Influence of 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on spinal motoneurons in cat

Inhibition of noxious stimulus-evoked activity of spinal cord dorsal horn neurons by the cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2

The effects of a potent synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 on nociceptive responses of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in the lumbar spinal cord were investigated in anesthetized rats. WDR neurons were identified by their responses to innocuous brushing and to a range of pressure stimuli from innocuous to noxious. Noxious pressure was applied to regions of the ipsilateral hind paw corresponding to the receptive field of the neuron. WIN 55,212-2 (125 micrograms/kg and 250 micrograms/kg, i.v.) produced a profound inhibition of firing evoked by the noxious pressure stimulus. By contrast, the cannabinoid did not alter the evoked activity of non-nociceptive neurons in response to non-noxious levels of stimulation. Treatment with either vehicle or the inactive enantiomer WIN 55,212-3 (250 micrograms/kg) failed to alter noxious stimulus-evoked activity of WDR neurons. These data provide direct evidence for cannabinoid-mediated inhibition of pain neurotransmission in the spinal dorsal horn. The site of action for these effects remains to be determined.

Differential effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its 11-hydroxy metabolite on sodium current in neuroblastoma cells

Whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques were used to study the comparative effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its principal metabolite, 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), on the voltage-gated sodium current in neuroblastoma cells. The parent compound markedly depressed the inward sodium current with minimal reduction of the outward current, demonstrating that the effects of the drug were related to the membrane potential. In addition, THC reduced the reversal potential, indicating that the drug modified the ion selectivity of the channel. 11-OH-THC similarly depressed inward sodium current; however, in marked contrast to the effects of the parent compound, the drug equally depressed the outward voltage-gated sodium current, indicating that its effects were not related to the membrane potential. Furthermore, 11-OH-THC differed from THC in that it did not alter the reversal potential. The results demonstrate that THC and its 11-OH metabolite both reduce inward sodium current, but their effects on the outward current and ion selectivity are distinctly different. The sum of the actions of these two cannabinoids on the voltage-gated sodium channel provides a plausible cellular basis for THC's depression of action potentials in vivo and for some of its central depressant effects.

Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on neuromuscular transmission in the frog

Intracellular recording techniques were used on neuromuscular junctions of the sartorius muscle of the frog, in vitro, to define the synaptic pharmacology of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-THC and cannabidiol (CBD). The frequency of miniature endplate potentials was increased by THC, decreased by CBD and was unaffected by 11-hydroxy-THC, whereas the amplitude of the miniature endplate potentials was depressed by all three cannabinoids. In addition, the mean quantum content of the endplate potential (m) was first increased and then decreased by THC and 11-hydroxy-THC, but CBD produced only depression. Changes in m and the frequency of the miniature endplate potential indicated presynaptic sites of drug action and reduction of the amplitude of the miniature endplate potential suggested a postsynaptic site. The findings suggest possible mechanisms of action for the central excitatory and depressant properties of the cannabinoids.

Cannabidiol-caused depression of spinal motoneuron responses in cats

Intracellular recording techniques were used on spinal motoneurons in the cat in order to define the synaptic pharmacology of cannabidiol (CBD). The cannabinoid produces only depression of electrophysiological responses of the motoneurons: For instance, the drug decreases the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs); this reduction does not appear to be the result of a change in the afferent input. In addition, CBD raises the firing threshold and decreases the amplitude of motoneuron action potentials; the effects on action potentials are related to changes in postsynaptic membrane conductances, probably involving at least sodium conductance. The spinal motoneuron effects provide potential electrophysiological mechanisms for CBD's central depressant actions.