1
|
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises a complex of receptors, enzymes, and endogenous agonists that are widely distributed in the central nervous system of mammals and participates in a considerable number of neuromodulatory functions, including neurotransmission, immunological control, and cell signaling. In turn, the kynurenine pathway (KP) is the most relevant metabolic route for tryptophan degradation to form the metabolic precursor NAD(+). Recent studies demonstrate that the control exerted by the pharmacological manipulation of the ECS on the glutamatergic system in the brain may offer key information not only on the development of psychiatric disorders like psychosis and schizophrenia-like symptoms, but it also may constitute a solid basis for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat excitotoxic events occurring in neurological disorders like Huntington's disease (HD). Part of the evidence pointing to the last approach is based on experimental protocols demonstrating the efficacy of cannabinoids to prevent the deleterious actions of the endogenous neurotoxin and KP metabolite quinolinic acid (QUIN). These findings intuitively raise the question about what is the precise role of the ECS in tryptophan metabolism through KP and vice versa. In this chapter, we will review basic concepts on the physiology of both the ECS and the KP to finally describe those recent findings combining the components of these two systems and hypothesize the future course that the research in this emerging field will take in the next years.
Collapse
|
2
|
Al Kury LT, Voitychuk OI, Yang KHS, Thayyullathil FT, Doroshenko P, Ramez AM, Shuba YM, Galadari S, Howarth FC, Oz M. Effects of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide on voltage-dependent sodium and calcium channels in rat ventricular myocytes. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:3485-98. [PMID: 24758718 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The endocannabinoid anandamide (N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide; AEA) exerts negative inotropic and antiarrhythmic effects in ventricular myocytes. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Whole-cell patch-clamp technique and radioligand-binding methods were used to analyse the effects of anandamide in rat ventricular myocytes. KEY RESULTS In the presence of 1-10 μM AEA, suppression of both Na(+) and L-type Ca(2+) channels was observed. Inhibition of Na(+) channels was voltage and Pertussis toxin (PTX) - independent. Radioligand-binding studies indicated that specific binding of [(3) H] batrachotoxin (BTX) to ventricular muscle membranes was also inhibited significantly by 10 μM metAEA, a non-metabolized AEA analogue, with a marked decrease in Bmax values but no change in Kd . Further studies on L-type Ca(2+) channels indicated that AEA potently inhibited these channels (IC50 0.1 μM) in a voltage- and PTX-independent manner. AEA inhibited maximal amplitudes without affecting the kinetics of Ba(2+) currents. MetAEA also inhibited Na(+) and L-type Ca(2+) currents. Radioligand studies indicated that specific binding of [(3) H]isradipine, was inhibited significantly by metAEA. (10 μM), changing Bmax but not Kd . CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Results indicate that AEA inhibited the function of voltage-dependent Na(+) and L-type Ca(2+) channels in rat ventricular myocytes, independent of CB1 and CB2 receptor activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina T Al Kury
- Laboratory of Functional Lipidomics, Department of Pharmacology, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al Kury LT, Yang KHS, Thayyullathil FT, Rajesh M, Ali RM, Shuba YM, Howarth FC, Galadari S, Oz M. Effects of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide on cardiac Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger. Cell Calcium 2014; 55:231-7. [PMID: 24674601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2014.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid anandamide (N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide; AEA) has been shown to cause negative inotropic and antiarrhythmic effects in ventricular myocytes. In this study, using whole-cell patch clamp technique, we have investigated the effects of AEA on cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX1)-mediated currents. AEA suppressed NCX1 with an IC50 value of 4.7 μM. Both inward and outward components of exchanger currents were suppressed by AEA equally. AEA inhibition was mimicked by the metabolically stable analogue, methanandamide (metAEA, 10 μM) while it was not influenced by inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase with 1 μM URB597 incubation. The effect of AEA, was not altered in the presence of cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 antagonists AM251 (1 μM) and AM630 (1 μM), respectively. In addition, inhibition by AEA remained unchanged after pertussis toxin (PTX, 2 μg/ml) treatment or following the inclusion of GDP-β-S (1 mM) in pipette solution. Currents mediated by NCX1 expressed in HEK-293 cells were also inhibited by 10 μM AEA a partially reversible manner. Confocal microscopy images indicated that the intensity of YFP-NCX1 expression on cell surface was not altered by AEA. Collectively, the results indicate that AEA directly inhibits the function of NCX1 in rat ventricular myocytes and in HEK-293 cells expressing NCX1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina T Al Kury
- Laboratory of Functional Lipidomics, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Keun-Hang Susan Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Engineering, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Faisal T Thayyullathil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohanraj Rajesh
- Laboratory of Functional Lipidomics, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ramez M Ali
- Laboratory of Functional Lipidomics, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yaroslav M Shuba
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology and International Center of Molecular Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv 24, Ukraine
| | - Frank Christopher Howarth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sehamuddin Galadari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Murat Oz
- Laboratory of Functional Lipidomics, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Al Kury LT, Voitychuk OI, Ali RM, Galadari S, Yang KHS, Howarth FC, Shuba YM, Oz M. Effects of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide on excitation-contraction coupling in rat ventricular myocytes. Cell Calcium 2014; 55:104-18. [PMID: 24472666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A role for anandamide (N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide; AEA), a major endocannabinoid, in the cardiovascular system in various pathological conditions has been reported in earlier reports. In the present study, the effects of AEA on contractility, Ca2+ signaling, and action potential (AP) characteristics were investigated in rat ventricular myocytes. Video edge detection was used to measure myocyte shortening. Intracellular Ca2+ was measured in cells loaded with the fluorescent indicator fura-2 AM. AEA (1 μM) caused a significant decrease in the amplitudes of electrically evoked myocyte shortening and Ca2+ transients. However, the amplitudes of caffeine-evoked Ca2+ transients and the rate of recovery of electrically evoked Ca2+ transients following caffeine application were not altered. Biochemical studies in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles from rat ventricles indicated that AEA affected Ca2+ -uptake and Ca2+ -ATPase activity in a biphasic manner. [3H]-ryanodine binding and passive Ca2+ release from SR vesicles were not altered by 10 μM AEA. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was employed to investigate the effect of AEA on the characteristics of APs. AEA (1 μM) significantly decreased the duration of AP. The effect of AEA on myocyte shortening and AP characteristics was not altered in the presence of pertussis toxin (PTX, 2 μg/ml for 4 h), AM251 and SR141716 (cannabinoid type 1 receptor antagonists; 0.3 μM) or AM630 and SR 144528 (cannabinoid type 2 receptor antagonists; 0.3 μM). The results suggest that AEA depresses ventricular myocyte contractility by decreasing the action potential duration (APD) in a manner independent of CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Action Potentials/drug effects
- Animals
- Arachidonic Acids/pharmacology
- Caffeine/pharmacology
- Calcium/analysis
- Calcium/metabolism
- Calcium Signaling/drug effects
- Endocannabinoids/pharmacology
- Fura-2/chemistry
- Heart Ventricles/cytology
- In Vitro Techniques
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Male
- Myocardial Contraction/drug effects
- Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology
- Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects
- Myocytes, Cardiac/physiology
- Pertussis Toxin/toxicity
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Polyunsaturated Alkamides/pharmacology
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Sarcoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism
- Transport Vesicles/drug effects
- Transport Vesicles/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina T Al Kury
- Laboratory of Functional Lipidomics, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Oleg I Voitychuk
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology and International Center of Molecular Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv-24, Ukraine
| | - Ramiz M Ali
- Laboratory of Functional Lipidomics, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sehamuddin Galadari
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Keun-Hang Susan Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Engineering, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Frank Christopher Howarth
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yaroslav M Shuba
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology and International Center of Molecular Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv-24, Ukraine
| | - Murat Oz
- Laboratory of Functional Lipidomics, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ambrosino P, Soldovieri MV, Russo C, Taglialatela M. Activation and desensitization of TRPV1 channels in sensory neurons by the PPARα agonist palmitoylethanolamide. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 168:1430-44. [PMID: 23083124 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide displaying anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. To investigate the molecular mechanism responsible for these effects, the ability of PEA and of pain-inducing stimuli such as capsaicin (CAP) or bradykinin (BK) to influence intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺](i)) in peripheral sensory neurons, has been assessed in the present study. The potential involvement of the transcription factor PPARα and of TRPV1 channels in PEA-induced effects was also studied. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH [Ca²⁺](i) was evaluated by single-cell microfluorimetry in differentiated F11 cells. Activation of TRPV1 channels was assessed by imaging and patch-clamp techniques in CHO cells transiently-transfected with rat TRPV1 cDNA. KEY RESULTS In F11 cells, PEA (1-30 μM) dose-dependently increased [Ca²⁺](i). The TRPV1 antagonists capsazepine (1 μM) and SB-366791 (1 μM), as well as the PPARα antagonist GW-6471 (10 μM), inhibited PEA-induced [Ca²⁺](i) increase; blockers of cannabinoid receptors were ineffective. PEA activated TRPV1 channels heterologously expressed in CHO cells; this effect appeared to be mediated at least in part by PPARα. When compared with CAP, PEA showed similar potency and lower efficacy, and caused stronger TRPV1 currents desensitization. Sub-effective PEA concentrations, closer to those found in vivo, counteracted CAP- and BK-induced [Ca²⁺](i) transients, as well as CAP-induced TRPV1 activation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of PPARα and TRPV1 channels, rather than of cannabinoid receptors, largely mediate PEA-induced [Ca²⁺](i) transients in sensory neurons. Differential TRPV1 activation and desensitization by CAP and PEA might contribute to their distinct pharmacological profile, possibly translating into potentially relevant clinical differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ambrosino
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Voitychuk OI, Asmolkova VS, Gula NM, Sotkis GV, Galadari S, Howarth FC, Oz M, Shuba YM. Modulation of excitability, membrane currents and survival of cardiac myocytes by N-acylethanolamines. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2012; 1821:1167-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2011] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
7
|
Sadek B, Ashoor A, Mansouri AA, Lorke DE, Nurulain SM, Petroianu G, Wainwright M, Oz M. N3,N7-diaminophenothiazinium derivatives as antagonists of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Pharmacol Res 2012; 66:213-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
8
|
Metabolic oxidation regulates embryonic stem cell differentiation. Nat Chem Biol 2010; 6:411-7. [PMID: 20436487 PMCID: PMC2873061 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 437] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Metabolites offer an important unexplored complement to understanding the pluripotency of stem cells. Using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, we show that embryonic stem cells are characterized by abundant metabolites with highly unsaturated structures whose levels decrease upon differentiation. By monitoring the reduced and oxidized glutathione ratio as well as ascorbic acid levels, we demonstrate that the stem cell redox status is regulated during differentiation. Based on the oxidative biochemistry of the unsaturated metabolites, we experimentally manipulated specific pathways in embryonic stem cells while monitoring the effects on differentiation. Inhibition of the eicosanoid signaling pathway promoted pluripotency and maintained levels of unsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, downstream oxidized metabolites (e.g., neuroprotectin D1) and substrates of pro-oxidative reactions (e.g., acyl-carnitines), promoted neuronal and cardiac differentiation. We postulate that the highly unsaturated metabolome sustained by stem cells makes them particularly attuned to differentiate in response to in vivo oxidative processes such as inflammation.
Collapse
|
9
|
Alptekin A, Galadari S, Shuba Y, Petroianu G, Oz M. The effects of anandamide transport inhibitor AM404 on voltage-dependent calcium channels. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 634:10-5. [PMID: 20171208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Revised: 01/30/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of anandamide transport inhibitor AM404 were investigated on depolarization-induced 45Ca2+ fluxes in transverse tubule membrane vesicles from rabbit skeletal muscle and on Ba2+ currents through L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in rat myotubes. AM404, at the concentration of 3 microM and higher, caused a significant inhibition of 45Ca2+ fluxes. Radioligand binding studies indicated that the specific binding of [3H]Isradipine to transverse tubule membranes was also inhibited significantly by AM404. In controls and in presence of 10 microM AM404, B(max) values were 51+/-6 and 27+/-5 pM/mg, and KD values were 236+/-43 and 220+/-37 pM, respectively. Inhibitory effects of AEA and arachidonic acid on 45Ca2+ flux and [3H]Isradipine binding reported in earlier studies, were also enhanced significantly in the presence of AM404. In the presence of VDM11 (1 microM), another anandamide transport inhibitor, AM404 continued to inhibit 45Ca2+ fluxes and [3H]Isradipine binding. In rat myotubes, Ca2+ currents through L-type Ca2+ channels recorded in whole-cell configuration of patch clamp technique were inhibited by AM404 in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 3.2 microM. In conclusion, results indicate that AM404 inhibits directly the function of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in mammalian skeletal muscles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alp Alptekin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, 06270, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roberts-Crowley ML, Rittenhouse AR. Arachidonic acid inhibition of L-type calcium (CaV1.3b) channels varies with accessory CaVbeta subunits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 133:387-403. [PMID: 19332620 PMCID: PMC2699108 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200810047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Arachidonic acid (AA) inhibits the activity of several different voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by an unknown mechanism at an unknown site. The Ca2+ channel pore-forming subunit (CaVα1) is a candidate for the site of AA inhibition because T-type Ca2+ channels, which do not require accessory subunits for expression, are inhibited by AA. Here, we report the unanticipated role of accessory CaVβ subunits on the inhibition of CaV1.3b L-type (L-) current by AA. Whole cell Ba2+ currents were measured from recombinant channels expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells at a test potential of −10 mV from a holding potential of −90 mV. A one-minute exposure to 10 µM AA inhibited currents with β1b, β3, or β4 58, 51, or 44%, respectively, but with β2a only 31%. At a more depolarized holding potential of −60 mV, currents were inhibited to a lesser degree. These data are best explained by a simple model where AA stabilizes CaV1.3b in a deep closed-channel conformation, resulting in current inhibition. Consistent with this hypothesis, inhibition by AA occurred in the absence of test pulses, indicating that channels do not need to open to become inhibited. AA had no effect on the voltage dependence of holding potential–dependent inactivation or on recovery from inactivation regardless of CaVβ subunit. Unexpectedly, kinetic analysis revealed evidence for two populations of L-channels that exhibit willing and reluctant gating previously described for CaV2 channels. AA preferentially inhibited reluctant gating channels, revealing the accelerated kinetics of willing channels. Additionally, we discovered that the palmitoyl groups of β2a interfere with inhibition by AA. Our novel findings that the CaVβ subunit alters kinetic changes and magnitude of inhibition by AA suggest that CaVβ expression may regulate how AA modulates Ca2+-dependent processes that rely on L-channels, such as gene expression, enzyme activation, secretion, and membrane excitability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandy L Roberts-Crowley
- Department of Physiology and Program in Neuroscience, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Alexander SPH, Kendall DA. The complications of promiscuity: endocannabinoid action and metabolism. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 152:602-23. [PMID: 17876303 PMCID: PMC2190010 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2007] [Revised: 08/15/2007] [Accepted: 08/16/2007] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we present our understanding of the action and metabolism of endocannabinoids and related endogenous molecules. It is clear that the interactions between the multiple endocannabinoid-like molecules (ECLs) are highly complex, both at the level of signal transduction and metabolism. Thus, ECLs are a group of ligands active at 7-transmembrane and nuclear receptors, as well as transmitter-gated and ion channels. ECLs and their metabolites can converge on common endpoints (either metabolic or signalling) through contradictory or reinforcing pathways. We highlight the complexity of the endocannabinoid system, based on the promiscuous nature of ECLs and their metabolites, as well as the synthetic modulators of the endocannabinoid system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S P H Alexander
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Neuroscience, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG7 7LP, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Teaster ND, Motes CM, Tang Y, Wiant WC, Cotter MQ, Wang YS, Kilaru A, Venables BJ, Hasenstein KH, Gonzalez G, Blancaflor EB, Chapman KD. N-Acylethanolamine metabolism interacts with abscisic acid signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. THE PLANT CELL 2007; 19:2454-69. [PMID: 17766402 PMCID: PMC2002614 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.106.048702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are bioactive acylamides that are present in a wide range of organisms. In plants, NAEs are generally elevated in desiccated seeds, suggesting that they may play a role in seed physiology. NAE and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were depleted during seed germination, and both metabolites inhibited the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings within a similar developmental window. Combined application of low levels of ABA and NAE produced a more dramatic reduction in germination and growth than either compound alone. Transcript profiling and gene expression studies in NAE-treated seedlings revealed elevated transcripts for a number of ABA-responsive genes and genes typically enriched in desiccated seeds. The levels of ABI3 transcripts were inversely associated with NAE-modulated growth. Overexpression of the Arabidopsis NAE degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase resulted in seedlings that were hypersensitive to ABA, whereas the ABA-insensitive mutants, abi1-1, abi2-1, and abi3-1, exhibited reduced sensitivity to NAE. Collectively, our data indicate that an intact ABA signaling pathway is required for NAE action and that NAE may intersect the ABA pathway downstream from ABA. We propose that NAE metabolism interacts with ABA in the negative regulation of seedling development and that normal seedling establishment depends on the reduction of the endogenous levels of both metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neal D Teaster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Plant Lipid Research, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Oz M. Receptor-independent actions of cannabinoids on cell membranes: Focus on endocannabinoids. Pharmacol Ther 2006; 111:114-44. [PMID: 16584786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2005] [Accepted: 09/30/2005] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are a structurally diverse group of mostly lipophilic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors. In fact, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are a class of signaling lipids consisting of amides and esters of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are synthesized from lipid precursors in plasma membranes via Ca(2+) or G-protein-dependent processes and exhibit cannabinoid-like actions by binding to cannabinoid receptors. However, endocannabinoids can produce effects that are not mediated by these receptors. In pharmacologically relevant concentrations, endocannabinoids modulate the functional properties of voltage-gated ion channels including Ca(2+) channels, Na(+) channels, various types of K(+) channels, and ligand-gated ion channels such as serotonin type 3, nicotinic acetylcholine, and glycine receptors. In addition, modulatory effects of endocannabinoids on other ion-transporting membrane proteins such as transient potential receptor-class channels, gap junctions and transporters for neurotransmitters have also been demonstrated. Furthermore, functional properties of G-protein-coupled receptors for different types of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides are altered by direct actions of endocannabinoids. Although the mechanisms of these effects are currently not clear, it is likely that these direct actions of endocannabinoids are due to their lipophilic structures. These findings indicate that additional molecular targets for endocannabinoids exist and that these targets may represent novel sites for cannabinoids to alter either the excitability of the neurons or the response of the neuronal systems. This review focuses on the results of recent studies indicating that beyond their receptor-mediated effects, endocannabinoids alter the functions of ion channels and other integral membrane proteins directly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH/DHHS, Intramural Research Program, Cellular Neurobiology Branch, 5500 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore MD, 21224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang R, Cruciani-Guglielmacci C, Migrenne S, Magnan C, Cotero VE, Routh VH. Effects of Oleic Acid on Distinct Populations of Neurons in the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus Are Dependent on Extracellular Glucose Levels. J Neurophysiol 2006; 95:1491-8. [PMID: 16306178 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00697.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological manipulation of fatty acid metabolism in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) alters energy balance and glucose homeostasis. Thus, we tested the hypotheses that distinctive populations of ARC neurons are oleic acid (OA) sensors that exhibit a glucose dependency, independent of whether some of these OA sensors are also glucose-sensing neurons. We used patch-clamp recordings to investigate the effects of OA on ARC neurons in brain slices from 14- to 21-day-old Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Additionally, we recorded spontaneous discharge rate in ARC neurons in 8-wk-old fed and fasted SD rats in vivo. Patch-clamp studies showed that in 2.5 mM glucose 12 of 94 (13%) ARC neurons were excited by 2 μM OA (OA-excited or OAE neurons), whereas six of 94 (6%) were inhibited (OA-inhibited2.5or OAI2.5neurons). In contrast, in 0.1 mM glucose, OA inhibited six of 20 (30%) ARC neurons (OAI0.1neurons); none was excited. None of the OAI0.1neurons responded to OA in 2.5 mM glucose. Thus OAI2.5and OAI0.1neurons are distinct. Similarly, in seven of 20 fed rats (35%) the overall response was OAE-like, whereas in three of 20 (15%) it was OAI-like. In contrast, in fasted rats only OAI-like response were observed (three of 15; 20%). There was minimal overlap between OA-sensing neurons and glucose-sensing neurons. In conclusion, OA regulated three distinct subpopulations of ARC neurons in a glucose-dependent fashion. These data suggest that an interaction between glucose and fatty acids regulates OA sensing in ARC neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, 185 S. Orange Ave, PO Box 1709, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang T, Guo CJ, Douglas SD, Metzger DS, O'Brien CP, Li Y, Wang YJ, Wang X, Ho WZ. Alcohol suppresses IL-2-induced CC chemokine production by natural killer cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2005; 29:1559-67. [PMID: 16205356 PMCID: PMC4015110 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000179364.32003.9f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical component of the host innate immune system. We investigated whether alcohol impairs NK cell function, particularly production of CC chemokines induced by interleukin (IL)-2, the natural ligands for CCR5 receptor. METHODS Primary NK cells and NK cell line (YTS) were cultured with or without alcohol (10 to 80 mM) for three hours. The culture supernatants were then harvested and used to treat human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages and a HeLa cell line, which expresses CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4 receptors (MAGI cells). CC chemokine expression by YTS and primary NK cells treated with or without alcohol was analyzed with the real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. [Ca(2)(+)]i and Western blot assays were used to determine calcium-mediated intracellular signaling pathway and NF-kappaB p65 expression. HIV strains (Bal and UG024) were used to infect macrophages and MAGI cells. In addition, ADA (macrophage-tropic strain) and murine leukemia virus (MLV) envelope-pseudotyped HIV infection was carried out in macrophages. HIV infectivity was determined by HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) and beta-galactosidase activity assays. RESULTS Alcohol inhibited IL-2-induced CC chemokine (CCL3 and CCL4) expression by NK cells. Functional tests demonstrated that this reduced expression of CC chemokines was associated with diminished anti-HIV ability of NK cells. Alcohol also reduced the ability of NK cells to response to CCL3-mediated chemotaxis. Alcohol inhibited IL-2-induced NF-kappaB p65 protein expression and calcium mobilization by NK cells. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol, through the inhibition of IL-2-induced NF-kappaB p65 protein expression and intracellular calcium mobilization, suppressed NK cell production of CC chemokines. This suppression of CC chemokine production was associated with diminished anti-HIV activity of NK cells. Thus, by inhibiting NK cell-mediated innate immunity against HIV, alcohol consumption may have a cofactor role in the immunopathogenesis of HIV disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Joseph Stokes Jr. Research Institute at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|