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Rivi V, Rigillo G, Batabyal A, Lukowiak K, Pani L, Tascedda F, Benatti C, Blom JMC. Different stressors uniquely affect the expression of endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes in the central ring ganglia of Lymnaea stagnalis. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38922726 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, energy balance, modulation of stress, and inflammatory responses, acting as a critical link between the brain and the body's peripheral regions, while also offering promising potential for novel therapeutic strategies. Unfortunately, in humans, pharmacological inhibitors of different ECS enzymes have led to mixed results in both preclinical and clinical studies. As the ECS has been highly conserved throughout the eukaryotic lineage, the use of invertebrate model organisms like the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis may provide a flexible tool to unravel unexplored functions of the ECS at the cellular, synaptic, and behavioral levels. In this study, starting from the available genome and transcriptome of L. stagnalis, we first identified putative transcripts of all ECS enzymes containing an open reading frame. Each predicted protein possessed a high degree of sequence conservation to known orthologues of other invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. Sequences were confirmed by qualitative PCR and sequencing. Then, we investigated the transcriptional effects induced by different stress conditions (i.e., bacterial LPS injection, predator scent, food deprivation, and acute heat shock) on the expression levels of the enzymes of the ECS in Lymnaea's central ring ganglia. Our results suggest that in Lymnaea as in rodents, the ECS is involved in mediating inflammatory and anxiety-like responses, promoting energy balance, and responding to acute stressors. To our knowledge, this study offers the most comprehensive analysis so far of the ECS in an invertebrate model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Rivi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Rigillo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anuradha Batabyal
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune, India
| | - Ken Lukowiak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Luca Pani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- CIB, Consorzio Interuniversitario Biotecnologie, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Johanna M C Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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2
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Richardson B, Clarke C, Blundell J, Bambico FR. Therapeutic-like activity of cannabidiolic acid methyl ester in the MK-801 mouse model of schizophrenia: Role for cannabinoid CB1 and serotonin-1A receptors. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:2403-2415. [PMID: 38385841 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder with an increasing prevalence and incidence over the last two decades. The condition presents with a diverse array of positive, negative, and cognitive impairments. Conventional treatments often yield unsatisfactory outcomes, especially with negative symptoms. We investigated the role of prefrontocortical (PFC) N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the pathophysiology and development of schizophrenia. We explored the potential therapeutic effects of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) methyl ester (HU-580), an analogue of CBDA known to act as an agonist of the serotonin-1A receptor (5-HT1AR) and an antagonist of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered the NMDAR antagonist, dizocilpine (MK-801, .3 mg/kg) once daily for 17 days. After 7 days, they were concurrently given HU-580 (.01 or .05 μg/kg) for 10 days. Behavioural deficits were assessed at two time points. We conducted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure the concentration of PFC 5-HT1AR and CB1R. We found that MK-801 effectively induced schizophrenia-related behaviours including hyperactivity, social withdrawal, increased forced swim immobility, and cognitive deficits. We discovered that low-dose HU-580 (.01 μg/kg), but not the high dose (.05 μg/kg), attenuated hyperactivity, forced swim immobility and cognitive deficits, particularly in female mice. Our results revealed that MK-801 downregulated both CB1R and 5-HT1AR, an effect that was blocked by both low- and high-dose HU-580. This study sheds light on the potential antipsychotic properties of HU-580, particularly in the context of NMDAR-induced dysfunction. Our findings could contribute significantly to our understanding of schizophrenia pathophysiology and offer a promising avenue for exploring the therapeutic potential of HU-580 and related compounds in alleviating symptoms.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Schizophrenia/drug therapy
- Schizophrenia/chemically induced
- Schizophrenia/metabolism
- Dizocilpine Maleate/pharmacology
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/drug effects
- Male
- Mice
- Female
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Disease Models, Animal
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/antagonists & inhibitors
- Antipsychotic Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Richardson
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Courtney Clarke
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Blundell
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Francis R Bambico
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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Nocheva H, Stoynev N, Vodenicharov V, Krastev D, Krastev N, Mileva M. Cannabinoid and Serotonergic Systems: Unraveling the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Stress-Induced Analgesia. Biomedicines 2024; 12:235. [PMID: 38275406 PMCID: PMC10813752 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The perception of "stress" triggers many physiological and behavioral responses, collectively called the stress response. Such a complex process allows for coping with stress and also triggers severe pathology. Because of the multidirectional effect of stress on the body, multiple systems participate in its pathogenesis, with the endogenous cannabinoid and the serotoninergic ones among them. These two systems also take part in the pain perception decrease, known as stress-induced analgesia (SIA), which can then be taken as an indirect indicator of the stress response. The aim of our study was to study the changes in cold SIA (c-SIA) resulting from the exogenous activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) receptor type 1A (5-HT1A). Various combinations of agonists and/or antagonists of CB1 and 5-HT1A, before or after 1 h of cold exposure, were applied, since we presumed that the exogenous activation of the receptors before the cold exposure would influence the pathogenesis of the stress response, while their activation after the stressful trigger would influence the later development. Our results show that the serotonergic system "maintained" c-SIA in the pre-stress treatment, while the cannabinoids' modulative effect was more prominent in the post-stress treatment. Here, we show the interactions of the two systems in the stress response. The interpretation and understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between CB1 and 5-HT1A may provide information for the prevention and control of adverse stress effects, as well as suggest interesting directions for the development of targeted interventions for the control of specific body responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristina Nocheva
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Medical University, 2 Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (H.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Nikolay Stoynev
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Medical University, 2 Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (H.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Vlayko Vodenicharov
- Department of Epidemiology and Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Medical University, 2 Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Dimo Krastev
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad, 66, Ivan Mihaylov Str., 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria;
| | - Nikolay Krastev
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, 2, Zdrave Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Milka Mileva
- Institute of Microbiology “Stephan Angeloff”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Nazari M, Rashidy-Pour A, Ali Vafaei A, Raise-Abdullahi P. Systemic corticosterone administration impairs the late fear memory reconsolidation via basolateral amygdala glucocorticoid receptors: dependence on the time window and memory age. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023:107797. [PMID: 37385522 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) play an important role in memory reconsolidation. The present study investigated the role of the BLA GRs in the late reconsolidation of fear memory using an inhibitory avoidance (IA) task in male Wistar rats. Stainless steel cannulae were implanted bilaterally into the BLA of the rats. After 7 days of recovery, the animals were trained in a one-trial IA task (1mA, 3s). In Experiment one, 48h after the training session, the animals received 3 systemic doses of corticosterone (CORT; 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by an intra-BLA microinjection of the vehicle (0.3µl/side) at different time points (immediately, 12, or 24h) after memory reactivation. Memory reactivation was performed by returning the animals to the light compartment while the sliding door was open. No shock was delivered during memory reactivation. CORT (10 mg/kg) injection 12h after memory reactivation most effectively impaired the late memory reconsolidation (LMR). In the second part of Experiment one, immediately, 12, or 24h after memory reactivation, GR antagonist RU38486 (RU; 1ng/0.3µl/side) was injected into BLA following a systemic injection of CORT (10 mg/kg) to examine whether it would block the CORT effect. RU inhibited the impairing effects of CORT on LMR. In Experiment two, the animals received CORT (10 mg/kg) with time windows immediately, 3, 6, 12, and 24h after memory reactivation. Again, CORT (10 mg/kg) injection 12h after MR impaired LMR. Memory reactivation was performed in the third Experiment, 7, 14, 28, or 56 days after the training session. Injection of CORT (10 mg/kg) 12h later had no significant effect on the LMR. The impairing effect of CORT was seen only in 2-day-old but not 7, 14, 28, and 56-day-old memories. GRs located in BLA seem to play an important role in the LMR of young memory, as with increasing the age of memories, they become less sensitive to manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Nazari
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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Migliaro M, Sánchez-Zavaleta R, Soto-Tinoco E, Ruiz-Contreras AE, Méndez-Díaz M, Herrera-Solís A, Pérez de la Mora M, Prospéro-García OE. Dominance status is associated with a variation in cannabinoid receptor 1 expression and amphetamine reward. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 221:173483. [PMID: 36270348 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173483] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The rewarding effects of psychostimulants appear to be distinct between dominant and subordinate individuals. In turn, the endocannabinoid system is an important modulator of drug reward in the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex, however the connection with social dominance is yet to be established. Male rats were classified as dominant or subordinate on the basis of their spontaneous agonistic interactions and drug reward was assessed by means of conditioned place preference with amphetamine (AMPH). In addition, the expression of CB1R, CB2R, FAAH1, and DAGLa was quantified from accumbal and cortical tissue samples. Our findings demonstrate that dominant rats required a lesser dose of AMPH to acquire a preference for the drug-associated compartment, thereby suggesting a higher sensitivity to the rewarding effects of AMPH. Furthermore, dominants exhibited a lower expression of CB1R in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. This study illustrates how CBR1 expression could differentiate the behavioral phenotypes associated to social dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Migliaro
- Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Sánchez-Zavaleta
- Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Eva Soto-Tinoco
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Alejandra E Ruiz-Contreras
- Laboratorio de Neurogenómica Cognitiva, Coordinación de Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mónica Méndez-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Andrea Herrera-Solís
- Laboratorio de Efectos Terapéuticos de los Cannabinoides, Subdirección de Investigación Biomédica, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Miguel Pérez de la Mora
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Oscar E Prospéro-García
- Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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6
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Zada W, VanRyzin JW, Perez-Pouchoulen M, Baglot SL, Hill MN, Abbas G, Clark SM, Rashid U, McCarthy MM, Mannan A. Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition and N-arachidonoylethanolamine modulation by isoflavonoids: A novel target for upcoming antidepressants. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e00999. [PMID: 36029006 PMCID: PMC9418665 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a novel putative target for therapeutic intervention in depressive disorders. Altering concentrations of one of the principal endocannabinoids, N‐arachidonoylethanolamine, also known as anandamide (AEA) can affect depressive‐like behaviors through several mechanisms including anti‐inflammatory, hormonal, and neural circuit alterations. Recently, isoflavonoids, a class of plant‐derived compounds, have been of therapeutic interest given their ability to modulate the metabolism of the endogenous ligands of the ECS. To determine the therapeutic potential of isoflavonoids, we screened several candidate compounds (Genistein, Biochanin‐A, and 7‐hydroxyflavone) in silico to determine their binding properties with fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the primary degrative enzyme for AEA. We further validated the ability of these compounds to inhibit FAAH and determined their effects on depressive‐like and locomotor behaviors in the forced swim test (FST) and open field test in male and female mice. We found that while genistein was the most potent FAAH inhibitor, 7‐hydroxyflavone was most effective at reducing immobility time in the forced swim test. Finally, we measured blood corticosterone and prefrontal cortex AEA concentrations following the forced swim test and found that all tested compounds decreased corticosterone and increased AEA, demonstrating that isoflavonoids are promising therapeutic targets as FAAH inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahid Zada
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan W VanRyzin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Miguel Perez-Pouchoulen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Samantha L Baglot
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Center for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Center for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ghulam Abbas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sarah M Clark
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Umer Rashid
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Abdul Mannan
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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7
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Prange S, Klinger H, Laurencin C, Danaila T, Thobois S. Depression in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Current Understanding of its Neurobiology and Implications for Treatment. Drugs Aging 2022; 39:417-439. [PMID: 35705848 PMCID: PMC9200562 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-00942-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Depression is one of the most frequent and burdensome non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD), across all stages. Even when its severity is mild, PD depression has a great impact on quality of life for these patients and their caregivers. Accordingly, accurate diagnosis, supported by validated scales, identification of risk factors, and recognition of motor and non-motor symptoms comorbid to depression are critical to understanding the neurobiology of depression, which in turn determines the effectiveness of dopaminergic drugs, antidepressants and non-pharmacological interventions. Recent advances using in vivo functional and structural imaging demonstrate that PD depression is underpinned by dysfunction of limbic networks and monoaminergic systems, depending on the stage of PD and its associated symptoms, including apathy, anxiety, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), cognitive impairment and dementia. In particular, the evolution of serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic dysfunction and abnormalities of limbic circuits across time, involving the anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices, amygdala, thalamus and ventral striatum, help to delineate the variable expression of depression in patients with prodromal, early and advanced PD. Evidence is accumulating to support the use of dual serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (desipramine, nortriptyline, venlafaxine) in patients with PD and moderate to severe depression, while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and cognitive behavioral therapy may also be considered. In all patients, recent findings advocate that optimization of dopamine replacement therapy and evaluation of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus to improve motor symptoms represents an important first step, in addition to physical activity. Overall, this review indicates that increasing understanding of neurobiological changes help to implement a roadmap of tailored interventions for patients with PD and depression, depending on the stage and comorbid symptoms underlying PD subtypes and their prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Prange
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Service de Neurologie C, Centre Expert Parkinson, NS-PARK/FCRIN Network, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500, Bron, France. .,Physiopathology of the Basal Ganglia Team, Univ Lyon, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS, UMR 5229, 67 Boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron, France. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Hélène Klinger
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Service de Neurologie C, Centre Expert Parkinson, NS-PARK/FCRIN Network, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500, Bron, France
| | - Chloé Laurencin
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Service de Neurologie C, Centre Expert Parkinson, NS-PARK/FCRIN Network, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500, Bron, France.,Physiopathology of the Basal Ganglia Team, Univ Lyon, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS, UMR 5229, 67 Boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron, France
| | - Teodor Danaila
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Service de Neurologie C, Centre Expert Parkinson, NS-PARK/FCRIN Network, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500, Bron, France.,Physiopathology of the Basal Ganglia Team, Univ Lyon, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS, UMR 5229, 67 Boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron, France
| | - Stéphane Thobois
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Service de Neurologie C, Centre Expert Parkinson, NS-PARK/FCRIN Network, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500, Bron, France. .,Physiopathology of the Basal Ganglia Team, Univ Lyon, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS, UMR 5229, 67 Boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron, France. .,Faculté de Médecine et de Maïeutique Lyon Sud Charles Mérieux, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Oullins, France.
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Kuc J, Kettner H, Rosas F, Erritzoe D, Haijen E, Kaelen M, Nutt D, Carhart-Harris RL. Psychedelic experience dose-dependently modulated by cannabis: results of a prospective online survey. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1425-1440. [PMID: 34734314 PMCID: PMC9110465 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05999-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Classic psychedelics are currently being studied as novel treatments for a range of psychiatric disorders. However, research on how psychedelics interact with other psychoactive substances remains scarce. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to explore the subjective effects of psychedelics when used alongside cannabis. METHODS Participants (n = 321) completed a set of online surveys at 2 time points: 7 days before, and 1 day after a planned experience with a serotonergic psychedelic. The collected data included demographics, environmental factors (so-called setting) and five validated questionnaires: Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), visual subscales of Altered States of Consciousness Questionnaire (ASC-Vis), Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI) and Emotional Breakthrough Inventory (EBI). Participants were grouped according to whether they had reported using no cannabis (n = 195) or low (n = 53), medium (n = 45) or high (n = 28) dose, directly concomitant with the psychedelic. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and contrasts was used to analyse differences in subjective effects between groups while controlling for potential confounding contextual 'setting' variables. RESULTS The simultaneous use of cannabis together with classic serotonergic psychedelics was associated with more intense psychedelic experience across a range of measures: a linear relationship was found between dose and MEQ, ASC-Vis and EDI scores, while a quadratic relationship was found for CEQ scores. No relationship was found between the dose of cannabis and the EBI. CONCLUSIONS Results imply a possible interaction between the cannabis and psychedelic on acute subjective experiences; however, design limitations hamper our ability to draw firm inferences on directions of causality and the clinical implications of any such interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kuc
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Hannes Kettner
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN UK
| | - Fernando Rosas
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN UK
| | - David Erritzoe
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN UK
| | - Eline Haijen
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN UK
| | - Mendel Kaelen
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN UK
| | - David Nutt
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN UK
| | - Robin L. Carhart-Harris
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN UK
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Voegel CD, Kroll SL, Schmid MW, Kexel AK, Baumgartner MR, Kraemer T, Binz TM, Quednow BB. Alterations of Stress-Related Glucocorticoids and Endocannabinoids in Hair of Chronic Cocaine Users. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 25:226-237. [PMID: 34676867 PMCID: PMC8929753 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research in animals and humans has demonstrated a potential role of stress regulatory systems, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, in the development of substance use disorders. We thus investigated alterations of HPA and eCB markers in individuals with chronic cocaine use disorder by using an advanced hair analysis technique. METHODS We compared hair concentrations of glucocorticoids (cortisone, cortisol) and the eCBs 2-arachidonylglycerol, anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) between 48 recreational cocaine users (RCU), 25 dependent cocaine users (DCU), and 67 stimulant-naïve controls. Self-reported substance use and hair concentrations of substances were also assessed. RESULTS Significantly higher concentrations of hair cortisone were found in RCU and DCU compared with controls. Hair concentrations of OEA and PEA were significantly lower in DCU compared with RCU and controls. Additionally, within cocaine users, elevated cocaine hair concentration was a significant predictor for increased glucocorticoid and decreased OEA hair levels. Moreover, higher 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine hair concentration was correlated with elevated cortisone and AEA, OEA, and PEA levels in hair within cocaine users, whereas more self-reported cannabis use was associated with lower eCBs levels in hair across the total sample. CONCLUSION Our findings support the hypothesis that the HPA axis and eCB system might be important regulators for substance use disorders. The mechanistic understanding of changes in glucocorticoid and eCB levels in future research might be a promising pharmacological target to reduce stress-induced craving and relapse specifically in cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa D Voegel
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sara L Kroll
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Ann-Kathrin Kexel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tina M Binz
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland,Correspondence: B. B. Quednow, PhD, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland ()
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10
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Ahmadi-Mahmoodabadi N, Emamghoreishi M, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. The bidirectional effect of prelimbic 5-hydroxytryptamine type-4 (5-HT4) receptors on ACPA-mediated aversive memory impairment in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 24:726-733. [PMID: 34630949 PMCID: PMC8487599 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2021.49501.11317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed at investigating the effect of serotonergic 5-HT4 receptor agonist/antagonist on memory consolidation deficit induced by ACPA (a potent, selective CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist) in the pre-limbic (PL) cortex. Materials and Methods We used the step-through passive avoidance test to evaluate memory consolidation of male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Bilateral post-training microinjections of the drugs were done in a volume of 0.6 μl/rat into the PL area (0.3 μl per side). Results The results showed a significant interaction between RS67333 hydrochloride (5-HT4 receptor agonist) or RS23597-190 hydrochloride (5-HT4 receptor antagonist) and ACPA on consolidation of aversive memory. RS67333 hydrochloride (0.5 μg/rat) enhanced consolidation of memory and its co-administration at the ineffective dose of 0.005 μg/rat with ineffective (0.001 μg/rat) or effective (0.1 μg/rat) doses of ACPA improved and prevented impairment of memory caused by ACPA, respectively. In other words, RS67333 had a bidirectional effect on ACPA-caused amnesia. While RS23597-190 hydrochloride had no effect on memory at the doses used (0.005, 0.01, 0.1, or 0.5 μg/rat); but its concomitant use with an effective dose of ACPA (0.1 μg/rat) potentiated amnesia. None of the drugs had an effect on locomotor activity. Conclusion This study revealed that activation or deactivation of the 5-HT4 receptors in the PL may mediate the IA memory impairment induced by ACPA indicating a modulatory role for the 5-HT4 serotonergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nargol Ahmadi-Mahmoodabadi
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Basic Sciences, Campus of Shahid Bahonar, Farhangian University of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Emamghoreishi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran.,Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Kruk-Slomka M, Biala G. Cannabidiol Attenuates MK-801-Induced Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia in the Passive Avoidance Test in Mice. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195977. [PMID: 34641522 PMCID: PMC8513030 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that disturbs feelings and behavior. The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three categories: positive, negative, and cognitive. Cognitive symptoms are characterized by memory loss or attentional deficits, and are especially difficult to treat. Thus, there is intense research into the development of new treatments for schizophrenia-related responses. One of the possible strategies is connected with cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid compound. This research focuses on the role of CBD in different stages of memory (acquisition, consolidation, retrieval) connected with fear conditioning in the passive avoidance (PA) learning task in mice, as well as in the memory impairment typical of cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Memory impairment was provoked by an acute injection of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 (animal model of schizophrenia). Our results revealed that an acute injection of CBD (30 mg/kg; intraperitoneally (i.p.) improved all phases of long-term fear memory in the PA test in mice. Moreover, the acute injection of non-effective doses of CBD (1 or 5 mg/kg; i.p.) attenuated the memory impairment provoked by MK-801 (0.6 mg/kg; i.p.) in the consolidation and retrieval stages of fear memory, but not in the acquisition of memory. The present findings confirm that CBD has a positive influence on memory and learning processes in mice, and reveals that this cannabinoid compound is able to attenuate memory impairment connected with hypofunction of glutamate transmission in a murine model of schizophrenia.
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12
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Martin EL, Strickland JC, Schlienz NJ, Munson J, Jackson H, Bonn-Miller MO, Vandrey R. Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects of Medicinal Cannabis Use in an Observational Trial. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:729800. [PMID: 34566726 PMCID: PMC8458732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.729800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Anxiety and depressive disorders are highly prevalent. Patients are increasingly using medicinal cannabis products to treat these disorders, but little is known about the effects of medicinal cannabis use on symptoms of anxiety and depression. The aim of the present observational study was to assess general health in medicinal cannabis users and non-using controls with anxiety and/or depression. Methods: Participants (368 Cannabis Users; 170 Controls) completed an online survey assessing anxiety and depressive symptoms, cannabis product use, sleep, quality of life, and comorbid chronic pain. Participants that completed this baseline survey were then invited to complete additional follow-up surveys at 3-month intervals. Baseline differences between Cannabis Users and Controls were assessed using independent-samples t-tests and generalized linear mixed effects models were used to assess the impact of initiating cannabis product use, sustained use, or discontinuation of use on anxiety and depressive symptoms at follow-up. Results: Medicinal cannabis use was associated with lower self-reported depression, but not anxiety, at baseline. Medicinal cannabis users also reported superior sleep, quality of life, and less pain on average. Initiation of medicinal cannabis during the follow-up period was associated with significantly decreased anxiety and depressive symptoms, an effect that was not observed in Controls that never initiated cannabis use. Conclusions: Medicinal cannabis use may reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in clinically anxious and depressed populations. Future placebo-controlled studies are necessary to replicate these findings and to determine the route of administration, dose, and product formulation characteristics to optimize clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Martin
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Justin C. Strickland
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicolas J. Schlienz
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Realm of Caring Foundation, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Joel Munson
- Realm of Caring Foundation, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Heather Jackson
- Realm of Caring Foundation, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | | | - Ryan Vandrey
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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13
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Ahmed M, Boileau I, Le Foll B, Carvalho AF, Kloiber S. The endocannabinoid system in social anxiety disorder: from pathophysiology to novel therapeutics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 44:81-93. [PMID: 34468550 PMCID: PMC8827369 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2021-1926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder that presents with an early age of onset, chronic disease course, and increased risk of psychiatric comorbidity. Current treatment options for SAD are associated with low response rates, suboptimal efficacy, and possible risk of adverse effects. Investigation of new neurobiological mechanisms may aid in the identification of more specific therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disorder. Emerging evidence suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system, also referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), could play a potential role in the pathophysiology of SAD. This review discusses the known pathophysiological mechanisms of SAD, the potential role of the ECS in this disorder, current drugs targeting the ECS, and the potential of these novel compounds to enhance the therapeutic armamentarium for SAD. Further investigational efforts, specifically in human populations, are warranted to improve our knowledge of the ECS in SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashal Ahmed
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boileau
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT) Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia, 3216
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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Vaseghi S, Arjmandi-Rad S, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. Cannabinoids and sleep-wake cycle: The potential role of serotonin. Behav Brain Res 2021; 412:113440. [PMID: 34216647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) has a long history as a medicinal plant and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the most active component in this plant. Cannabinoids are interesting compounds with various modulatory effects on physiological processes and cognitive functions. The use of cannabinoids is a double-edged sword, because they induce both adverse and therapeutic properties. One of the most important roles of cannabinoids is modulating sleep-wake cycle. Sleep, its cycle, and its mechanism are highly unknown. Also, the effects of cannabinoids on sleep-wake cycle are so inconsistent. Thus, understanding the role of cannabinoids in modulating sleep-wake cycle is a critical scientific goal. Cannabinoids interact with many neurotransmitter systems. In this review article, we chose serotonin due to its important role in regulating sleep-wake cycle. We found that the interaction between cannabinoids and serotonergic signaling especially in the dorsal raphe is extensive, unknown, and controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shirin Arjmandi-Rad
- Institute for Cognitive & Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Klune CB, Jin B, DeNardo LA. Linking mPFC circuit maturation to the developmental regulation of emotional memory and cognitive flexibility. eLife 2021; 10:e64567. [PMID: 33949949 PMCID: PMC8099425 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and its abundant connections with other brain regions play key roles in memory, cognition, decision making, social behaviors, and mood. Dysfunction in mPFC is implicated in psychiatric disorders in which these behaviors go awry. The prolonged maturation of mPFC likely enables complex behaviors to emerge, but also increases their vulnerability to disruption. Many foundational studies have characterized either mPFC synaptic or behavioral development without establishing connections between them. Here, we review this rich body of literature, aligning major events in mPFC development with the maturation of complex behaviors. We focus on emotional memory and cognitive flexibility, and highlight new work linking mPFC circuit disruption to alterations of these behaviors in disease models. We advance new hypotheses about the causal connections between mPFC synaptic development and behavioral maturation and propose research strategies to establish an integrated understanding of neural architecture and behavioral repertoires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra B Klune
- Physiology Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
| | - Benita Jin
- Physiology Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Program, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
| | - Laura A DeNardo
- Physiology Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLALos AngelesUnited States
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16
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Peters KZ, Cheer JF, Tonini R. Modulating the Neuromodulators: Dopamine, Serotonin, and the Endocannabinoid System. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:464-477. [PMID: 33674134 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), and endocannabinoids (ECs) are key neuromodulators involved in many aspects of motivated behavior, including reward processing, reinforcement learning, and behavioral flexibility. Among the longstanding views about possible relationships between these neuromodulators is the idea of DA and 5-HT acting as opponents. This view has been challenged by emerging evidence that 5-HT supports reward seeking via activation of DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area. Adding an extra layer of complexity to these interactions, the endocannabinoid system is uniquely placed to influence dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. In this review we discuss how these three neuromodulatory systems interact at the cellular and circuit levels. Technological advances that facilitate precise identification and control of genetically targeted neuronal populations will help to achieve a better understanding of the complex relationship between these essential systems, and the potential relevance for motivated behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Z Peters
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raffaella Tonini
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, Genova, Italy.
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17
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Connor C, Hamilton J, Robison L, Hadjiargyrou M, Komatsu D, Thanos P. Abstinence from chronic methylphenidate exposure modifies cannabinoid receptor 1 levels in the brain in a dose-dependent manner. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 28:331-338. [PMID: 33504296 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666210127120411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methylphenidate (MP) is a widely used psychostimulant prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and is also used illicitly by healthy individuals. Chronic exposure to MP has been shown to affect physiology, behavior, and neurochemistry. METHODS The present study examined its effect on the endocannabinoid system. Adolescent rats had daily oral access to either water (control), low dose MP (4/10 mg/kg), or high dose MP (30/60 mg/kg). After 13 weeks of exposure, half of the rats in each group were euthanized, however the remaining rats underwent a four-week long abstinence period. Cannabinoid receptor 1 binding (CB1) was measured with in vitro autoradiography using [3H] SR141716A. RESULTS Rats who underwent a 4-week abstinence period after exposure to chronic HD MP showed increased binding compared to rats with no abstinence period in several cortical and basal ganglia regions of the brain. In contrast to this, rats who underwent a 4-week abstinence period after exposure to chronic LD MP showed lower binding compared to rats with no abstinence period in mainly the basal ganglia regions and in the hindlimb region of the somatosensory cortex. Following 4 weeks of drug abstinence, rats who were previously given HD MP showed higher [ 3H] SR141716A binding than rats given LD MP in many of the cortical and basal ganglia regions examined. These results highlight biphasic effects of MP treatment on cannabinoid receptor levels. Abstinence from HD MP seemed to increase CB1 receptor levels while abstinence from LD MP seemed to decrease CB1 levels. CONCLUSION Given the prolific expression of cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain, many types of behaviors may be affected as a result of MP abstinence. Further research will be needed to help identify these behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Connor
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY. United States
| | - John Hamilton
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY. United States
| | - Lisa Robison
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Techniques, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY. United States
| | - Michael Hadjiargyrou
- Department of Life Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY. United States
| | - David Komatsu
- Department of Orthopedics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY. United States
| | - Panayotis Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY. United States
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Escartín Pérez RE, Mancilla Díaz JM, Cortés Salazar F, López Alonso VE, Florán Garduño B. CB1/5-HT/GABA interactions and food intake regulation. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 259:177-196. [PMID: 33541676 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite historically the serotonergic, GABAergic, and cannabinoid systems have been shown to play a crucial role in the central regulation of eating behavior, interest in the study of the interactions of these neurotransmission systems has only now been investigated. Current evidence suggests that serotonin may influence normal and pathological eating behavior in significantly more complex ways than was initially thought. This knowledge has opened the possibility of exploring the potential clinical utility of new therapeutic strategies more effective and safer than the current approaches to treat pathological eating behavior. Furthermore, the nature and complexity of the interactions between these neurotransmitter systems have provided a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms not only of eating behavior and eating disorders but also of some of the comorbidities associated with modulation of cortical circuits, which are involved in high order cognitive processes. Accordingly, in the present chapter, the clinical and experimental findings of the interactions between serotonin, GABA, and cannabinoids are synthesized, emphasizing the pharmacological, neurophysiological, and neuroanatomical aspects that could potentially improve the current therapeutic approaches against pathological eating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Erick Escartín Pérez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, División de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Alimentación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, México.
| | - Juan Manuel Mancilla Díaz
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, División de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Alimentación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, México
| | - Felipe Cortés Salazar
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, División de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Alimentación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, México
| | - Verónica Elsa López Alonso
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, División de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Alimentación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, México
| | - Benjamín Florán Garduño
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, División de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Alimentación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, México
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Nocheva H, Sabit Z, Bakalov D, Grigorov E. Interactions between the cannabinoid and the serotonergic systems in modulation of pain perception. PHARMACIA 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.68.e49219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of cannabinoids and serotonergic system on nociception in intact rats and after heat stress. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5НТ1А) agonists and antagonists have been administered according to different experimental designs (alone and in combinations) in intact male Wistar rats, as well in animals subjected to one hour of heat stress. Pain perception has been evaluated by Paw pressure test. Our results pointed out that cannabinoids and the serotonergic system interact in nociception in intact animals as well as after heat stress. Cannabinoids seemed to have less prominent role in such interaction in intact animals than after heat stress. The interplay between the two systems probably involves different mechanisms in intact animals and after heat stress with time-dependent effects. The interaction between the cannabinoid and the serotonergic systems exerts a modulating rather than mediating effect on h-SIA.
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20
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Kaul M, Zee PC, Sahni AS. Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep and their Therapeutic Potential for Sleep Disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:217-227. [PMID: 33580483 PMCID: PMC8116407 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01013-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent trend for legalization of medicinal cannabis and cannabinoid-containing products, together with their soporific effects, has led to a surge of interest of their potential therapeutic role in the management of some common sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep disordered breathing, and restless legs syndrome, and less common disorders such as narcolepsy and parasomnias. Although much of the pre-clinical and clinical data were derived from studies with relatively small sample sizes and limited by biases in assessment, and in clinical trials lack of allocation concealment, as a whole, the results indicate a potential therapeutic role for cannabinoids in the management of some sleep disorders. Clinical trials are underway for insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea management, but there remains a substantial need for rigorous large multi-center studies to assess the dose, efficacy, and safety of the various types of cannabinoids on sleep disorders. This review aims to summarize the modulatory effects of cannabinoids on sleep physiology and provide a critical evaluation of the research on their potential therapeutic benefit in various sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvika Kaul
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Room 3135 (MC 719), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Phyllis C Zee
- Department of Neurology, Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 305 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ashima S Sahni
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Room 3135 (MC 719), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Riquelme-Sandoval A, de Sá-Ferreira CO, Miyakoshi LM, Hedin-Pereira C. New Insights Into Peptide Cannabinoids: Structure, Biosynthesis and Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596572. [PMID: 33362550 PMCID: PMC7759141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596572] [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: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous lipids, of which the best known are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their enzyme machinery for synthesis and degradation and their specific receptors, cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor two (CB2). However, endocannabinoids also bind to other groups of receptors. Furthermore, another group of lipids are considered to be endocannabinoids, such as the fatty acid ethanolamides, the fatty acid primary amides and the monoacylglycerol related molecules. Recently, it has been shown that the hemopressin peptide family, derived from α and β chains of hemoglobins, is a new family of cannabinoids. Some studies indicate that hemopressin peptides are expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and act as ligands of these receptors, thus suggesting that they play a physiological role. In this review, we examine new evidence on lipid endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the modulation of their signaling pathways. We focus our discussion on the current knowledge of the pharmacological effects, the biosynthesis of the peptide cannabinoids and the new insights on the activation and modulation of cannabinoid receptors by these peptides. The novel peptide compounds derived from hemoglobin chains and their non-classical activation of cannabinoid receptors are only starting to be uncovered. It will be exciting to follow the ensuing discoveries, not only in reference to what is already known of the classical lipid endocannabinoids revealing more complex aspects of endocannabinoid system, but also as to its possibilities as a future therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Riquelme-Sandoval
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caio O de Sá-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leo M Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Hedin-Pereira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,VPPCB-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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22
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Chen L, Zhang X, Hu C, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Kan J, Li B, Du J. Regulation of GABA A and 5-HT Receptors Involved in Anxiolytic Mechanisms of Jujube Seed: A System Biology Study Assisted by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and RT-qPCR Method. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:01320. [PMID: 33178009 PMCID: PMC7593408 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase of the prevalence of anxiety greatly impacts the quality of life in China and globally. As the most popular traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient for nourishing health and tranquilizing mind, Jujube seed (Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Rhamnaceae) (SZJ) has been proved to exert anxiolytic effects in previous reports. In this study, a system biology method assisted by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and RT-qPCR was developed to systematically demonstrate the anxiolytic mechanisms of SZJ. A total of 35 phytochemicals were identified from SZJ extract (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa [Bunge] Hu ex H.F. Chow), which interact with 71 anxiolytic targets. Protein-protein interaction, genes cluster, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis were subsequently conducted, and results demonstrated that regulation of serotonergic and GABAergic synapse pathways were dominantly involved in the anxiolytic mechanisms of SZJ extract. The effects of SZJ extract on mRNA expressions of multiple GABAA (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A) and 5-HT (serotonin) receptors subtypes were further validated in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells using RT-qPCR. Results showed that SZJ extract (250 μg/mL) significantly up-regulated the mRNA level of GABRA1 and GABRA3 as well as HTR1A, HTR2A, and HTR2B in non-H2O2 treated SH-SY5Y cells. However, it exerted an inhibitive effect on the overexpressed mRNA of GABRA1, GABRA2, HTR1A, and HTR2A in H2O2 treated SH-SY5Y cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that anxiolytic mechanisms of SZJ mostly involve the regulation of GABAergic and serotonergic synapse pathways, especially a two-way modulation of GABRA1, HTR1A, and HTR2A. Our current results provide potential direction for future investigation of SZJ as an anxiolytic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Amway (China) R&D Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Amway (China) R&D Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun Hu
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Amway Innovation and Science, Buena Park, CA, United States
| | - Yi Zhang
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Amway (China) R&D Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Amway (China) R&D Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Juntao Kan
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Amway (China) R&D Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Li
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Amway (China) R&D Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Du
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Amway (China) R&D Center, Shanghai, China
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23
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Ruthirakuhan M, Herrmann N, Andreazza AC, Verhoeff NPLG, Gallagher D, Black SE, Kiss A, Lanctôt KL. 24S-Hydroxycholesterol Is Associated with Agitation Severity in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Alzheimer's Disease: Analyses from a Clinical Trial with Nabilone. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 71:21-31. [PMID: 31322567 PMCID: PMC6839471 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Agitation is a prevalent and difficult-to-treat symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been a target of interest for the treatment of agitation. However, ECS signaling may interact with AD-related changes in brain cholesterol metabolism. Elevated brain cholesterol, reflected by reduced serum 24-S-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC), is associated with reduced membrane fluidity, preventing ligand binding to cannabinoid receptor 1. Objective: To assess whether 24S-OHC was associated with agitation severity and response to nabilone. Methods: 24S-OHC was collected from AD patients enrolled in a clinical trial on nabilone at the start and end of each phase. This allowed for the cross-sectional and longitudinal investigation between 24S-OHC and agitation (Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory, CMAI). Post-hoc analyses included adjustments for baseline standardized Mini-Mental Status Exam (sMMSE), and analyses with CMAI subtotals consistent with the International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) definition for agitation (physical aggression and nonaggression, and verbal aggression). Results: 24S-OHC was not associated with CMAI scores cross-sectionally or longitudinally, before and after adjusting for baseline sMMSE. However, 24S-OHC was associated with greater CMAI IPA scores at baseline (F(1,36) = 4.95, p = 0.03). In the placebo phase only, lower 24S-OHC at baseline was associated with increases in CMAI IPA scores (b = –35.2, 95% CI –65.6 to –5.0, p = 0.02), and decreases in 24S-OHC were associated with increases in CMAI IPA scores (b = –20.94, 95% CI –57.9 to –4.01, p = 0.03). Conclusion: 24S-OHC was associated with agitation severity cross-sectionally, and longitudinally in patients with AD. However, 24S-OHC did not predict treatment response, and does not change over time with nabilone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myuri Ruthirakuhan
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana C Andreazza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Damien Gallagher
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra E Black
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto and Sunnybrook HSC, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Kiss
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Research Design and Biostatistics, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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24
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Effects of combined 5-HT 2A and cannabinoid receptor modulation on a schizophrenia-related prepulse inhibition deficit in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1643-1655. [PMID: 32095916 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05485-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI) is disrupted in several psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. Understanding PPI pharmacology may help elucidate the pathophysiology of these disorders and lead to better treatments. Given the advantages of multi-target approaches for complex mental illnesses treatment, we have investigated the interaction between receptors known to modulate PPI (5-HT1A and 5-HT2A) and the neuromodulatory endocannabinoid system. OBJECTIVES To investigate serotonin and cannabinoid receptor (CBR) co-modulation in a model of PPI disruption relevant to schizophrenia METHODS: Male Swiss mice were pretreated with WIN 55,212-2 (CBR agonist), rimonabant (CB1R inverse agonist), 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A/7 agonist), and volinanserin (5-HT2A antagonist) or with a combination of a cannabinoid and a serotonergic drug. PPI disruption was induced by acute administration of MK-801. RESULTS WIN 55,212-2 and rimonabant did not change PPI nor block MK-801-induced deficits. 8-OH-DPAT increased PPI in control mice and, in a higher dose, inhibited MK-801-induced impairments. Volinanserin also increased PPI in control and MK-801-treated mice, presenting an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve. Co-administration of either cannabinoid ligand with 8-OH-DPAT did not change PPI; however, the combination of volinanserin with rimonabant increased PPI in both control and MK-801-exposed mice. CONCLUSIONS WIN 55,212-2 and rimonabant had similar effects in PPI. Moreover, serotonin and cannabinoid receptors interact to modulate PPI. While co-modulation of CBR and 5-HT1A receptors did not change PPI, a beneficial effect of 5-HT2A and CB1R antagonist combination was detected, possibly mediated through potentiation of 5-HT2A blockade effects by concomitant CB1R blockade.
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25
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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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26
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Stasiulewicz A, Znajdek K, Grudzień M, Pawiński T, Sulkowska JI. A Guide to Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082778. [PMID: 32316328 PMCID: PMC7216112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the most crucial systems in the human organism, exhibiting multi-purpose regulatory character. It is engaged in a vast array of physiological processes, including nociception, mood regulation, cognitive functions, neurogenesis and neuroprotection, appetite, lipid metabolism, as well as cell growth and proliferation. Thus, ECS proteins, including cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands’ synthesizing and degrading enzymes, are promising therapeutic targets. Their modulation has been employed in or extensively studied as a treatment of multiple diseases. However, due to a complex nature of ECS and its crosstalk with other biological systems, the development of novel drugs turned out to be a challenging task. In this review, we summarize potential therapeutic applications for ECS-targeting drugs, especially focusing on promising synthetic compounds and preclinical studies. We put emphasis on modulation of specific proteins of ECS in different pathophysiological areas. In addition, we stress possible difficulties and risks and highlight proposed solutions. By presenting this review, we point out information pivotal in the spotlight of ECS-targeting drug design, as well as provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on ECS-related pharmacodynamics and show possible directions for needed research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stasiulewicz
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Znajdek
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Grudzień
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Tomasz Pawiński
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Joanna I. Sulkowska
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biological Systems Modelling, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.I.S.)
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27
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Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 9:antiox9010021. [PMID: 31881765 PMCID: PMC7023045 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main pharmacologically active phytocannabinoids of Cannabis sativa L. CBD is non-psychoactive but exerts a number of beneficial pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The chemistry and pharmacology of CBD, as well as various molecular targets, including cannabinoid receptors and other components of the endocannabinoid system with which it interacts, have been extensively studied. In addition, preclinical and clinical studies have contributed to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of CBD for many diseases, including diseases associated with oxidative stress. Here, we review the main biological effects of CBD, and its synthetic derivatives, focusing on the cellular, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD.
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28
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Wanner NM, Colwell ML, Faulk C. The epigenetic legacy of illicit drugs: developmental exposures and late-life phenotypes. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2019; 5:dvz022. [PMID: 31777665 PMCID: PMC6875650 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The effects of in utero exposure to illicit drugs on adult offspring are a significant and widespread but understudied global health concern, particularly in light of the growing opioid epidemic and emerging therapeutic uses for cannabis, ketamine, and MDMA. Epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and expression of non-coding RNAs provide a mechanistic link between the prenatal environment and health consequences years beyond the original exposure, and shifts in the epigenome present in early life or adolescence can lead to disease states only appearing during adulthood. The current review summarizes the literature assessing effects of perinatal illicit drug exposure on adult disease phenotypes as mediated by perturbations of the epigenome. Both behavioral and somatic phenotypes are included and studies reporting clinical data in adult offspring, epigenetic readouts in offspring of any age, or both phenotypic and epigenetic measures are prioritized. Studies of licit substances of abuse (i.e. alcohol, nicotine) are excluded with a focus on cannabis, psychostimulants, opioids, and psychedelics; current issues in the field and areas of interest for further investigation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Wanner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, 1988 Fitch Ave, 495B AnSc/VetMed, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Mathia L Colwell
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Natural Resource Sciences, 1988 Fitch Ave, 495B AnSc/VetMed, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, 1988 Fitch Ave, 495B AnSc/VetMed, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Natural Resource Sciences, 1988 Fitch Ave, 495B AnSc/VetMed, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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29
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Ketamine Administration Reverses Corticosterone-Induced Alterations in Excitatory and Inhibitory Transmission in the Rat Dorsal Raphe Nucleus. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:3219490. [PMID: 31511771 PMCID: PMC6714325 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3219490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketamine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, exerts rapid antidepressant effects in human patients and ameliorates depressive-like behavioral effects of chronic stress in animal models. Chronic stress and elevated corticosterone levels have been shown to modify serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission, and ketamine's antidepressant-like activity involves a 5-HT-dependent mechanism. However, it is not known if and how ketamine affects the electrophysiological characteristics of neurons and synaptic transmission within the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the main source of 5-HT forebrain projections. Our study was aimed at investigating the effects of a single ketamine administration on excitatory and inhibitory transmission in the DRN of rats which had previously been administered corticosterone twice daily for 7 days. Spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs and sIPSCs) were then recorded from DRN projection cells in ex vivo slice preparations obtained 24 h after ketamine injection. Repeated corticosterone administration increased sEPSC frequency and decreased sIPSC frequency in DRN projection cells. There were no changes either in the amplitude of postsynaptic currents or in the excitability of these cells. In slices prepared from rats with ketamine administered after the end of corticosterone treatment, the frequencies of sEPSCs and sIPSCs were similar to those in control preparations. These data indicate that a single administration of ketamine reversed the effects of corticosterone on excitatory and inhibitory transmission in the DRN.
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30
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Di Maio R, Colangeli R, Di Giovanni G. WIN 55,212-2 Reverted Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus Early Changes of the Interaction among 5-HT 2C/NMDA/CB 1 Receptors in the Rat Hippocampus. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3296-3306. [PMID: 30912644 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis for temporal lobe epileptogenesis remains poorly defined. Recent evidence shows that serotonin 2C receptors (5-HT2CRs), NR2A and NR2B subunit-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1Rs) may be involved in the progression of the epileptic disorders. Moreover, CB1R activation has been reported to modulate the activity of 5-HT2C and NMDA receptors. Here, we treated Sprague-Dawley rats with the pro-convulsant agent pilocarpine (PILO) to induce status epilepticus (SE) in order to study the effect, with regards to receptor signaling and their interactions, of the preactivation of the CB1Rs on early changes that occur 24 h from the initial insult in the hippocampus. Pretreatment with the synthetic CB1/2R agonist WIN 55,212-2 (2 mg/kg, ip) counteracted PILO-induced 5-HT2CR downregulation. Moreover, WIN 55,212-2 uncoupled PILO-induced 5-HT2CR/NR2A and prevented NR2ATyr1325 phosphorylation indirectly since no 5-HT2CR/CB1R interactions were observed. WIN 55,212-2 treatment also prevented PILO-mediated impairment of CB1R/NR2B interactions and NR2B subunit internalization, suggesting a possible role of CB1R in NR2B-containing NMDAR turn over. All the effects observed in animals treated with WIN 55,212-2 were blocked by pretreatment with the selective CB1R antagonist AM251 (1 mg/kg, ip) given 45 min before PILO injection. These results, obtained in vivo in post-PILO-induced SE, provide new insights on the early cellular responses during epileptogenesis and identify new CB1R-mediated mechanisms by which cannabinoids may prevent the development of chronic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Di Maio
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Roberto Colangeli
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
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31
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Passos ADCF, Herculano AM, Oliveira KRHM, de Lima SMA, Rocha FAF, Freitas HR, da Silva Sampaio L, Figueiredo DP, da Costa Calaza K, de Melo Reis RA, do Nascimento JLM. Regulation of the Serotonergic System by Kainate in the Avian Retina. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 39:1039-1049. [PMID: 31197744 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00701-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) has been recognized as a neurotransmitter in the vertebrate retina, restricted mainly to amacrine and bipolar cells. It is involved with synaptic processing and possibly as a mitogenic factor. We confirm that chick retina amacrine and bipolar cells are, respectively, heavily and faintly immunolabeled for 5-HT. Amacrine serotonergic cells also co-express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a marker of dopaminergic cells in the retina. Previous reports demonstrated that serotonin transport can be modulated by neurotransmitter receptor activation. As 5-HT is diffusely released as a neuromodulator and co-localized with other transmitters, we evaluated if 5-HT uptake or release is modulated by several mediators in the avian retina. The role of different glutamate receptors on serotonin transport and release in vitro and in vivo was also studied. We show that L-glutamate induces an inhibitory effect on [3H]5-HT uptake and this effect was specific to kainate receptor activation. Kainate-induced decrease in [3H]5-HT uptake was blocked by CNQX, an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist, but not by MK-801, a NMDA receptor antagonist. [3H]5-HT uptake was not observed in the presence of AMPA, thus suggesting that the decrease in serotonin uptake is mediated by kainate. 5-HT (10-50 μM) had no intrinsic activity in raising intracellular Ca2+, but addition of 10 μM 5-HT decreased Ca2+ shifts induced by KCl in retinal neurons. Moreover, kainate decreased the number of bipolar and amacrine cells labeled to serotonin in chick retina. In conclusion, our data suggest a highly selective effect of kainate receptors in the regulation of serotonin functions in the retinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelaide da Conceição Fonseca Passos
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Universitário do Guamá, Rua Augusto Correa 01, Belém-PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Anderson Manoel Herculano
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Universitário do Guamá, Rua Augusto Correa 01, Belém-PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Karen R H M Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Universitário do Guamá, Rua Augusto Correa 01, Belém-PA, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Silene Maria A de Lima
- Lab de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém-PA, Brazil
| | - Fernando A F Rocha
- Lab de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém-PA, Brazil
| | - Hércules Rezende Freitas
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro-RJ, Brazil.,Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário IBMR, Rio De Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Luzia da Silva Sampaio
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Danniel Pereira Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Karin da Costa Calaza
- Lab Neurobiologia da Retina, Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio De Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Augusto de Melo Reis
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Martins do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Universitário do Guamá, Rua Augusto Correa 01, Belém-PA, 66075-110, Brazil.
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Chopda GR, Nikas SP, Sharma R, Kulkarni S, Makriyannis A, Paronis CA. Cannabinoid-induced lower lip retraction in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1199-1206. [PMID: 30460515 PMCID: PMC6527497 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Lower lip retraction (LLR) in rats has been described as a distinctive effect of 5-HT1A agonists. In the course of evaluating behavioral effects of cannabinoid agonists in rats, LLR effects were evident following injection of several cannabinoid agonists. OBJECTIVES To pharmacologically characterize cannabinoid-induced LLR in rats. METHODS Lower lip retraction was scored using a 3-point scale for up to 6 h after injection of the cannabinoid agonists Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, 1-10 mg/kg), AM7499 (0.01-1.0 mg/kg), or AM2389 (0.003-0.1 mg/kg), or, for comparison, the 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.01-0.3 mg/kg). Next, antagonist effects of rimonabant (1-10 mg/kg) and WAY100635 (0.3 mg/kg) on LLR produced by cannabinoid or 5-HT1A agonists were evaluated. Lastly, effects of 8-OH-DPAT were determined following pretreatment with AM2389 (0.003-0.01 mg/kg) or Δ9-THC (1 mg/kg). RESULTS All three cannabinoid agonists produced LLR. Effects of AM2389 were attenuated by both rimonabant and WAY100635 whereas effects of 8-OH-DPAT were antagonized by WAY 100635 but not by rimonabant. Pretreatment with 1 mg/kg Δ9-THC or 0.01 mg/kg AM2389 shifted the 8-OH-DPAT dose-effect function for LLR to the left and isobolographic analysis of the data indicates CB1 and 5-HT1A interactions can be supraadditive. CONCLUSIONS Cannabinoid agonists produce LLR in rats, an effect heretofore ascribed only to activity at 5-HT1A receptors, via CB1 receptor-mediated actions. Co-administration of a cannabinoid agonist and the 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT results in a synergistic effect on LLR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Carol A Paronis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA. .,Preclinical Pharmacology, McLean Hospital, Belmont, USA.
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Leung MCK, Silva MH, Palumbo AJ, Lohstroh PN, Koshlukova SE, DuTeaux SB. Adverse outcome pathway of developmental neurotoxicity resulting from prenatal exposures to cannabis contaminated with organophosphate pesticide residues. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 85:12-18. [PMID: 30668982 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern that increased use of medical and recreational cannabis may result in increased exposure to contaminants on the cannabis, such as pesticides. Several states are moving towards implementing robust regulation of the sales, cultivation, and manufacture of cannabis products. However, there are challenges with creating health-protective regulations in an industry that, to date, has been largely unregulated. The focus of this publication is a theoretical examination of what may happen when women are exposed pre-conceptually or during pregnancy to cannabis contaminated with pesticides. We propose an adverse outcome pathway of concomitant prenatal exposure to cannabinoids and the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos by curating what we consider to be the key events at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels that result in developmental neurotoxicity. The implications of this adverse outcome pathway underscore the need to elucidate the potential developmental neurotoxicity that may result from prenatal exposure to pesticide-contaminated cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell C K Leung
- Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95812, United States.
| | - Marilyn H Silva
- Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95812, United States
| | - Amanda J Palumbo
- Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95812, United States
| | - Peter N Lohstroh
- Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95812, United States
| | - Svetlana E Koshlukova
- Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95812, United States
| | - Shelley B DuTeaux
- Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95812, United States
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Torres LH, Balestrin NT, Spelta LEW, Duro SDO, Pistis M, Marcourakis T. Exposure to tobacco smoke during the early postnatal period modifies receptors and enzymes of the endocannabinoid system in the brainstem and striatum in mice. Toxicol Lett 2019; 302:35-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Colangeli R, Di Maio R, Pierucci M, Deidda G, Casarrubea M, Di Giovanni G. Synergistic action of CB 1 and 5-HT 2B receptors in preventing pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in rats. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 125:135-145. [PMID: 30716469 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) and serotonin (5-HT) play a neuromodulatory role in the central nervous system. Both eCBs and 5-HT regulate neuronal excitability and their pharmacological potentiation has been shown to control seizures in pre-clinical and human studies. Compelling evidence indicates that eCB and 5-HT systems interact to modulate several physiological and pathological brain functions, such as food intake, pain, drug addiction, depression, and anxiety. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of an eCB/5-HT interaction in experimental and human epilepsies, including status epilepticus (SE). Here, we performed video-EEG recording in behaving rats treated with the pro-convulsant agent pilocarpine (PILO), in order to study the effect of the activation of CB1/5-HT2 receptors and their interaction on SE. Synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) decreased behavioral seizure severity of PILO-induced SE at 2 mg/kg (but not at 1 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.), while 5-HT2B/2C receptor agonist RO60-0175 (RO; 1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) was devoid of any effect. RO 3 mg/kg was instead capable of potentiating the effect of WIN 2 mg/kg on the Racine scale score. Surprisingly, neither WIN 2 mg/kg nor RO 3 mg/kg had any effect on the incidence and the intensity of EEG seizures when administered alone. However, WIN+RO co-administration reduced the incidence and the severity of EEG SE and increased the latency to SE onset after PILO injection. WIN+RO effects were blocked by the selective CB1R antagonist AM251 and the 5-HT2BR antagonist RS127445, but not by the 5-HT2CR antagonist SB242084 or the 5-HT2AR antagonist MDL11,939. These data revealed a synergistic interaction between CB1R/5-HT2BR in the expression of PILO-induced SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Colangeli
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
| | - Roberto Di Maio
- Pittsburgh Inst. for Neurodegenerative Dis., Dept. of Neurology, Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Massimo Pierucci
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Gabriele Deidda
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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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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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Efficacious treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), pain and weight loss for dementia patients is desperately needed. This review presents an up-to-date look at the literature investigating the use of cannabinoid for these symptoms in dementia. RECENT FINDINGS We searched electronically for publications regarding cannabinoid use in dementia, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease. Seven studies and one case report have been conducted to examine the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of NPS of dementia, and three of these trials reported on the effect of cannabinoids on weight. Five studies reported decreased agitation or improvements in sleep with cannabinoid use. One crossover trial found that cannabinoids positively impacted weight, whereas a chart review study found no impact on weight with cannabinoids, but an increase in food intake. There were no trials examining the use of cannabinoids for pain in dementia. SUMMARY Findings from trials with small sample sizes and various clinical populations suggest that cannabinoid use may be well tolerated and effective for treatment of NPS such as agitation as well as weight and pain management in patients with dementia. Additional studies are necessary to further elucidate the relative risks and benefits of this treatment.
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Haijen E, Farre M, de la Torre R, Pastor A, Olesti E, Pizarro N, Ramaekers JG, Kuypers KPC. Peripheral endocannabinoid concentrations are not associated with verbal memory impairment during MDMA intoxication. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:709-717. [PMID: 29143869 PMCID: PMC5847074 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4787-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical data have suggested involvement of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in MDMA-induced memory impairment. Clinical research has shown that blockade of the 5-HT2 receptor nulls memory impairment during MDMA intoxication. Interestingly, studies have demonstrated that the eCB and the 5-HT system interact. It was hypothesized that MDMA would cause an increase in eCB concentrations together with a decrease in memory performance, and that combining MDMA with a 5-HT2 receptor blocker ketanserin would lead to a counteraction of the MDMA effects on eCB concentrations and memory. METHODS Twenty healthy recreational polydrug users entered a double-blind placebo-controlled within-subject study. Participants received a pre-treatment (ketanserin 40 mg, placebo) followed 30 min later by a treatment (MDMA 75 mg, placebo). Verbal memory was tested by means of a 30-word learning test. Endocannabinoid concentrations (anandamide (2-AG); N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA)) were assessed in blood at baseline, before (90 min post-treatment) and after cognitive tests (150 min post-treatment). RESULTS Findings showed that MDMA impaired memory 90 min post-treatment in the word learning task. This effect was a replication of previous studies using the same dose of MDMA (75 mg) and the same learning paradigm. Contrary to our hypothesis, MDMA did not affect eCB concentrations, nor did ketanserin block MDMA-induced memory impairment. Ketanserin caused an increase in AEA concentrations, 180 min after administration. CONCLUSION Current findings suggest that peripherally measured endocannabinoids are not associated with the verbal memory deficit during MDMA intoxication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NTR3691.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Haijen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M Farre
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - R de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, CEXS-UPF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Pastor
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - E Olesti
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, CEXS-UPF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Pizarro
- Integrative Pharmacology & Neurosciences Systems Research Group, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - K P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Tai S, Fantegrossi WE. Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Their Metabolites. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:249-262. [PMID: 28012093 PMCID: PMC5392241 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Commercial preparations containing synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) are rapidly emerging as drugs of abuse. Although often assumed to be "safe" and "legal" alternatives to cannabis, reports indicate that SCBs induce toxicity not often associated with the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). This chapter will summarize the evidence that use of SCBs poses greater health risks relative to marijuana and suggest that distinct pharmacological properties and metabolism of SCBs relative to Δ9-THC may contribute to this increased toxicity. Studies reviewed will indicate that in contrast to partial agonist properties of Δ9-THC typically observed in vitro, SCBs act as full CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists both in cellular assays and animal studies. Furthermore, unlike Δ9-THC metabolism, several SCB metabolites retain high affinity for and exhibit a range of intrinsic activities at CB1 and CB2 receptors. Finally, the potential for SCBs to cause adverse drug-drug interactions with other drugs of abuse, as well as with common therapeutic agents, will be discussed. Collectively, the evidence provided in this chapter indicates that SCBs should not be considered safe and legal alternatives to marijuana. Instead, the enhanced toxicity of SCBs relative to marijuana, perhaps resulting from the combined actions of a complex mixture of different SCBs present and their active metabolites that retain high affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, highlights the inherent danger that may accompany use of these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherrica Tai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine, Mail Slot 638, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR, 72207, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2301 MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - William E Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine, Mail Slot 638, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR, 72207, USA.
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Nasehi M, Farrahizadeh M, Ebrahimi-Ghiri M, Zarrindast MR. Modulation of cannabinoid signaling by hippocampal 5-HT4 serotonergic system in fear conditioning. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:936-44. [PMID: 27296273 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116652584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral studies have suggested a key role for the cannabinoid system in the modulation of conditioned fear memory. Likewise, much of the literature has revealed that the serotonergic system affects Pavlovian fear conditioning and extinction. A high level of functional overlap between the serotonin and cannabinoid systems has also been reported. To clarify the interaction between the hippocampal serotonin (5-HT4) receptor and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in the acquisition of fear memory, the effects of 5-HT4 agents, arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA; CB1 receptor agonist), and the combined use of these drugs on fear learning were studied in a fear conditioning task in adult male NMRI mice. Pre-training intraperitoneal administration of ACPA (0.1 mg/kg) decreased the percentage of freezing time in both context- and tone-dependent fear conditions, suggesting impairment of the acquisition of fear memory. Pre-training, intra-hippocampal (CA1) microinjection of RS67333, a 5-HT4 receptor agonist, at doses of 0.1 and 0.2 or 0.2 µg/mouse impaired contextual and tone fear memory, respectively. A subthreshold dose of RS67333 (0.005 µg/mouse) did not alter the ACPA response in either condition. Moreover, intra-CA1 microinjection of RS23597 as a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist did not alter context-dependent fear memory acquisition, but it did impair tone-dependent fear memory acquisition. However, a subthreshold dose of the RS23597 (0.01 µg/mouse) potentiated ACPA-induced fear memory impairment in both conditions. Therefore, we suggest that the blockade of hippocampal 5-HT4 serotonergic system modulates cannabinoid signaling induced by the activation of CB1 receptors in conditioned fear.
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MESH Headings
- Aniline Compounds/administration & dosage
- Aniline Compounds/pharmacology
- Animals
- Arachidonic Acids/administration & dosage
- Arachidonic Acids/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/administration & dosage
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoids/metabolism
- Conditioning, Classical/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Fear/drug effects
- Fear/physiology
- Freezing Reaction, Cataleptic/drug effects
- Freezing Reaction, Cataleptic/physiology
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Male
- Memory/drug effects
- Memory/physiology
- Mice
- Piperidines/administration & dosage
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT4/drug effects
- Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT4/metabolism
- Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Agonists/administration & dosage
- Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Antagonists/administration & dosage
- Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- para-Aminobenzoates/administration & dosage
- para-Aminobenzoates/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Farrahizadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Northern Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran Medical Genomics Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Aliczki M, Barna I, Till I, Baranyi M, Sperlagh B, Goldberg SR, Haller J. The effects anandamide signaling in the prelimbic cortex and basolateral amygdala on coping with environmental stimuli in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1889-99. [PMID: 26809457 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4219-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Several lines of recent evidence suggest that endocannabinoids affect behavior by influencing the general patterns of challenge responding. OBJECTIVES Here, we investigated the brain mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in rats. METHODS The anandamide hydrolysis inhibitor URB597 was condensed into the tip of stainless steel cannulae, which were chronically implanted slightly above the prelimbic cortex (PRL) or the basolateral amygdala (BLA), two important regions of coping and endocannabinoid action. Thereafter, we investigated behavioral responsiveness to ambient light level in the elevated plus-maze and conditioned fear tests. RESULTS URB597 concentration was ~30 μg/mg protein in target areas; local brain anandamide levels increased threefold, without significant changes in 2-arachidonoylglycerol. High levels of illumination halved the time spent by controls in the open arms of the plus-maze. No similar decrease was observed in rats with URB597 implants in the PRL. High light decreased conditioned fear by 30 % in controls, but not in rats with prelimbic URB597 implants. Unresponsiveness to environmental challenges was not attributable to the anxiolytic effects of anandamide enhancement, as implants induced paradoxical anxiogenic-like effects under low light, which could be explained by effects on stimulus responsiveness rather than by effects on anxiety. URB597 implants targeting the BLA did not affect stimulus responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that elevated prelimbic anandamide signaling leads to less environment-dependent (more autonomous) behavioral responses to challenges, which is an attribute of active coping styles. These findings are discussed in light of two emerging concepts of endocannabinoid roles, particularly "emotional homeostasis" and "active coping."
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Affiliation(s)
- Mano Aliczki
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1450, Budapest, P.O. Box 67, Hungary
| | - Istvan Barna
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1450, Budapest, P.O. Box 67, Hungary
| | - Ibolya Till
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1450, Budapest, P.O. Box 67, Hungary
| | - Maria Baranyi
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beata Sperlagh
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Steven R Goldberg
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jozsef Haller
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1450, Budapest, P.O. Box 67, Hungary.
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Interplay between serotonin and cannabinoid function in the amygdala in fear conditioning. Brain Res 2016; 1636:142-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Molecular Mechanisms of Cannabis Signaling in the Brain. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 137:123-47. [PMID: 26810000 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis has been cultivated and used by humans for thousands of years. Research for decades was focused on understanding the mechanisms of an illegal/addictive drug. This led to the discovery of the vast endocannabinoid system. Research has now shifted to understanding fundamental biological questions related to one of the most widespread signaling systems in both the brain and the body. Our understanding of cannabinoid signaling has advanced significantly in the last two decades. In this review, we discuss the state of knowledge on mechanisms of Cannabis signaling in the brain and the modulation of key brain neurotransmitter systems involved in both brain reward/addiction and psychiatric disorders. It is highly probable that various cannabinoids will be found to be efficacious in the treatment of a number of psychiatric disorders. However, while there is clearly much potential, marijuana has not been properly vetted by the medical-scientific evaluation process and there are clearly a range of potentially adverse side-effects-including addiction. We are at crossroads for research on endocannabinoid function and therapeutics (including the use of exogenous treatments such as Cannabis). With over 100 cannabinoid constituents, the majority of which have not been studied, there is much Cannabis research yet to be done. With more states legalizing both the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana the rigorous scientific investigation into cannabinoid signaling is imperative.
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Fitzgibbon M, Finn DP, Roche M. High Times for Painful Blues: The Endocannabinoid System in Pain-Depression Comorbidity. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 19:pyv095. [PMID: 26342110 PMCID: PMC4815466 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression and pain are two of the most debilitating disorders worldwide and have an estimated cooccurrence of up to 80%. Comorbidity of these disorders is more difficult to treat, associated with significant disability and impaired health-related quality of life than either condition alone, resulting in enormous social and economic cost. Several neural substrates have been identified as potential mediators in the association between depression and pain, including neuroanatomical reorganization, monoamine and neurotrophin depletion, dysregulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and neuroinflammation. However, the past decade has seen mounting evidence supporting a role for the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system in affective and nociceptive processing, and thus, alterations in this system may play a key role in reciprocal interactions between depression and pain. This review will provide an overview of the preclinical evidence supporting an interaction between depression and pain and the evidence supporting a role for the endocannabinoid system in this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology (Ms Fitzgibbon and Dr Roche), and Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Dr Finn), School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research (Ms Fitzgibbon, Dr Finn, and Dr Roche), National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
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Häring M, Enk V, Aparisi Rey A, Loch S, Ruiz de Azua I, Weber T, Bartsch D, Monory K, Lutz B. Cannabinoid type-1 receptor signaling in central serotonergic neurons regulates anxiety-like behavior and sociability. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:235. [PMID: 26388750 PMCID: PMC4558975 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system possesses neuromodulatory functions by influencing the release of various neurotransmitters, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. A functional interaction between eCBs and the serotonergic system has already been suggested. Previously, we showed that cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor mRNA and protein are localized in serotonergic neurons of the raphe nuclei, implying that the eCB system can modulate serotonergic functions. In order to substantiate the physiological role of the CB1 receptor in serotonergic neurons of the raphe nuclei, we generated serotonergic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neuron-specific CB 1 receptor-deficient mice, using the Cre/loxP system with a tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase under the control of the regulatory sequences of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2-CreER (T2)), thus, restricting the recombination to 5-HT neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). Applying several different behavioral paradigms, we revealed that mice lacking the CB1 receptor in serotonergic neurons are more anxious and less sociable than control littermates. Thus, we were able to show that functional CB1 receptor signaling in central serotonergic neurons modulates distinct behaviors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Häring
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Vanessa Enk
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Alejandro Aparisi Rey
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Loch
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Inigo Ruiz de Azua
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Tillmann Weber
- Department of Molecular Biology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University Mannheim, Germany ; Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dusan Bartsch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University Mannheim, Germany
| | - Krisztina Monory
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
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Liu CS, Chau SA, Ruthirakuhan M, Lanctôt KL, Herrmann N. Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Agitation and Aggression in Alzheimer's Disease. CNS Drugs 2015; 29:615-23. [PMID: 26271310 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-015-0270-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is frequently associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) such as agitation and aggression, especially in the moderate to severe stages of the illness. The limited efficacy and high-risk profiles of current pharmacotherapies for the management of agitation and aggression in AD have driven the search for safer pharmacological alternatives. Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of medications that target the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The behavioural effects of ECS medications, as well as their ability to modulate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, make targeting this system potentially relevant in AD. This article summarizes the literature to date supporting this rationale and evaluates clinical studies investigating cannabinoids for agitation and aggression in AD. Letters, case studies, and controlled trials from four electronic databases were included. While findings from six studies showed significant benefits from synthetic cannabinoids—dronabinol or nabilone—on agitation and aggression, definitive conclusions were limited by small sample sizes, short trial duration, and lack of placebo control in some of these studies. Given the relevance and findings to date, methodologically rigorous prospective clinical trials are recommended to determine the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids for the treatment of agitation and aggression in dementia and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina S Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave., Room FG 19, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Sarah A Chau
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave., Room FG 19, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Myuri Ruthirakuhan
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave., Room FG 19, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave., Room FG 19, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave., Room FG 19, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Abstract
This review compares the biological and physiological function of Sigma receptors [σRs] and their potential therapeutic roles. Sigma receptors are widespread in the central nervous system and across multiple peripheral tissues. σRs consist of sigma receptor one (σ1R) and sigma receptor two (σ2R) and are expressed in numerous regions of the brain. The sigma receptor was originally proposed as a subtype of opioid receptors and was suggested to contribute to the delusions and psychoses induced by benzomorphans such as SKF-10047 and pentazocine. Later studies confirmed that σRs are non-opioid receptors (not an µ opioid receptor) and play a more diverse role in intracellular signaling, apoptosis and metabolic regulation. σ1Rs are intracellular receptors acting as chaperone proteins that modulate Ca2+ signaling through the IP3 receptor. They dynamically translocate inside cells, hence are transmembrane proteins. The σ1R receptor, at the mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane, is responsible for mitochondrial metabolic regulation and promotes mitochondrial energy depletion and apoptosis. Studies have demonstrated that they play a role as a modulator of ion channels (K+ channels; N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors [NMDAR]; inositol 1,3,5 triphosphate receptors) and regulate lipid transport and metabolism, neuritogenesis, cellular differentiation and myelination in the brain. σ1R modulation of Ca2+ release, modulation of cardiac myocyte contractility and may have links to G-proteins. It has been proposed that σ1Rs are intracellular signal transduction amplifiers. This review of the literature examines the mechanism of action of the σRs, their interaction with neurotransmitters, pharmacology, location and adverse effects mediated through them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin G Rousseaux
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , ON , Canada and
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The influence of personality on the sensitivity to subjective effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Psychiatry Res 2014; 220:945-53. [PMID: 25454117 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The effects of drugs are not only determined by their pharmacological action, but also by user characteristics. This analysis explored the influence of personality on the differences in subjective effects in response to a standardized pharmacological challenge with the cannabinoid CB1/CB2 partial agonist Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). To express the sensitivity to THC, pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) non-linear mixed effects modelling was applied to the subjective response of 184 healthy subjects to a pharmacological challenge with inhalation of THC. The subjective effects were measured using visual analogue scales and described by three clusters: ‘perception’, ‘relaxation’ and ‘dysphoria’. The sensitivity for THC (described as EC50) was related to scores on Cloninger׳s temperament and character inventory (TCI) using multiple linear regression. Effect compartment models were used to describe the PK–PD relations of THC. Within the multivariate model, ‘harm avoidance’ was significantly correlated with changes in ‘perception’, and ‘self-transcendence’ with changes in ‘dysphoria’. Within the psychobiological model of personality, ‘harm avoidance’ is related to serotonergic systems. Subjects with either very low (easy-going) or very high (cautious) scores were less sensitive to THC-induced changes in ‘perception’. ‘Self-transcendence’ relates to schizotypy. Subjects with more schizotypy were more sensitive to the dysphoric subjective effects of THC.
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Wyrofsky R, McGonigle P, Van Bockstaele EJ. Drug discovery strategies that focus on the endocannabinoid signaling system in psychiatric disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 10:17-36. [PMID: 25488672 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.966680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays an important role in the control of mood, and its dysregulation has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders. Targeting the eCB system appears to represent an attractive and novel approach to the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. However, several failed clinical trials have diminished enthusiasm for the continued development of eCB-targeted therapeutics for psychiatric disorders, despite the encouraging preclinical data and promising preliminary results obtained with the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone for treating post-traumatic stress disorder. AREAS COVERED This review describes the eCB system's role in modulating cell signaling within the brain. There is a specific focus on eCB's regulation of monoamine neurotransmission and the stress axis, as well as how dysfunction of this interaction can contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the review provides discussion on compounds and drugs that target this system and might prove to be successful for the treatment of mood-related psychiatric disorders. EXPERT OPINION The discovery of increasingly selective modulators of CB receptors should enable the identification of optimal therapeutic strategies. It should also maximize the likelihood of developing safe and effective treatments for debilitating psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Wyrofsky
- Drexel University, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology , Mail Stop 400, New College Building, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 , USA
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