) provided significant positive scores, increased the number of entrances in the drug-paired chamber in the CPP test and did not alter locomotor activity in rats. Lastly, treatment with CBD partially attenuated morphine-induced tolerance. In summary, our results support the indication of CBD as an adjuvant to opioid therapy for the attenuation of NP and opioid-induced analgesic tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Henrique Alves Jesus
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Matheus Vinicius Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Aléxia Thamara Gasparin
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Evelize Stacoviaki Rosa
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Karina Genaro
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior (INeC), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre de Souza Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Geremias Chichorro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Joice Maria da Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior (INeC), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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8
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Opioid-sparing effect of cannabinoids for analgesia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1315-1330. [PMID: 35459926 PMCID: PMC9117273 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid co-administration may enable reduced opioid doses for analgesia. This updated systematic review on the opioid-sparing effects of cannabinoids considered preclinical and clinical studies where the outcome was analgesia or opioid dose requirements. We searched Scopus, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Medline, and Embase (2016 onwards). Ninety-two studies met the search criteria including 15 ongoing trials. Meta-analysis of seven preclinical studies found the median effective dose (ED50) of morphine administered with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol was 3.5 times lower (95% CI 2.04, 6.03) than the ED50 of morphine alone. Six preclinical studies found no evidence of increased opioid abuse liability with cannabinoid administration. Of five healthy-volunteer experimental pain studies, two found increased pain, two found decreased pain and one found reduced pain bothersomeness with cannabinoid administration; three demonstrated that cannabinoid co-administration may increase opioid abuse liability. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found no evidence of opioid-sparing effects of cannabinoids in acute pain. Meta-analysis of four RCTs in patients with cancer pain found no effect of cannabinoid administration on opioid dose (mean difference -3.8 mg, 95% CI -10.97, 3.37) or percentage change in pain scores (mean difference 1.84, 95% CI -2.05, 5.72); five studies found more adverse events with cannabinoids compared with placebo (risk ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.03, 1.24). Of five controlled chronic non-cancer pain trials; one low-quality study with no control arm, and one single-dose study reported reduced pain scores with cannabinoids. Three RCTs found no treatment effect of dronabinol. Meta-analyses of observational studies found 39% reported opioid cessation (95% CI 0.15, 0.64, I2 95.5%, eight studies), and 85% reported reduction (95% CI 0.64, 0.99, I2 92.8%, seven studies). In summary, preclinical and observational studies demonstrate the potential opioid-sparing effects of cannabinoids in the context of analgesia, in contrast to higher-quality RCTs that did not provide evidence of opioid-sparing effects.
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9
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Britch SC, Craft RM. No antinociceptive synergy between morphine and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in male and female rats with persistent inflammatory pain. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:630-639. [PMID: 34561365 PMCID: PMC8578411 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated antinociceptive synergy between morphine and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in animals, but whether such synergy occurs against all types of pain and in humans is unclear. Because a majority of chronic pain patients are women, and sex differences in morphine and THC potencies have been observed in rodents, the present study examined sex-specific effects of morphine and THC given alone and in combination, in rats with persistent inflammatory pain. On day 1, baseline mechanical and thermal response thresholds, hindpaw weight-bearing, locomotor activity, and hindpaw thickness were determined. Inflammation was then induced via hindpaw injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Three days later, morphine (s.c.), THC (i.p) or a morphine-THC combination (1:1, 3:1 and 1:3 dose ratios) was administered, and behavioral testing was conducted at 30-240 min postinjection. Morphine alone was antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic, with no sex differences, but at some doses increased weight-bearing on the CFA-treated paw more in males than females. THC alone reduced mechanical allodynia with similar potency in both sexes, but reduced thermal hyperalgesia and locomotor activity with greater potency in females than males. All morphine-THC combinations reduced allodynia and hyperalgesia, but isobolographic analysis of mechanical allodynia data showed no significant morphine-THC synergy in either sex. Additionally, whereas morphine alone was antinociceptive at doses that did not suppress locomotion, morphine-THC combinations suppressed locomotion and did not increase weight-bearing on the inflamed paw. These results suggest that THC is unlikely to be a beneficial adjuvant when given in combination with morphine for reducing established inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevie C Britch
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Rebecca M Craft
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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10
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Grenier P, Sunavsky A, Olmstead MC. Morphine Induces Upregulation of Neuronally Expressed CB2 Receptors in the Spinal Dorsal Horn of Rats. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2021; 6:137-147. [PMID: 33912678 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cannabinoid receptors play a key role in regulating numerous physiological processes, including immune function and reward signaling. Originally, endocannabinoid contributions to central nervous system processes were attributed to CB1 receptors, but technological advances have confirmed the expression of CB2 receptors in both neurons and glia throughout the brain. Mapping of these receptors is less extensive than for CB1 receptors, and it is still not clear how CB2 receptors contribute to processes that involve endocannabinoid signaling. Objectives: The goal of our study was to assess the effects of peripheral nerve injury and chronic morphine administration, two manipulations that alter endocannabinoid system function, on CB2 receptor expression in the spinal dorsal horn of rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to chronic constriction injury (CCI), sham surgery, or pain naïve groups, with half of each group receiving once daily injections of morphine (5 mg/kg) for 10 days. On day 11, spinal cords were isolated and prepared for fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Separate sections from the deep and superficial dorsal horn were stained for neuronal nuclei (NeuN), CD11b, or 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) to mark neurons, microglia, and cell nuclei, respectively. Double labeling was used to assess colocalization of CB2 receptors with NeuN or microglial markers. Quantification of mean pixel intensity for each antibody was assessed using a fluorescent microscope, and CB2 receptor expressing cells were also counted manually. Results: Surgery increased DAPI cell counts in the deep and superficial dorsal horn, with CCI rats displaying increased CD11b labeling ipsilateral to the nerve injury. Surgery also decreased NeuN labeling in both regions, an effect that was blocked by morphine administration. CB2 receptors were expressed, predominantly, on NeuN-labeled cells with significant increases in CB2 receptor labeling across all surgery groups in both deep and superficial areas following morphine administration. Conclusions: Our findings provide supporting evidence for the expression of CB2 receptors on neurons and reveal upregulation of receptor expression in the dorsal spinal cord following surgery and chronic morphine administration, with the latter producing a larger effect. Synergistic effects of morphine-cannabinoid treatments, therefore, may involve CB2-mu opioid receptor interactions, pointing to novel therapeutic treatments for a variety of medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Grenier
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Adam Sunavsky
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Mary C Olmstead
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
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11
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Laksmidewi AAAP, Soejitno A. Endocannabinoid and dopaminergic system: the pas de deux underlying human motivation and behaviors. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:615-630. [PMID: 33712975 PMCID: PMC8105194 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been identified ever since cannabinoid, an active substance of Cannabis, was known to interact with endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid/eCB) receptors. It later turned out that eCB was more intricate than previously thought. It has a pervasive role and exerts a multitude of cellular signaling mechanisms, regulating various physiological neurotransmission pathways in the human brain, including the dopaminergic (DA) system. eCB roles toward DA system were robust, clearly delineated, and reproducible with respect to physiological as well as pathological neurochemical and neurobehavioral manifestations of DA system, particularly those involving the nigrostriatal and mesocorticolimbic pathways. The eCB–DA system regulates the basics in the Maslow’s pyramid of hierarchy of needs required for individual survival such as food and sexual activity for reproductive purpose to those of higher needs in the pyramid, including self-actualization behaviors leading to achievement and reward (e.g., academic- and/or work-related performance and achievements). It is, thus, interesting to specifically discuss the eCB–DA system, not only on the molecular level, but also its tremendous potential to be developed as a future therapeutic strategy for various neuropsychiatric problems, including obesity, drug addiction and withdrawal, pathological hypersexuality, or low motivation behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A A Putri Laksmidewi
- Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Division, Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University/Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.
| | - Andreas Soejitno
- Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Division, Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University/Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
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12
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Mohammadkhani A, Borgland SL. Cellular and behavioral basis of cannabinioid and opioid interactions: Implications for opioid dependence and withdrawal. J Neurosci Res 2020; 100:278-296. [PMID: 33352618 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The brain's endogenous opioid and endocannabinoid systems are neuromodulatory of synaptic transmission, and play key roles in pain, memory, reward, and addiction. Recent clinical and pre-clinical evidence suggests that opioid use may be reduced with cannabinoid intake. This suggests the presence of a functional interaction between these two systems. Emerging research indicates that cannabinoids and opioids can functionally interact at different levels. At the cellular level, opioid and cannabinoids can have direct receptor associations, alterations in endogenous opioid peptide or cannabinoid release, or post-receptor activation interactions via shared signal transduction pathways. At the systems level, the nature of cannabinoid and opioid interaction might differ in brain circuits underlying different behavioral phenomenon, including reward-seeking or antinociception. Given the rising use of opioid and cannabinoid drugs, a better understanding of how these endogenous signaling systems interact in the brain is of significant interest. This review focuses on the potential relationship of these neural systems in addiction-related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Mohammadkhani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Stephanie L Borgland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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13
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Iyer V, Slivicki RA, Thomaz AC, Crystal JD, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. The cannabinoid CB 2 receptor agonist LY2828360 synergizes with morphine to suppress neuropathic nociception and attenuates morphine reward and physical dependence. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 886:173544. [PMID: 32896549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The opioid crisis has underscored the urgent need to identify safe and effective therapeutic strategies to overcome opioid-induced liabilities. We recently reported that LY2828360, a slowly signaling G protein-biased cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist, suppresses neuropathic nociception and attenuates the development of tolerance to the opioid analgesic morphine in paclitaxel-treated mice. Whether beneficial effects of LY2828360 are dependent upon the presence of a pathological pain state are unknown and its impact on unwanted opioid-induced side-effects have never been investigated. Here, we asked whether LY2828360 would produce synergistic anti-allodynic effects with morphine in a paclitaxel model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and characterized its impact on opioid-induced reward and other unwanted side-effects associated with chronic opioid administration. Isobolographic analysis revealed that combinations of LY2828360 and morphine produced synergistic anti-allodynic effects in suppressing paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia. In wildtype (WT) mice, LY2828360 blocked morphine-induced reward in a conditioned place preference assay without producing reward or aversion when administered alone. The LY2828360-induced attenuation of morphine-induced reward was absent in CB2 knockout (CB2KO) mice. In the absence of a neuropathic pain state, LY2828360 partially attenuated naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal in morphine-dependent WT mice, and this withdrawal was itself markedly exacerbated in CB2KO mice. Moreover, LY2828360 did not reliably alter morphine-induced slowing of colonic transit or attenuate tolerance to morphine antinociceptive efficacy in the hot plate test of acute nociception. Our results suggest that cannabinoid CB2 receptor activation enhances the therapeutic properties of opioids while attenuating unwanted side-effects such as reward and dependence that occur with sustained opioid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakh Iyer
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Richard A Slivicki
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ana C Thomaz
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Genome, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jonathon D Crystal
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Genome, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Genome, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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14
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Ozdemir E. The Role of the Cannabinoid System in Opioid Analgesia and Tolerance. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:875-885. [DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200313120835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Opioid receptor agonist drugs, such as morphine, are very effective for treating chronic and severe pain; but, tolerance can develop with long-term use. Although there is a lot of information about the pathophysiological mechanisms of opioid tolerance, it is still not fully clarified. Suggested mechanisms for opioid tolerance include opioid receptor desensitisation, reduction of sensitivity G-proteins, activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), altered intracellular signaling pathway including nitric oxide, and activation of mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR). One way to reduce opioid tolerance and increase the analgesic potential is to use low doses. Combination of cannabinoids with opioids has been shown to manifest the reduction of the opioid dose. Experimental studies revealed an interaction of the endocannabinoid system and opioid antinociception. Cannabinoid and opioid receptor systems use common pathways in the formation of analgesic effect and demonstrate their activity via G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR). Cannabinoid drugs modulate opioid analgesic activity at a number of distinct levels within the cell, ranging from direct receptor associations to post-receptor interactions through shared signal transduction pathways. This review summarizes the data indicating that with combining cannabinoids and opioids drugs may be able to produce long-term analgesic effects, while preventing the opioid analgesic tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ercan Ozdemir
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkey
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15
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Godoi MM, Junior HZ, da Cunha JM, Zanoveli JM. Mu-opioid and CB1 cannabinoid receptors of the dorsal periaqueductal gray interplay in the regulation of fear response, but not antinociception. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 194:172938. [PMID: 32376258 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) plays an important role in defensive responses and pain control. The activation of cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) or mu-opioid (MOR) receptors in the dorsal region of this structure (dPAG) inhibits fear and facilitates antinociception induced by different aversive stimuli. However, it is still unknown whether these two receptors work cooperatively in order to achieve these inhibitory actions. This study investigated the involvement and a likely interplay between CB1 and MOR receptors localized into the dPAG on the regulation of fear-like defensive responses and antinociception (evaluated in tail-flick test) evoked by dPAG chemical stimulation with N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA). Before the administration of NMDA, animals were first intra-dPAG injected with the CB1 agonist ACEA (0.5 pmol), or with the MOR agonist DAMGO (0.5 pmol) in combination with the respective antagonists AM251 (CB1 antagonist, 100 pmol) or CTOP (MOR antagonist, 1 nmol). To investigate the interplay between these receptors, microinjection of CTOP was combined with ACEA, or microinjection of AM251 was combined with DAMGO. Our results showed that both the intra-PAG treatments with ACEA or DAMGO inhibited NMDA-induced freezing expression, whereas only the treatment with DAMGO increased antinociception induced with NMDA, which are completely blocked by its respective antagonists. Interestingly, the inhibitory effects of ACEA or DAMGO on freezing was blocked by CTOP and AM251, respectively, indicating a functional interaction between these two receptors in the mediation of defensive behaviors. However, this cooperative interaction was not observed during the NMDA-induced antinociception. Our findings indicate that there is a cooperative action between the MOR and CB1 receptors within the dPAG and it is involved in the mediation of NMDA-induced defensive responses. Additionally, the MORs into the dPAG are involved in the modulation of the antinociceptive effects that follow a fear-like defense-reaction induced by dPAG chemical stimulation with NMDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuella Machado Godoi
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Building, Federal University of Paraná, Rua Coronel H. dos Santos S/N, P.O. Box 19031, Curitiba, Paraná 81540-990, Brazil
| | - Hélio Zangrossi Junior
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Joice Maria da Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Building, Federal University of Paraná, Rua Coronel H. dos Santos S/N, P.O. Box 19031, Curitiba, Paraná 81540-990, Brazil; Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior and Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology of Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Janaina Menezes Zanoveli
- Department of Pharmacology, Biological Sciences Building, Federal University of Paraná, Rua Coronel H. dos Santos S/N, P.O. Box 19031, Curitiba, Paraná 81540-990, Brazil; Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior and Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology of Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil.
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16
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Slivicki RA, Iyer V, Mali SS, Garai S, Thakur GA, Crystal JD, Hohmann AG. Positive Allosteric Modulation of CB 1 Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling Enhances Morphine Antinociception and Attenuates Morphine Tolerance Without Enhancing Morphine- Induced Dependence or Reward. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:54. [PMID: 32410959 PMCID: PMC7199816 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid analgesics represent a critical treatment for chronic pain in the analgesic ladder of the World Health Organization. However, their use can result in a number of unwanted side-effects including incomplete efficacy, constipation, physical dependence, and overdose liability. Cannabinoids enhance the pain-relieving effects of opioids in preclinical studies and dampen unwanted side-effects resulting from excessive opioid intake. We recently reported that a CB1 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) exhibits antinociceptive efficacy in models of pathological pain and lacks the adverse side effects of direct CB1 receptor activation. In the present study, we evaluated whether a CB1 PAM would enhance morphine’s therapeutic efficacy in an animal model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and characterized its impact on unwanted side-effects associated with chronic opioid administration. In paclitaxel-treated mice, both the CB1 PAM GAT211 and the opioid analgesic morphine reduced paclitaxel-induced behavioral hypersensitivities to mechanical and cold stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. Isobolographic analysis revealed that combinations of GAT211 and morphine resulted in anti-allodynic synergism. In paclitaxel-treated mice, a sub-threshold dose of GAT211 prevented the development of tolerance to the anti-allodynic effects of morphine over 20 days of once daily dosing. However, GAT211 did not reliably alter somatic withdrawal signs (i.e., jumps, paw tremors) in morphine-dependent neuropathic mice challenged with naloxone. In otherwise naïve mice, GAT211 also prolonged antinociceptive efficacy of morphine in the tail-flick test and reduced the overall right-ward shift in the ED50 for morphine to produce antinociception in the tail-flick test, consistent with attenuation of morphine tolerance. Pretreatment with GAT211 did not alter somatic signs of μ opioid receptor dependence in mice rendered dependent upon morphine via subcutaneous implantation of a morphine pellet. Moreover, GAT211 did not reliably alter μ-opioid receptor-mediated reward as measured by conditioned place preference to morphine. Our results suggest that a CB1 PAM may be beneficial in enhancing and prolonging the therapeutic properties of opioids while potentially sparing unwanted side-effects (e.g., tolerance) that occur with repeated opioid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Slivicki
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Vishakh Iyer
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Sonali S Mali
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Sumanta Garai
- Center for Drug Discovery, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Center for Drug Discovery, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathon D Crystal
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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Bayram S, Parlar A, Arslan SO. The curative effect of cannabinoid 2 receptor agonist on functional failure and disruptive inflammation caused by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2019; 34:80-90. [DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sait Bayram
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty University of Duzce Duzce Turkey
| | - Ali Parlar
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty University of Adiyaman Adiyaman Turkey
| | - Seyfullah Oktay Arslan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty University of Ankara Yildirim Beyazit Bilkent yolu 3.Km. Çankaya Ankara 06010 Turkey
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18
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The association between endogenous opioid function and morphine responsiveness: a moderating role for endocannabinoids. Pain 2019; 160:676-687. [PMID: 30562268 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We sought to replicate previous findings that low endogenous opioid (EO) function predicts greater morphine analgesia and extended these findings by examining whether circulating endocannabinoids and related lipids moderate EO-related predictive effects. Individuals with chronic low-back pain (n = 46) provided blood samples for endocannabinoid analyses, then underwent separate identical laboratory sessions under 3 drug conditions: saline placebo, intravenous (i.v.) naloxone (opioid antagonist; 12-mg total), and i.v. morphine (0.09-mg/kg total). During each session, participants rated low-back pain intensity, evoked heat pain intensity, and nonpain subjective effects 4 times in sequence after incremental drug dosing. Mean morphine effects (morphine-placebo difference) and opioid blockade effects (naloxone-placebo difference; to index EO function) for each primary outcome (low-back pain intensity, evoked heat pain intensity, and nonpain subjective effects) were derived by averaging across the 4 incremental doses. The association between EO function and morphine-induced back pain relief was significantly moderated by endocannabinoids [2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA)]. Lower EO function predicted greater morphine analgesia only for those with relatively lower endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids also significantly moderated EO effects on morphine-related changes in visual analog scale-evoked pain intensity (2-AG), drug liking (AEA and 2-AG), and desire to take again (AEA and 2-AG). In the absence of significant interactions, lower EO function predicted significantly greater morphine analgesia (as in past work) and euphoria. Results indicate that EO effects on analgesic and subjective responses to opioid medications are greatest when endocannabinoid levels are low. These findings may help guide development of mechanism-based predictors for personalized pain medicine algorithms.
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19
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Jordan CJ, Xi ZX. Progress in brain cannabinoid CB 2 receptor research: From genes to behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:208-220. [PMID: 30611802 PMCID: PMC6401261 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) was initially regarded as a peripheral cannabinoid receptor. However, recent technological advances in gene detection, alongside the availability of transgenic mouse lines, indicate that CB2Rs are expressed in both neurons and glial cells in the brain under physiological and pathological conditions, and are involved in multiple functions at cellular and behavioral levels. Brain CB2Rs are inducible and neuroprotective via up-regulation in response to various insults, but display species differences in gene and receptor structures, CB2R expression, and receptor responses to various CB2R ligands. CB2R transcripts also differ between the brain and spleen. In the brain, CB2A is the major transcript isoform, while CB2A and CB2B transcripts are present at higher levels in the spleen. These new findings regarding brain versus spleen CB2R isoforms may in part explain why early studies failed to detect brain CB2R gene expression. Here, we review evidence supporting the expression and function of brain CB2R from gene and receptor levels to cellular functioning, neural circuitry, and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Jordan
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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20
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Li AL, Lin X, Dhopeshwarkar AS, Thomaz AC, Carey LM, Liu Y, Nikas SP, Makriyannis A, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Cannabinoid CB2 Agonist AM1710 Differentially Suppresses Distinct Pathological Pain States and Attenuates Morphine Tolerance and Withdrawal. Mol Pharmacol 2018; 95:155-168. [PMID: 30504240 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.113233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AM1710 (3-(1,1-dimethyl-heptyl)-1-hydroxy-9-methoxy-benzo(c) chromen-6-one), a cannabilactone cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist, suppresses chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in rodents without producing tolerance or unwanted side effects associated with CB1 receptors; however, the signaling profile of AM1710 remains incompletely characterized. It is not known whether AM1710 behaves as a broad-spectrum analgesic and/or suppresses the development of opioid tolerance and physical dependence. In vitro, AM1710 inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP production and produced enduring activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 phosphorylation in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably expressing mCB2. Only modest species differences in the signaling profile of AM1710 were observed between HEK cells stably expressing mCB2 and hCB2. In vivo, AM1710 produced a sustained inhibition of paclitaxel-induced allodynia in mice. In paclitaxel-treated mice, a history of AM1710 treatment (5 mg/kg per day × 12 day, i.p.) delayed the development of antinociceptive tolerance to morphine and attenuated morphine-induced physical dependence. AM1710 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) did not precipitate CB1 receptor-mediated withdrawal in mice rendered tolerant to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, suggesting that AM1710 is not a functional CB1 antagonist in vivo. Furthermore, AM1710 (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) did not suppress established mechanical allodynia induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). Similarly, prophylactic and chronic dosing with AM1710 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) did not produce antiallodynic efficacy in the CFA model. By contrast, gabapentin suppressed allodynia in both CFA and PSNL models. Our results indicate that AM1710 is not a broad-spectrum analgesic agent in mice and suggest the need to identify signaling pathways underlying CB2 therapeutic efficacy to identify appropriate indications for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ling Li
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Xiaoyan Lin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Amey S Dhopeshwarkar
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Ana Carla Thomaz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Lawrence M Carey
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Yingpeng Liu
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Spyros P Nikas
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (A.-L.L., X.L., A.S.D., A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (A.C.T., L.M.C., K.M., A.G.H.), Genome, Cell and Developmental Biology Program (A.C.T., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (Y.L., S.P.N., A.M.)
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21
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Lin X, Dhopeshwarkar AS, Huibregtse M, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Slowly Signaling G Protein-Biased CB 2 Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist LY2828360 Suppresses Neuropathic Pain with Sustained Efficacy and Attenuates Morphine Tolerance and Dependence. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 93:49-62. [PMID: 29192123 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.109355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The CB2 cannabinoid agonist LY2828360 lacked both toxicity and efficacy in a clinical trial for osteoarthritis. Whether LY2828360 suppresses neuropathic pain has not been reported, and its signaling profile is unknown. In vitro, LY2828360 was a slowly acting but efficacious G protein-biased CB2 agonist, inhibiting cAMP accumulation and activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling while failing to recruit arrestin, activate inositol phosphate signaling, or internalize CB2 receptors. In wild-type (WT) mice, LY2828360 (3 mg/kg per day i.p. × 12 days) suppressed chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain produced by paclitaxel without producing tolerance. Antiallodynic efficacy of LY2828360 was absent in CB2 knockout (KO) mice. Morphine (10 mg/kg per day i.p. × 12 days) tolerance developed in CB2KO mice but not in WT mice with a history of LY2828360 treatment (3 mg/kg per day i.p. × 12 days). LY2828360-induced antiallodynic efficacy was preserved in WT mice previously rendered tolerant to morphine (10 mg/kg per day i.p. × 12 days), but it was absent in morphine-tolerant CB2KO mice. Coadministration of LY2828360 (0.1 mg/kg per day i.p. × 12 days) with morphine (10 mg/kg per day × 12 days) blocked morphine tolerance in WT but not in CB2KO mice. WT mice that received LY2828360 coadministered with morphine exhibited a trend (P = 0.055) toward fewer naloxone-precipitated jumps compared with CB2KO mice. In conclusion, LY2828360 is a slowly signaling, G protein-biased CB2 agonist that attenuates chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain without producing tolerance and may prolong effective opioid analgesia while reducing opioid dependence. LY2828360 may be useful as a first-line treatment in chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and may be highly efficacious in neuropathic pain states that are refractive to opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Lin
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (X.L., A.S.D., M.H., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (K.M., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Amey S Dhopeshwarkar
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (X.L., A.S.D., M.H., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (K.M., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Megan Huibregtse
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (X.L., A.S.D., M.H., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (K.M., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Ken Mackie
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (X.L., A.S.D., M.H., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (K.M., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (X.L., A.S.D., M.H., K.M., A.G.H.), Program in Neuroscience (K.M., A.G.H.), and Gill Center for Biomolecular Science (K.M., A.G.H.), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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Abstract
Acute and chronic pain complaints, although common, are generally poorly served by existing therapies. This unmet clinical need reflects a failure to develop novel classes of analgesics with superior efficacy, diminished adverse effects and a lower abuse liability than those currently available. Reasons for this include the heterogeneity of clinical pain conditions, the complexity and diversity of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and the unreliability of some preclinical pain models. However, recent advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of pain are beginning to offer opportunities for developing novel therapeutic strategies and revisiting existing targets, including modulating ion channels, enzymes and G-protein-coupled receptors.
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Kirkpatrick DR, McEntire DM, Smith TA, Dueck NP, Kerfeld MJ, Hambsch ZJ, Nelson TJ, Reisbig MD, Agrawal DK. Transmission pathways and mediators as the basis for clinical pharmacology of pain. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2016; 9:1363-1387. [PMID: 27322358 PMCID: PMC5215101 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2016.1204231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mediators in pain transmission are the targets of a multitude of different analgesic pharmaceuticals. This review explores the most significant mediators of pain transmission as well as the pharmaceuticals that act on them. Areas covered: The review explores many of the key mediators of pain transmission. In doing so, this review uncovers important areas for further research. It also highlights agents with potential for producing novel analgesics, probes important interactions between pain transmission pathways that could contribute to synergistic analgesia, and emphasizes transmission factors that participate in transforming acute injury into chronic pain. Expert commentary: This review examines current pain research, particularly in the context of identifying novel analgesics, highlighting interactions between analgesic transmission pathways, and discussing factors that may contribute to the development of chronic pain after an acute injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Kirkpatrick
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Dan M. McEntire
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Tyler A. Smith
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Nicholas P. Dueck
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Mitchell J. Kerfeld
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Zakary J. Hambsch
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Taylor J. Nelson
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Mark D. Reisbig
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Devendra K. Agrawal
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
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Cui L, Ding Y, Feng Y, Chen S, Xu Y, Li M, Hu M, Qiu Z, Ding M. MiRNAs are involved in chronic electroacupuncture tolerance in the rat hypothalamus. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:1429-1439. [PMID: 26846282 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9759-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture tolerance is the gradual decrease in analgesic effect due to its prolonged application. However, its mechanism in terms of miRNA is still unknown. To explore the role of miRNAs in electroacupuncture (EA) tolerance of rats using deep sequencing, rats with more than a 50 % increase in tail flick latency (TFL) in response to EA were selected for this experiment. EA tolerance was induced by EA once daily for eight consecutive days. The hypothalami were harvested for deep sequencing. As a result, 49 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified and validated by real-time PCR. Of them, let-7b-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-107-3p, and miR-370-3p were further confirmed to be related to EA tolerance by an intracerebroventricular injection of agomirs or antagomirs of these miRNAs. Potential targets of the 49 miRNAs were enriched in 9 pathways and 282 gene ontology (GO) terms. Five miRNAs were confirmed to participate in EA tolerance probably through the functional categories related to nerve impulse transmission, receptor signal pathways, and gene expression regulation, as well as pathways related to MAPK, neurotrophin, fatty acid metabolism, lysosome, and the degradation of valine, leucine, and isoleucine. Our findings reveal a characterized panel of the differentially expressed miRNAs in the hypothalamus in response to EA and thus provide a solid experimental framework for future analysis of the mechanisms underlying EA-induced tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luying Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yi Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yan Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Shuhuai Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yingqing Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Meng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Manli Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhengying Qiu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Mingxing Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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