1
|
Tripathi MK, Ojha SK, Kartawy M, Khaliulin I, Hamoudi W, Amal H. Mutations associated with autism lead to similar synaptic and behavioral alterations in both sexes of male and female mouse brain. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10. [PMID: 38177238 PMCID: PMC10766975 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50248-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder based on synaptic abnormalities. The estimated prevalence rate of male individuals diagnosed with ASD prevails over females is in a proportion of 4:1. Consequently, males remain the main focus in ASD studies in clinical and experimental settings. Meanwhile, some studies point to an underestimation of this disorder in females. In this work, we studied the sex differences of the synaptic and behavioral phenotypes of ASD mouse models. Juvenile male and female Shank3Δ4-22 and Cntnap2-/- mutant mice and their WT littermates were used in the experiments. The animals were subjected to a Three-Chamber Sociability Test, then euthanized, and the whole cortex was used for the evaluation of the synaptic phenotype. Protein levels of glutamatergic (NR1) and GABAergic (GAD1 and VGAT) neuronal markers were measured. Protein level of synaptophysin (Syp) was also measured. Dendritic spine density in somatosensory neurons was analyzed by Golgi staining methods. Spine Density and GAD1, NR1, VGAT, and Syp levels were significantly reduced in Shank3Δ4-22 and Cntnap2-/- mice compared to the control group irrespective of sex, indicating impaired synaptic development in the mutant mice. These results were consistent with the lack of differences in the three-chamber sociability test between male and female mice. In conclusion, female ASD mice of both mutations undergo similar synaptic aberrations as their male counterparts and need to be studied along with the male animals. Finally, this work urges the psychiatry scientific community to use both sexes in their investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar Tripathi
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shashank Kumar Ojha
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maryam Kartawy
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Igor Khaliulin
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wajeha Hamoudi
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Haitham Amal
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Omran GA, Abd Allah ESH, Mohammed SA, El Shehaby DM. Behavioral, biochemical and histopathological toxic profiles induced by sub-chronic cannabimimetic WIN55, 212-2 administration in mice. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 24:8. [PMID: 36750905 PMCID: PMC9906926 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-023-00644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
WIN55, 212-2 mesylate is a synthetic cannabinoid (SC) agonist of CB1 and CB2 receptors with much higher affinity to CB1 receptor than tetrahydrocannabinol and many potential therapeutic effects. Few studies have evaluated SCs effects on more complex animal behavior and sex differences in cannabinoids toxicology. The current study was undertaken for determination of behavioral (Open Field test), biochemical (liver and kidney function test plus GABA & Glutamate levels), histopathological and CB1 immunohistochemistry risks of sub-chronic administration of SC WIN55, 212-2 mesylate in male and female mice. A total of 40 healthy adult mice were randomly divided into four groups (5 mice each): a negative control group, a vehicle group, a low dose (0.05 mg/kg) group and a high dose group (0.1 mg/kg) for each gender.Open Field Test revealed dose and gender-dependent anxiogenic effect with reduced locomotor activity in both sexes especially the higher doses with female mice being less compromised. GABA and glutamate levels increased significantly in both dose groups compared to controls alongside female mice versus males. No significant biochemical alterations were found in all groups with minimal histopathological changes. The CB1 receptors immunohistochemistry revealed a significant increase in the number of CB1 positive neurons in both low and high dose groups against controls with higher expression in female brains.ConclusionsThere were sexual dimorphism effects induced by sub-chronic exposure to WIN55, 212-2 with lesser female mice affection and dose-dependent influences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghada A. Omran
- grid.252487.e0000 0000 8632 679XForensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eman S. H. Abd Allah
- grid.252487.e0000 0000 8632 679XMedical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sherine Ahmed Mohammed
- grid.412659.d0000 0004 0621 726XMedical Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Doaa M. El Shehaby
- grid.252487.e0000 0000 8632 679XForensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Margiani G, Castelli MP, Pintori N, Frau R, Ennas MG, Pagano Zottola AC, Orrù V, Serra V, Fiorillo E, Fadda P, Marsicano G, De Luca MA. Adolescent self-administration of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist JWH-018 induces neurobiological and behavioral alterations in adult male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3083-3102. [PMID: 35943523 PMCID: PMC9481487 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) is growing among adolescents, posing major medical and psychiatric risks. JWH-018 represents the reference compound of SCRA-containing products. OBJECTIVES This study was performed to evaluate the enduring consequences of adolescent voluntary consumption of JWH-018. METHODS The reinforcing properties of JWH-018 were characterized in male CD1 adolescent mice by intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Afterwards, behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular evaluations were performed at adulthood. RESULTS Adolescent mice acquired operant behavior (lever pressing, Fixed Ratio 1-3; 7.5 µg/kg/inf); this behavior was specifically directed at obtaining JWH-018 since it increased under Progressive Ratio schedule of reinforcement, and was absent in vehicle mice. JWH-018 IVSA was reduced by pretreatment of the CB1-antagonist/inverse agonist AM251. Adolescent exposure to JWH-018 by IVSA increased, at adulthood, both nestlet shredding and marble burying phenotypes, suggesting long-lasting repetitive/compulsive-like behavioral effects. JWH-018 did not affect risk proclivity in the wire-beam bridge task. In adult brains, there was an increase of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1) positive cells in the caudate-putamen (CPu) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), along with a decrease of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity in the CPu. These glial alterations in adult brains were coupled with an increase of the chemokine RANTES and a decrease of the cytokines IL2 and IL13 in the cortex, and an increase of the chemokine MPC1 in the striatum. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests for the first time that male mice self-administer the prototypical SCRA JWH-018 during adolescence. The adolescent voluntary consumption of JWH-018 leads to long-lasting behavioral and neurochemical aberrations along with glia-mediated inflammatory responses in adult brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Margiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,"Guy Everett" Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio C Pagano Zottola
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR 5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Valentina Serra
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Edoardo Fiorillo
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Moradi K, Aldarraji Z, Luthra M, Madison GP, Ascoli GA. Normalized unitary synaptic signaling of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex predicted by deep learning of experimental recordings. Commun Biol 2022; 5:418. [PMID: 35513471 PMCID: PMC9072429 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologically realistic computer simulations of neuronal circuits require systematic data-driven modeling of neuron type-specific synaptic activity. However, limited experimental yield, heterogeneous recordings conditions, and ambiguous neuronal identification have so far prevented the consistent characterization of synaptic signals for all connections of any neural system. We introduce a strategy to overcome these challenges and report a comprehensive synaptic quantification among all known neuron types of the hippocampal-entorhinal network. First, we reconstructed >2600 synaptic traces from ∼1200 publications into a unified computational representation of synaptic dynamics. We then trained a deep learning architecture with the resulting parameters, each annotated with detailed metadata such as recording method, solutions, and temperature. The model learned to predict the synaptic properties of all 3,120 circuit connections in arbitrary conditions with accuracy approaching the intrinsic experimental variability. Analysis of data normalized and completed with the deep learning model revealed that synaptic signals are controlled by few latent variables associated with specific molecular markers and interrelating conductance, decay time constant, and short-term plasticity. We freely release the tools and full dataset of unitary synaptic values in 32 covariate settings. Normalized synaptic data can be used in brain simulations, and to predict and test experimental hypothesis. A deep learning model trained on roughly 2,600 synaptic traces from hippocampal electrophysiology datasets demonstrates how specific covariates influence synaptic signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keivan Moradi
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program and Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zainab Aldarraji
- Bioengineering Department and Volgenau School of Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Megha Luthra
- Bioengineering Department and Volgenau School of Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Grey P Madison
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Giorgio A Ascoli
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program and Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA. .,Bioengineering Department and Volgenau School of Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Montanari M, Martella G, Bonsi P, Meringolo M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073861. [PMID: 35409220 PMCID: PMC8998955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the glutamatergic system have been increasingly documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Glutamate-centered theories of ASD are based on evidence from patient samples and postmortem studies, as well as from studies documenting abnormalities in glutamatergic gene expression and metabolic pathways, including changes in the gut microbiota glutamate metabolism in patients with ASD. In addition, preclinical studies on animal models have demonstrated glutamatergic neurotransmission deficits and altered expression of glutamate synaptic proteins. At present, there are no approved glutamatergic drugs for ASD, but several ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on evaluating in autistic patients glutamatergic pharmaceuticals already approved for other conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of ASD and as a potential target for novel treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montanari
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Le AA, Quintanilla J, Amani M, Piomelli D, Lynch G, Gall CM. Persistent sexually dimorphic effects of adolescent THC exposure on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and episodic memory in rodents. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 162:105565. [PMID: 34838664 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that cannabis use during adolescence leads to memory and cognitive problems in young adulthood but little is known about effects of early life cannabis exposure on synaptic operations that are critical for encoding and organizing information. We report here that a 14-day course of daily Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol treatments administered to adolescent rats and mice (aTHC) leads to profound but selective deficits in synaptic plasticity in two axonal systems in female, and to lesser extent male, hippocampus as assessed in adulthood. Adolescent-THC exposure did not alter basic synaptic transmission (input/output curves) and had only modest effects on frequency facilitation. Nevertheless, aTHC severely impaired the endocannabinoid-dependent long-term potentiation in the lateral perforant path in females of both species, and in male mice; this was reliably associated with impaired acquisition of a component of episodic memory that depends on lateral perforant path function. Potentiation in the Schaffer-commissural (S-C) projection to field CA1 was disrupted by aTHC treatment in females only and this was associated with both a deficit in estrogen effects on S-C synaptic responses and impairments to CA1-dependent spatial (object location) memory. In all the results demonstrate sexually dimorphic and projection system-specific effects of aTHC exposure that could underlie discrete effects of early life cannabinoid usage on adult cognitive function. Moreover they suggest that some of the enduring, sexually dimorphic effects of cannabis use reflect changes in synaptic estrogen action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliza A Le
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Julian Quintanilla
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Amani
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Gary Lynch
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America; Departments of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, United States of America.
| | - Christine M Gall
- Departments of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America; Departments of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ahmed H, Khan MA, Ali Zaidi SA, Muhammad S. In Silico and In Vivo: Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Kaempferol, Quercetin, and Catechin to Treat Chronic Epilepsy in a Rat Model. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:754952. [PMID: 34805114 PMCID: PMC8599161 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.754952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, alternative therapies are gaining popularity in the treatment of epilepsy. The present study aimed to find out the antiepileptic potential of quercetin, catechin, and kaempferol. In vivo and in silico experiments were conducted to investigate their therapeutic potential. 25 mg/kg/day of pentylenetetrazole was administered for 4 weeks after epilepsy was induced in the rats; this was followed by the behavioral studies and histological analysis of rat brain slices. Binding affinities of kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin were assessed by performing in silico studies. Kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin were found to have the highest binding affinity with the synaptic vesicle 2A (SV2A) protein, comparable to standard levetiracetam (LEV). The mRNA levels of SV2A, as well as the expression of TNF, IL 6, IL 1 beta, NFkB, IL 1Ra, IL 4, and IL 10, were investigated using qPCR. Our results indicate for the first time that SV2A is also a transporter of understudied phytoflavonoids, due to which a significant improvement was observed in epileptic parameters. The mRNA levels of SV2A were found to be significantly elevated in the PF-treated rats when compared with those of the control rats with epilepsy. Additionally, downregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokines were also noted in the PF-treated groups. It is concluded that kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin can effectively decrease the epileptic seizures in our chronic epilepsy rat model to a level that is comparable to the antiepileptic effects induced by levetiracetam drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hammad Ahmed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Defence Road Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.,Imran Idrees College of Pharmacy, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Sajjad Muhammad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Helsinki and University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Regulates Drug Reward Behavior via Glutamate Decarboxylase 67 Transcription. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910486. [PMID: 34638827 PMCID: PMC8508987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and GABAergic neuronal activity is involved in drug abuse-related behavior. However, its role in drug-dependent Pavlovian conditioning is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a CB1 agonist, JWH-210, on the development of conditioned place preference (CPP)-induced by methamphetamine (METH). Pretreatment with a synthetic cannabinoid, JWH-210 (CB1 agonist), increased METH-induced CPP score and METH-induced dopamine release in acute striatal slices. Interestingly, CB1 was expressed in glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) positive cells, and overexpression of CB1 increased GAD67 expression, while CB1 knockdown reduced GAD67 expression in vivo and in vitro. GAD67 is known as an enzyme involved in the synthesis of GABA. CB1 knockdown in the mice striatum increased METH-induced CPP. When GAD67 decreased in the mice striatum, mRNA level of CB1 did not change, suggesting that CB1 can regulate GAD67 expression. GAD67 knockdown in the mouse striatum augmented apomorphine (dopamine receptor D2 agonist)–induced climbing behavior and METH-induced CPP score. Moreover, in the human brain, mRNA level of GAD67 was found to be decreased in drug users. Therefore, we suggest that CB1 potentiates METH-induced CPP through inhibitory GABAergic regulation of dopaminergic neuronal activity.
Collapse
|
9
|
Effects of Cannabinoid Exposure during Neurodevelopment on Future Effects of Drugs of Abuse: A Preclinical Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189989. [PMID: 34576153 PMCID: PMC8472179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays a central role in the earliest stages of embryonic, postnatal and adolescent neurodevelopment. Aberrant activity of this system at key developmental phases has been shown to affect neural development. The aim of this review is to synthesise and analyse preclinical insights within rodent populations, focusing on the effects that perinatal (embryonic, gestational and early postnatal developmental stages) and adolescent (postnatal day 21–60) cannabinoid exposure impose across time on the subsequent activity of various drugs of abuse. Results in rodents show that exposure to cannabinoids during the perinatal and adolescent period can lead to multifaceted behavioural and molecular changes. In the perinatal period, significant effects of Δ9-THC exposure on subsequent opiate and amphetamine reward-related behaviours were observed primarily in male rodents. These effects were not extended to include cocaine or alcohol. In adolescence, various cannabinoid agonists were used experimentally. This array of cannabinoids demonstrated consistent effects on opioids across sex. In contrast, no significant effects were observed regarding the future activity of amphetamines and cocaine. However, these studies focused primarily on male rodents. In conclusion, numerous gaps and limitations are apparent in the current body of research. The sparsity of studies analysing the perinatal period must be addressed. Future research within both periods must also focus on delineating sex-specific effects, moving away from a male-centric focus. Studies should also aim to utilise more clinically relevant cannabinoid treatments.
Collapse
|
10
|
Albaugh MD, Ottino-Gonzalez J, Sidwell A, Lepage C, Juliano A, Owens MM, Chaarani B, Spechler P, Fontaine N, Rioux P, Lewis L, Jeon S, Evans A, D’Souza D, Radhakrishnan R, Banaschewski T, Bokde ALW, Quinlan EB, Conrod P, Desrivières S, Flor H, Grigis A, Gowland P, Heinz A, Ittermann B, Martinot JL, Paillère Martinot ML, Nees F, Papadopoulos Orfanos D, Paus T, Poustka L, Millenet S, Fröhner JH, Smolka MN, Walter H, Whelan R, Schumann G, Potter A, Garavan H. Association of Cannabis Use During Adolescence With Neurodevelopment. JAMA Psychiatry 2021; 78:2781289. [PMID: 34132750 PMCID: PMC8209561 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Animal studies have shown that the adolescent brain is sensitive to disruptions in endocannabinoid signaling, resulting in altered neurodevelopment and lasting behavioral effects. However, few studies have investigated ties between cannabis use and adolescent brain development in humans. OBJECTIVE To examine the degree to which magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-assessed cerebral cortical thickness development is associated with cannabis use in a longitudinal sample of adolescents. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Data were obtained from the community-based IMAGEN cohort study, conducted across 8 European sites. Baseline data used in the present study were acquired from March 1, 2008, to December 31, 2011, and follow-up data were acquired from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016. A total of 799 IMAGEN participants were identified who reported being cannabis naive at study baseline and had behavioral and neuroimaging data available at baseline and 5-year follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed from October 1, 2019, to August 31, 2020. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cannabis use was assessed at baseline and 5-year follow-up with the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Anatomical MR images were acquired with a 3-dimensional T1-weighted magnetization prepared gradient echo sequence. Quality-controlled native MR images were processed through the CIVET pipeline, version 2.1.0. RESULTS The study evaluated 1598 MR images from 799 participants (450 female participants [56.3%]; mean [SD] age, 14.4 [0.4] years at baseline and 19.0 [0.7] years at follow-up). At 5-year follow-up, cannabis use (from 0 to >40 uses) was negatively associated with thickness in left prefrontal (peak: t785 = -4.87, cluster size = 1558 vertices; P = 1.10 × 10-6, random field theory cluster corrected) and right prefrontal (peak: t785 = -4.27, cluster size = 1551 vertices; P = 2.81 × 10-5, random field theory cluster corrected) cortices. There were no significant associations between lifetime cannabis use at 5-year follow-up and baseline cortical thickness, suggesting that the observed neuroanatomical differences did not precede initiation of cannabis use. Longitudinal analysis revealed that age-related cortical thinning was qualified by cannabis use in a dose-dependent fashion such that greater use, from baseline to follow-up, was associated with increased thinning in left prefrontal (peak: t815.27 = -4.24, cluster size = 3643 vertices; P = 2.28 × 10-8, random field theory cluster corrected) and right prefrontal (peak: t813.30 = -4.71, cluster size = 2675 vertices; P = 3.72 × 10-8, random field theory cluster corrected) cortices. The spatial pattern of cannabis-related thinning was associated with age-related thinning in this sample (r = 0.540; P < .001), and a positron emission tomography-assessed cannabinoid 1 receptor-binding map derived from a separate sample of participants (r = -0.189; P < .001). Analysis revealed that thinning in right prefrontal cortices, from baseline to follow-up, was associated with attentional impulsiveness at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results suggest that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with altered neurodevelopment, particularly in cortices rich in cannabinoid 1 receptors and undergoing the greatest age-related thickness change in middle to late adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Albaugh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington
| | | | - Amanda Sidwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Claude Lepage
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anthony Juliano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Max M. Owens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Bader Chaarani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Philip Spechler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Nicholas Fontaine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Pierre Rioux
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lindsay Lewis
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Seun Jeon
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alan Evans
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Deepak D’Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rajiv Radhakrishnan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Arun L. W. Bokde
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Erin Burke Quinlan
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Conrod
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvane Desrivières
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Antoine Grigis
- NeuroSpin, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Penny Gowland
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Campus Charité Mitte, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jean-Luc Martinot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U A10 “Trajectoires développementales en psychiatrie” Université Paris-Saclay, Ecole Normale supérieure Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Centre Borelli, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marie-Laure Paillère Martinot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM U A10 “Trajectoires développementales en psychiatrie,” Paris, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Ecole Normale supérieure Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Centre Borelli, Paris, France
- AP-HP Sorbonne Université, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Tomáš Paus
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sabina Millenet
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Juliane H. Fröhner
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael N. Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Campus Charité Mitte, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Whelan
- School of Psychology and Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gunter Schumann
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charite Mitte, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute for Science and Technology of Brain-inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Alexandra Potter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ryan RM, Ingram SL, Scimemi A. Regulation of Glutamate, GABA and Dopamine Transporter Uptake, Surface Mobility and Expression. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:670346. [PMID: 33927596 PMCID: PMC8076567 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.670346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter transporters limit spillover between synapses and maintain the extracellular neurotransmitter concentration at low yet physiologically meaningful levels. They also exert a key role in providing precursors for neurotransmitter biosynthesis. In many cases, neurons and astrocytes contain a large intracellular pool of transporters that can be redistributed and stabilized in the plasma membrane following activation of different signaling pathways. This means that the uptake capacity of the brain neuropil for different neurotransmitters can be dynamically regulated over the course of minutes, as an indirect consequence of changes in neuronal activity, blood flow, cell-to-cell interactions, etc. Here we discuss recent advances in the mechanisms that control the cell membrane trafficking and biophysical properties of transporters for the excitatory, inhibitory and modulatory neurotransmitters glutamate, GABA, and dopamine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renae M. Ryan
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan L. Ingram
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
De Gregorio D, Dean Conway J, Canul ML, Posa L, Bambico FR, Gobbi G. Effects of chronic exposure to low doses of Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol in adolescence and adulthood on serotonin/norepinephrine neurotransmission and emotional behaviors. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:pyaa058. [PMID: 32725198 PMCID: PMC7745253 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic exposure to the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main cannabis pharmacological component, during adolescence has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidality in humans. AIMS Little is known about the impact of the long-term effects of chronic exposure to low doses of THC in adolescent compared to adult rodents. METHODS THC (1mg/kg i.p., once a day) or vehicle was administered for 20 days in both adolescent (post-natal day, PND 30-50) and young adult rats (PND 50-70). After a long washout period (20 days), several behavioral paradigms and electrophysiological recordings of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) neurons were carried out. RESULTS Adolescent THC exposure resulted in depressive lbehaviors: a significant decrease in latency to first immobility in the forced swim test, increased anhedonia in the sucrose preference test. Decrease entries in the open arm were observed in the elevated plus maze after adolescent and adult exposure, indicating anxiousphenotype. A significant reduction in dorsal raphe serotonergic neural activity without changing locus coeruleus noradrenergic neural activity was found in THC adolescent and adult exposure. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these findings suggest that low doses of chronic THC exposure during the developmental period and adulthood could result in increased vulnerability of the 5-HT system and anxiety symptoms; however, depressive phenotypes occur only after adolescent, but not adult exposure, underscoring the higher vulnerability of young ages to the mental effects of cannabis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joshua Dean Conway
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Martha-Lopez Canul
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Francis Rodriguez Bambico
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
- Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Brandt N, Löffler T, Fester L, Rune GM. Sex-specific features of spine densities in the hippocampus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11405. [PMID: 32647191 PMCID: PMC7347548 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68371-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that in dissociated hippocampal cultures the proportion of large spines (head diameter ≥ 0.6 μm) was larger in cultures from female than from male animals. In order to rule out that this result is an in vitro phenomenon, we analyzed the density of large spines in fixed hippocampal vibratome sections of Thy1-GFP mice, in which GFP is expressed only in subpopulations of neurons. We compared spine numbers of the four estrus cycle stages in females with those of male mice. Remarkably, total spine numbers did not vary during the estrus cycle, while estrus cyclicity was evident regarding the number of large spines and was highest during diestrus, when estradiol levels start to rise. The average total spine number in females was identical with the spine number in male animals. The density of large spines, however, was significantly lower in male than in female animals in each stage of the estrus cycle. Interestingly, the number of spine apparatuses, a typical feature of large spines, did not differ between the sexes. Accordingly, NMDA-R1 and NMDA-R2A/B expression were lower in the hippocampus and in postsynaptic density fractions of adult male animals than in those of female animals. This difference could already be observed at birth for NMDA-R1, but not for NMDA-R2A/B expression. In dissociated embryonic hippocampal cultures, no difference was seen after 21 days in culture, while the difference was evident in postnatal cultures. Our data indicate that hippocampal neurons are differentiated in a sex-dependent manner, this differentiation being likely to develop during the perinatal period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brandt
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Human Medicine, Division of Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl Von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Str. 9-11, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Löffler
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Fester
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Krankenhausstr. 9, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gabriele M Rune
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Burgdorf CE, Jing D, Yang R, Huang C, Hill MN, Mackie K, Milner TA, Pickel VM, Lee FS, Rajadhyaksha AM. Endocannabinoid genetic variation enhances vulnerability to THC reward in adolescent female mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay1502. [PMID: 32095523 PMCID: PMC7015690 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence represents a developmental period with the highest risk for initiating cannabis use. Little is known about whether genetic variation in the endocannabinoid system alters mesolimbic reward circuitry to produce vulnerability to the rewarding properties of the exogenous cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Using a genetic knock-in mouse model (FAAHC/A) that biologically recapitulates the human polymorphism associated with problematic drug use, we find that in adolescent female mice, but not male mice, this FAAH polymorphism enhances the mesolimbic dopamine circuitry projecting from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and alters cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) levels at inhibitory and excitatory terminals in the VTA. These developmental changes collectively increase vulnerability of adolescent female FAAHC/A mice to THC preference that persists into adulthood. Together, these findings suggest that this endocannabinoid genetic variant is a contributing factor for increased susceptibility to cannabis dependence in adolescent females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Burgdorf
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Feil Family Brain and Mind and Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Deqiang Jing
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ruirong Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chienchun Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Matthew N. Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Teresa A. Milner
- Feil Family Brain and Mind and Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Virginia M. Pickel
- Feil Family Brain and Mind and Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Francis S. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anjali M. Rajadhyaksha
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Feil Family Brain and Mind and Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Blest-Hopley G, Colizzi M, Giampietro V, Bhattacharyya S. Is the Adolescent Brain at Greater Vulnerability to the Effects of Cannabis? A Narrative Review of the Evidence. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:859. [PMID: 33005157 PMCID: PMC7479242 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use during the critical neurodevelopmental period of adolescence, may lead to brain structural, functional, and histological alterations that may underpin some of the longer-term behavioral and psychological harms associated with it. The endocannabinoid system performs a key regulatory and homeostatic role, that undergoes developmental changes during adolescence making it potentially more susceptible to the effects of exposure to cannabis during adolescence. Here, we synthesize evidence from human studies of adolescent cannabis users showing alterations in cognitive performance as well as in brain structure and function with relevant preclinical evidence to summarize the current state of knowledge. We also focus on the limited evidence that speaks to the hypothesis that cannabis use during adolescence, may pose a greater risk than use during adulthood, identify gaps in current evidence and suggest directions for new research. Existing literature is consistent with the association of cannabis use during adolescence and neurological changes. Adolescence cannabis users show altered functional connectivity within known functional circuits, that may underlie inefficient recruitment of brain regions, as largely increased functional activation has been observed compared to controls. This disruption in some cases may contribute to the development of adverse mental health conditions; increasing the chances or accelerating the onset, of their development. Preclinical evidence, further supports disruption from cannabis use being specific to the developmental period. Future studies are required to better investigate adolescent cannabis use with more accuracy using better defined groups or longitudinal studies and examine the permanency of these changes following caseation of use. Furthermore, research is required to identify heritable risk factors to cannabis use. There is a need for caution when considering the therapeutic potential of cannabis for adolescence and particularly in public discourse leading to potential trivialization of possible harm from cannabis use in adolescence. Current evidence indicates that adolescence is a sensitive period during which cannabis use may result in adverse neurocognitive effects that appear to show a level of permanency into adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Blest-Hopley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Colizzi
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.,Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Vincent Giampietro
- Department of Neuroimaging, Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Martins RS, de Freitas IG, Sathler MF, Martins VPPB, Schitine CDS, da Silva Sampaio L, Freitas HR, Manhães AC, dos Santos Pereira M, de Melo Reis RA, Kubrusly RCC. Beta-adrenergic receptor activation increases GABA uptake in adolescent mice frontal cortex: Modulation by cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2. Neurochem Int 2018; 120:182-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
17
|
Torres-Rojas C, Jones BC. Sex Differences in Neurotoxicogenetics. Front Genet 2018; 9:196. [PMID: 29922331 PMCID: PMC5996082 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A major development in biomedical research is the recognition that the sex of an individual plays a key role in susceptibility, treatment, and outcomes of most diseases. In this contribution, we present evidence that sex is also important in the toxicity of many environmental toxicants and contributes to the effect of genetics. Thus, individual differences in response to toxicants includes genetic makeup, the environment and sex; in fact, sex differences may be considered a part of genetic constitution. In this review, we present evidence for sex contribution to susceptibility for a number of toxicants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Torres-Rojas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Byron C Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ferreira-Junior NC, Lagatta DC, Resstel LBM. Glutamatergic, GABAergic, and endocannabinoid neurotransmissions within the dorsal hippocampus modulate the cardiac baroreflex function in rats. Pflugers Arch 2017; 470:395-411. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2083-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
19
|
Abstract
Purpose of the Review Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide. In recent decades, highly concentrated products have flooded the market, and prevalence rates have increased. Gender differences exist in cannabis use, as men have higher prevalence of both cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD), while women progress more rapidly from first use to CUD. This paper reviews findings from preclinical and human studies examining the sex-specific neurobiological underpinnings of cannabis use and CUD, and associations with psychiatric symptoms. Recent Findings Sex differences exist in the endocannabinoid system, in cannabis exposure effects on brain structure and function, and in the co-occurrence of cannabis use with symptoms of anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. In female cannabis users, anxiety symptoms correlate with larger amygdala volume and social anxiety disorder symptoms correlate with CUD symptoms. Female cannabis users are reported to be especially vulnerable to earlier onset of schizophrenia, and mixed trends emerge in the correlation of depressive symptoms with cannabis exposure in females and males. Summary As prevalence of cannabis use may continue to increase given the shifting policy landscape regarding marijuana laws, understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of cannabis exposure in females and males is key. Examining these mechanisms may help inform future research on sex-specific pharmacological and behavioral interventions for women and men with high-risk cannabis use, comorbid psychiatric disease, and CUD.
Collapse
|
20
|
Prini P, Penna F, Sciuccati E, Alberio T, Rubino T. Chronic Δ⁸-THC Exposure Differently Affects Histone Modifications in the Adolescent and Adult Rat Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102094. [PMID: 28976920 PMCID: PMC5666776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence represents a vulnerable period for the psychiatric consequences of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁸-THC) exposure, however, the molecular underpinnings of this vulnerability remain to be established. Histone modifications are emerging as important epigenetic mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric diseases, thus, we investigated the impact of chronic Δ⁸-THC exposure on histone modifications in different brain areas of female rats. We checked histone modifications associated to both transcriptional repression (H3K9 di- and tri-methylation, H3K27 tri-methylation) and activation (H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation) after adolescent and adult chronic Δ⁸-THC exposure in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala. Chronic exposure to increasing doses of Δ⁸-THC for 11 days affected histone modifications in a region- and age-specific manner. The primary effect in the adolescent brain was represented by changes leading to transcriptional repression, whereas the one observed after adult treatment led to transcriptional activation. Moreover, only in the adolescent brain, the primary effect was followed by a homeostatic response to counterbalance the Δ⁸-THC-induced repressive effect, except in the amygdala. The presence of a more complex response in the adolescent brain may be part of the mechanisms that make the adolescent brain vulnerable to Δ⁸-THC adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Prini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
- Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
| | - Federica Penna
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Sciuccati
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Alberio
- Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
- Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Noble EE, Hsu TM, Liang J, Kanoski SE. Early-life sugar consumption has long-term negative effects on memory function in male rats. Nutr Neurosci 2017; 22:273-283. [PMID: 28944721 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2017.1378851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Added dietary sugars contribute substantially to the diet of children and adolescents in the USA, and recent evidence suggests that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) during early life has deleterious effects on hippocampal-dependent memory function. Here, we test whether the effects of early-life sugar consumption on hippocampal function persist into adulthood when access to sugar is restricted to the juvenile/adolescent phase of development. METHODS Male rats were given ad libitum access to an 11% weight-by-volume sugar solution (made with high fructose corn syrup-55) throughout the adolescent phase of development (post-natal day (PN) 26-56). The control group received a second bottle of water instead, and both groups received ad libitum standard laboratory chow and water access throughout the study. At PN 56 sugar solutions were removed and at PN 175 rats were subjected to behavioral testing for hippocampal-dependent episodic contextual memory in the novel object in context (NOIC) task, for anxiety-like behavior in the Zero maze, and were given an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. RESULTS Early-life exposure to SSBs conferred long-lasting impairments in hippocampal-dependent memory function later in life- yet had no effect on body weight, anxiety-like behavior, or glucose tolerance. A second experiment demonstrated that NOIC performance was impaired at PN 175 even when SSB access was limited to 2 hours daily from PN 26-56. DISCUSSION Our data suggest that even modest SSB consumption throughout early life may have long-term negative consequences on memory function during adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Noble
- a Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , USA
| | - Ted M Hsu
- a Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , USA.,b Neuroscience Graduate Program , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , USA
| | - Joanna Liang
- a Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , USA
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- a Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , USA.,b Neuroscience Graduate Program , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fernández-Cabrera MR, Selvas A, Miguéns M, Higuera-Matas A, Vale-Martínez A, Ambrosio E, Martí-Nicolovius M, Guillazo-Blanch G. Parafascicular thalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation decreases NMDA receptor GluN1 subunit gene expression in the prefrontal cortex. Neuroscience 2017; 348:73-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
23
|
Fogel JS, Kelly TH, Westgate PM, Lile JA. Sex differences in the subjective effects of oral Δ 9-THC in cannabis users. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 152:44-51. [PMID: 26780348 PMCID: PMC4947027 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that there are sex differences in endocannabinoid function and the response to exogenous cannabinoids, though data from clinical studies comparing acute cannabinoid effects in men and women under controlled laboratory conditions are limited. To further explore these potential differences, data from 30 cannabis users (N=18 M, 12 F) who completed previous Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) discrimination studies were combined for this retrospective analysis. In each study, subjects learned to discriminate between oral Δ9-THC and placebo and then received a range of Δ9-THC doses (0, 5, 15 and a "high" dose of either 25 or 30mg). Responses on a drug-discrimination task, subjective effects questionnaire, psychomotor performance tasks, and physiological measures were assessed. Δ9-THC dose-dependently increased drug-appropriate responding, ratings on "positive" Visual Analog Scale (VAS) items (e.g., good effects, like drug, take again), and items related to intoxication (e.g., high, stoned). Δ9-THC also dose-dependently impaired performance on psychomotor tasks and elevated heart rate. Sex differences on VAS items emerged as a function of dose. Women exhibited significantly greater subjective responses to oral drug administration than men at the 5mg Δ9-THC dose, whereas men were more sensitive to the subjective effects of the 15mg dose of Δ9-THC than women. These results demonstrate dose-dependent separation in the subjective response to oral Δ9-THC administration by sex, which might contribute to the differential development of problematic cannabis use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Fogel
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States
| | - Thomas H Kelly
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, College of Medicine Office Building, Lexington, KY 40536-0086, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 3470 Blazer Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40509-1810, United States
| | - Philip M Westgate
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, 111 Washington Ave, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Joshua A Lile
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, College of Medicine Office Building, Lexington, KY 40536-0086, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 3470 Blazer Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40509-1810, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sex-specific effects of prenatal chronic mild stress on adult spatial learning capacity and regional glutamate receptor expression profiles. Exp Neurol 2016; 281:66-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
25
|
Renard J, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. What Can Rats Tell Us about Adolescent Cannabis Exposure? Insights from Preclinical Research. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2016; 61:328-34. [PMID: 27254841 PMCID: PMC4872245 DOI: 10.1177/0706743716645288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Marijuana is the most widely used drug of abuse among adolescents. Adolescence is a vulnerable period for brain development, during which time various neurotransmitter systems such as the glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and endocannabinoid systems undergo extensive reorganization to support the maturation of the central nervous system (CNS). ▵-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, acts as a partial agonist of CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs). CB1Rs are abundant in the CNS and are central components of the neurodevelopmental changes that occur during adolescence. Thus, overactivation of CB1Rs by cannabinoid exposure during adolescence has the ability to dramatically alter brain maturation, leading to persistent and enduring changes in adult cerebral function. Increasing preclinical evidence lends support to clinical evidence suggesting that chronic adolescent marijuana exposure may be associated with a higher risk for neuropsychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia. In this review, we present a broad overview of current neurobiological evidence regarding the long-term consequences of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on adult neuropsychiatric-like disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justine Renard
- Addiction Research Group, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Psychiatry, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Psychiatry, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Noble EE, Kanoski SE. Early life exposure to obesogenic diets and learning and memory dysfunction. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2016; 9:7-14. [PMID: 26858972 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesogenic dietary factors, such as simple sugars and saturated fatty acids, have been linked to memory impairments and hippocampal dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that the brain may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of obesogenic diets during early life periods of rapid growth, maturation, and brain development. Investigations utilizing rodent models indicate that early life exposure to "high fat diets" (40-65% kcal derived from fat) or simple sugars (sucrose or high fructose corn syrup) can impair hippocampus-dependent learning and memory processes. In some cases, these deficits occur independent of obesity and metabolic derangement and can persist into adulthood despite dietary intervention. Various neurobiological mechanisms have been identified that may link early life consumption of obesogenic dietary factors with hippocampal dysfunction, including increased neuroinflammation and reduced neurotrophin mediated regulation of neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Age, duration of exposure, and dietary composition are key variables contributing to the interaction between early life diet and cognitive dysfunction, however, more research is needed to unravel the precise critical windows of development and causal dietary factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Noble
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rubino T, Parolaro D. The Impact of Exposure to Cannabinoids in Adolescence: Insights From Animal Models. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:578-85. [PMID: 26344755 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The regular use of cannabis during adolescence is of particular concern because use by this age group seems to be associated with an increased likelihood of deleterious consequences, as reported by several epidemiologic studies. However, despite their unquestionable value, epidemiologic data are inconclusive. Modeling the adolescent phase in animals appears to be a useful approach to investigate the impact of cannabis use on the adolescent brain. In these models, adolescent cannabinoid exposure has been reported to cause long-term impairment in specific components of learning and memory and to have differential effects on anxiety, social behavior, and depressive-like signs. These findings suggest that it may represent, per se or in association with other hits, a risk factor for developing psychotic-like symptoms in adulthood. The neurobiological bases of this association include the induction of alterations in the maturational events of the endocannabinoid system occurring in the adolescent brain. Alterations in the endocannabinoid system may profoundly dysregulate developmental processes in some neurotransmitter systems, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate, mainly in the cortex. The resulting picture strongly resembles the one present in schizophrenic patients, highlighting the translational value of this experimental approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Research Division, and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizi, Italy..
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Research Division, and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizi, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Spring MG, Schoolcraft KD, López HH. The effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on seizure susceptibility and lethality in adult male rats. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015; 58:101-106. [PMID: 26711091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial evidence in rodent models that chronic exposure to cannabinoids during adolescence can alter the development of neurobiological systems that are implicated in regulating brain activity and seizure. The current study explored whether adolescent cannabinoid treatment affects subsequent, adult seizure susceptibility. Sixty male Wistar Kyoto rats were treated with either the synthetic cannabinoid, CP 55,940 (0.4mg/kg, one treatment per day), or vehicle between 35 and 45days old. Subjects were then allowed to mature to adulthood. At 68-69days of age, subjects were tested for seizure susceptibility using the pro-convulsant, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Subjects received an acute injection of either 35mg/kg or 50mg/kg PTZ immediately prior to a 30-min behavioral seizure test. PTZ doses were chosen to produce low-to-moderate levels of seizure activity in control subjects. There were no significant differences between treated and control subjects in: latency to first seizure, mean seizure severity, percentage who displayed any seizure activity, percentage who displayed clonic seizure, or percentage who displayed tonic-clonic seizure. However, CP 55,940-treated subjects had a higher mortality rate compared to controls at both PTZ doses, suggesting that adolescent cannabinoid exposure may increase the lethality of severe seizures experienced in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell G Spring
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, United States
| | - Kathleen D Schoolcraft
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, United States
| | - Hassan H López
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang Y, Ma Y, Hu J, Cheng W, Jiang H, Zhang X, Li M, Ren J, Li X. Prenatal chronic mild stress induces depression-like behavior and sex-specific changes in regional glutamate receptor expression patterns in adult rats. Neuroscience 2015; 301:363-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
30
|
Higuera-Matas A, Ucha M, Ambrosio E. Long-term consequences of perinatal and adolescent cannabinoid exposure on neural and psychological processes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 55:119-46. [PMID: 25960036 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Marihuana is the most widely consumed illicit drug, even among adolescents and pregnant women. Given the critical developmental processes that occur in the adolescent and fetal nervous system, marihuana consumption during these stages may have permanent consequences on several brain functions in later adult life. Here, we review what is currently known about the long-term consequences of perinatal and adolescent cannabinoid exposure. The most consistent findings point to long-term impairments in cognitive function that are associated with structural alterations and disturbed synaptic plasticity. In addition, several neurochemical modifications are also evident after prenatal or adolescent cannabinoid exposure, especially in the endocannabinoid, glutamatergic, dopaminergic and opioidergic systems. Important sexual dimorphisms are also evident in terms of the long-lasting effects of cannabinoid consumption during pregnancy and adolescence, and cannabinoids possibly have a protective effect in adolescents who have suffered traumatic life challenges, such as maternal separation or intense stress. Finally, we suggest some future research directions that may encourage further advances in this exciting field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Higuera-Matas
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University of Distance Learning (UNED), C/ Juan del Rosal 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marcos Ucha
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University of Distance Learning (UNED), C/ Juan del Rosal 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Ambrosio
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University of Distance Learning (UNED), C/ Juan del Rosal 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Greenwood LM, Broyd SJ, Croft R, Todd J, Michie PT, Johnstone S, Murray R, Solowij N. Chronic effects of cannabis use on the auditory mismatch negativity. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 75:449-58. [PMID: 23830666 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use is associated with the development of psychotic symptoms and increased risk for schizophrenia. The mismatch negativity (MMN) is a brain event-related potential marker of change detection thought to index glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated neurotransmission, which is known to be deficient in schizophrenia. This study examined auditory MMN in otherwise healthy chronic cannabis users compared with nonuser control subjects. METHODS Forty-two chronic cannabis users and 44 nonuser healthy control subjects completed a multi-feature MMN paradigm, which included duration, frequency, and intensity deviants (deviants 6%; standards 82%). The MMN was compared between users and control subjects as well as between long- and short-term users and age- and gender-matched control subjects. Associations between MMN, cannabis use measures, and symptoms were examined. RESULTS The MMN amplitude was significantly reduced to frequency but not duration or intensity deviants in overall cannabis users relative to control subjects. Frequency MMN was similarly attenuated in short- and long-term users relative to control subjects. Long-term users also exhibited reduced duration MMN relative to control subjects and short-term users and this was correlated with increased duration of exposure to cannabis and increased psychotic-like experiences during intoxication. In short-term users, a younger age of onset of regular cannabis use and greater frequency of use were associated with greater psychotic-like experiences and symptomatic distress. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest impaired sensory memory that might reflect N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor dysfunction in chronic cannabis users. The pattern of MMN alterations in cannabis users differed from that typically observed in patients with schizophrenia, indicating overlapping but distinct underlying pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Greenwood
- School of Psychology and ψ-P3: Centre for Psychophysics, Psychophysiology and Psychopharmacology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong
| | - Samantha J Broyd
- School of Psychology and ψ-P3: Centre for Psychophysics, Psychophysiology and Psychopharmacology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong
| | - Rodney Croft
- School of Psychology and ψ-P3: Centre for Psychophysics, Psychophysiology and Psychopharmacology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong
| | - Juanita Todd
- School of Psychology and Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patricia T Michie
- School of Psychology and Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart Johnstone
- School of Psychology and ψ-P3: Centre for Psychophysics, Psychophysiology and Psychopharmacology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong
| | - Robin Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology and ψ-P3: Centre for Psychophysics, Psychophysiology and Psychopharmacology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Spatial memory impairment and changes in hippocampal morphology are triggered by high-fat diets in adolescent mice. Is there a role of leptin? Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 106:18-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
33
|
Molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid addiction. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2013; 23:487-92. [PMID: 23490548 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the world's most widely used illicit substance, with an estimated number of 119-224 million users worldwide. In recent years we assisted to an increased effort aimed to individuate the brain circuits underlying cannabis addiction and dependence. Similarly to other drugs of abuse, repeated exposure to cannabinoids causes brain neuroadaptations that persist long after drug effects, contribute to the negative affective states during withdrawal, and ultimately facilitate relapse. Recently, considerable progress has been made in understanding the cellular and molecular consequences of prolonged cannabis use, among which is the identification of specific set of transcriptional regulations that develop differently after chronic cannabinoids and in the abstinent brain.
Collapse
|
34
|
Gururajan A, Manning EE, Klug M, van den Buuse M. Drugs of abuse and increased risk of psychosis development. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2012; 46:1120-35. [PMID: 22833579 DOI: 10.1177/0004867412455232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is considerable evidence to suggest that the abuse of illicit drugs, particularly cannabis and methamphetamine, has aetiological roles in the pathogenesis of psychosis and schizophrenia. Factors that may increase susceptibility to the propsychotic effects of these drugs include the age at which the abuse starts as well as family history of genetic polymorphisms relevant to the pathophysiology of this disorder. However, the neurobiological mechanisms involved in drug abuse-associated psychosis remain largely unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS This paper presents an overview of the available evidence, including clinical, animal model, and molecular studies, with a focus on brain regions and neurotransmitters systems, such as dopamine and glutamate, previously implicated in psychosis. CONCLUSION It is clear that further studies are urgently needed to provide a greater insight into the mechanisms that mediate the long-term and neurodevelopmental effects of cannabis and methamphetamine. A dialogue between basic science and clinical research may help to identify at-risk individuals and novel pathways for treatment and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anand Gururajan
- Mental Health Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Craft RM, Marusich JA, Wiley JL. Sex differences in cannabinoid pharmacology: a reflection of differences in the endocannabinoid system? Life Sci 2012; 92:476-81. [PMID: 22728714 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the U.S., and marijuana use by women is on the rise. Women have been found to be more susceptible to the development of cannabinoid abuse and dependence, have more severe withdrawal symptoms, and are more likely to relapse than men. The majority of research in humans suggests that women are more likely to be affected by cannabinoids than men, with reports of enhanced and decreased performance on various tasks. In rodents, females are more sensitive than males to effects of cannabinoids on tests of antinociception, motor activity, and reinforcing efficacy. Studies on effects of cannabinoid exposure during adolescence in both humans and rodents suggest that female adolescents are more likely than male adolescents to be deleteriously affected by cannabinoids. Sex differences in response to cannabinoids appear to be due to activational and perhaps organizational effects of gonadal hormones, with estradiol identified as the hormone that contributes most to the sexually dimorphic effects of cannabinoids in adults. Many, but not all sexually dimorphic effects of exogenous cannabinoids can be attributed to a sexually dimorphic endocannabinoid system in rodents, although the same has not yet been established firmly for humans. A greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying sexually dimorphic effects of cannabinoids will facilitate development of sex-specific approaches to treat marijuana dependence and to use cannabinoid-based medications therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Craft
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|