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Buechler HM, Sumi M, Madhuranthakam IM, Donegan C, DiGiorgio F, Acosta AA, Uribe S, Rahman MA, Sorbello A, Fischer BD, Keck TM. The CB1 negative allosteric modulator PSNCBAM-1 reduces ethanol self-administration via a nonspecific hypophagic effect. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 240:173776. [PMID: 38679080 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects >15 million people in the United States. Current pharmacotherapeutic treatments for AUD are only modestly effective, necessitating the identification of new targets for medications development. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) has been a target of interest for the development of medications for substance use disorders and other compulsive disorders. However, CB1 antagonists/inverse agonists (e.g., rimonabant) have severe side effects that limit their clinical utility, including anxiety, depression, and suicide. Recent development of CB1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), including PSNCBAM-1, may provide an alternative mechanism of attenuating CB1 signaling with reduced side effects. PSNCBAM-1 has not yet been evaluated for effects in models of AUD. In this study, we investigated the effects of the CB1 NAM, PSNCBAM-1, in rodent models of AUD using adult male mice. PSNCBAM-1 dose-dependently attenuated oral ethanol self-administration (8 % w/v ethanol in water), significantly reducing ethanol rewards at a dose of 30 mg/kg, but not at 10 or 18 mg/kg. PSNCBAM-1 also dose-dependently attenuated palatable food self-administration (diluted vanilla Ensure), significantly reducing food rewards at 18 and 30 mg/kg PSNCBAM-1. PSNCBAM-1 did not affect conditioned place preference for 2 g/kg ethanol. These results suggest PSNCBAM-1 reduces ethanol-taking behavior via a nonspecific hypophagic effect and does not reduce the rewarding effects of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mousumi Sumi
- Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarah Uribe
- Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | | | | | - Bradford D Fischer
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, United States
| | - Thomas M Keck
- Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States.
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2
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Scicluna RL, Everett NA, Badolato CJ, Wilson BB, Bowen MT. Effects of CB1 receptor negative allosteric modulator Org27569 on oxycodone withdrawal symptoms in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06591-z. [PMID: 38676755 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06591-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE/OBJECTIVES Targeting cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) has shown promise for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a specific CB1R negative allosteric modulator (NAM), Org27569, in reducing both naloxone-precipitated and protracted withdrawal symptoms in oxycodone-dependent mice. METHODS Mice received escalating doses of oxycodone (9-33 mg/kg IP) or saline twice daily for 9 days, followed by a final dose of oxycodone (33 mg/kg) or saline in the morning of day 9. In one cohort, the impact of Org27569 (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) on naloxone (10 mg/kg IP) precipitated withdrawal symptoms was assessed. In another cohort, Org27569 (3 mg/kg) effects on the acquisition of conditioned place aversion to naloxone (0.6 mg/kg) precipitated opioid withdrawal, on behaviour following a 7-9-day abstinence period, and on naloxone (0.6 mg/kg) precipitated withdrawal-induced escape behaviour in a novel assay were assessed. RESULTS Although Org27569 decreased opioid withdrawal-induced jumping at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg, these effects were confounded by reduced locomotion. At all doses tested, Org27569 had a modest inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal motility. At the lower dose of 3 mg/kg, which was not confounded by locomotor effects, Org27569 did not impact naloxone-precipitated withdrawal-induced jumping, acquisition of oxycodone withdrawal-induced conditioned place aversion, or naloxone-precipitated withdrawal-induced escape behaviour in a novel assay. A clear protracted opioid withdrawal phenotype was not observed in assays of anxiety-like or social behaviour. CONCLUSIONS Org27569 effects on negative affective-like symptoms were confounded by locomotor effects and effects on gastrointestinal motility were not opioid withdrawal specific. Further studies are needed in a model that produces a more pronounced protracted withdrawal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhianne L Scicluna
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Everett
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Connie J Badolato
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Bianca B Wilson
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallet Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Gobira PH, Joca SR, Moreira FA. Roles of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in the modulation of psychostimulant responses. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2024; 36:67-77. [PMID: 35993329 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2022.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine, D-amphetamine, and methamphetamine, is a public health issue that substantially contributes to the global burden of disease. Psychostimulant drugs promote an increase in dopamine levels within the mesocorticolimbic system, which is central to the rewarding properties of such drugs. Cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R) are expressed in the main areas of this system and implicated in the neuronal mechanisms underlying the rewarding effect of psychostimulant drugs. Here, we reviewed studies focusing on pharmacological intervention targeting cannabinoid CB1R and CB2R and their interaction in the modulation of psychostimulant responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Gobira
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - S R Joca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - F A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Oliva I, Kazi F, Cantwell LN, Thakur GA, Crystal JD, Hohmann AG. Negative allosteric modulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptor signaling decreases intravenous morphine self-administration and relapse in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.16.575900. [PMID: 38293046 PMCID: PMC10827159 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.16.575900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system interacts with the reward system to modulate responsiveness to natural reinforcers, as well as drugs of abuse. Previous preclinical studies suggested that direct blockade of CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) could be leveraged as a potential pharmacological approach to treat substance use disorder, but this strategy failed during clinical trials due to severe psychiatric side effects. Alternative strategies have emerged to circumvent the side effects of direct CB1 binding through the development of allosteric modulators. We hypothesized that pharmacological inhibition of CB1R signaling through negative allosteric modulation (NAM) would reduce the reinforcing properties of morphine and decrease opioid addictive behaviors. By employing i.v. self-administration in mice, we studied the effects of the CB1-biased NAM GAT358 on morphine intake, relapse-like behavior, and motivation to work for morphine infusions. Our data revealed that GAT358 reduced morphine infusion intake during the maintenance phase of morphine self-administration under fixed ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement. GAT358 decreased morphine-seeking behavior after forced abstinence. Moreover, GAT358 dose-dependently decreased the motivation to obtain morphine infusions in a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. Strikingly, GAT358 did not affect the motivation to work for food rewards in an identical progressive ratio task, suggesting that the effect of GAT358 in decreasing opioid self-administration is reward specific. Furthermore, GAT58 did not produce motor ataxia in the rota-rod test. Our results suggest that CB1R NAMs reduced the reinforcing properties of morphine and could represent a viable therapeutic route to safely decrease opioid-addicted behaviors.
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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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6
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McReynolds JR, Wolf CP, Starck DM, Mathy JC, Schaps R, Krause LA, Hillard CJ, Mantsch JR. Role of mesolimbic cannabinoid receptor 1 in stress-driven increases in cocaine self-administration in male rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023:10.1038/s41386-023-01589-1. [PMID: 37188846 PMCID: PMC10267161 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01589-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Stress is prevalent in the lives of those with substance use disorders (SUDs) and influences SUD outcomes. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms through which stress promotes drug use is important for the development of effective SUD interventions. We have developed a model wherein exposure to a stressor, uncontrollable electric footshock, daily at the time of cocaine self-administration escalates intake in male rats. Here we test the hypothesis that stress-induced escalation of cocaine self-administration requires the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. Male Sprague-Dawley rats self-administered cocaine (0.5 mg/kg/inf, i.v.) during 2-h sessions comprised of four 30-min self-administration components separated by 5-min shock sequences or 5-min shock-free periods for 14 days. Footshock produced an escalation of cocaine self-administration that persisted following shock removal. Systemic administration of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) antagonist/inverse agonist, AM251, attenuated cocaine intake only in rats with a history of stress. This effect was localized to the mesolimbic system, as intra-nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and intra-ventral tegmental area (VTA) micro-infusions of AM251 attenuated cocaine intake only in stress-escalated rats. Cocaine self-administration, regardless of stress history, increased CB1R binding site density in the VTA, but not NAc shell. Following extinction, cocaine-primed reinstatement (10 mg/kg, ip) was increased in rats with prior footshock during self-administration. AM251 attenuated reinstatement only in rats with a stress history. Altogether, these data demonstrate that mesolimbic CB1Rs are required to escalate intake and heighten relapse susceptibility and suggest that repeated stress at the time of cocaine use regulates mesolimbic CB1R activity through a currently unknown mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayme R McReynolds
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology and Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Colten P Wolf
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Dylan M Starck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jacob C Mathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca Schaps
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Leslie A Krause
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - John R Mantsch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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7
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Karimi-Haghighi S, Mahmoudi M, Sayehmiri F, Mozafari R, Haghparast A. Endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target for psychostimulants relapse: A systematic review of preclinical studies. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 951:175669. [PMID: 36965745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175669] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism behind the reinstament of psychostimulant, as a major obstacle in addiction treatment is not fully understood. Controversial data are available in the literature concerning the role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in regulating the relapse to psychostimulant addiction in preclinical studies. The current systematic review aims to evaluate eCB modulators' effect in the reinstatement of commonly abused psychostimulants, including cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. By searching the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, studies were selected. Then the studies, quality was evaluated by the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. The results have still been limited to preclinical studies. Thirty-nine articles that employed self-administration and CPP as the most prevalent animal models of addiction were selected. This data indicates that cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonists and some cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists could suppress the reinstatement of cocaine and methamphetamine addiction in a dose-dependent manner. However, only AM251 was efficient to block the reinstatement of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. In conclusion, cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonists and some cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists may have curative potential in the relapse of psychostimulant abuse. However, time, dose, and route of administration are crucial factors in their inhibitory impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Karimi-Haghighi
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maedeh Mahmoudi
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sayehmiri
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Mozafari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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1-[2-(1H-Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)phenyl]-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)urea. MOLBANK 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/m1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For the synthesis of 1-(2-(1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl)phenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)urea, the final product, two different methods were used, in one or two steps, from (2-aminophenyl)(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methanone. The one-step synthesis entailed a carbonylation reaction with 1/3 equivalent of triphosgene in the presence of two equivalents of trimethylamine, followed by the addition of 4-methoxyaniline to the in situ generated aryl isocyanate. The two-step synthesis required first the preparation of phenyl(2-(1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl)phenyl)carbamate and then a substitution reaction by 4-methoxyaniline. The first method produced the final product in 72% yield, which was the best yield. The structure of the final product was confirmed by FTIR, UV-VIS, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry.
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9
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Alizamini MM, Li Y, Zhang JJ, Liang J, Haghparast A. Endocannabinoids and addiction memory: Relevance to methamphetamine/morphine abuse. World J Biol Psychiatry 2022; 23:743-763. [PMID: 35137652 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2022.2039408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM This review aims to summarise the role of endocannabinoid system (ECS), incluing cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous lipid ligands in the modulation of methamphetamine (METH)/morphine-induced memory impairments. METHODS Here, we utilized the results from researches which have investigated regulatory role of ECS (including cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists) on METH/morphine-induced memory impairments. RESULTS Among the neurotransmitters, glutamate and dopamine seem to play a critical role in association with the ECS to heal the drug-induced memory damages. Also, the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are three important brain regions that participate in both drug addiction and memory task processes, and endocannabinoid neurotransmission have been investigated. CONCLUSION ECS can be regarded as a treatment for the side effects of METH and morphine, and their memory-impairing effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirmohammadali Mirramezani Alizamini
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghui Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Iyer V, Rangel-Barajas C, Woodward TJ, Kulkarni A, Cantwell L, Crystal JD, Mackie K, Rebec GV, Thakur GA, Hohmann AG. Negative allosteric modulation of CB 1 cannabinoid receptor signaling suppresses opioid-mediated reward. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106474. [PMID: 36179954 PMCID: PMC9948526 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Blockade of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1)-receptor signaling decreases the rewarding properties of many drugs of abuse and has been proposed as an anti-addiction strategy. However, psychiatric side-effects limit the clinical potential of orthosteric CB1 antagonists. Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) represent a novel and indirect approach to attenuate CB1 signaling by decreasing affinity and/or efficacy of CB1 ligands. We hypothesized that a CB1-NAM would block opioid reward while avoiding the unwanted effects of orthosteric CB1 antagonists. GAT358, a CB1-NAM, failed to elicit cardinal signs of direct CB1 activation or inactivation when administered by itself. GAT358 decreased catalepsy and hypothermia but not antinociception produced by the orthosteric CB1 agonist CP55,940, suggesting that a CB1-NAM blocked cardinal signs of CB1 activation. Next, GAT358 was evaluated using in vivo assays of opioid-induced dopamine release and reward in male rodents. In the nucleus accumbens shell, a key component of the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway, morphine increased electrically-evoked dopamine efflux and this effect was blocked by a dose of GAT358 that lacked intrinsic effects on evoked dopamine efflux. Moreover, GAT358 blocked morphine-induced reward in a conditioned place preference (CPP) assay without producing reward or aversion alone. GAT358-induced blockade of morphine CPP was also occluded by GAT229, a CB1 positive allosteric modulator (CB1-PAM), and absent in CB1-knockout mice. Finally, GAT358 also reduced oral oxycodone (but not water) consumption in a two-bottle choice paradigm. Our results support the therapeutic potential of CB1-NAMs as novel drug candidates aimed at preventing opioid reward and treating opioid abuse while avoiding unwanted side-effects.
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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
| | | | - Taylor J. Woodward
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,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
| | - 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,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - George V. Rebec
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 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,Corresponding Author: Andrea G. Hohmann, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7007,
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11
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Therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a novel CB1 receptor neutral antagonist, for cocaine use disorder: evidence from preclinical research. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:286. [PMID: 35851573 PMCID: PMC9293959 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02059-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) have been major targets in medication development for the treatment of substance use disorders. However, clinical trials with rimonabant, a CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, failed due to severe side effects. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a neutral CB1R antagonist lacking an inverse agonist profile, against cocaine's behavioral effects in experimental animals. We found that systemic administration of PIMSR dose-dependently inhibited cocaine self-administration under fixed-ratio (FR5), but not FR1, reinforcement, shifted the cocaine self-administration dose-response curve downward, decreased incentive motivation to seek cocaine under progressive-ratio reinforcement, and reduced cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. PIMSR also inhibited oral sucrose self-administration. Importantly, PIMSR alone is neither rewarding nor aversive as assessed by place conditioning. We then used intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) to explore the possible involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine system in PIMSR's action. We found that PIMSR dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-enhanced ICSS maintained by electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle in rats. PIMSR itself failed to alter electrical ICSS, but dose-dependently inhibited ICSS maintained by optical stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons in transgenic DAT-Cre mice, suggesting the involvement of dopamine-dependent mechanisms. Lastly, we examined the CB1R mechanisms underlying PIMSR's action. We found that PIMSR pretreatment attenuated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)- or ACEA (a selective CB1R agonist)-induced reduction in optical ICSS. Together, our findings suggest that the neutral CB1R antagonist PIMSR deserves further research as a promising pharmacotherapeutic for cocaine use disorder.
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12
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Lovelock DF, Nguyen T, Van Voorhies K, Zhang Y, Besheer J. RTICBM-74 Is a Brain-Penetrant Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 1 Allosteric Modulator that Reduces Alcohol Intake in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 380:153-161. [PMID: 34930820 PMCID: PMC11047052 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is implicated in the neuronal mechanisms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), with the cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB1) representing a promising target for AUD therapeutic interventions. We have previously shown negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of the CB1 receptor attenuated the reinstatement of other drugs of abuse including cocaine and methamphetamine in rats; however, their effects on alcohol-related behaviors have not been investigated. Here, we tested the pharmacokinetic properties of one such CB1 NAM, RTICBM-74, and its effects on alcohol self-administration in rats. RTICBM-74 showed low aqueous solubility and high protein binding but had excellent half-life and low clearance against rat liver microsomes and hepatocytes, and excellent brain penetrance in rats. RTICBM-74 pretreatment specifically reduced alcohol intake across a range of doses in male or female Wistar or Long-Evans rats that were trained to self-administer alcohol. These effects were similar to the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant, which was tested as a positive control. Importantly, RTICBM-74 was effective at reducing alcohol intake at doses that did not affect locomotion or sucrose self-administration. Our findings suggest that CB1 NAMs such as RTICBM-74 have promising therapeutic potential in treatment of AUD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The present work shows that a metabolically stable and brain-penetrant cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 negative allosteric modulator reduces alcohol self-administration in rats without affecting locomotion or sucrose self-administration, suggesting potential therapeutic relevance for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis F Lovelock
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
| | - Thuy Nguyen
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
| | - Kalynn Van Voorhies
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
| | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies (D.F.L., K.V.V., J.B.) and Department of Psychiatry (J.B.), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.N., Y.Z.)
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13
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Nguyen T, Gamage TF, Finlay DB, Decker AM, Langston TL, Barrus D, Glass M, Li JX, Kenakin TP, Zhang Y. Development of 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(phenethyl)urea Analogues as Allosteric Modulators of the Cannabinoid Type-1 Receptor: RTICBM-189 is Brain Penetrant and Attenuates Reinstatement of Cocaine-Seeking Behavior. J Med Chem 2021; 65:257-270. [PMID: 34929081 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
We have shown that CB1 receptor negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) attenuated the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviors in rats. In an effort to further define the structure-activity relationships and assess the druglike properties of the 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(phenethyl)urea-based CB1 NAMs that we recently reported, we introduced substituents of different electronic properties and sizes to the phenethyl group and evaluated their potency in CB1 calcium mobilization, cAMP, and GTPγS assays. We found that 3-position substitutions such as Cl, F, and Me afforded enhanced CB1 potency, whereas 4-position analogues were generally less potent. The 3-chloro analogue (31, RTICBM-189) showed no activity at >50 protein targets and excellent brain permeation but relatively low metabolic stability in rat liver microsomes. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats confirmed the excellent brain exposure of 31 with a brain/plasma ratio Kp of 2.0. Importantly, intraperitoneal administration of 31 significantly and selectively attenuated the reinstatement of the cocaine-seeking behavior in rats without affecting locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Tiffany L Langston
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Daniel Barrus
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Terry P Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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14
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Lowe H, Toyang N, Steele B, Bryant J, Ngwa W. The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Various Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9472. [PMID: 34502379 PMCID: PMC8430969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis, a balance in internal environment (temperature, mood, and immune system) and energy input and output in living, biological systems. In addition to regulating physiological processes, the ECS directly influences anxiety, feeding behaviour/appetite, emotional behaviour, depression, nervous functions, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, reward, cognition, learning, memory, pain sensation, fertility, pregnancy, and pre-and post-natal development. The ECS is also involved in several pathophysiological diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the ECS has gained significant interest in medicine, research, and drug discovery and development. The distribution of the components of the ECS system throughout the body, and the physiological/pathophysiological role of the ECS-signalling pathways in many diseases, all offer promising opportunities for the development of novel cannabinergic, cannabimimetic, and cannabinoid-based therapeutic drugs that genetically or pharmacologically modulate the ECS via inhibition of metabolic pathways and/or agonism or antagonism of the receptors of the ECS. This modulation results in the differential expression/activity of the components of the ECS that may be beneficial in the treatment of a number of diseases. This manuscript in-depth review will investigate the potential of the ECS in the treatment of various diseases, and to put forth the suggestion that many of these secondary metabolites of Cannabis sativa L. (hereafter referred to as "C. sativa L." or "medical cannabis"), may also have potential as lead compounds in the development of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals for a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lowe
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
- Vilotos Pharmaceuticals Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
- Flavocure Biotech Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Ngeh Toyang
- Vilotos Pharmaceuticals Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
- Flavocure Biotech Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Blair Steele
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Joseph Bryant
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Wilfred Ngwa
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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15
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Caveolin-1 Expression in the Dorsal Striatum Drives Methamphetamine Addiction-Like Behavior. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158219. [PMID: 34360984 PMCID: PMC8348638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) function is regulated by membrane/lipid raft-resident protein caveolin-1 (Cav1). We examined whether altered expression of Cav1 in the dorsal striatum would affect self-administration of methamphetamine, an indirect agonist at the D1Rs. A lentiviral construct expressing Cav1 (LV-Cav1) or containing a short hairpin RNA against Cav1 (LV-shCav1) was used to overexpress or knock down Cav1 expression respectively, in the dorsal striatum. Under a fixed-ratio schedule, LV-Cav1 enhanced and LV-shCav1 reduced responding for methamphetamine in an extended access paradigm compared to LV-GFP controls. LV-Cav1 and LV-shCav1 also produced an upward and downward shift in a dose–response paradigm, generating a drug vulnerable/resistant phenotype. LV-Cav1 and LV-shCav1 did not alter responding for sucrose. Under a progressive-ratio schedule, LV-shCav1 generally reduced positive-reinforcing effects of methamphetamine and sucrose as seen by reduced breakpoints. Western blotting confirmed enhanced Cav1 expression in LV-Cav1 rats and reduced Cav1 expression in LV-shCav1 rats. Electrophysiological findings in LV-GFP rats demonstrated an absence of high-frequency stimulation (HFS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dorsal striatum after extended access methamphetamine self-administration, indicating methamphetamine-induced occlusion of plasticity. LV-Cav1 prevented methamphetamine-induced plasticity via increasing phosphorylation of calcium calmodulin kinase II, suggesting a mechanism for addiction vulnerability. LV-shCav1 produced a marked deficit in the ability of HFS to produce LTP and, therefore, extended access methamphetamine was unable to alter striatal plasticity, indicating a mechanism for resistance to addiction-like behavior. Our results demonstrate that Cav1 expression and knockdown driven striatal plasticity assist with modulating addiction to drug and nondrug rewards, and inspire new strategies to reduce psychostimulant addiction.
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16
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Guzman AS, Avalos MP, De Giovanni LN, Euliarte PV, Sanchez MA, Mongi-Bragato B, Rigoni D, Bollati FA, Virgolini MB, Cancela LM. CB1R activation in nucleus accumbens core promotes stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking by elevating extracellular glutamate in a drug-paired context. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12964. [PMID: 34155271 PMCID: PMC8217548 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical models of stress-induced relapse to drug use have shown that the dysregulation of glutamatergic transmission within the nucleus accumbens (NA) contributes notably to the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior in rodents. In this sense, there has been increasing interest in the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R), due to its crucial role in modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission within brain areas involved in drug-related behaviors. This study explored the involvement of CB1R within the NA subregions in the restraint stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP), as well as in the regulation of glutamatergic transmission, by using a pharmacological approach and the in vivo microdialysis sampling technique in freely moving rats. CB1R blockade by the antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 (5 nmol/0.5 μl/side) or CB1R activation by the agonist ACEA (0.01 fmol/0.5 μl/side), prevented or potentiated restraint stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine-CPP, respectively, after local administration into NAcore, but not NAshell. In addition, microdialysis experiments demonstrated that restraint stress elicited a significant increase in extracellular glutamate in NAcore under reinstatement conditions, with the local administration of AM251 or ACEA inhibiting or potentiating this, respectively. Interestingly, this rise specifically corresponded to the cocaine-associated CPP compartment. We also showed that this context-dependent change in glutamate paralleled the expression of cocaine-CPP, and disappeared after the extinction of this response. Taken together, these findings demonstrated the key role played by CB1R in mediating reinstatement of cocaine-CPP after restraint stress, through modulation of the context-specific glutamate release within NAcore. Additionally, CB1R regulation of basal extracellular glutamate was demonstrated and proposed as the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Guzman
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria P Avalos
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Laura N De Giovanni
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pia V Euliarte
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marianela A Sanchez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Bethania Mongi-Bragato
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Daiana Rigoni
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Flavia A Bollati
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Miriam B Virgolini
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.,Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Liliana M Cancela
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina. .,Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.
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17
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Nguyen T, Gamage TF, Decker AM, Finlay DB, Langston TL, Barrus D, Glass M, Harris DL, Zhang Y. Rational design of cannabinoid type-1 receptor allosteric modulators: Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 hybrids. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 41:116215. [PMID: 34015703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation offers an alternate approach to target the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) for therapeutic benefits. Examination of the two widely studied prototypic CB1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 revealed structural resemblance and similar structure-activity relationships (SARs). In silico docking and dynamics simulation studies using the crystal structure of CB1 co-bound with CP55,940 and Org27569 suggested that Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 occupied the same binding pocket and several common interactions were present in both series with the CB1 receptor. A new scaffold was therefore designed by merging the key structural features from the two series and the hybrids retained these binding features in the in silico docking studies. In addition, one such hybrid displayed similar functions to Org27569 in dynamic simulations by preserving a key R2143.50-D3386.30 salt bridge and maintaining an antagonist-like Helix3-Helix6 interhelical distance. Based on these results, a series of hybrids were synthesized and assessed in calcium mobilization, [35S]GTPγS binding and cAMP assays. Several compounds displayed comparable potencies to Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 in these assays. This work offers new insight of the SAR requirement at the allosteric site of the CB1 receptor and provides a new scaffold that can be optimized for the development of future CB1 allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | | | - Daniel Barrus
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Danni L Harris
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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18
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Mielnik CA, Lam VM, Ross RA. CB 1 allosteric modulators and their therapeutic potential in CNS disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110163. [PMID: 33152384 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CB1 is the most abundant GPCR found in the mammalian brain. It has garnered considerable attention as a potential therapeutic drug target. CB1 is involved in a wide range of physiological and psychiatric processes and has the potential to be targeted in a wide range of disease states. However, most of the selective and non-selective synthetic CB1 agonists and antagonists/inverse agonists developed to date are primarily used as research tools. No novel synthetic cannabinoids are currently in the clinic for use in psychiatric illness; synthetic analogues of the phytocannabinoid THC are on the market to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, along with off-label use for pain. Novel strategies are being explored to target CB1, but with emphasis on the elimination or mitigation of the potential psychiatric adverse effects that are observed by central agonism/antagonism of CB1. New pharmacological options are being pursued that may avoid these adverse effects while preserving the potential therapeutic benefits of CB1 modulation. Allosteric modulation of CB1 is one such approach. In this review, we will summarize and critically analyze both the in vitro characterization and in vivo validation of CB1 allosteric modulators developed to date, with a focus on CNS therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine A Mielnik
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Vincent M Lam
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ruth A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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19
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Murray CH, Christian DT, Milovanovic M, Loweth JA, Hwang EK, Caccamise AJ, Funke JR, Wolf ME. mGlu5 function in the nucleus accumbens core during the incubation of methamphetamine craving. Neuropharmacology 2021; 186:108452. [PMID: 33444640 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated that negative allosteric modulators (NAM) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) reduce cocaine and methamphetamine seeking in extinction-reinstatement animal models of addiction. Less is known about effects of mGlu5 NAMs in abstinence models, particularly for methamphetamine. We used the incubation of drug craving model, in which cue-induced craving progressively intensifies after withdrawal from drug self-administration, to conduct the first studies of the following aspects of mGlu5 function in the rat nucleus accumbens (NAc) core during abstinence from methamphetamine self-administration: 1) functionality of the major form of synaptic depression in NAc medium spiny neurons, which is induced postsynaptically via mGlu5 and expressed presynaptically via cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs), 2) mGlu5 surface expression and physical associations between mGlu5, Homer proteins, and diacylglycerol lipase-α, and 3) the effect of systemic and intra-NAc core administration of the mGlu5 NAM 3-((2-methyl-4-)ethynyl)pyridine (MTEP) on expression of incubated methamphetamine craving. We found that mGlu5/CB1R-dependent synaptic depression was lost during the rising phase of methamphetamine incubation but then recovered, in contrast to its persistent impairment during the plateau phase of incubation of cocaine craving. Furthermore, whereas the cocaine-induced impairment was accompanied by reduced mGlu5 levels and mGlu5-Homer associations, this was not the case for methamphetamine. Systemic MTEP reduced incubated methamphetamine seeking, but also reduced inactive hole nose-pokes and locomotion, while intra-NAc core MTEP had no significant effects. These findings provide the first insight into the role of mGlu5 in the incubation of methamphetamine craving and reveal differences from incubation of cocaine craving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor H Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Daniel T Christian
- Department of Neuroscience, The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
| | - Mike Milovanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
| | - Jessica A Loweth
- Department of Neuroscience, The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
| | - Eun-Kyung Hwang
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Aaron J Caccamise
- Department of Neuroscience, The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
| | - Jonathan R Funke
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Marina E Wolf
- Department of Neuroscience, The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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20
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Luján MÁ, Cheer JF, Melis M. Choosing the right drug: status and future of endocannabinoid research for the prevention of drug-seeking reinstatement. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 56:29-38. [PMID: 33068883 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to drugs of abuse leads to severe alterations in mesocorticolimbic dopamine circuitry deeply implicated in substance use disorders. Despite considerable efforts, few medications to reduce relapse rates are currently available. To solve this issue, researchers are uncovering therapeutic opportunities offered by the endocannabinoid system. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), and its endogenous ligands, participate in orchestration of cue-triggered and stress-triggered responses leading to obtain natural and drug rewards. Here, we review the evidence supporting the use of CB1R neutral antagonists, allosteric modulators, indirect agonists, as well as multi-target compounds, as improved alternatives compared to classical CB1R antagonists. The promising therapeutic value of other substrates participating in endocannabinoid signaling, like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, is also covered. Overall, a wide body of pre-clinical evidence avails novel pharmacological strategies interacting with the endocannabinoid system as clinically amenable candidates able to counteract drug-induced dopamine maladaptations contributing to increased risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á Luján
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy.
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21
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Allosteric modulators targeting cannabinoid cb1 and cb2 receptors: implications for drug discovery. Future Med Chem 2020; 11:2019-2037. [PMID: 31517528 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptors hold great therapeutic potential, as they do not possess intrinsic efficacy, but instead enhance or diminish the receptor's response of orthosteric ligands allowing for the tempering of cannabinoid receptor signaling without the desensitization, tolerance and dependence. Allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptors have numerous advantages over the orthosteric ligands such as higher receptor type selectivity, probe dependence and biased signaling, so they have a great potential to separate the therapeutic benefits from side effects own of orthosteric ligands. This review aims to give an overview of the CB1 and CB2 receptor allosteric modulators highlighting the structure-activity relationship and pharmacological profile of each classes, and their future promise.
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22
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Stasiulewicz A, Znajdek K, Grudzień M, Pawiński T, Sulkowska JI. A Guide to Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082778. [PMID: 32316328 PMCID: PMC7216112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the most crucial systems in the human organism, exhibiting multi-purpose regulatory character. It is engaged in a vast array of physiological processes, including nociception, mood regulation, cognitive functions, neurogenesis and neuroprotection, appetite, lipid metabolism, as well as cell growth and proliferation. Thus, ECS proteins, including cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands’ synthesizing and degrading enzymes, are promising therapeutic targets. Their modulation has been employed in or extensively studied as a treatment of multiple diseases. However, due to a complex nature of ECS and its crosstalk with other biological systems, the development of novel drugs turned out to be a challenging task. In this review, we summarize potential therapeutic applications for ECS-targeting drugs, especially focusing on promising synthetic compounds and preclinical studies. We put emphasis on modulation of specific proteins of ECS in different pathophysiological areas. In addition, we stress possible difficulties and risks and highlight proposed solutions. By presenting this review, we point out information pivotal in the spotlight of ECS-targeting drug design, as well as provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on ECS-related pharmacodynamics and show possible directions for needed research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stasiulewicz
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Znajdek
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Grudzień
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Tomasz Pawiński
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Joanna I. Sulkowska
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
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23
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Mustafa M, Donvito G, Moncayo L, Swafford A, Poklis J, Grauer R, Olszewska T, Ignatowska-Jankowska B, Kendall DA, Lu D, Lichtman AH. In vivo evaluation of the CB1 allosteric modulator LDK1258 reveals CB1-receptor independent behavioral effects. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 190:172840. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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24
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Schurman LD, Lu D, Kendall DA, Howlett AC, Lichtman AH. Molecular Mechanism and Cannabinoid Pharmacology. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 258:323-353. [PMID: 32236882 PMCID: PMC8637936 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since antiquity, Cannabis has provoked enormous intrigue for its potential medicinal properties as well as for its unique pharmacological effects. The elucidation of its major cannabinoid constituents, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), led to the synthesis of new cannabinoids (termed synthetic cannabinoids) to understand the mechanisms underlying the pharmacology of Cannabis. These pharmacological tools were instrumental in the ultimate discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid system, which consists of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and endogenously produced ligands (endocannabinoids), which bind and activate both cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors mediate the cannabimimetic effects of THC and are highly expressed on presynaptic neurons in the nervous system, where they modulate neurotransmitter release. In contrast, CB2 receptors are primarily expressed on immune cells. The endocannabinoids are tightly regulated by biosynthetic and hydrolytic enzymes. Accordingly, the endocannabinoid system plays a modulatory role in many physiological processes, thereby generating many promising therapeutic targets. An unintended consequence of this research was the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids sold for human consumption to circumvent federal laws banning Cannabis use. Here, we describe research that led to the discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid system and show how knowledge of this system benefitted as well as unintentionally harmed human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley D Schurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Dai Lu
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Debra A Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Research on Substance Use and Addiction, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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25
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Nguyen T, Gamage TF, Decker AM, Barrus D, Langston TL, Li JX, Thomas BF, Zhang Y. Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of 1-Phenyl-3-Thiophenylurea Derivatives as Cannabinoid Type-1 Receptor Allosteric Modulators. J Med Chem 2019; 62:9806-9823. [PMID: 31596583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported diarylurea derivatives as cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) allosteric modulators, which were effective in attenuating cocaine-seeking behavior. Herein, we extended the structure-activity relationships of PSNCBAM-1 (2) at the central phenyl ring directly connected to the urea moiety. Replacement with a thiophene ring led to 11 with improved or comparable potencies in calcium mobilization, [35S]GTPγS binding, and cAMP assays, whereas substitution with nonaromatic rings led to significant attenuation of the modulatory activity. These compounds had no inverse agonism in [35S]GTPγS binding, a characteristic that is often thought to contribute to adverse psychiatric effects. While 11 had good metabolic stability in rat liver microsomes, it showed modest solubility and blood-brain barrier permeability. Compound 11 showed an insignificant attenuation of cocaine seeking behavior in rats, most likely due to its limited CNS penetration, suggesting that pharmacokinetics and distribution play a role in translating the in vitro efficacy to in vivo behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Daniel Barrus
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Tiffany L Langston
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Buffalo, the State University of New York , Buffalo , New York 14214 , United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
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26
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Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health crisis worldwide, and effective treatment options are limited. During the past 2 decades, researchers have investigated the impact of a variety of pharmacological approaches to treat SUD, one of which is the use of medical cannabis or cannabinoids. Significant progress was made with the discovery of rimonabant, a selective CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist (also an inverse agonist), as a promising therapeutic for SUDs and obesity. However, serious adverse effects such as depression and suicidality led to the withdrawal of rimonabant (and almost all other CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists) from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Since then, much research interest has shifted to other cannabinoid-based strategies, such as peripheral CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists, neutral CB1R antagonists, allosteric CB1R modulators, CB2R agonists, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors, fatty acid binding protein (FABP) inhibitors, or nonaddictive phytocannabinoids with CB1R or CB2R-binding profiles, as new therapeutics for SUDs. In this article, we first review recent progress in research regarding the endocannabinoid systems, cannabis reward versus aversion, and the underlying receptor mechanisms. We then review recent progress in cannabinoid-based medication development for the treatment of SUDs. As evidence continues to accumulate, neutral CB1R antagonists (such as AM4113), CB2R agonists (JWH133, Xie2-64), and nonselective phytocannabinoids (cannabidiol, β-caryophyllene, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabivarin) have shown great therapeutic potential for SUDs, as shown in experimental animals. Several cannabinoid-based medications (e.g., dronabinol, nabilone, PF-04457845) that entered clinical trials have shown promising results in reducing withdrawal symptoms in cannabis and opioid users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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27
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Banister SD, Krishna Kumar K, Kumar V, Kobilka BK, Malhotra SV. Selective modulation of the cannabinoid type 1 (CB 1) receptor as an emerging platform for the treatment of neuropathic pain. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:647-659. [PMID: 31191856 DOI: 10.1039/c8md00595h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is caused by a lesion or dysfunction in the nervous system, and it may arise from illness, be drug-induced or caused by toxin exposure. Since the discovery of two G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) nearly three decades ago, there has been a rapid expansion in our understanding of cannabinoid pharmacology. This is currently one of the most active fields of neuropharmacology, and interest has emerged in developing cannabinoids and other small molecule modulators of CB1 and CB2 as therapeutics for neuropathic pain. This short review article provides an overview of the chemotypes currently under investigation for the development of novel neuropathic pain treatments targeting CB1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Banister
- Department of Radiation Oncology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA 94305 , USA .
| | - Kaavya Krishna Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA 94305 , USA
| | - Vineet Kumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA 94305 , USA .
| | - Brian K Kobilka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA 94305 , USA
| | - Sanjay V Malhotra
- Department of Radiation Oncology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA 94305 , USA .
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28
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Cannabinoid CB 1 receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 inhibits heroin self-administration without depressive side effects in rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:365-373. [PMID: 29967454 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) have been shown to be a promising target in medication development for the treatment of addiction. However, clinical trials with SR141716A (rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist) for the treatment of obesity and smoking cessation failed due to unwanted side effects, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. Recent preclinical studies suggest that the neutral CB1R antagonist AM4113 may retain the therapeutic anti-addictive effects of SR141716A in nicotine self-administration models and possibly has fewer unwanted side effects. However, little is known about whether AM4113 is also effective for other drugs of abuse, such as opioids and psychostimulants, and whether it produces depressive side effects similar to SR141716A in experimental animals. In this study, we demonstrated that systemic administration of AM4113 (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited the self-administration of intravenous heroin but not cocaine or methamphetamine, whereas SR141716A (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited the self-administration of heroin and methamphetamine but not cocaine. In the electrical brain-stimulation reward (BSR) paradigm, SR141716A (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased the BSR stimulation threshold (i.e., decreased the stimulation reward), but AM4113 had no effect on BSR at the same doses, suggesting that SR141716A may produce aversive effects while AM4113 may not. Together, these findings show that neutral CB1R antagonists such as AM4113 deserve further research as a new class of CB1R-based medications for the treatment of opioid addiction without SR141716A-like aversive effects.
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29
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Lu D, Immadi SS, Wu Z, Kendall DA. Translational potential of allosteric modulators targeting the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:324-335. [PMID: 30333554 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0164-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor, is an attractive target for drug discovery due to its involvement in many physiological processes. Historically, drug discovery efforts targeting the CB1 receptor have focused on the development of orthosteric ligands that interact with the active site to which endogenous cannabinoids bind. Research performed over the last several decades has revealed substantial difficulties in translating CB1 orthosteric ligands into druggable candidates. The difficulty is mainly due to the adverse effects associated with orthosteric CB1 ligands. Recent discoveries of allosteric CB1 modulators provide tremendous opportunities to develop CB1 ligands with novel mechanisms of action; these ligands may potentially improve the pharmacological effects and enhance drug safety in treating the disorders by regulating the functions of the CB1 receptor. In this paper, we review and summarize the complex pharmacological profiles of each class of CB1 allosteric modulators, the development of new classes of CB1 allosteric modulators and the results from in vivo assessments of their therapeutic value.
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30
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31
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Dopart R, Lu D, Lichtman AH, Kendall DA. Allosteric modulators of cannabinoid receptor 1: developing compounds for improved specificity. Drug Metab Rev 2018; 50:3-13. [PMID: 29355030 PMCID: PMC6134837 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2018.1428342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is located primarily in the central nervous system. CB1 is a therapeutic target which may impact pathways to mediate pain, neurodegenerative disorders, hunger, and drug-seeking behavior. Despite these benefits, development of orthosteric therapeutic compounds, which target the endogenous ligand-binding site of CB1, has been challenging due to detrimental side effects including psychoactivity, depression, and suicidal thoughts. However, CB1 also has an allosteric binding site(s), which is topographically distinct from the orthosteric site. Allosteric modulation of CB1 has a number of potential advantages including providing a mechanism for more precise control of downstream pathways and circumventing these side effects. In this review, we summarize the concept of allosteric modulation and focus on the structure-activity relationship studies of the well-characterized allosteric modulators, ORG27569 and PSNCBAM-1 and their derivatives, and a few other recent modulators. We review studies on the properties of these modulators on CB1 signaling in cells and their effects in vivo. While many current allosteric modulators also produce complex outcomes, they provide new advances for the design of CB1 centered therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dopart
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , Storrs , CT , USA
| | - Dai Lu
- b Rangel College of Pharmacy , Health Science Center, Texas A&M University , Kingsville , TX , USA
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- c Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , VA , USA
| | - Debra A Kendall
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , Storrs , CT , USA
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32
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Stern CA, de Carvalho CR, Bertoglio LJ, Takahashi RN. Effects of Cannabinoid Drugs on Aversive or Rewarding Drug-Associated Memory Extinction and Reconsolidation. Neuroscience 2018; 370:62-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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33
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Abstract
Allosteric modulation of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) holds great therapeutic potential. This is because allosteric modulators do not possess intrinsic efficacy, but instead augment (positive allosteric modulation) or diminish (negative allosteric modulation) the receptor's response to endogenous ligand. Consequently, CB1R allosteric modulators have an effect ceiling which allows for the tempering of CB1R signaling without the desensitization, tolerance, dependence, and psychoactivity associated with orthosteric compounds. Pain, movement disorders, epilepsy, obesity are all potential therapeutic targets for CB1R allosteric modulation. Several challenges exist for the development of CB1R allosteric modulators, such as receptor subtype specificity, translation to in vivo systems, and mixed allosteric/agonist/inverse agonist activity. Despite these challenges, elucidation of crystal structures of CB1R and compound design based on structure-activity relationships will advance the field. In this review, we will cover recent progress for CB1R allosteric modulators and discuss the future promise of this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Alaverdashvili
- a College of Pharmacy and Nutrition , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- a College of Pharmacy and Nutrition , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada
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34
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Li CL, Peng JB, Qi X, Ying J, Wu XF. Pd/C-catalyzed reductive carbonylation of nitroaromatics for the synthesis of unsymmetrical ureas: one-step synthesis of neburon. NEW J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8nj02413h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A Pd/C catalyzed reductive carbonylation of nitroarenes for the synthesis of unsymmetrical ureas has been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Liang Li
- Department of Chemistry
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
- Xiasha Campus
- Hangzhou 310018
- People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Bao Peng
- Department of Chemistry
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
- Xiasha Campus
- Hangzhou 310018
- People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Qi
- Department of Chemistry
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
- Xiasha Campus
- Hangzhou 310018
- People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Chemistry
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
- Xiasha Campus
- Hangzhou 310018
- People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Feng Wu
- Department of Chemistry
- Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
- Xiasha Campus
- Hangzhou 310018
- People's Republic of China
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35
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Panlilio LV, Justinova Z. Preclinical Studies of Cannabinoid Reward, Treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder, and Addiction-Related Effects of Cannabinoid Exposure. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:116-141. [PMID: 28845848 PMCID: PMC5719102 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use has become increasingly accepted socially and legally, for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Without reliable information about the effects of cannabis, people cannot make informed decisions regarding its use. Like alcohol and tobacco, cannabis can have serious adverse effects on health, and some people have difficulty discontinuing their use of the drug. Many cannabis users progress to using and becoming addicted to other drugs, but the reasons for this progression are unclear. The natural cannabinoid system of the brain is complex and involved in many functions, including brain development, reward, emotion, and cognition. Animal research provides an objective and controlled means of obtaining information about: (1) how cannabis affects the brain and behavior, (2) whether medications can be developed to treat cannabis use disorder, and (3) whether cannabis might produce lasting changes in the brain that increase the likelihood of becoming addicted to other drugs. This review explains the tactics used to address these issues, evaluates the progress that has been made, and offers some directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh V Panlilio
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, DHHS, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zuzana Justinova
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, DHHS, Baltimore, MD, USA
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36
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Khurana L, Mackie K, Piomelli D, Kendall DA. Modulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptor by allosteric ligands: Pharmacology and therapeutic opportunities. Neuropharmacology 2017; 124:3-12. [PMID: 28527758 PMCID: PMC5540789 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid pharmacology has been intensely studied because of cannabis' pervasive medicinal and non-medicinal uses as well as for the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based drugs for the treatment of pain, anxiety, substance abuse, obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The identification of allosteric modulators of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) has given a new direction to the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics due to the many advantages offered by targeting allosteric site(s). Allosteric receptor modulators hold potential to develop subtype-specific and pathway-specific therapeutics. Here we briefly discuss the first-generation of allosteric modulators of CB1 receptor, their structure-activity relationships, signaling pathways and the allosteric binding site(s) on the CB1 receptor. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "A New Dawn in Cannabinoid Neurobiology".
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Affiliation(s)
- Leepakshi Khurana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Gill Center and Departmental of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Debra A Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States.
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37
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Nguyen T, German N, Decker AM, Langston TL, Gamage TF, Farquhar CE, Li JX, Wiley JL, Thomas BF, Zhang Y. Novel Diarylurea Based Allosteric Modulators of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor: Evaluation of Importance of 6-Pyrrolidinylpyridinyl Substitution. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7410-7424. [PMID: 28792219 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Allosteric modulators of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor have recently been reported as an alternative approach to modulate the CB1 receptor for therapeutic benefits. In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a series of diarylureas derived from PSNCBAM-1 (2). Similar to 2, these diarylureas dose-dependently inhibited CP55,940-induced intracellular calcium mobilization and [35S]GTP-γ-S binding while enhancing [3H]CP55,940 binding to the CB1 receptor. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the pyridinyl ring of 2 could be replaced by other aromatic rings and the pyrrolidinyl ring is not required for CB1 allosteric modulation. 34 (RTICBM-74) had similar potencies as 2 in all in vitro assays but showed significantly improved metabolic stability to rat liver microsomes. More importantly, 34 was more effective than 2 in attenuating the reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, demonstrating the potential of this diarylurea series as promising candidates for the development of relapse treatment of cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Nadezhda German
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Tiffany L Langston
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Charlotte E Farquhar
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York , Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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38
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Gamage TF, Farquhar CE, Lefever TW, Thomas BF, Nguyen T, Zhang Y, Wiley JL. The great divide: Separation between in vitro and in vivo effects of PSNCBAM-based CB 1 receptor allosteric modulators. Neuropharmacology 2017; 125:365-375. [PMID: 28803965 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
While allosteric modulators of the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) continue to be developed and characterized, the gap between the in vitro and in vivo data is widening, raising questions regarding translatability of their effects and biological relevance. Among the CB1 allosteric modulators, PSNCBAM-1 has received little attention regarding its effects in vivo. Recently, pregnenolone was reported to act as an allosteric modulator of CB1, blocking THC's effects in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the potential of CB1 allosteric modulators for treatment of cannabis intoxication. We investigated the pharmacological effects of PSNCBAM-1 and two structural analogs, RTICBM-15 and -28, as well as pregnenolone, in both signaling and behavioral assays including [35S]GTPγS binding, the cannabinoid tetrad and drug discrimination. While the CB1 allosteric modulator PSNCBAM-1 attenuated THC-induced anti-nociception and its structural analog RTICBM-28 reduced THC's potency in drug discrimination, most cannabinoid effects in mice were unaffected. In contrast to the mouse studies, PSNCBAM-1 and analogs insurmountably antagonized CP55,940- and THC-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding and exhibited negative binding cooperativity with [3H]SR141716 with similar apparent affinities. Notably, RTICBM-28, which contains a cyano substitution at the 4-chlorophenyl position of PSNCBAM-1, exhibited enhanced binding cooperativity with CP55,940. In contrast to previous findings, pregnenolone did not block THC's effects in drug discrimination or [35S]GTPγS. These data further highlight the difficulty in translating pharmacological effects of CB1 allosteric modulators in vivo but confirm the established pharmacology of PSNCBAM-1 and analogs in molecular assays of CB1 receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Gamage
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA.
| | - Charlotte E Farquhar
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA
| | - Timothy W Lefever
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA
| | - Brian F Thomas
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA
| | - Thuy Nguyen
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA
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39
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Khurana L, Fu BQ, Duddupudi AL, Liao YH, Immadi SS, Kendall DA, Lu D. Pyrimidinyl Biphenylureas: Identification of New Lead Compounds as Allosteric Modulators of the Cannabinoid Receptor CB 1. J Med Chem 2017; 60:1089-1104. [PMID: 28059509 PMCID: PMC5724760 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The allosteric modulator 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(3-(6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl)urea (PSNCBAM-1, 2) bound the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and antagonized G protein coupling. This compound demonstrated potent anorectic effects similar to the CB1 antagonist rimonabant that once was marketed for the treatment of obesity, suggesting a new chemical entity for the discovery of antiobesity drugs. To increase structural diversity of this class of CB1 ligands, we designed and synthesized two classes of novel analogues, in which the pyridine ring of 2 was replaced by a pyrimidine ring. These positively modulate the binding of the CB1 orthosteric agonist CP55,940 while exhibiting an antagonism of G-protein coupling activity. Interestingly, compounds 7d and 8d demonstrated ERK1/2 phosphorylation mediated via β-arrestin unlike the orthosteric CP55,940 that does so in a G protein-dependent manner. These can serve as new lead compounds for the future development of CB1 allosteric modulators that show biased agonism and potentially antiobesity behavior via a new mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leepakshi Khurana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Bo-Qiao Fu
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, 1010 West Avenue B, Kingsville, Texas 78363, United States
| | - Anantha L. Duddupudi
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, 1010 West Avenue B, Kingsville, Texas 78363, United States
| | - Yu-Hsien Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Sri Sujana Immadi
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, 1010 West Avenue B, Kingsville, Texas 78363, United States
| | - Debra A. Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Dai Lu
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, 1010 West Avenue B, Kingsville, Texas 78363, United States
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Kulkarni AR, Garai S, Thakur GA. Scalable, One-Pot, Microwave-Accelerated Tandem Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Urea Derivatives. J Org Chem 2016; 82:992-999. [PMID: 27966953 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.6b02521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We report a facile, microwave-accelerated, one-pot tandem synthesis of unsymmetrical ureas via a Curtius rearrangement. In this method, one-pot microwave irradiation of commercially available (hetero)aromatic acids and amines in the presence of diphenylphosphoryl azide enabled extremely rapid (1-5 min) construction of an array of unsymmetrical ureas in good to excellent yields. We demonstrate the utility of our method in the efficient, gram-scale synthesis of key biologically active compounds targeting the cannabinoid 1 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit R Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University , 140 The Fenway, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University , 140 The Fenway, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University , 140 The Fenway, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Nguyen T, Li JX, Thomas BF, Wiley JL, Kenakin TP, Zhang Y. Allosteric Modulation: An Alternate Approach Targeting the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor. Med Res Rev 2016; 37:441-474. [PMID: 27879006 PMCID: PMC5397374 DOI: 10.1002/med.21418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor is a G protein coupled receptor and plays an important role in many biological processes and physiological functions. A variety of CB1 receptor agonists and antagonists, including endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids, have been discovered or developed over the past 20 years. In 2005, it was discovered that the CB1 receptor contains allosteric site(s) that can be recognized by small molecules or allosteric modulators. A number of CB1 receptor allosteric modulators, both positive and negative, have since been reported and importantly, they display pharmacological characteristics that are distinct from those of orthosteric agonists and antagonists. Given the psychoactive effects commonly associated with CB1 receptor agonists and antagonists/inverse agonists, allosteric modulation may offer an alternate approach to attain potential therapeutic benefits while avoiding inherent side effects of orthosteric ligands. This review details the complex pharmacological profiles of these allosteric modulators, their structure-activity relationships, and efforts in elucidating binding modes and mechanisms of actions of reported CB1 allosteric modulators. The ultimate development of CB1 receptor allosteric ligands could potentially lead to improved therapies for CB1-mediated neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Terry P Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Johnson KA, Lovinger DM. Presynaptic G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Gatekeepers of Addiction? Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:264. [PMID: 27891077 PMCID: PMC5104741 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug abuse and addiction cause widespread social and public health problems, and the neurobiology underlying drug actions and drug use and abuse is an area of intensive research. Drugs of abuse alter synaptic transmission, and these actions contribute to acute intoxication as well as the chronic effects of abused substances. Transmission at most mammalian synapses involves neurotransmitter activation of two receptor subtypes, ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast synaptic responses and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that have slower neuromodulatory actions. The GPCRs represent a large proportion of neurotransmitter receptors involved in almost all facets of nervous system function. In addition, these receptors are targets for many pharmacotherapeutic agents. Drugs of abuse directly or indirectly affect neuromodulation mediated by GPCRs, with important consequences for intoxication, drug taking and responses to prolonged drug exposure, withdrawal and addiction. Among the GPCRs are several subtypes involved in presynaptic inhibition, most of which are coupled to the Gi/o class of G protein. There is increasing evidence that these presynaptic Gi/o-coupled GPCRs have important roles in the actions of drugs of abuse, as well as behaviors related to these drugs. This topic will be reviewed, with particular emphasis on receptors for three neurotransmitters, Dopamine (DA; D1- and D2-like receptors), Endocannabinoids (eCBs; CB1 receptors) and glutamate (group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors). The focus is on recent evidence from laboratory animal models (and some evidence in humans) implicating these receptors in the acute and chronic effects of numerous abused drugs, as well as in the control of drug seeking and taking. The ability of drugs targeting these receptors to modify drug seeking behavior has raised the possibility of using compounds targeting these receptors for addiction pharmacotherapy. This topic is also discussed, with emphasis on development of mGlu2 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A. Johnson
- Section on Synaptic Pharmacology, Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of HealthBethesda, MD, USA
| | - David M. Lovinger
- Section on Synaptic Pharmacology, Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of HealthBethesda, MD, USA
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Janero DR, Thakur GA. Leveraging allostery to improve G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-directed therapeutics: cannabinoid receptor 1 as discovery target. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:1223-1237. [PMID: 27712124 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2016.1245289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allosteric modulators of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) hold the promise of improved pharmacology and safety over typical orthosteric GPCR ligands. These features are particularly relevant to the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) GPCR, since typical orthosteric CB1R ligands are associated with adverse events that limit their translational potential. Areas covered: The contextual basis for applying allostery to CB1R is considered from pharmacological, drug-discovery, and medicinal standpoints. Rational design of small-molecule CB1R allosteric modulators as potential pharmacotherapeutics would be greatly facilitated by direct experimental characterization of structure-function correlates underlying the biological activity of chemically-diverse CB1R allosteric modulators, CB1R allosteric ligand-binding binding pockets, and amino acid contact residues critical to allosteric ligand engagement and activity. In these regards, designer covalent probes exhibiting well-characterized molecular pharmacology as CB1R allosteric modulators are emerging as valuable molecular reporters enabling experimental interrogation of CB1R allosteric site(s) and informing the design of new CB1R agents as drugs. Expert opinion: Synthesis and pharmacological profiling of CB1R allosteric ligands will continue to provide valuable insights into CB1R structure-function correlates. The resulting data should expand the repertoire of novel agents capable of exerting therapeutic benefit by modulating CB1R-dependent signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Janero
- a Center for Drug Discovery; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, College of Science; and Health Sciences Entrepreneurs , Northeastern University , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Ganesh A Thakur
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouvé College of Health Sciences , Northeastern University , Boston , MA , USA
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Greig IR, Baillie GL, Abdelrahman M, Trembleau L, Ross RA. Development of indole sulfonamides as cannabinoid receptor negative allosteric modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:4403-4407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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45
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Qiao CJ, Ali HI, Ahn KH, Kolluru S, Kendall DA, Lu D. Synthesis and biological evaluation of indole-2-carboxamides bearing photoactivatable functionalities as novel allosteric modulators for the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 121:517-529. [PMID: 27318976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
5-Chloro-3-ethyl-N-(4-(piperidin-1-yl)phenethyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (ORG27569, 1) is a prototypical allosteric modulator for the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Based on this indole-2-carboxamide scaffold, we designed and synthesized novel CB1 allosteric modulators that possess photoactivatable functionalities, which include benzophenone, phenyl azide, aliphatic azide and phenyltrifluoromethyldiazrine. To assess their allosteric effects, the dissociation constant (KB) and allosteric binding cooperativity factor (α) were determined and compared to their parent compounds. Within this series, benzophenone-containing compounds 26 and 27, phenylazide-containing compound 28, and the aliphatic azide containing compound 36b showed allosteric binding parameters (KB and α) comparable to their parent compound 1, 7, 8, and 9, respectively. We further assessed these modulators for their impact on G-protein coupling activity. Interestingly, these compounds exhibited negative allosteric modulator properties in a manner similar to their parent compounds, which antagonize agonist-induced G-protein coupling. These novel CB1 allosteric modulators, possessing photoactivatable functionalities, provide valuable tools for future photo-affinity labeling and mapping the CB1 allosteric binding site(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jiang Qiao
- Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, 1010 West Avenue B, Kingsville, TX 78363, United States; School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hamed I Ali
- Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, 1010 West Avenue B, Kingsville, TX 78363, United States
| | - Kwang H Ahn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States
| | - Srikanth Kolluru
- Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, 1010 West Avenue B, Kingsville, TX 78363, United States
| | - Debra A Kendall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States.
| | - Dai Lu
- Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, 1010 West Avenue B, Kingsville, TX 78363, United States.
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Liu Z, Tang L, Zhu H, Xu T, Qiu C, Zheng S, Gu Y, Feng J, Zhang Y, Liang G. Design, Synthesis, and Structure–Activity Relationship Study of Novel Indole-2-carboxamide Derivatives as Anti-inflammatory Agents for the Treatment of Sepsis. J Med Chem 2016; 59:4637-50. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b02006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Liu
- Chemical
Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Longguang Tang
- Chemical
Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
- Center
for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory
of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public
Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Heping Zhu
- Chemical
Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- The
Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Chenyu Qiu
- Chemical
Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Suqing Zheng
- Chemical
Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yugui Gu
- Chemical
Biology Section in WMU−WU Joint Research Centre, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jianpeng Feng
- Chemical
Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Chemical
Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical
Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
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Henderson-Redmond AN, Guindon J, Morgan DJ. Roles for the endocannabinoid system in ethanol-motivated behavior. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 65:330-9. [PMID: 26123153 PMCID: PMC4679600 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder represents a significant human health problem that leads to substantial loss of human life and financial cost to society. Currently available treatment options do not adequately address this human health problem, and thus, additional therapies are desperately needed. The endocannabinoid system has been shown, using animal models, to modulate ethanol-motivated behavior, and it has also been demonstrated that chronic ethanol exposure can have potentially long-lasting effects on the endocannabinoid system. For example, chronic exposure to ethanol, in either cell culture or preclinical rodent models, causes an increase in endocannabinoid levels that results in down-regulation of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and uncoupling of this receptor from downstream G protein signaling pathways. Using positron emission tomography (PET), similar down-regulation of CB1 has been noted in multiple regions of the brain in human alcoholic patients. In rodents, treatment with the CB1 inverse agonist SR141716A (Rimonabant), or genetic deletion of CB1 leads to a reduction in voluntary ethanol drinking, ethanol-stimulated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, operant self-administration of ethanol, sensitization to the locomotor effects of ethanol, and reinstatement/relapse of ethanol-motivated behavior. Although the clinical utility of Rimonabant or other antagonists/inverse agonists for CB1 is limited due to negative neuropsychiatric side effects, negative allosteric modulators of CB1 and inhibitors of endocannabinoid catabolism represent therapeutic targets worthy of additional examination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josée Guindon
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430
| | - Daniel J Morgan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
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CB1 receptor antagonism blocks stress-potentiated reinstatement of cocaine seeking in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:99-109. [PMID: 26455361 PMCID: PMC4703460 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Under some conditions, stress, rather than directly triggering cocaine seeking, potentiates reinstatement to other stimuli, including a subthreshold cocaine dose. The mechanisms responsible for stress-potentiated reinstatement are not well defined. Endocannabinoid signaling is increased by stress and regulates synaptic transmission in brain regions implicated in motivated behavior. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) signaling is required for stress-potentiated reinstatement of cocaine seeking in rats. METHODS Following i.v. cocaine self-administration (2 h access/day) and extinction in male rats, footshock stress alone does not reinstate cocaine seeking but reinstatement is observed when footshock is followed by an injection of an otherwise subthreshold dose of cocaine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). CB1R involvement was tested by systemic administration of the CB1R antagonist AM251 (0, 1, or 3 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to testing for stress-potentiated reinstatement. RESULTS Stress-potentiated reinstatement was blocked by both 1 and 3 mg/kg AM251. By contrast, AM251 only attenuated food-reinforced lever pressing at the higher dose (i.e., 3 mg/kg) and did not affect locomotor activity at either dose tested. Neither high-dose cocaine-primed reinstatement (10 mg/kg, i.p.) nor footshock stress-triggered reinstatement following long-access cocaine self-administration (6 h access/day) was affected by AM251 pretreatment. Footshock stress increased concentrations of both endocannabinoids, N-arachidonylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, in regions of the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that footshock stress increases prefrontal cortical endocannabinoids and stress-potentiated reinstatement is CB1R-dependent, suggesting that CB1R is a potential therapeutic target for relapse prevention, particularly in individuals whose cocaine use is stress-related.
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A Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor-Positive Allosteric Modulator Reduces Neuropathic Pain in the Mouse with No Psychoactive Effects. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2948-59. [PMID: 26052038 PMCID: PMC4864630 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The CB1 receptor represents a promising target for the treatment of several disorders including pain-related disease states. However, therapeutic applications of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and other CB1 orthosteric receptor agonists remain limited because of psychoactive side effects. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) offer an alternative approach to enhance CB1 receptor function for therapeutic gain with the promise of reduced side effects. Here we describe the development of the novel synthetic CB1 PAM, 6-methyl-3-(2-nitro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl)-2-phenyl-1H-indole (ZCZ011), which augments the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological actions of the CB1 orthosteric agonists CP55,940 and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA). ZCZ011 potentiated binding of [(3)H]CP55,940 to the CB1 receptor as well as enhancing AEA-stimulated [(35)S]GTPγS binding in mouse brain membranes and β-arrestin recruitment and ERK phosphorylation in hCB1 cells. In the whole animal, ZCZ011 is brain penetrant, increased the potency of these orthosteric agonists in mouse behavioral assays indicative of cannabimimetic activity, including antinociception, hypothermia, catalepsy, locomotor activity, and in the drug discrimination paradigm. Administration of ZCZ011 alone was devoid of activity in these assays and did not produce a conditioned place preference or aversion, but elicited CB1 receptor-mediated antinociceptive effects in the chronic constriction nerve injury model of neuropathic pain and carrageenan model of inflammatory pain. These data suggest that ZCZ011 acts as a CB1 PAM and provide the first proof of principle that CB1 PAMs offer a promising strategy to treat neuropathic and inflammatory pain with minimal or no cannabimimetic side effects.
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50
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Nguyen T, German N, Decker AM, Li JX, Wiley JL, Thomas BF, Kenakin TP, Zhang Y. Structure-activity relationships of substituted 1H-indole-2-carboxamides as CB1 receptor allosteric modulators. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:2195-2203. [PMID: 25797163 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A series of substituted 1H-indole-2-carboxamides structurally related to compounds Org27569 (1), Org29647 (2) and Org27759 (3) were synthesized and evaluated for CB1 allosteric modulating activity in calcium mobilization assays. Structure-activity relationship studies showed that the modulation potency of this series at the CB1 receptor was enhanced by the presence of a diethylamino group at the 4-position of the phenyl ring, a chloro or fluoro group at the C5 position and short alkyl groups at the C3 position on the indole ring. The most potent compound (45) had an IC₅₀ value of 79 nM which is ∼2.5 and 10 fold more potent than the parent compounds 3 and 1, respectively. These compounds appeared to be negative allosteric modulators at the CB1 receptor and dose-dependently reduced the Emax of agonist CP55,940. These analogs may provide the basis for further optimization and use of CB1 allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Nadezhda German
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Terry P Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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