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Halbout B, Hutson C, Hua L, Inshishian V, Mahler SV, Ostlund SB. Long-term effects of THC exposure on reward learning and motivated behavior in adolescent and adult male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1151-1167. [PMID: 36933028 PMCID: PMC10102061 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid system makes critical contributions to reward processing, motivation, and behavioral control. Repeated exposure to THC or other cannabinoid drugs can cause persistent adaptions in the endocannabinoid system and associated neural circuitry. It remains unclear how such treatments affect the way rewards are processed and pursued. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We examined if repeated THC exposure (5 mg/kg/day for 14 days) during adolescence or adulthood led to long-term changes in rats' capacity to flexibly encode and use action-outcome associations for goal-directed decision making. Effects on hedonic feeding and progressive ratio responding were also assessed. RESULTS THC exposure had no effect on rats' ability to flexibly select actions following reward devaluation. However, instrumental contingency degradation learning, which involves avoiding an action that is unnecessary for reward delivery, was augmented in rats with a history of adult but not adolescent THC exposure. THC-exposed rats also displayed more vigorous instrumental behavior in this study, suggesting a motivational enhancement. A separate experiment found that while THC exposure had no effect on hedonic feeding behavior, it increased rats' willingness to work for food on a progressive ratio schedule, an effect that was more pronounced when THC was administered to adults. Adolescent and adult THC exposure had opposing effects on the CB1 receptor dependence of progressive ratio performance, decreasing and increasing sensitivity to rimonabant-induced behavioral suppression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that exposure to a translationally relevant THC exposure regimen induces long-lasting, age-dependent alterations in cognitive and motivational processes that regulate the pursuit of rewards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briac Halbout
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Collin Hutson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Leann Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Victoria Inshishian
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Sean B Ostlund
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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2
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Ince HY, Phan H, Nasr SZ, Pierce JM, Malas N. Clearing up the smoke: Physical and mental health considerations regarding cannabis use in adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol 2023; 58:398-407. [PMID: 36349504 PMCID: PMC10098788 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The cannabis plant is the most used federally illegal drug in the United States and is widely used by adolescents. Cannabis has complex effects on the body and mind. All health professionals who take care of adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) should be aware of the factors impacting cannabis use in CF. Given limited evidence regarding the benefits of cannabis and the significant risks, clinicians have the responsibility to identify risk of cannabis use early, counsel patients about the risks, provide a safe space for ongoing conversations about cannabis use in the context of CF care, and deliver evidence-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Yavuz Ince
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hanna Phan
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Samya Z Nasr
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jessica M Pierce
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nasuh Malas
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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3
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Richardson B, MacPherson A, Bambico F. Neuroinflammation and neuroprogression in depression: Effects of alternative drug treatments. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100554. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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4
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Ramírez S, Miguez G, Quezada-Scholz VE, Pardo L, Alfaro F, Varas FI, Laborda MA. Behavioral effects on the offspring of rodent mothers exposed to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:934600. [PMID: 36092118 PMCID: PMC9462465 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.934600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre and perinatal administration of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rodents and their offspring has many effects that have been studied using different methods that have not been integrated using quantitative methods. The effect of THC administration on behavior can be better understood by meta-analytic techniques. We examined whether there is an overall effect on the behavior of the offspring when THC is administered to mothers. Eligibility criteria included experiments using an experimental design with a control group without THC, in which THC is administered to mothers during pregnancy and lactation in rodents, and in which at least one type of behavioral (locomotor, emotional or cognitive) measurement in the offspring was implemented. Cohen’s d was obtained for each study, then each individual study was weighted, and moderator analysis was performed. Analysis was performed using fixed and random effect models, and the heterogeneity was assessed by calculating Qb, I2 and the prediction interval. Furthermore, 3 sub-meta-analyses were carried out according to the type of behavior. The general analysis determined a low weighted effect size of THC on the behavior of the offspring, moderated by type of rat strain. The sub-meta-analyses showed a medium effect for cognitive effects of THC in the offspring, and a low effect on locomotor activity and emotional behavior. In addition, publication bias was not detected. More research is needed to contribute to the understanding of the effect of THC exposure on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simón Ramírez
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Miguez
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Luis Pardo
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Alfaro
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidad de Aysén, Coyhaique, Chile
| | - Felipe I. Varas
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario A. Laborda
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Mario A. Laborda,
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5
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Farinha-Ferreira M, Rei N, Fonseca-Gomes J, Miranda-Lourenço C, Serrão P, Vaz SH, Gomes JI, Martins V, de Alves Pereira B, Sebastião AM. Unexpected short- and long-term effects of chronic adolescent HU-210 exposure on emotional behavior. Neuropharmacology 2022; 214:109155. [PMID: 35660545 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic adolescent cannabinoid receptor agonist exposure has been shown to lead to persistent increases in depressive-like behaviors. This has been a key obstacle to the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics. However, most of the published work has been performed with only three compounds, namely Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CP55,940 and WIN55,212-2. Hypothesizing that different compounds may lead to distinct outcomes, we herein used the highly potent CB1R/CB2R full agonist HU-210, and first aimed at replicating cannabinoid-induced long-lasting effects, by exposing adolescent female Sprague-Dawley rats to increasing doses of HU-210, for 11 days and testing them at adulthood, after a 30-day drug washout. Surprisingly, HU-210 did not significantly impact adult anxious- or depressive-like behaviors. We then tested whether chronic adolescent HU-210 treatment resulted in short-term (24h) alterations in depressive-like behavior. Remarkably, HU-210 treatment simultaneously induced marked antidepressant- and prodepressant-like responses, in the modified forced swim (mFST) and sucrose preference tests (SPT), respectively. Hypothesizing that mFST results were a misleading artifact of HU-210-induced behavioral hyperreactivity to stress, we assessed plasmatic noradrenaline and corticosterone levels, under basal conditions and following an acute swim-stress episode. Notably, we found that while HU-210 did not alter basal noradrenaline or corticosterone levels, it greatly augmented the stress-induced increase in both. Our results show that, contrary to previously studied cannabinoid receptor agonists, HU-210 does not induce persisting depressive-like alterations, despite inducing marked short-term increases in stress-induced reactivity. By showing that not all cannabinoid receptor agonists may induce long-term negative effects, these results hold significant relevance for the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Farinha-Ferreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nádia Rei
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Fonseca-Gomes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Miranda-Lourenço
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paula Serrão
- Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto. Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal; MedInUP - Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto. Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana I Gomes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Valéria Martins
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Beatriz de Alves Pereira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Associations between cannabis use, cannabis use disorder, and mood disorders: longitudinal, genetic, and neurocognitive evidence. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1231-1249. [PMID: 34741634 PMCID: PMC9520129 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabis use among people with mood disorders increased in recent years. While comorbidity between cannabis use, cannabis use disorder (CUD), and mood disorders is high, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate (1) the epidemiological evidence for an association between cannabis use, CUD, and mood disorders; (2) prospective longitudinal, genetic, and neurocognitive evidence of underlying mechanisms; and (3) prognosis and treatment options for individuals with CUD and mood disorders. METHODS Narrative review of existing literature is identified through PubMed searches, reviews, and meta-analyses. Evidence was reviewed separately for depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide. RESULTS Current evidence is limited and mixed but suggestive of a bidirectional relationship between cannabis use, CUD, and the onset of depression. The evidence more consistently points to cannabis use preceding onset of bipolar disorder. Shared neurocognitive mechanisms and underlying genetic and environmental risk factors appear to explain part of the association. However, cannabis use itself may also influence the development of mood disorders, while others may initiate cannabis use to self-medicate symptoms. Comorbid cannabis use and CUD are associated with worse prognosis for depression and bipolar disorder including increased suicidal behaviors. Evidence for targeted treatments is limited. CONCLUSIONS The current evidence base is limited by the lack of well-controlled prospective longitudinal studies and clinical studies including comorbid individuals. Future studies in humans examining the causal pathways and potential mechanisms of the association between cannabis use, CUD, and mood disorder comorbidity are crucial for optimizing harm reduction and treatment strategies.
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7
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Simone JJ, Green MR, McCormick CM. Endocannabinoid system contributions to sex-specific adolescent neurodevelopment. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 113:110438. [PMID: 34534603 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110438] [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] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
With an increasing number of countries and states adopting legislation permitting the use of cannabis for medical purposes, there is a growing interest among health and research professionals into the system through which cannabinoids principally act, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Much of the seminal research into the ECS dates back only 30 years and, although there has been tremendous development within the field during this time, many questions remain. More recently, investigations have emerged examining the contributions of the ECS to normative development and the effect of altering this system during important critical periods. One such period is adolescence, a unique period during which brain and behaviours are maturing and reorganizing in preparation for adulthood, including shifts in endocannabinoid biology. The purpose of this review is to discuss findings to date regarding the maturation of the ECS during adolescence and the consequences of manipulations of the ECS during this period to normative neurodevelopmental processes, as well as highlight sex differences in ECS function, important technical considerations, and future directions. Because most of what we know is derived from preclinical studies on rodents, we provide relevant background of this model and some commentary on the translational relevance of the research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Simone
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada; Huxley Health Inc., 8820 Jane St., Concord, ON, L4K 2M9, Canada; eCB Consulting Inc., PO Box 652, 3 Cameron St. W., Cannington, ON L0E 1E0, Canada; Medical Cannabis Canada, 601-3500 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville, ON L6L 0B4, Canada.
| | - Matthew R Green
- eCB Consulting Inc., PO Box 652, 3 Cameron St. W., Cannington, ON L0E 1E0, Canada; Medical Cannabis Canada, 601-3500 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville, ON L6L 0B4, Canada.
| | - Cheryl M McCormick
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada; Department of Psychology, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada.
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8
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Le AA, Quintanilla J, Amani M, Piomelli D, Lynch G, Gall CM. Persistent sexually dimorphic effects of adolescent THC exposure on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and episodic memory in rodents. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 162:105565. [PMID: 34838664 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that cannabis use during adolescence leads to memory and cognitive problems in young adulthood but little is known about effects of early life cannabis exposure on synaptic operations that are critical for encoding and organizing information. We report here that a 14-day course of daily Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol treatments administered to adolescent rats and mice (aTHC) leads to profound but selective deficits in synaptic plasticity in two axonal systems in female, and to lesser extent male, hippocampus as assessed in adulthood. Adolescent-THC exposure did not alter basic synaptic transmission (input/output curves) and had only modest effects on frequency facilitation. Nevertheless, aTHC severely impaired the endocannabinoid-dependent long-term potentiation in the lateral perforant path in females of both species, and in male mice; this was reliably associated with impaired acquisition of a component of episodic memory that depends on lateral perforant path function. Potentiation in the Schaffer-commissural (S-C) projection to field CA1 was disrupted by aTHC treatment in females only and this was associated with both a deficit in estrogen effects on S-C synaptic responses and impairments to CA1-dependent spatial (object location) memory. In all the results demonstrate sexually dimorphic and projection system-specific effects of aTHC exposure that could underlie discrete effects of early life cannabinoid usage on adult cognitive function. Moreover they suggest that some of the enduring, sexually dimorphic effects of cannabis use reflect changes in synaptic estrogen action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza A Le
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Julian Quintanilla
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Amani
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Gary Lynch
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America; Departments of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, United States of America.
| | - Christine M Gall
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America; Departments of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America.
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Gobira PH, Roncalho AL, Silva NR, Silote GP, Sales AJ, Joca SR. Adolescent cannabinoid exposure modulates the vulnerability to cocaine-induced conditioned place preference and DNMT3a expression in the prefrontal cortex in Swiss mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3107-3118. [PMID: 34328516 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabis sativa is the most widely used drug by adolescents globally. The recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids by teenagers has also grown in recent years. Despite the wrong perception that exposure to these drugs does not cause harm, repeated exposure to cannabinoids at early stages of life compromises important maturation processes and brain development. Chronic early cannabinoid use has been related to a higher risk of psychiatric outcomes, including cocaine addiction. Evidence suggests that exposure to natural and synthetic cannabinoids during adolescence modifies molecular and behavioral effects of cocaine in adulthood. Responses to cocaine are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, in the brain's reward regions. However, the involvement of these processes in modulation of the vulnerability to the effects of cocaine induced by prior exposure to cannabinoids remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES Investigate whether exposure to the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 during adolescence modulates anxiety- and depression-like behavior, memory, and cocaine reward in adult mice. We also evaluated whether exposure to cannabinoids during adolescence modulates the expression of enzymes that are involved in DNA methylation. RESULTS Exposure to WIN55,212-2 during adolescence did not alter anxiety- or depressive-like behavior. However, prior exposure to cannabinoids inhibited cocaine-induced conditioned place preference without modulating cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion, accompanied by an increase in expression of the enzyme DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) in the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that exposure to WIN55,212-2 during adolescence leads to changes in DNMT3a expression, and this pathway appears to be relevant to modulating the rewarding effects of cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Gobira
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Café Av, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
| | - A L Roncalho
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Café Av, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - N R Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - G P Silote
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Café Av, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - A J Sales
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - S R Joca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Café Av, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil. .,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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10
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BIDWELL LCINNAMON, MARTIN-WILLETT RENÉE, KAROLY HOLLISC. Advancing the science on cannabis concentrates and behavioural health. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 40:900-913. [PMID: 33783029 PMCID: PMC9878551 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
ISSUES The Cannabis sativa L. plant contains hundreds of phytocannabinoids, but putatively of highest importance to public health risk is the psychoactive cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is associated with risk for cannabis use disorder, affective disturbance, cognitive harm and psychomotor impairment. Recently, there has been an increase in the use and availability of concentrated cannabis products (or 'concentrates') that are made by extracting cannabinoids from the plant to form a product with THC concentrations as high as 90-95%. These products are increasingly popular nationwide. The literature on these widely available high potency concentrates is limited and there are many unknowns about their potential harms. APPROACH This review covers the state of the research on cannabis concentrates and behavioural health-related outcomes and makes recommendations for advancing the science with studies focused on accurately testing the risks in relation to critical public and behavioural health questions. KEY FINDINGS Data point to unique behavioural health implications of concentrate use. However, causal, controlled and representative research on the effects of cannabis concentrates is currently limited. IMPLICATIONS Future research is needed to explore chronic, acute and developmental effects of concentrates, as well as effects on pulmonary function. We also highlight the need to explore these relationships in diverse populations. CONCLUSION While the literature hints at the potential for these highly potent products to increase cannabis-related behavioural health harms, it is important to carefully design studies that more comprehensively evaluate the impact of concentrates on THC exposure and short- and long-term effects across user groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. CINNAMON BIDWELL
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA
| | - RENÉE MARTIN-WILLETT
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA
| | - HOLLIS C. KAROLY
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA,Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
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Netzahualcoyotzi C, Rodríguez-Serrano LM, Chávez-Hernández ME, Buenrostro-Jáuregui MH. Early Consumption of Cannabinoids: From Adult Neurogenesis to Behavior. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7450. [PMID: 34299069 PMCID: PMC8306314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a crucial modulatory system in which interest has been increasing, particularly regarding the regulation of behavior and neuroplasticity. The adolescent-young adulthood phase of development comprises a critical period in the maturation of the nervous system and the ECS. Neurogenesis occurs in discrete regions of the adult brain, and this process is linked to the modulation of some behaviors. Since marijuana (cannabis) is the most consumed illegal drug globally and the highest consumption rate is observed during adolescence, it is of particular importance to understand the effects of ECS modulation in these early stages of adulthood. Thus, in this article, we sought to summarize recent evidence demonstrating the role of the ECS and exogenous cannabinoid consumption in the adolescent-young adulthood period; elucidate the effects of exogenous cannabinoid consumption on adult neurogenesis; and describe some essential and adaptive behaviors, such as stress, anxiety, learning, and memory. The data summarized in this work highlight the relevance of maintaining balance in the endocannabinoid modulatory system in the early and adult stages of life. Any ECS disturbance may induce significant modifications in the genesis of new neurons and may consequently modify behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Citlalli Netzahualcoyotzi
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (C.N.); (L.M.R.-S.); (M.E.C.-H.)
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico
| | - Luis Miguel Rodríguez-Serrano
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (C.N.); (L.M.R.-S.); (M.E.C.-H.)
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la alimentación, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - María Elena Chávez-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (C.N.); (L.M.R.-S.); (M.E.C.-H.)
| | - Mario Humberto Buenrostro-Jáuregui
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, Ciudad de México 01219, Mexico; (C.N.); (L.M.R.-S.); (M.E.C.-H.)
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Effects of vapourized THC and voluntary alcohol drinking during adolescence on cognition, reward, and anxiety-like behaviours in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110141. [PMID: 33069816 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis and alcohol co-use is prevalent in adolescence, but the long-term behavioural effects of this co-use remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of adolescent alcohol and Δ9-tetrahydracannabinol (THC) vapour co-exposure on cognitive- and reward-related behaviours. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received vapourized THC (10 mg vapourized THC/four adolescent rats) or vehicle every other day (from post-natal day (PND) 28-42) and had continuous voluntary access to ethanol (10% volume/volume) in adolescence. Alcohol intake was measured during the exposure period to assess the acute effects of THC on alcohol consumption. In adulthood (PND 56+), rats underwent behavioural testing. Adolescent rats showed higher alcohol preference, assessed using the two-bottle choice test, on days on which they were not exposed to THC vapour. In adulthood, rats that drank alcohol as adolescents exhibited short-term memory deficits and showed decreased alcohol preference; on the other hand, rats exposed to THC vapour showed learning impairments in the delay-discounting task. Vapourized THC, alcohol or their combination had no effect on anxiety-like behaviours in adulthood. Our results show that although adolescent THC exposure acutely affects alcohol drinking, adolescent alcohol and cannabis co-use may not produce long-term additive effects.
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Lloyd GL, Wiesen B, Atwell M, Malykhina A. Marijuana, Alcohol, and ED: Correlations with LUTS/BPH. Curr Urol Rep 2021; 22:21. [PMID: 33554319 PMCID: PMC8054558 DOI: 10.1007/s11934-020-01031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is a disease complex with enormous societal burden and yet the pathogenesis of LUTS/BPH is poorly understood. We set out to review the literature on the relationship between depression, marijuana usage, and erectile dysfunction (ED) to LUTS/BPH. RECENT FINDINGS LUTS/BPH has independent associations with depression as well as with ED. In each case, the causality and mechanistic relationship is unknown. The impact of marijuana, as it increasingly pervades the general population, on the disease complex of LUTS/BPH is not well studied but recent results support short-term benefit and long-term caution. Depression, a form of central nervous dysfunction, and ED, which is likely mediated via endothelial dysfunction, are independently associated with LUTS/BPH. The presence of cannabinoid receptors in urologic organs, coupled with recent population studies, supports a modulatory effect of marijuana on voiding although an enormous knowledge gap remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Granville L Lloyd
- Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Surgery/Urology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Brett Wiesen
- University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Mike Atwell
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Anna Malykhina
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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De Felice M, Renard J, Hudson R, Szkudlarek HJ, Pereira BJ, Schmid S, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. l-Theanine Prevents Long-Term Affective and Cognitive Side Effects of Adolescent Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure and Blocks Associated Molecular and Neuronal Abnormalities in the Mesocorticolimbic Circuitry. J Neurosci 2021; 41:739-750. [PMID: 33268546 PMCID: PMC7842745 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1050-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic adolescent exposure to Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is linked to elevated neuropsychiatric risk and induces neuronal, molecular and behavioral abnormalities resembling neuropsychiatric endophenotypes. Previous evidence has revealed that the mesocorticolimbic circuitry, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and mesolimbic dopamine (DA) pathway are particularly susceptible to THC-induced pathologic alterations, including dysregulation of DAergic activity states, loss of PFC GABAergic inhibitory control and affective and cognitive abnormalities. There are currently limited pharmacological intervention strategies capable of preventing THC-induced neuropathological adaptations. l-Theanine is an amino acid analog of l-glutamate and l-glutamine derived from various plant sources, including green tea leaves. l-Theanine has previously been shown to modulate levels of GABA, DA, and glutamate in various neural regions and to possess neuroprotective properties. Using a preclinical model of adolescent THC exposure in male rats, we report that l-theanine pretreatment before adolescent THC exposure is capable of preventing long-term, THC-induced dysregulation of both PFC and VTA DAergic activity states, a neuroprotective effect that persists into adulthood. In addition, pretreatment with l-theanine blocked THC-induced downregulation of local GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3) and Akt signaling pathways directly in the PFC, two biomarkers previously associated with cannabis-related psychiatric risk and subcortical DAergic dysregulation. Finally, l-theanine powerfully blocked the development of both affective and cognitive abnormalities commonly associated with adolescent THC exposure, further demonstrating functional and long-term neuroprotective effects of l-theanine in the mesocorticolimbic system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT With the increasing trend of cannabis legalization and consumption during adolescence, it is essential to expand knowledge on the potential effects of adolescent cannabis exposure on brain development and identify potential pharmacological strategies to minimize Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced neuropathology. Previous evidence demonstrates that adolescent THC exposure induces long-lasting affective and cognitive abnormalities, mesocorticolimbic dysregulation, and schizophrenia-like molecular biomarkers that persist into adulthood. We demonstrate for the first time that l-theanine, an amino acid analog of l-glutamate and l-glutamine, is capable of preventing long-term THC side effects. l-Theanine prevented the development of THC-induced behavioral aberrations, blocked cortical downregulation of local GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3) and Akt signaling pathways, and normalized dysregulation of both PFC and VTA DAergic activity, demonstrating powerful and functional neuroprotective effects against THC-induced developmental neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Justine Renard
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Brian J Pereira
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
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Colangeli R, Teskey GC, Di Giovanni G. Endocannabinoid-serotonin systems interaction in health and disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 259:83-134. [PMID: 33541682 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid (eCB) and serotonin (5-HT) neuromodulatory systems work both independently and together to finely orchestrate neuronal activity throughout the brain to strongly sculpt behavioral functions. Surprising parallelism between the behavioral effects of 5-HT and eCB activity has been widely reported, including the regulation of emotional states, stress homeostasis, cognitive functions, food intake and sleep. The distribution pattern of the 5-HT system and the eCB molecular elements in the brain display a strong overlap and several studies report a functional interplay and even a tight interdependence between eCB/5-HT signaling. In this review, we examine the available evidence of the interaction between the eCB and 5-HT systems. We first introduce the eCB system, then we describe the eCB/5-HT crosstalk at the neuronal and synaptic levels. Finally, we explore the potential eCB/5-HT interaction at the behavioral level with the implication for psychiatric and neurological disorders. The precise elucidation of how this neuromodulatory interaction dynamically regulates biological functions may lead to the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders, psychosis and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Colangeli
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - G Campbell Teskey
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Stringfield SJ, Torregrossa MM. Disentangling the lasting effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110067. [PMID: 32791165 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance among adolescents, and adolescent cannabis use is associated with various neurocognitive deficits that can extend into adulthood. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that adolescence encompasses a vulnerable period of development where exposure to exogenous cannabinoids can alter the normative trajectory of brain maturation. In this review, we present an overview of studies of human and rodent models that examine lasting effects of adolescent exposure. We include evidence from meta-analyses, longitudinal, or cross-sectional studies in humans that consider age of onset as a factor that contributes to the behavioral dysregulation and altered structural or functional development in cannabis users. We also discuss evidence from preclinical rodent models utilizing well-characterized or innovative routes of exposure, investigating the effects of dose and timing to produce behavioral deficits or alterations on a neuronal and behavioral level. Multiple studies from both humans and animals provide contrasting results regarding the magnitude of residual effects. Combined evidence suggests that exposure to psychoactive cannabinoids during adolescence has the potential to produce subtle, but lasting, alterations in neurobiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra J Stringfield
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Modulation of Noradrenergic and Serotonergic Systems by Cannabinoids: Electrophysiological, Neurochemical and Behavioral Evidence. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1297:111-132. [PMID: 33537940 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-61663-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The main noradrenergic and serotonergic nuclei in the central nervous system (CNS) are the locus coeruleus (LC) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). These brain areas, located in the brainstem, play a pivotal role in the control of various functions and behaviors that are altered by cannabinoids (i.e., pain, arousal, mood, anxiety, or sleep-wake cycle). Anatomical, neurochemical, and functional data suggest that cannabinoids regulate both central noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Thus, strong evidence has shown that the firing activity of LC and DRN monoamine neurons or the synthesis/release of noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) in the projection areas are all affected by cannabinoid administration. Herein, we propose that interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the noradrenergic-serotonergic systems could account for some of the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids or the disruption of attention/sleep induced by these drugs.
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18
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Brunt TM, Bossong MG. The neuropharmacology of cannabinoid receptor ligands in central signaling pathways. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 55:909-921. [PMID: 32974975 PMCID: PMC9291836 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is a complex neuronal system involved in a number of biological functions, like attention, anxiety, mood, memory, appetite, reward, and immune responses. It is at the centre of scientific interest, which is driven by therapeutic promise of certain cannabinoid ligands and the changing legalization of herbal cannabis in many countries. The endocannabinoid system is a modulatory system, with endocannabinoids as retrograde neurotransmitters rather than direct neurotransmitters. Neuropharmacology of cannabinoid ligands in the brain can therefore be understood in terms of their modulatory actions through other neurotransmitter systems. The CB1 receptor is chiefly responsible for effects of endocannabinoids and analogous ligands in the brain. An overview of the neuropharmacology of several cannabinoid receptor ligands, including endocannabinoids, herbal cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid receptor ligands is given in this review. Their mechanism of action at the endocannabinoid system is described, mainly in the brain. In addition, effects of cannabinoid ligands on other neurotransmitter systems will also be described, such as dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, noradrenaline, opioid, and GABA. In light of this, therapeutic potential and adverse effects of cannabinoid receptor ligands will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor M. Brunt
- Department of Psychiatry Amsterdam Institute for Addiction ResearchAmsterdam UMCUniversity of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs G. Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
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19
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Dukes AJ, Fowler JP, Lallai V, Pushkin AN, Fowler CD. Adolescent Cannabinoid and Nicotine Exposure Differentially Alters Adult Nicotine Self-Administration in Males and Females. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 22:1364-1373. [PMID: 32396625 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntaa084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During adolescence, exposure to nicotine or cannabis independently induces effects on neuromaturation and later cognitive function. However, the potential effect of both drugs under co-use conditions has become of increasing concern given the prevalence of e-cigarettes, legalization of cannabis, and availability of synthetic "spice" cannabinoid agonists. AIMS AND METHODS The current studies investigated the effects of exposure to a cannabinoid receptor agonist (WIN55,212-2) and/or nicotine over a discrete time period in mid-adolescence on later intravenous nicotine self-administration in adult male and female mice. We further examined whether cannabinoid agonist administration in adulthood would alter nicotine reinforcement, with either acute or chronic pairing across 7 days. RESULTS We found that adult males exhibited increased nicotine self-administration at a lower, rewarding nicotine dose following adolescent cannabinoid exposure, either alone or with nicotine coadministration. In contrast, adult females demonstrated an opposing effect in which adolescent cannabinoid and nicotine coexposure resulted in decreased nicotine intake compared with the nicotine only and control groups. Furthermore, after maintaining nicotine self-administration across sessions, pretreatment with a low dose of the cannabinoid agonist decreased nicotine intake in both male and female control mice, and this lowering effect was evidenced after both acute and chronic treatment. However, the cannabinoid agonist was ineffective in altering nicotine intake in mice previously exposed to nicotine, cannabinoid agonist, or both during adolescence. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence that adolescent drug exposure can alter later nicotine reinforcement in a sex-specific manner and can further modulate the effectiveness of interventions in reducing nicotine intake during adulthood. IMPLICATIONS These studies demonstrate a significant impact of nicotine, cannabinoids, or coexposure on developmental processes during adolescence. Differential effects were observed within each sex, with opposing results found for cannabinoid exposure on nicotine intake in males and females. Intriguingly, we also evidenced resistance to the lowering effects of a cannabinoid agonist on nicotine intake in adulthood based on adolescent drug exposure. Thus, these findings have important implications for our understanding of the impact of nicotine and cannabinoids (eg, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and synthetic "spice" cannabinoids) during development, with further implications for the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions based on prior drug exposure in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeline J Dukes
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - James P Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Valeria Lallai
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Anna N Pushkin
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Christie D Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
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Liu P, Chen J, Ma S, Zhang J, Zhou J. Albiflorin Attenuates Mood Disorders Under Neuropathic Pain State by Suppressing the Hippocampal NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation During Chronic Constriction Injury. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 24:64-76. [PMID: 33000169 PMCID: PMC7816674 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain is a multifaceted and ubiquitous disease across the globe. Mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are frequently observed in patients suffering from neuropathic pain. Both neuropathic pain and comorbid mood disorders seriously impact quality of life. Accumulated evidence shows that activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is involved in the neuroinflammatory pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, anxiety, and depression. However, the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathological process of anxiety and depression under the neuropathic pain state has not been fully described. Albiflorin, a monoterpene glycoside, may be a potential regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome, but it is not clear whether albiflorin relates to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. METHODS We used a systematic pharmacological method to confirm whether the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the hippocampus was involved in the development of neuropathic pain associated with mood disorders and whether albiflorin could be an effective treatment for these symptoms. RESULTS The NLRP3 inflammasome contributed to the neuropathic pain and comorbid anxiety and depression-like behaviors induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve, and albiflorin may relieve these symptoms via inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome activity. Moreover, albiflorin enhanced the translocation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 into the nucleus and suppressed nuclear factor-kappa B activity in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS Albiflorin, as a potential therapeutic agent, might greatly improve the overall symptoms of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Hebei, Chengde, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Hebei, Chengde, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Hebei, Chengde, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyu Zhou
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Hebei, Chengde, China,Correspondence: Jianyu Zhou, PhD, Hebei Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde 067000, Hebei, China ()
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Endocannabinoid-Epigenetic Cross-Talk: A Bridge toward Stress Coping. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176252. [PMID: 32872402 PMCID: PMC7504015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no argument with regard to the physical and psychological stress-related nature of neuropsychiatric disorders. Yet, the mechanisms that facilitate disease onset starting from molecular stress responses are elusive. Environmental stress challenges individuals’ equilibrium, enhancing homeostatic request in the attempt to steer down arousal-instrumental molecular pathways that underlie hypervigilance and anxiety. A relevant homeostatic pathway is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). In this review, we summarize recent discoveries unambiguously listing ECS as a stress coping mechanism. As stress evokes huge excitatory responses in emotional-relevant limbic areas, the ECS limits glutamate release via 2-arachydonilglycerol (2-AG) stress-induced synthesis and retrograde cannabinoid 1 (CB1)-receptor activation at the synapse. However, ECS shows intrinsic vulnerability as 2-AG overstimulation by chronic stress rapidly leads to CB1-receptor desensitization. In this review, we emphasize the protective role of 2-AG in stress-response termination and stress resiliency. Interestingly, we discuss ECS regulation with a further nuclear homeostatic system whose nature is exquisitely epigenetic, orchestrated by Lysine Specific Demethylase 1. We here emphasize a remarkable example of stress-coping network where transcriptional homeostasis subserves synaptic and behavioral adaptation, aiming at reducing psychiatric effects of traumatic experiences.
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Effects of ∆ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on aversive memories and anxiety: a review from human studies. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:420. [PMID: 32842985 PMCID: PMC7448997 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02813-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may stem from the formation of aberrant and enduring aversive memories. Some PTSD patients have recreationally used Cannabis, probably aiming at relieving their symptomatology. However, it is still largely unknown whether and how Cannabis or its psychotomimetic compound Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) attenuates the aversive/traumatic memory outcomes. Here, we seek to review and discuss the effects of THC on aversive memory extinction and anxiety in healthy humans and PTSD patients. METHODS Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Central Register for Controlled Trials databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed published studies and randomized controlled trials in humans published in English between 1974 and July 2020, including those using only THC and THC combined with cannabidiol (CBD). The effect size of the experimental intervention under investigation was calculated. RESULTS At low doses, THC can enhance the extinction rate and reduce anxiety responses. Both effects involve the activation of cannabinoid type-1 receptors in discrete components of the corticolimbic circuitry, which could couterbalance the low "endocannabinoid tonus" reported in PTSD patients. The advantage of associating CBD with THC to attenuate anxiety while minimizing the potential psychotic or anxiogenic effect produced by high doses of THC has been reported. The effects of THC either alone or combined with CBD on aversive memory reconsolidation, however, are still unknown. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence from healthy humans and PTSD patients supports the THC value to suppress anxiety and aversive memory expression without producing significant adverse effects if used in low doses or when associated with CBD. Future studies are guaranteed to address open questions related to their dose ratios, administration routes, pharmacokinetic interactions, sex-dependent differences, and prolonged efficacy.
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Comai S, De Gregorio D, Posa L, Ochoa-Sanchez R, Bedini A, Gobbi G. Dysfunction of serotonergic activity and emotional responses across the light-dark cycle in mice lacking melatonin MT 2 receptors. J Pineal Res 2020; 69:e12653. [PMID: 32239546 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) levels fluctuate according to the external light/dark cycle in both diurnal and nocturnal mammals. We previously demonstrated that melatonin MT2 receptor knockout (MT2 -/- ) mice show a decreased nonrapid eye movement sleep over 24 hours and increased wakefulness during the inactive (light) phase. Here, we investigated the role of MT2 receptors in physiological light/dark cycle fluctuations in the activity of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) serotonin (5-HT) neurons and anxiety- and depression-like behavior. We found that the 5-HT burst-firing activity was tonically reduced across the whole 24 hours in MT2 -/- mice compared with MT2 +/+ mice. Importantly, the physiological changes in the spontaneous firing activity of DRN 5-HT neurons during the light/dark cycle were nullified in MT2 -/- mice, with a higher DRN 5-HT neural firing activity during the light phase in MT2 -/- than in MT2 +/+ mice. The role of MT2 receptors over DRN 5-HT neurons was confirmed by acute pharmacological studies in which the selective MT2 receptors agonist UCM1014 dose dependently inhibited DRN 5-HT activity, mostly during the dark phase. Compared with MT2 +/+ , MT2 -/- mice displayed an anxiety-like phenotype in the novelty-suppressed feeding and in the light/dark box tests; while anxiety levels in the light/dark box test were lower during the dark than during the light phase in MT2 +/+ mice, the opposite was seen in MT2 -/- mice. No differences between MT2 +/+ and MT2 -/- mice were observed for depression-like behavior in the forced swim and in the sucrose preference tests. These results suggest that MT2 receptor genetic inactivation impacts 5-HT neurotransmission and interferes with anxiety levels by perturbing the physiologic light/dark pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comai
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rafael Ochoa-Sanchez
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Annalida Bedini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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De Gregorio D, Dean Conway J, Canul ML, Posa L, Bambico FR, Gobbi G. Effects of chronic exposure to low doses of Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol in adolescence and adulthood on serotonin/norepinephrine neurotransmission and emotional behaviors. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:pyaa058. [PMID: 32725198 PMCID: PMC7745253 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic exposure to the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main cannabis pharmacological component, during adolescence has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidality in humans. AIMS Little is known about the impact of the long-term effects of chronic exposure to low doses of THC in adolescent compared to adult rodents. METHODS THC (1mg/kg i.p., once a day) or vehicle was administered for 20 days in both adolescent (post-natal day, PND 30-50) and young adult rats (PND 50-70). After a long washout period (20 days), several behavioral paradigms and electrophysiological recordings of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) neurons were carried out. RESULTS Adolescent THC exposure resulted in depressive lbehaviors: a significant decrease in latency to first immobility in the forced swim test, increased anhedonia in the sucrose preference test. Decrease entries in the open arm were observed in the elevated plus maze after adolescent and adult exposure, indicating anxiousphenotype. A significant reduction in dorsal raphe serotonergic neural activity without changing locus coeruleus noradrenergic neural activity was found in THC adolescent and adult exposure. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these findings suggest that low doses of chronic THC exposure during the developmental period and adulthood could result in increased vulnerability of the 5-HT system and anxiety symptoms; however, depressive phenotypes occur only after adolescent, but not adult exposure, underscoring the higher vulnerability of young ages to the mental effects of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joshua Dean Conway
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Martha-Lopez Canul
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Francis Rodriguez Bambico
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
- Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Dunn AL, Michie PT, Hodgson DM, Harms L. Adolescent cannabinoid exposure interacts with other risk factors in schizophrenia: A review of the evidence from animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:202-220. [PMID: 32610181 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many factors and their interaction are linked to the aetiology of schizophrenia, leading to the development of animal models of multiple risk factors and adverse exposures. Differentiating between separate and combined effects for each factor could better elucidate schizophrenia pathology, and drive development of preventative strategies for high-load risk factors. An epidemiologically valid risk factor commonly associated with schizophrenia is adolescent cannabis use. The aim of this review is to evaluate how early-life adversity from various origins, in combination with adolescent cannabinoid exposure interact, and whether these interactions confer main, synergistic or protective effects in animal models of schizophrenia-like behavioural, cognitive and morphological alterations. Patterns emerge regarding which models show consistent synergistic or protective effects, particularly those models incorporating early-life exposure to maternal deprivation and maternal immune activation, and sex-specific effects are observed. It is evident that more research needs to be conducted to better understand the risks and alterations of interacting factors, with particular interest in sex differences, to better understand the translatability of these preclinical models to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel L Dunn
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Priority Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Patricia T Michie
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Priority Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Deborah M Hodgson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Priority Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Lauren Harms
- Priority Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
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26
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Forrester SY, Jahan N. Depression Onset in Long-term Adolescent Cannabinoid Use: A Neurobiological Review. Cureus 2020; 12:e7759. [PMID: 32455076 PMCID: PMC7243066 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.7759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Escalating cannabis use may be linked to decreased motivation and anhedonia, which are symptoms of depression. Adolescent cannabis users with subthreshold depressive symptoms such as reduced motivation may be susceptible to the development of significant anhedonia in addition to impaired emotional development. The main issue regarding depression within the context of cannabis use is whether or not there is a neurobiological basis linking the two variables. A Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) function PubMed search using the keywords “cannabis, depression, adolescence, endocannabinoid, and temperament” returned 1,109 articles. Data were included from studies that satisfied the following criteria: (i) published within the last 10 years (older studies were included based on relevance), (ii) on adolescent subjects (animal or human), (iii) published in English, (iv) journal articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, observational studies (animal or human), (v) on subjects who had unipolar depression with no comorbidities, and (vi) on subjects who used cannabis [with no confounding variables such as the use of ethanol, nicotine, cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and heroin; and no medical conditions such as comorbid psychosis, mania, or autism]. Depressive symptoms in cannabinoid users were a common co-occurrence partly explained by pleiotropic linkage of genetic locus identified on chromosome 11q23.1-q23.2 and comprises the gene sequence nuclear cell adhesion molecule 1-tetratricopeptide repeat domain 12-ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1-dopamine receptor D2 (NCAM1-TTC12-ANKK1-DRD2). The relationship between the two is not invariant and is influenced by polymorphic DRD, endocannabinoid receptor (CNR), and 5-HT genes. Anhedonia seemed to be the most important symptom. Cannabinoid-induced long-term neuroplastic changes, particularly in the dorsal striatum, is a possible mechanism resulting in anhedonia and long-term effects on motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Y Forrester
- Psychiatry, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Nusrat Jahan
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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27
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Sbarski B, Akirav I. Cannabinoids as therapeutics for PTSD. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 211:107551. [PMID: 32311373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder that involves dysregulation of multiple neurobiological systems. The traumatic stressor plays a causal role in producing psychological dysfunction and the pattern of findings suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is instrumental for stress adaptation, is critically dysfunctional in PTSD. Given the lack of understanding of the basic mechanisms and underlying pathways that cause the disorder and its heterogeneity, PTSD poses challenges for treatment. Targeting the endocannabinoid (ECB) system to treat mental disorders, and PTSD in particular, has been the focus of research and interest in recent years. The ECB system modulates multiple functions, and drugs enhancing ECB signaling have shown promise as potential therapeutic agents in stress effects and other psychiatric and medical conditions. In this review, we focus on the interaction between the ECB-HPA systems in animal models for PTSD and in patients with PTSD. We summarize evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids in preventing and treating PTSD in preclinical and clinical studies. As the HPA system plays a key role in the mediation of the stress response and the pathophysiology of PTSD, we describe preclinical studies suggesting that enhancing ECB signaling is consistent with decreasing PTSD symptoms and dysfunction of the HPA axis. Overall, we suggest that a pharmacological treatment targeted at one system (e.g., HPA) may not be very effective because of the heterogeneity of the disorder. There are abnormalities across different neurotransmitter systems in the pathophysiology of PTSD and none of these systems function uniformly among all patients with PTSD. Hence, conceptually, enhancing ECB signaling may be a more effective avenue for pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Sbarski
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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28
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Salmanzadeh H, Ahmadi-Soleimani SM, Pachenari N, Azadi M, Halliwell RF, Rubino T, Azizi H. Adolescent drug exposure: A review of evidence for the development of persistent changes in brain function. Brain Res Bull 2020; 156:105-117. [PMID: 31926303 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, many studies have indicated that adolescence is a critical period of brain development and maturation. The refinement and maturation of the central nervous system over this prolonged period, however, makes the adolescent brain highly susceptible to perturbations from acute and chronic drug exposure. Here we review the preclinical literature addressing the long-term consequences of adolescent exposure to common recreational drugs and drugs-of-abuse. These studies on adolescent exposure to alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cannabinoids and psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamine, reveal a variety of long-lasting behavioral and neurobiological consequences. These agents can affect development of the prefrontal cortex and mesolimbic dopamine pathways and modify the reward systems, socio-emotional processing and cognition. Other consequences include disruption in working memory, anxiety disorders and an increased risk of subsequent drug abuse in adult life. Although preventive and control policies are a valuable approach to reduce the detrimental effects of drugs-of-abuse on the adolescent brain, a more profound understanding of their neurobiological impact can lead to improved strategies for the treatment and attenuation of the detrimental neuropsychiatric sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Salmanzadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; TJ Long School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | | | - Narges Pachenari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Azadi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Robert F Halliwell
- TJ Long School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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29
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Karoly HC, Ross JM, Ellingson JM, Feldstein Ewing SW. Exploring Cannabis and Alcohol Co-Use in Adolescents: A Narrative Review of the Evidence. J Dual Diagn 2020; 16:58-74. [PMID: 31519143 PMCID: PMC7007306 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2019.1660020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Amidst the evolving policy surrounding cannabis legalization in the United States, cannabis use is becoming increasingly prevalent as perceptions of harm decrease, particularly among adolescents. Cannabis and alcohol are commonly used by adolescents and are often used together. However, developmental research has historically taken a "single substance" approach to examine the association of substance use and adolescent brain and behavior rather than examining co-(or poly-substance) use of multiple substances, such as cannabis and alcohol. Thus, the acute effects of cannabis and alcohol, and the impact of co-use of cannabis and alcohol on the adolescent brain, cognitive function and subsequent psychosocial outcomes remains understudied. This narrative review aims to examine the effects of cannabis and alcohol on adolescents across a number of behavioral and neurobiological outcomes. Methods: The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for the last 10 years to identify articles reporting on acute effects of cannabis and alcohol administration, and the effects of cannabis and alcohol on neuropsychological, neurodevelopmental, neural (e.g., structural and functional neuroimaging), and psychosocial outcomes in adolescents. When adolescent data were not available, adult studies were included as support for potential areas of future direction in adolescent work. Results: Current studies of the impact of cannabis and alcohol on adolescent brain and behavior have yielded a complicated pattern. Some suggest that the use of cannabis in addition to alcohol during adolescence may have a "protective" effect, yielding neuropsychological and structural brain outcomes that are better than those for adolescents who use only alcohol. However, other adolescent studies suggest that cannabis and alcohol co-use is associated with negative health and social outcomes such as poorer academic performance and impaired driving. Conclusion: Variation in study methodologies, policy-level limitations and our limited understanding of the developmental neurobiological effects of cannabis preclude the straightforward interpretation of the existing data on adolescent cannabis and alcohol use. Further research on this topic is requisite to inform the development of effective intervention and prevention programs for adolescent substance users, which hinge on a more comprehensive understanding of how cannabis-and its intersection with alcohol-impacts the developing brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C Karoly
- Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - J Megan Ross
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Jarrod M Ellingson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Sarah W Feldstein Ewing
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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30
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Abstract
Objective: This review discusses the relationship between cannabis use and psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders, as well as suicide. It summarizes epidemiological evidence from cross-sectional and long-term prospective studies and considers possible etiological mechanisms. Methods: Systematic reviews and methodologically robust studies in the field (from inception to February 2019) were identified using a comprehensive search of Medline, PsychINFO, and Embase and summarized using a narrative synthesis. Results: Consistent evidence, both from observational and experimental studies, has confirmed the important role of cannabis use in the initiation and persistence of psychotic disorders. The size of the effect is related to the extent of cannabis use, with greater risk for early cannabis use and use of high-potency varieties and synthetic cannabinoids. Accumulating evidence suggests that frequent cannabis use also increases the risk for mania as well as for suicide. However, the effect on depression is less clear and findings on anxiety are contradictory with only a few methodologically robust studies. Furthermore, the relationship with common mental disorders may involve reverse causality, as depression and anxiety are reported to lead to greater cannabis consumption in some studies. Pathogenetic mechanisms focus on the effect of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis) interacting with genetic predisposition and perhaps other environmental risk factors. Cannabidiol (CBD), the other important ingredient of traditional cannabis, ameliorates the psychotogenic effects of THC but is absent from the high-potency varieties that are increasingly available. Conclusions: The evidence that heavy use of high-THC/low-CBD types of cannabis increases the risk of psychosis is sufficiently strong to merit public health education. Evidence of similar but smaller effects in mania and suicide is growing, but is not convincing for depression and anxiety. There is much current interest in the possibility that CBD may be therapeutically useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Sideli
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.,Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences, and Advanced Diagnostic, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Harriet Quigley
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Trust Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Caterina La Cascia
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences, and Advanced Diagnostic, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Robin M Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.,Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences, and Advanced Diagnostic, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,South London and Maudsley NHS Trust Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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31
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Cohen K, Mama Y, Rosca P, Pinhasov A, Weinstein A. Chronic Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids Is Associated With Impairment in Working Memory and Mental Flexibility. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:602. [PMID: 32695029 PMCID: PMC7339911 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have recently shown that chronic use of Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs) has been associated with mood disorders and impairments in executive functions. There is also evidence indicating that chronic SC users have higher rates of comorbidity with depression and psychotic symptoms. Here, we investigate performance on executive function and emotional processing tasks in regular SC users and a measure of schizotypal traits. METHOD Thirty chronic SC users, 32 recreational cannabis users, and 32 non-using control participants, without history of mental disorder, or current substance abuse diagnosis (mean age 26 ± 4.27 years; 85 males, 9 females), were tested in addiction treatment centers in Israel. Computerized neurocognitive function tests; the N-back task, Go/No-Go task, Wisconsin Sorting Card-like Task (WSCT), and emotional face recognition task and questionnaires of depression, anxiety and schizotypal traits and symptoms were used. RESULTS SC users have performed worse than recreational cannabis users and non-cannabis users on the N-back working-memory task (lower accuracy) and the WSCT cognitive flexibility task. SC users showed greater schizotypal traits and symptoms compared with recreational cannabis users and non-user control participants. A positive association was found in cannabinoid-user groups between schizotypal traits and symptoms and cognitive and emotional processing measures. Finally, SC users have scored higher on depression and state-trait anxiety measures than recreational cannabis users or healthy control participants. CONCLUSIONS Repeated use of SCs is associated with impairment in executive functions and emotional processing. These alterations are associated with depression and schizotypal traits and symptoms. This adds to existing evidence on the long-term consequences of SC drugs and their risks for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koby Cohen
- Department of Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Yaniv Mama
- Department of Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Paola Rosca
- Ministry of Health (Israel), Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Albert Pinhasov
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Aviv Weinstein
- Department of Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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32
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Poulia N, Delis F, Brakatselos C, Lekkas P, Kokras N, Dalla C, Antoniou K. Escalating low-dose Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during adolescence induces differential behavioral and neurochemical effects in male and female adult rats. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2681-2693. [PMID: 31626712 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid administration during adolescence affects various physiological processes, such as motor and affective response, cognitive-related functions and modulates neurotransmitter activity. Literature remains scant concerning the parallel examination of the effects of adolescent escalating low-dose Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC) on the behavioral and plasticity profile of adult rats in both sexes. Herein, we investigated the long-term behavioral, neurochemical and neurobiological effects of adolescent escalating low Δ9 -THC doses in adult male and female rats. In adult males, adolescent low-dose Δ9 -THC exposure led to increased spontaneous locomotor activity, impaired behavioral motor habituation and defective short-term spatial memory, paralleled with decreased BDNF protein levels in the prefrontal cortex. In this brain area, serotonergic activity was increased, as depicted by the increased serotonin turnover rate, while the opposite effect was observed in the hippocampus, a region where SERT levels were enhanced by Δ9 -THC, compared with vehicle. In adult females, adolescent Δ9 -THC treatment led to decreased spontaneous vertical activity and impaired short-term spatial memory, accompanied by increased BDNF protein levels in the prefrontal cortex. Present findings emphasize the key role of adolescent escalating low Δ9 -THC exposure in the long-term regulation of motor response, spatial-related cognitive functions and neuroplasticity indices in adulthood. In this framework, these changes could, at a translational level, contribute to clinical issues suggesting the development of psychopathology in a sex-differentiated manner following Δ9 -THC exposure during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafsika Poulia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Brakatselos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Thorpe HHA, Hamidullah S, Jenkins BW, Khokhar JY. Adolescent neurodevelopment and substance use: Receptor expression and behavioral consequences. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 206:107431. [PMID: 31706976 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, during which extensive brain development occurs. Since this period also overlaps with the initiation of drug use, it is important to consider how substance use during this time might produce long-term neurobiological alterations, especially against the backdrop of developmental changes in neurotransmission. Alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and opioids all produce marked changes in the expression and function of the neurotransmitter and receptor systems with which they interact. These acute and chronic alterations also contribute to behavioral consequences ranging from increased addiction risk to cognitive or neuropsychiatric behavioral dysfunctions. The current review provides an in-depth overview and update of the developmental changes in neurotransmission during adolescence, as well as the impact of drug exposure during this neurodevelopmental window. While most of these factors have been studied in animal models, which are the focus of this review, future longitudinal studies in humans that assess neural function and behavior will help to confirm pre-clinical findings. Furthermore, the neural changes induced by each drug should also be considered in the context of other contributing factors, such as sex. Further understanding of these consequences can help in the identification of novel approaches for preventing and reversing the neurobiological effects of adolescent substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley H A Thorpe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shahnaza Hamidullah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bryan W Jenkins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Leyton
- From the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, McGill University; the Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University; the Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University; and the Research Unit on Children’s Psychosocial Maladjustment, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Que., Canada
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35
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Mouro FM, Köfalvi A, André LA, Baqi Y, Müller CE, Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM. Memory deficits induced by chronic cannabinoid exposure are prevented by adenosine A2AR receptor antagonism. Neuropharmacology 2019; 155:10-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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De Gregorio D, Manchia M, Carpiniello B, Valtorta F, Nobile M, Gobbi G, Comai S. Role of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in depression: Translational evidence: Special Section on "Translational and Neuroscience Studies in Affective Disorders". Section Editor, Maria Nobile MD, PhD. This Section of JAD focuses on the relevance of translational and neuroscience studies in providing a better understanding of the neural basis of affective disorders. The main aim is to briefly summaries relevant research findings in clinical neuroscience with particular regards to specific innovative topics in mood and anxiety disorders. J Affect Disord 2019; 255:S0165-0327(18)31599-4. [PMID: 30391203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.10.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressants have a low rate of response paired with a delayed onset of action. Translational studies are thus seeking for novel targets for antidepressant drug development. Preclinical evidence has demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in mood and stress response, even if drugs targeting this system have not yet become available for clinical use. The dietary supplement N-Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid amide belonging to the endocannabinoid system with potential antidepressant properties. METHODS We performed a bibliographic search to review current knowledge on the potential antidepressant effects of PEA and its underlying mechanism of action. RESULTS PEA targets not only the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), but also the endocannabinoid system, binding the G-protein-coupled receptor 55, a non-CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptor, and also the CB1/CB2 receptors, although with a weak affinity. Preclinical studies have shown antidepressant activity of PEA in animal paradigms of depression and of depression associated with neuropathic pain and traumatic brain injury. In a translational perspective, PEA is increased in stress conditions, and a randomized, double-blind study in depressed patients indicated a fast-antidepressant action of PEA when associated with citalopram. LIMITATIONS There are still limited preclinical and clinical studies investigating the effect of PEA upon the endocannabinoid system and its potential as antidepressant. CONCLUSIONS PEA has potential antidepressant effects alone or in combinations with other classes of antidepressants. Future studies in depressed patients are needed to confirm the mood-modulating properties of PEA and its role as a biomarker of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Maria Nobile
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Child Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano Comai
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, Via Olgettina 58, Milano 20132, Italy.
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Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. Pain 2019; 160:136-150. [PMID: 30157131 PMCID: PMC6319597 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Low dose of cannabidiol ameliorates mechanical allodynia and anxious behavior and restores impaired serotonergic transmission in a neuropathic pain model in rats. Clinical studies indicate that cannabidiol (CBD), the primary nonaddictive component of cannabis that interacts with the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor, may possess analgesic and anxiolytic effects. However, its effects on 5-HT neuronal activity, as well as its impact on models of neuropathic pain are unknown. First, using in vivo single-unit extracellular recordings in rats, we demonstrated that acute intravenous (i.v.) increasing doses of CBD (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) decreased the firing rate of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus, which was prevented by administration of the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635 (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) and the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) but not by the CB1 receptor antagonist AM 251 (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Repeated treatment with CBD (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously [s.c.], for 7 days) increased 5-HT firing through desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors. Rats subjected to the spared nerve injury model for 24 days showed decreased 5-HT firing activity, mechanical allodynia, and increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test, open-field test, and novelty-suppressed feeding test. Seven days of treatment with CBD reduced mechanical allodynia, decreased anxiety-like behavior, and normalized 5-HT activity. Antiallodynic effects of CBD were fully prevented by capsazepine (10 mg/kg/day, s.c., for 7 days) and partially prevented by WAY 100635 (2 mg/kg/day, s.c., for 7 days), whereas the anxiolytic effect was blocked only by WAY. Overall, repeated treatment with low-dose CBD induces analgesia predominantly through TRPV1 activation, reduces anxiety through 5-HT1A receptor activation, and rescues impaired 5-HT neurotransmission under neuropathic pain conditions.
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Cohen K, Weizman A, Weinstein A. Modulatory effects of cannabinoids on brain neurotransmission. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:2322-2345. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koby Cohen
- Department of Behavioral Science Ariel University Science Park 40700 Ariel Israel
| | | | - Aviv Weinstein
- Department of Behavioral Science Ariel University Science Park 40700 Ariel Israel
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Gobbi G, Atkin T, Zytynski T, Wang S, Askari S, Boruff J, Ware M, Marmorstein N, Cipriani A, Dendukuri N, Mayo N. Association of Cannabis Use in Adolescence and Risk of Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in Young Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:426-434. [PMID: 30758486 PMCID: PMC6450286 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.4500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 425] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Cannabis is the most commonly used drug of abuse by adolescents in the world. While the impact of adolescent cannabis use on the development of psychosis has been investigated in depth, little is known about the impact of cannabis use on mood and suicidality in young adulthood. Objective To provide a summary estimate of the extent to which cannabis use during adolescence is associated with the risk of developing subsequent major depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior. Data Sources Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Proquest Dissertations and Theses were searched from inception to January 2017. Study Selection Longitudinal and prospective studies, assessing cannabis use in adolescents younger than 18 years (at least 1 assessment point) and then ascertaining development of depression in young adulthood (age 18 to 32 years) were selected, and odds ratios (OR) adjusted for the presence of baseline depression and/or anxiety and/or suicidality were extracted. Data Extraction and Synthesis Study quality was assessed using the Research Triangle Institute item bank on risk of bias and precision of observational studies. Two reviewers conducted all review stages independently. Selected data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures The studies assessing cannabis use and depression at different points from adolescence to young adulthood and reporting the corresponding OR were included. In the studies selected, depression was diagnosed according to the third or fourth editions of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or by using scales with predetermined cutoff points. Results After screening 3142 articles, 269 articles were selected for full-text review, 35 were selected for further review, and 11 studies comprising 23 317 individuals were included in the quantitative analysis. The OR of developing depression for cannabis users in young adulthood compared with nonusers was 1.37 (95% CI, 1.16-1.62; I2 = 0%). The pooled OR for anxiety was not statistically significant: 1.18 (95% CI, 0.84-1.67; I2 = 42%). The pooled OR for suicidal ideation was 1.50 (95% CI, 1.11-2.03; I2 = 0%), and for suicidal attempt was 3.46 (95% CI, 1.53-7.84, I2 = 61.3%). Conclusions and Relevance Although individual-level risk remains moderate to low and results from this study should be confirmed in future adequately powered prospective studies, the high prevalence of adolescents consuming cannabis generates a large number of young people who could develop depression and suicidality attributable to cannabis. This is an important public health problem and concern, which should be properly addressed by health care policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tobias Atkin
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tomasz Zytynski
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shouao Wang
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Centre-Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sorayya Askari
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Centre-Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jill Boruff
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark Ware
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nandini Dendukuri
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Centre-Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nancy Mayo
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Centre-Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Department of Medicine, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University Health Center Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Gorey C, Kuhns L, Smaragdi E, Kroon E, Cousijn J. Age-related differences in the impact of cannabis use on the brain and cognition: a systematic review. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 269:37-58. [PMID: 30680487 PMCID: PMC6394430 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-019-00981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The impact of cannabis on the adolescent compared to adult brain is of interest to researchers and society alike. From a theoretical perspective, adolescence represents a period of both risk and resilience to the harms of cannabis use and cannabis use disorders. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a critical examination of the moderating role of age on the relationship between cannabis use and cognition. To this end, we reviewed human and animal studies that formally tested whether age, adolescent or adult, changes the relationship between cannabis exposure and cognitive outcomes. While the results of this review do not offer a conclusive answer on the role of age, the novel review question, along with the inclusion of both human and animal work, has allowed for the formation of new hypotheses to be addressed in future work. First, general executive functioning seems to be more impaired in adolescent frequent cannabis users compared to adult frequent cannabis users. Second, age-effects may be most prominent among very heavy and dependent users. Third, craving and inhibitory control may not decrease as much post-intoxication in adolescents compared to adults. Lastly, adolescents' vulnerability to reduced learning following cannabis use may not persist after sustained abstinence. If these hypotheses prove correct, it could lead to important developments in policy and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Gorey
- Department of Psychology, Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Research Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O. box 15916, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Dynamics of Externalizing (DEXTER) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Lauren Kuhns
- Department of Psychology, Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Research Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O. box 15916, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleni Smaragdi
- Department of Psychology, Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Research Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O. box 15916, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emese Kroon
- Department of Psychology, Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Research Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O. box 15916, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janna Cousijn
- Department of Psychology, Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Research Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O. box 15916, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- The Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Center (ABC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Pushkin AN, Eugene AJ, Lallai V, Torres-Mendoza A, Fowler JP, Chen E, Fowler CD. Cannabinoid and nicotine exposure during adolescence induces sex-specific effects on anxiety- and reward-related behaviors during adulthood. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211346. [PMID: 30703155 PMCID: PMC6354968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine and cannabis use during adolescence has the potential to induce long lasting changes on affective and cognitive function. Here, we examined whether adolescent exposure to nicotine, the cannabinoid agonist WIN55-212,2 (WIN), or co-exposure to both would alter operant learning, locomotion, and anxiety- and reward-related behaviors in male and female mice during adulthood. Males exposed to a moderate dose of WIN (2 mg/kg) or co-exposed to nicotine and the moderate dose of WIN exhibited decreased anxiety-associated behaviors and increased cognitive flexibility, but did not differ in operant learning or generalized locomotion. In contrast, differences were not found among the females in these measures at the moderate WIN dose or in both sexes with exposure to a low WIN dose (0.2 mg/kg). Furthermore, a sex-dependent dissociative effect was found in natural reward consumption. Males exposed to the moderate dose of WIN or co-exposed to nicotine and the moderate dose of WIN demonstrated increased sucrose consumption. In contrast, females exposed to the moderate dose of WIN exhibited a decrease in sucrose consumption, which was ameliorated with co-administration of nicotine. Together, these novel findings demonstrate that adolescent exposure to cannabinoids in the presence or absence of nicotine results in altered affective and reward-related behaviors during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna N. Pushkin
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Angeline J. Eugene
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Valeria Lallai
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Alan Torres-Mendoza
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - J. P. Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Edison Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Christie D. Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
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Bukiya AN. Physiology of the Endocannabinoid System During Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1162:13-37. [PMID: 31332732 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system comprises endogenously produced cannabinoids (CBs), enzymes of their production and degradation, and CB-sensing receptors and transporters. The eCB system plays a critical role in virtually all stages of animal development. Studies on eCB system components and their physiological role have gained increasing attention with the rising legalization and medical use of marijuana products. The latter represent exogenous interventions that target the eCB system. This chapter summarizes knowledge in the field of CB contribution to gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo implantation, fetal development, birth, and adolescence-equivalent periods of ontogenesis. The material is complemented by the overview of data from our laboratory documenting the functional presence of the eCB system within cerebral arteries of baboons at different stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna N Bukiya
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Abstract
Chronic pain is a frequent condition that affects an estimated 20% of people worldwide, accounting for 15%-20% of doctors' appointments (Treede et al., 2015). It lacks the acute warning function of physiologic nociception, and instead involves the activation of multiple neurophysiologic mechanisms in the somatosensory system, a complex neuronal network under the control of powerful autoregulatory loops and able to undergo rapid neuroplastic alteration (Verdu et al., 2008). There is a growing body of research suggesting that some such pathways are shared by major psychologic disorders such as depression and anxiety, opening new avenues in co-treatment strategies. In particular, besides anticonvulsants, which are today used as analgesics, other psychopharmaceuticals, such as the tricyclic antidepressants, are displaying efficacy in the treatment of neuropathic and nociceptive chronic pain. The state of the art regarding the mechanisms of nociception and the pharmacology of both the neurotransmitters involved and the wide range of psychoactive compounds that may be useful in the treatment of chronic pain are discussed.
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Schoeler T, Theobald D, Pingault JB, Farrington DP, Coid JW, Bhattacharyya S. Developmental sensitivity to cannabis use patterns and risk for major depressive disorder in mid-life: findings from 40 years of follow-up. Psychol Med 2018; 48:2169-2176. [PMID: 29607801 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717003658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence regarding the association between cannabis use and depression remain conflicting, especially as studies have not typically adopted a longitudinal design with a follow-up period that was long enough to adequately cover the risk period for onset of depression. METHOD Males from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development (CSDD) (N = 285) were assessed seven times from age 8 to 48 years to prospectively investigate the association between cannabis use and risk of major depressive disorder (MDD). A combination of multiple analyses (logistic regression, Cox regression, fixed-effects analysis) was employed to explore the strength and direction of effect within different developmental stages. RESULTS Multiple regression analyses revealed that early-onset cannabis use (before age 18) but not late-onset cannabis use (after age 27) was associated with a higher risk and shorter time until a subsequent MDD diagnosis. This effect was present in high-frequency [(odds ratio (OR) 8.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-70.79]; [hazard ratio (HR) 8.69, 95% CI 2.07-36.52)] and low-frequency early-onset users (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.22-4.76; HR 2.09, 95% CI 1.16-3.74). Effect of increased frequency of cannabis use on increased risk of subsequent MDD was observed only for use during adolescence (age 14-18) but not at later life stages, while controlling for observed and non-unobserved time-invariant factors. Conversely, MDD in adulthood (age 18-32) was linked to a reduction in subsequent cannabis use (age 32-48). CONCLUSIONS The present findings provide evidence implicating frequent cannabis use during adolescence as a risk factor for later life depression. Future studies should further examine causality of effects in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea Schoeler
- Division of Psychology and Language Science,University College London,London,UK
| | | | | | | | - Jeremy W Coid
- Forensic Psychiatry Research Unit,Queens Mary's University,London,UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,King's College London,London,UK
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Adolescent cannabinoid exposure induces irritability-like behavior and cocaine cross-sensitization without affecting the escalation of cocaine self-administration in adulthood. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13893. [PMID: 30224774 PMCID: PMC6141462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use is typically initiated during adolescence and is a significant risk factor for the development of cocaine use in adulthood. However, no preclinical studies have examined the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on cocaine dependence in adulthood using the escalation model of cocaine self-administration and the assessment of negative emotional states. In the present study, we found that exposure to the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) in adolescence produced irritability-like behavior and psychomotor cross-sensitization to cocaine in adolescence. In adulthood, rats were allowed to self-administer cocaine. The acquisition of cocaine self-administration was lower in rats with adolescent WIN exposure compared with controls. However, both WIN-exposed and control rats escalated their cocaine intake at the same rate, had similar responding under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement, and had similar psychomotor responses to cocaine. Interestingly, the increase in irritability-like behavior that was previously observed in adolescence after WIN exposure persisted into adulthood. Whether the persisting increase in irritability-like behavior after WIN exposure has translational relevance remains to be studied. In summary, these results suggest that psychoactive cannabinoid exposure during adolescence is unlikely to have a major effect on the escalation of cocaine intake or the development of compulsive-like responding per se in adulthood in a rat model of cocaine self-administration. However, whether the persisting irritability-like behavior may predispose an individual to mood-related impairments in adulthood or predict such impairments warrants further investigation.
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Mikulskaya E, Martin FH. Contrast sensitivity and motion discrimination in cannabis users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2459-2469. [PMID: 29909427 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4944-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabis use impairs visual attention; however, it is unclear whether cannabis use also impairs low level visual processing or whether low level visual deficits can be related to lower dopaminergic functioning found in cannabis users. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity and motion discrimination under normal and low luminance conditions differ in cannabis users and non-users. METHODS Control (n = 20) and cannabis (n = 21) participants completed a visual acuity test, a saliva test and self-report measures. Spatial and temporal contrast thresholds, motion coherence thresholds for translational and radial motion and the spontaneous eye blink rate were then collected. RESULTS Cannabis users showed decreased spatial contrast sensitivity under low luminance conditions and increased motion coherence thresholds under all luminance levels tested compared to non-users. No differences in temporal contrast sensitivity were found between the groups. Frequency of cannabis use correlated significantly and negatively with contrast sensitivity, both spatial and temporal, in the cannabis group and higher motion coherence thresholds for radial motion were also associated with more frequent cannabis use in this group. The eye blink rate was significantly lower in cannabis users compared to non-users. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that cannabis use is associated with deficits in low level visual processing. Such deficits are suggested to relate to lower dopamine, in a similar manner as in clinical populations. The implications for driving safety under reduced visibility (e.g. night) in abstaining cannabis users are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mikulskaya
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia.,TIEI, Russian Federation, Tula University, Tula, Russia
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Bambico FR, Comai S, Diwan M, Hasan SN, Conway JD, Darvish-Ghane S, Hamani C, Gobbi G, Nobrega JN. High frequency stimulation of the anterior vermis modulates behavioural response to chronic stress: involvement of the prefrontal cortex and dorsal raphe? Neurobiol Dis 2018; 116:166-178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Cohen K, Weinstein AM. Synthetic and Non-synthetic Cannabinoid Drugs and Their Adverse Effects-A Review From Public Health Prospective. Front Public Health 2018; 6:162. [PMID: 29930934 PMCID: PMC5999798 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing use of novel psychoactive substances containing synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoid products have effects similar to those of natural cannabis, yet, these drugs are more potent and dangerous, and have been associated with dangerous adverse effects. Here, we review current literature on the epidemiology, acute, and chronic effects of synthetic and natural cannabinoid-based drugs. Synthetic drugs contain a mixture of psychoactive compounds that mostly bind cannabinoid receptors with high potency. These synthetic drugs replicate the effects of natural cannabis and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol but they induce more severe adverse effects including respiratory difficulties, hypertension, tachycardia, chest pain, muscle twitches, acute renal failure, anxiety, agitation, psychosis, suicidal ideation, and cognitive impairment. Chronic use of synthetic cannabinoids has been associated with serious psychiatric and medical conditions and even death. Given the growing popularity in the use of cannabinoid-based drugs and their harmful potential, there is a need for further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koby Cohen
- Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Science Park, Ariel, Israel
| | - Aviv M Weinstein
- Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Science Park, Ariel, Israel
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Frontera JL, Gonzalez Pini VM, Messore FL, Brusco A. Exposure to cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 during early adolescence increases alcohol preference and anxiety in CD1 mice. Neuropharmacology 2018; 137:268-274. [PMID: 29778010 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is involved in the modulation of the reward system and participates in the reinforcing effects of different drugs of abuse, including alcohol. The most abundant receptor of the eCB system in the central nervous system is the CB1 receptor (CB1R), which is predominantly expressed in areas involved in drug addiction, such as the nucleus accumbens, the ventral tegmental area, the substantia nigra and the raphe nucleus. CB1R is expressed in early stages during development, and reaches maximum levels during early adolescence. In addition, cannabinoid receptor 2 has been found expressed also in the central nervous system at postsynaptic level. In order to analyze the participation of the eCB system on ethanol (EtOH) preference, mice were exposed to cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) for 5 consecutive days during early adolescence. Anxiety tests were performed the day after WIN treatment withdrawal, and EtOH preference was measured throughout adolescence. Mice exposed to WIN during early adolescence exhibited a significant increase in EtOH intake and preference after treatment. Moreover, WIN exposure during early adolescence induced an anxiogenic effect. Morphometric analysis revealed higher dendritic ramifications and fewer dendritic spines in neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta in WIN-treated mice. On the other hand, immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increase in the number of tryptophan hydroxylase-expressing neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus but no differences were found in the ventral tegmental area or substantia nigra pars compacta for tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing neurons. These results demonstrate that exposure to WIN in early adolescence can affect neural development and induce alcohol preference and anxiety-like behavior during late adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Laura Frontera
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Bs As, Argentina; CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN), Bs As, Argentina.
| | | | - Fernando Luis Messore
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN), Bs As, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Fisiología, Bs As, Argentina
| | - Alicia Brusco
- CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN), Bs As, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología, Embriología y Genética, Bs As, Argentina
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Chronic agomelatine treatment prevents comorbid depression in the post-status epilepticus model of acquired epilepsy through suppression of inflammatory signaling. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 115:127-144. [PMID: 29653194 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory signal molecules are suggested to be involved in the mechanism underlying comorbid depression in epilepsy. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the novel antidepressant agomelatine, a potent melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptor agonist and serotonin 5HT2C receptor antagonist, can prevent depressive symptoms developed during the chronic epileptic phase by suppressing an inflammatory response. Chronic treatment with agomelatine (40 mg/kg, i.p.) was initiated an hour after the kainate acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE) and maintained for a period of 10 weeks in Wistar rats. Registration of spontaneous motor seizures was performed through a video (24 h/day) and EEG monitoring. Antidepressant activity of agomelatine was explored in the splash test, sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST) while anxiolytic effect was observed through the novelty suppression-feeding test (NSFT) during chronic phase in epileptic rats. The frequency of motor seizures detected by video and EEG recording did not differ between vehicle and Ago group. Rats with registered spontaneous motor seizures showed symptoms typical for depressive behavior that included decreased grooming, anhedonia during the dark period and hopeless-like behavior. Epileptic rats exhibited also anxiety with novelty-induced hypophagia. This behavioral deficit correlated with increased signal markers of inflammation (plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and activated glia in brain), while plasma corticosterone levels were not changed. Agomelatine treatment during epileptogenesis exerted a clear antidepressant effect by suppressing all behavioral hallmarks, reducing plasma IL-1β levels and preventing microgliosis and astrogliosis in specific limbic regions. The present results suggest that agomelatine treatment starting after SE can provide an effective therapy of comorbid depression in chronic epileptic condition through suppression of inflammatory signaling.
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