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Martinez Ramirez CE, Ruiz-Pérez G, Stollenwerk TM, Behlke C, Doherty A, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. Glia 2023; 71:5-35. [PMID: 36308424 PMCID: PMC10167744 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24280] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is hard to overestimate the influence of the endocannabinoid signaling (ECS) system on central nervous system (CNS) function. In the 40 years since cannabinoids were found to trigger specific cell signaling cascades, studies of the ECS system continue to cause amazement, surprise, and confusion! CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed widely in the CNS and regulate cell-cell communication via effects on the release of both neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters. CB2 cannabinoid receptors are difficult to detect in the CNS but seem to "punch above their weight" as compounds targeting these receptors have significant effects on inflammatory state and behavior. Positive and negative allosteric modulators for both receptors have been identified and examined in preclinical studies. Concentrations of the endocannabinoid ligands, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are regulated by a combination of enzymatic synthesis and degradation and inhibitors of these processes are available and making their way into clinical trials. Importantly, ECS regulates many essential brain functions, including regulation of reward, anxiety, inflammation, motor control, and cellular development. While the field is on the cusp of preclinical discoveries providing impactful clinical and therapeutic insights into many CNS disorders, there is still much to be learned about this remarkable and versatile modulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- César E Martinez Ramirez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gonzalo Ruiz-Pérez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Todd M Stollenwerk
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christina Behlke
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley Doherty
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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2
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Hagan K, Varelas P, Zheng H. Endocannabinoid System of the Blood-Brain Barrier: Current Understandings and Therapeutic Potentials. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:561-568. [PMID: 34918950 PMCID: PMC9587775 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), as Cannabinoid receptors were characterized in human brain microvascular endothelial cells and astrocytes. In several in vitro and in vivo studies, cannabinoids decreased BBB permeability and enhanced membrane integrity, which may be achieved through endothelial tight junctions and other mechanisms. These permeability regulation effects of cannabinoids suggested that the ECS may protect the brain by enhancing barrier integrity. Related questions about cannabinoid-drug interaction and drug distribution across the BBB are also raised. Specifically, can cannabinoids significantly reduce drug bioavailability to the brain? More in-depth and systematic investigations are needed to characterize and quantify these effects of cannabinoids on brain microvasculature physiopathology. Therefore, this review summarizes literatures from different disciplines to promote more research on assessing the therapeutic benefits and risks of using cannabinoids to protect BBB from dysfunctions or breakdown, and to avoid consequent brain damages due to inflammation, neurodegenerations, hemorrhage, ischemia, or other causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofi Hagan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | - HaiAn Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, New York, USA
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Morris G, Walder K, Kloiber S, Amminger P, Berk M, Bortolasci CC, Maes M, Puri BK, Carvalho AF. The endocannabinoidome in neuropsychiatry: Opportunities and potential risks. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105729. [PMID: 34119623 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises two cognate endocannabinoid receptors referred to as CB1R and CB2R. ECS dysregulation is apparent in neurodegenerative/neuro-psychiatric disorders including but not limited to schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and potentially bipolar disorder. The aim of this paper is to review mechanisms whereby both receptors may interact with neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative pathways, which play a pathophysiological role in these disorders. CB1R is located in the presynaptic terminals of GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons where it regulates the retrograde suppression of neurotransmission. CB1R plays a key role in long-term depression, and, to a lesser extent, long-term potentiation, thereby modulating synaptic transmission and mediating learning and memory. Optimal CB1R activity plays an essential neuroprotective role by providing a defense against the development of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, which is achieved, at least in part, by impeding AMPA-mediated increase in intracellular calcium overload and oxidative stress. Moreover, CB1R activity enables optimal neuron-glial communication and the function of the neurovascular unit. CB2R receptors are detected in peripheral immune cells and also in central nervous system regions including the striatum, basal ganglia, frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala as well as the ventral tegmental area. CB2R upregulation inhibits the presynaptic release of glutamate in several brain regions. CB2R activation also decreases neuroinflammation partly by mediating the transition from a predominantly neurotoxic "M1" microglial phenotype to a more neuroprotective "M2" phenotype. CB1R and CB2R are thus novel drug targets for the treatment of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative disorders including schizophrenia and affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Deakin University, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Amminger
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chiara C Bortolasci
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Andre F Carvalho
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
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Cheng J, Li X. Development and Application of Activity-based Fluorescent Probes for High-Throughput Screening. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1739-1756. [PMID: 34036907 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210525141728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput screening facilitates the rapid identification of novel hit compounds; however, it remains challenging to design effective high-throughput assays, partially due to the difficulty of achieving sensitivity in the assay techniques. Among the various analytical methods that are used, fluorescence-based assays dominate owing to their high sensitivity and ease of operation. Recent advances in activity-based sensing/imaging have further expanded the availability of fluorescent probes as monitors for high-throughput screening of result outputs. In this study, we have reviewed various activity-based fluorescent probes used in high-throughput screening assays, emphasizing their structure-related working mechanisms. Moreover, we have explored the possibility of the development of additional and better probes to boost hit identification and drug development against various targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
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Pérez-Olives C, Rivas-Santisteban R, Lillo J, Navarro G, Franco R. Recent Advances in the Potential of Cannabinoids for Neuroprotection in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1264:81-92. [PMID: 33332005 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Three prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's are in need of symptomatic relief of slowing disease progression or both. This chapter focuses on the potential of cannabinoids to afford neuroprotection, i.e. avoid or retard neuronal death. The neuroprotective potential of cannabinoids is known from the work in animal models and is mediated by the two cannabinoid receptors (CB1/CB2) and eventually, by their heteromers, GPR55, orphan receptors (GPR3/GPR6/GPR12/GPR18), or PPARγ. Now, there is the time to translate the findings into patients. The chapter takes primarily into account advances since 2016 and addresses the issue of proving neuroprotection in humans. One recent discovery is the existence of activated microglia with neuroprotective phenotype; cannabinoids are good candidates to skew phenotype, especially via glial CB2 receptors (CB2R), whose targeting has, a priori, less side effects those targeting the CBs1 receptor (CB1R), which are expressed in both neurons and glia. The fact that a cannabis extract (SativexTM) is approved for human therapy, such that cannabis use will likely be legalized in many countries and different possibilities that cannabinoid pharmacology suggests a successful route of cannabinoids (natural or synthetic) all the way to be approved and used in the treatment of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Pérez-Olives
- Molecular Neurobiology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- Molecular Neurobiology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED). Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- Molecular Neurobiology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED). Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED). Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. .,Department Biochemistry and Physiology. Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rafael Franco
- Molecular Neurobiology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED). Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Revisiting Traumatic Brain Injury: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Interventions. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100389. [PMID: 33003373 PMCID: PMC7601301 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying the complex molecular mechanisms involved in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial for developing new therapies for TBI. Current treatments for TBI are primarily focused on patient stabilization and symptom mitigation. However, the field lacks defined therapies to prevent cell death, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cascades which lead to chronic pathology. Little can be done to treat the mechanical damage that occurs during the primary insult of a TBI; however, secondary injury mechanisms, such as inflammation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, edema formation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cell death, can be targeted by therapeutic interventions. Elucidating the many mechanisms underlying secondary injury and studying targets of neuroprotective therapeutic agents is critical for developing new treatments. Therefore, we present a review on the molecular events following TBI from inflammation to programmed cell death and discuss current research and the latest therapeutic strategies to help understand TBI-mediated secondary injury.
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Ivy D, Palese F, Vozella V, Fotio Y, Yalcin A, Ramirez G, Mears D, Wynn G, Piomelli D. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptors mediate the anxiolytic-like effects of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition in a rat model of predator-induced fear. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1330-1338. [PMID: 32375160 PMCID: PMC7298057 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0696-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is a key regulator of the response to psychological stress. Inhibitors of monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), the enzyme that deactivates the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG), exert anxiolytic-like effects in rodent models via 2-AG-dependent activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors. In the present study, we examined whether the MGL inhibitor JZL184 might modulate persistent predator-induced fear in rats, a model that captures features of human post-traumatic stress disorder. Exposure to 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), a volatile chemical that is innately aversive to some rodent species, produced in male rats a long-lasting anxiety-like state that was measured 7 days later in the elevated plus maze test. Systemic administration of JZL184 [4, 8 and 16 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP)] 4 h before testing caused dose-dependent inhibition of MGL activity and elevation of 2-AG content in brain tissue. Concomitantly, the inhibitor suppressed TMT-induced fear behaviors with a median effective dose (ED50) of 4 mg/kg. A similar behavioral response was observed with another MGL inhibitor, KML29 (4 and 16 mg/kg, IP). Surprisingly, the effect of JZL184 was prevented by co-administration of the CB2 inverse agonist AM630 (5 mg/kg, IP), but not the CB1 inverse agonist rimonabant (1 mg/kg, IP). Supporting mediation of the response by CB2 receptors, the CB2 agonist JWH133 (0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg, IP) also produced anxiolytic-like effects in TMT-stressed rats, which were suppressed by AM630. Notably, (i) JWH133 was behaviorally ineffective in animals that had no prior experience with TMT; and (ii) CB2 mRNA levels in rat prefrontal cortex were elevated 7 days after exposure to the aversive odorant. The results suggest that JZL184 attenuates the behavioral consequences of predator stress through a mechanism that requires 2-AG-mediated activation of CB2 receptors, whose transcription may be induced by the stress itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Ivy
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Francesca Palese
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Valentina Vozella
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Yannick Fotio
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Aylin Yalcin
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Gina Ramirez
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - David Mears
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA ,0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Gary Wynn
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA. .,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA.
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He F, Dai R, Zhou X, Li X, Song X, Yan H, Meng Q, Yang C, Lin Q. Protective effect of 4-Methoxy benzyl alcohol on the neurovascular unit after cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109260. [PMID: 31548176 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a major cause of ischemic stroke (IS) deterioration. Considering the intricate mechanism of the pathological process of CIRI, most drugs only work on one target. The neurovascular unit (NVU) puts forward the concept of neuroprotection from nerve protection to global stabilization. The NVU plays an important role in maintaining the brain microenvironment. This would promote neuronal survival and overall neurological recovery, which would likely lead to the reduction of mortality rate. Previous studies have shown that 4-methoxy benzyl alcohol (4-MA) ameliorated neurological score and cerebral infarct volume and reduced the concentration of Evans blue (EB) in brain tissue. In this research, we investigated the effects of 4-MA on NVU microenvironment improvement in rats impaired by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). METHODS First, we established a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) so as to use Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evaluating the NVU's protection of 4-MA. Then we established a primary cortical neuron model of oxygen glucose deprivation and re-oxygenation (OGD/R) with the objective of identifying whether 4-MA exhibited anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects on neurons. RESULTS NVU ultra structural changes were improved by 4-MA. Immunofluorescence and western blot showed that 4-MA protected NVUs through enhancement of the expression of the symbolic neuronal proteins Microtubule Associated Protein-2(MAP-2), and attenuation of protein expression of Asy symbolic protein Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein(GFAP). Furthermore, in the OGD/R model of I/R injury in vitro, 4-MA significantly increased Superoxide dismutase(SOD), Nitric Oxide(NO), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), decreased Bcl-2-Associated X(Bax) and increased Bcl-2/Bax. CONCLUSION 4-MA can play the role of anti-ischemic stroke drug by ameliorating the microenvironment of NVUs while its neuroprotective effects will contribute towards the inhibition of the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyan He
- Department of Pharmacology, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Rong Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xiufang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xuelan Song
- Department of Pharmacology, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hanwen Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Qingting Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Cui Yang
- Ethnic Drug Screening & Pharmacology Center, Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Qing Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China.
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