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Kelley LK, Lightfoot SHM, Hill MN, Middleton JW, Gilpin NW. THC vapor inhalation attenuates hyperalgesia in rats using a chronic inflammatory pain model. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104649. [PMID: 39121915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Humans use cannabinoid drugs to alleviate pain. As cannabis and cannabinoids are legalized in the U.S. for medicinal and recreational use, it has become critical to determine the potential utilities and harms of cannabinoid drugs in individuals living with chronic pain. Here, we tested the effects of repeated THC vapor inhalation on thermal nociception and mechanical sensitivity, in adult male and female Wistar rats using a chronic inflammatory pain model (i.e., treated with Complete Freund's Adjuvant [CFA]). We report that repeated THC vapor inhalation rescues thermal hyperalgesia in males and females treated with CFA, and also reduces mechanical hypersensitivity in CFA males but not females. Many of the anti-hyperalgesic effects of chronic THC vapor were still observable 24 hours after cessation of the last THC exposure. We also report plasma levels of THC and its major metabolites, some of which are cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) agonists, after the first and tenth days of THC vapor inhalation. Finally, we report that systemic administration of the CB1 inverse agonist AM251 (1mg/kg; i.p.) blocks the anti-hyperalgesic effects of THC vapor in males and females. These data provide a foundation for future work that will explore the cells and circuits underlying the anti-hyperalgesic effects of THC vapor inhalation in individuals with chronic inflammatory pain. PERSPECTIVE: Cannabinoids are thought to have potential utility in the treatment of chronic pain, but few animal studies have tested the effects of chronic THC or cannabis in animal models of chronic pain. We tested the effects of repeated THC vapor inhalation on chronic pain-related outcomes in male and female animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie K Kelley
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112; Alcohol and Drug of Abuse Center of Excellence, LSUHSC, New Orleans, LA
| | - Savannah H M Lightfoot
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Jason W Middleton
- Alcohol and Drug of Abuse Center of Excellence, LSUHSC, New Orleans, LA; Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112; Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System, New Orleans, LA
| | - Nicholas W Gilpin
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112; Alcohol and Drug of Abuse Center of Excellence, LSUHSC, New Orleans, LA; Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112; Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System, New Orleans, LA.
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Durbin DJ, King JM, Stairs DJ. Behavioral Effects of Vaporized Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, and Mixtures in Male Rats. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:601-611. [PMID: 36802211 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The popularity of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) products has seen a sharp increase in use during recent years. Despite the rise in use of these minor cannabinoids, there are little to no pre-clinical behavioral data on their effects, with most pre-clinical cannabis research focusing on the behavioral effects of delta-9 THC. The current experiments aimed to characterize the behavioral effects of delta-8 THC, CBD, and mixtures of these two drugs using a whole-body vapor exposure route of administration in male rats. Methods: Rats were exposed to vapor that contained different concentrations of delta-8 THC, CBD, or CBD/delta-8 THC mixtures during 10 min of exposure. Following 10 min of vapor exposure, locomotor behavior was monitored, or the warm-water tail withdrawal assay was conducted to measure the acute analgesic effects of the vapor exposure. Results: CBD and CBD/delta-8 THC mixtures resulted in a significant increase in locomotion across the entire session. Although delta-8 THC alone had no significant effect on locomotion across the session, the 10 mg concentration of delta-8 THC had a hyperlocomotion effect in the first 30 min of the session followed by a hypolocomotor effect later in the session. In the tail withdrawal assay, a 3/1 mixture of CBD/delta-8 THC resulted in an immediate analgesic effect compared to vehicle vapor. Finally, immediately following vapor exposure, all drugs had a hypothermic effect on body temperature compared to vehicle. Conclusion: This experiment is the first to characterize the behavioral effects of vaporized delta-8 THC, CBD, and CBD/delta-8 THC in male rats. While data were generally congruent with previous research investigating delta-9 THC, future studies should explore abuse liability and validate plasma blood concentrations of these drugs following administration through whole-body vapor exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby J Durbin
- Department of Psychological Science, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Julia M King
- Department of Psychological Science, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Dustin J Stairs
- Department of Psychological Science, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Gutierrez A, Creehan KM, Grant Y, Taffe MA. Adult consequences of repeated nicotine and Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vapor inhalation in adolescent rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:585-599. [PMID: 38282127 PMCID: PMC10884208 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Use of electronic drug delivery systems (EDDS, "e-cigarettes") to ingest nicotine and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has surged in adolescents in the USA; five times as many high-school seniors vape nicotine daily using tobacco. At the same time, 19.5% of seniors use cannabis at least monthly, with 12% using EDDS to deliver it. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to examine the impact of repeated adolescent vapor inhalation of nicotine and THC in rats. METHODS Female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 30-min sessions of vapor inhalation, twice daily, from post-natal day (PND) 31 to PND 40. Conditions included vapor from the propylene glycol (PG) vehicle, nicotine (60 mg/mL in the PG), THC (100 mg/mL in the PG), or the combination of nicotine (60 mg/mL) and THC (100 mg/mL). Rats were assessed on wheel activity, heroin anti-nociception and nicotine and heroin vapor volitional exposure during adulthood. RESULTS Nicotine-exposed rats exhibited few differences as adults, but were less sensitive to anti-nociceptive effects of heroin (1 mg/kg, s.c.). THC- and THC + nicotine-exposed rats were less spontaneously active, and obtained fewer nicotine vapor deliveries as adults. In contrast, THC-exposed rats obtained volitional heroin vapor at rates indistinguishable from the non-THC-exposed groups. Repeated THC exposure also caused tolerance to temperature-disrupting effects of THC (5 mg/kg, i.p.). CONCLUSIONS These studies further confirm that the effects of repeated vapor exposure to THC in adolescence last into early to middle adulthood, including decreased volitional consumption of nicotine. Effects of repeated nicotine in adolescence were comparatively minor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kevin M Creehan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yanabel Grant
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Gutierrez A, Taffe MA. Rats chasing the dragon: A new heroin inhalation method. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 402:110013. [PMID: 37989452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite extensive human use of inhalation for ingesting opioids, models in rodents have mostly been limited to parenteral injection and oral dosing. Methods using electronic drug delivery systems (EDDS; "e-cigarettes") have shown efficacy in rodent models but these do not faithfully mimic the most popular human inhalation method of heating heroin to the point of vaporization. NEW METHOD Middle aged rats were exposed to vapor created by direct heating of heroin HCl powder in a ceramic e-cigarette type atomizer. Efficacy was determined with a warm water tail withdrawal nociception assay, rectal temperature and self-administration. RESULTS Ten minutes of inhalation of vaporized heroin slowed response latency in a warm water tail withdrawal assay and increased rectal temperature in male rats, in a dose-dependent manner. Similar antinociceptive effects in female rats were attenuated by the opioid antagonist naloxone (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.). Female rats made operant responses for heroin vapor in 15-minute sessions, increased their response rate when the reinforcement ratio increased from FR1 to FR5, and further increased their responding when vapor delivery was omitted. Anti-nociceptive effects of self-administered volatilized heroin were of a similar magnitude as those produced by the 10-minute non-contingent exposure. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Inhalation of directly volatilized heroin successfully produces heroin-typical effects, comparable to EDDS inhalation delivery. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that "chasing the dragon" methods of inhalation of heroin can be modeled successfully in the rat. Inhalation techniques may be particularly useful for longer term studies deep into the middle age of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Gutierrez A, Creehan KM, Grant Y, Taffe MA. Adult consequences of repeated nicotine and Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vapor inhalation in adolescent rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.08.556932. [PMID: 37745433 PMCID: PMC10515744 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.08.556932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The use of Electronic Drug Delivery Systems (EDDS, "e-cigarettes") to ingest nicotine and Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has surged in adolescent populations in the United States, as five times as many high-school seniors vape nicotine daily as use tobacco. At the same time 19.5% of seniors use cannabis at least monthly, with 12% using EDDS to deliver it. This study was conducted to examine the impact of repeated adolescent vapor inhalation of nicotine and THC in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 30-minute sessions of vapor inhalation, twice daily, from Post-Natal Day (PND) 31 to PND 40. Conditions included vapor from the propylene glycol (PG) vehicle, Nicotine (60 mg/mL in the PG), THC (100 mg/mL in the PG) or the combination of Nicotine (60 mg/mL) and THC (100 mg/mL). Rats were assessed on wheel activity, heroin anti-nociception and nicotine and heroin vapor volitional exposure during adulthood. Nicotine exposed rats exhibited few differences as adults, but were less sensitive to anti-nociceptive effects of heroin (1 mg/kg, s.c.). THC- and THC+Nicotine-exposed rats were less spontaneously active, and obtained fewer nicotine vapor deliveries as adults. In contrast, THC exposed rats obtained volitional heroin vapor at rates indistinguishable from the non-THC-exposed groups. Repeated THC exposure also caused tolerance to temperature-disrupting effects of THC (5 mg/kg, i.p.). These studies further confirm that the effects of repeated vapor exposure to THC in adolescence last into early to middle adulthood, including decreased volitional consumption of nicotine. Effects of repeated nicotine in adolescence were comparatively minor.
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Lulek CF, Maulik M, Mitra S, Guindon J, Morgan DJ, Henderson-Redmond AN. Sex differences in acute delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC) response and tolerance as a function of mouse strain. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1987-2003. [PMID: 37516707 PMCID: PMC10471687 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06421-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are increasingly used to alleviate pain; however, tolerance to their antinociceptive effects, including those of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), may limit their therapeutic utility. With more women than men using medical cannabis for pain relief, it is crucial to understand how sex influences cannabinoid-mediated antinociception and tolerance. Though studies in rats consistently find females are more sensitive to the acute antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids, our work with mice consistently finds the converse. The present study examined whether our observed sex differences in Δ9-THC-induced antinociception and tolerance are consistent across multiple mouse strains or are strain-dependent. Male and female C57BL/6J (B6), DBA/2, AKR, and CBA/J mice were assessed for differences in acute Δ9-THC-induced antinociception and hypothermia prior to and following seven days of once-daily Δ9-THC administration. Consistent with our previous findings, male B6 mice were more sensitive to the acute antinociceptive effects of Δ9-THC than female littermates, an effect which dissipated with age. B6 males had decreased cannabinoid expression in the PAG compared to females. While DBA and CBA female mice showed increased Δ9-THC-antinociception compared to male littermates at 30 and 10 mg/kg Δ9-THC, respectively, these differences were less pronounced at higher doses, revealing that dose of Δ9-THC may also be important. Overall, CBA mice were more sensitive to Δ9-THC-induced antinociception while AKR mice were less responsive. These studies highlight the therapeutic potential of Δ9-THC in pain management and underscore the importance of considering not only Δ9-THC dose as a function of sex, but potentially genetic differences when evaluating their clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney F Lulek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
| | - Malabika Maulik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
| | - Swarup Mitra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
| | - Josée Guindon
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Daniel J Morgan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
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Gutierrez A, Taffe MA. Rats Chasing the Dragon: A new heroin inhalation method. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.09.552712. [PMID: 37786688 PMCID: PMC10541576 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Rationale Despite extensive human use of the inhalation route for ingesting opioids, models in rodents have mostly been limited to parenteral injection and oral dosing. Methods using electronic drug delivery systems (EDDS; "e-cigarettes") have shown efficacy in rodent models but these do not faithfully mimic the most popular human inhalation method of heating heroin to the point of vaporization. Objective This study was designed to determine if direct volatilization of heroin hydrochloride delivers effective heroin doses to rodents. Methods Middle aged rats were exposed to vapor created by direct heating of heroin HCl powder in a ceramic e-cigarette type atomizer. Efficacy was determined with a warm water tail withdrawal nociception assay, rectal temperature and self-administration. Results Ten minutes of inhalation of vaporized heroin slowed response latency in a warm water tail withdrawal assay and increased rectal temperature in male rats, in a dose-dependent manner. Similar antinociceptive effects in female rats were attenuated by the opioid antagonist naloxone (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.). Female rats made operant responses for heroin vapor in 15-minute sessions, increased their response rate when the reinforcement ratio increased from FR1 to FR5, and further increased their responding when vapor delivery was omitted. Anti-nociceptive effects of self-administered volatilized heroin were of a similar magnitude as those produced by the 10-minute non-contingent exposure. Conclusions This study shows that "chasing the dragon" methods of inhalation of heroin can be modeled successfully in the rat. Inhalation techniques may be particularly useful for longer term studies deep into middle age of rat species.
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Piscura MK, Henderson-Redmond AN, Barnes RC, Mitra S, Guindon J, Morgan DJ. Mechanisms of cannabinoid tolerance. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 214:115665. [PMID: 37348821 PMCID: PMC10528043 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115665] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis has been used recreationally and medically for centuries, yet research into understanding the mechanisms of its therapeutic effects has only recently garnered more attention. There is evidence to support the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain, muscle spasticity, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, improving weight gain in HIV-related cachexia, emesis, sleep disorders, managing symptoms in Tourette syndrome, and patient-reported muscle spasticity from multiple sclerosis. However, tolerance and the risk for cannabis use disorder are two significant disadvantages for cannabinoid-based therapies in humans. Recent work has revealed prominent sex differences in the acute response and tolerance to cannabinoids in both humans and animal models. This review will discuss evidence demonstrating cannabinoid tolerance in rodents, non-human primates, and humans and our current understanding of the neuroadaptations occurring at the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) that are responsible tolerance. CB1R expression is downregulated in tolerant animals and humans while there is strong evidence of CB1R desensitization in cannabinoid tolerant rodent models. Throughout the review, critical knowledge gaps are indicated and discussed, such as the lack of a neuroimaging probe to assess CB1R desensitization in humans. The review discusses the intracellular signaling pathways that are responsible for mediating CB1R desensitization and downregulation including the action of G protein-coupled receptor kinases, β-arrestin2 recruitment, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, protein kinase A, and the intracellular trafficking of CB1R. Finally, the review discusses approaches to reduce cannabinoid tolerance in humans based on our current understanding of the neuroadaptations and mechanisms responsible for this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Piscura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
| | | | - Robert C Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Swarup Mitra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Josée Guindon
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Daniel J Morgan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
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Rivera-Garcia MT, Rose RM, Wilson-Poe AR. High-CBD Cannabis Vapor Attenuates Opioid Reward and Partially Modulates Nociception in Female Rats. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 5:100050. [PMID: 36937502 PMCID: PMC10019487 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain patients report analgesic effects when using cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid found in whole-plant cannabis extract (WPE). Several studies suggest that cannabis-derived products may serve as an analgesic adjunct or alternative to opioids, and importantly, CBD may also attenuate the abuse potential of opioids. Vaping is a popular route of administration among people who use cannabis, however both the therapeutic and hazardous effects of vaping are poorly characterized. Despite the fact that chronic pain is more prevalent in women, the ability of inhaled high-CBD WPE to relieve pain and reduce opioid reward has not been studied in females. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of high-CBD WPE vapor inhalation in female rats. We found that WPE was modestly efficacious in reversing neuropathy-induced cold allodynia in rats with spared nerve injury (SNI). Chronic exposure to WPE did not affect lung cytoarchitecture or estrous cycle, and it did not induce cognitive impairment, social withdrawal or anxiolytic effects. WPE inhalation prevented morphine-induced conditioned place preference and reinstatement. Similarly, WPE exposure reduced fentanyl self-administration in rats with and without neuropathic pain. We also found that WPE vapor lacks of reinforcing effects compared to the standard excipient used in most vapor administration research. Combined, these results suggest that although high-CBD vapor has modest analgesic effects, it has a robust safety profile, no abuse potential, and it significantly reduces opioid reward in females. Clinical studies examining high-CBD WPE as an adjunct treatment during opioid use disorder are highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Rivera-Garcia
- RS Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Rizelle Mae Rose
- RS Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Adrianne R Wilson-Poe
- RS Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, OR, United States
- Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University
- Corresponding author. Adrianne R Wilson-Poe, Ph.D., 1225 NE 2nd Ave, suite 249, Portland, OR 97232, USA. Tel. (503) 413-1754, (A.R. Wilson-Poe)
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Sadaka AH, Canuel J, Febo M, Johnson CT, Bradshaw HB, Ortiz R, Ciumo F, Kulkarni P, Gitcho MA, Ferris CF. Effects of inhaled cannabis high in Δ9-THC or CBD on the aging brain: A translational MRI and behavioral study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1055433. [PMID: 36819730 PMCID: PMC9930474 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1055433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With the recent legalization of inhaled cannabis for medicinal and recreational use, the elderly represents one of the newest, rapidly growing cohorts of cannabis users. To understand the neurobiological effects of cannabis on the aging brain, 19-20 months old mice were divided into three groups exposed to vaporized cannabis containing ~10% Δ9-THC, ~10% CBD, or placebo for 30 min each day. Voxel based morphometry, diffusion weighted imaging, and resting state functional connectivity data were gathered after 28 days of exposure and following a two-week washout period. Tail-flick, open field, and novel object preference tests were conducted to explore analgesic, anxiolytic, and cognitive effects of cannabis, respectively. Vaporized cannabis high in Δ9-THC and CBD achieved blood levels reported in human users. Mice showed antinociceptive effects to chronic Δ9-THC without tolerance while the anxiolytic and cognitive effects of Δ9-THC waned with treatment. CBD had no effect on any of the behavioral measures. Voxel based morphometry showed a decrease in midbrain dopaminergic volume to chronic Δ9-THC followed but an increase after a two-week washout. Fractional anisotropy values were reduced in the same area by chronic Δ9-THC, suggesting a reduction in gray matter volume. Cannabis high in CBD but not THC increased network strength and efficiency, an effect that persisted after washout. These data would indicate chronic use of inhaled cannabis high in Δ9-THC can be an effective analgesic but not for treatment of anxiety or cognitive decline. The dopaminergic midbrain system was sensitive to chronic Δ9-THC but not CBD showing robust plasticity in volume and water diffusivity prior to and following drug cessation an effect possibly related to the abuse liability of Δ9-THC. Chronic inhaled CBD resulted in enhanced global network connectivity that persisted after drug cessation. The behavioral consequences of this sustained change in brain connectivity remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymen H. Sadaka
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Justin Canuel
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Clare T. Johnson
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Heather B. Bradshaw
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Richard Ortiz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Federica Ciumo
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Praveen Kulkarni
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael A. Gitcho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, United States
| | - Craig F. Ferris
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States,Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Craig F. Ferris,
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Kayode A, Adrish S, Muhammad A, Amin R, Muhammad D, Rida Z, Alabi G, Okumede G, Kayode O. Therapeutic Uses of Medical Cannabis: An Overview of its Functions in Disease Management. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.3923/jms.2023.32.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
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Torrens A, Ruiz CM, Martinez MX, Tagne AM, Roy P, Grimes D, Ahmed F, Lallai V, Inshishian V, Bautista M, Chen YC, Huestis MA, Das A, Fowler CD, Mahler SV, Piomelli D. Nasal accumulation and metabolism of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol following aerosol ('vaping') administration in an adolescent rat model. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106600. [PMID: 36481259 PMCID: PMC9845136 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Passive aerosol exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in laboratory animals results in faster onset of action and less extensive liver metabolism compared to most other administration routes and might thus provide an ecologically relevant model of human cannabis inhalation. Previous studies have, however, overlooked the possibility that rodents, as obligate nose breathers, may accumulate aerosolized THC in the nasal cavity, from where the drug might directly diffuse to the brain. To test this, we administered THC (ten 5-s puffs of 100 mg/mL of THC) to adolescent (31-day-old) Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes. We used liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the drug and its first-pass metabolites - 11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC (11-OH-THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC (11-COOH-THC) - in nasal mucosa, lungs, plasma, and brain (olfactory bulb and cerebellum) at various time points after exposure. Apparent maximal THC concentration and area under the curve were ∼5 times higher in nasal mucosa than in lungs and 50-80 times higher than in plasma. Concentrations of 11-OH-THC were also greater in nasal mucosa and lungs than other tissues, whereas 11-COOH-THC was consistently undetectable. Experiments with microsomal preparations confirmed local metabolism of THC into 11-OH-THC (not 11-COOH-THC) in nasal mucosa and lungs. Finally, whole-body exposure to THC deposited substantial amounts of THC (∼150 mg/g) on fur but suppressed post-exposure grooming in rats of both sexes. The results indicate that THC absorption and metabolism in nasal mucosa and lungs, but probably not gastrointestinal tract, contribute to the pharmacological effects of aerosolized THC in male and female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Torrens
- Department and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Christina M Ruiz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Maricela X Martinez
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Alex Mabou Tagne
- Department and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Pritam Roy
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Dakota Grimes
- Department and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Faizy Ahmed
- Department and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Valeria Lallai
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Victoria Inshishian
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Malia Bautista
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Yen-Chu Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | | | - Aditi Das
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Christie D Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA.
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13
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Penman SL, Berthold EC, Mihalkovic A, Hammond N, McCurdy CR, Blum K, Eiden RD, Sharma A, Thanos PK. Vaporized Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Inhalation in Female Sprague Dawley Rats: A Pharmacokinetic and Behavioral Assessment. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2149-2160. [PMID: 37114788 PMCID: PMC10979821 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666230419093809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Historically, rodent studies examining the effects of THC have used intraperitoneal injection as the route of administration, heavily focusing on male subjects. However, human cannabis use is often through inhalation rather than injection. OBJECTIVE We sought to characterize the pharmacokinetic and phenotypic profile of acutely inhaled THC in female rats, compared to intraperitoneal injection, to identify any differences in exposure of THC between routes of administration. METHODS Adult female rats were administered THC via inhalation or intraperitoneal injection. Serum samples from multiple time points were analyzed for THC and metabolites 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Rats were similarly treated for locomotor activity analysis. RESULTS Rats treated with 2 mg/kg THC intraperitoneally reached a maximum serum THC concentration of 107.7 ± 21.9 ng/mL. Multiple THC inhalation doses were also examined (0.25 mL of 40 or 160 mg/mL THC), achieving maximum concentrations of 43.3 ± 7.2 and 71.6 ± 22.5 ng/mL THC in serum, respectively. Significantly reduced vertical locomotor activity was observed in the lower inhaled dose of THC and the intraperitoneal injected THC dose compared to vehicle treatment. CONCLUSION This study established a simple rodent model of inhaled THC, demonstrating the pharmacokinetic and locomotor profile of acute THC inhalation, compared to an i.p. injected THC dose in female subjects. These results will help support future inhalation THC rat research which is especially important when researching behavior and neurochemical effects of inhaled THC as a model of human cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Penman
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Erin C. Berthold
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Abrianna Mihalkovic
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Nikki Hammond
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Christopher R. McCurdy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
- Translational Drug Development Core, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Mental Health & Sports, Exercise and Global Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Rina D. Eiden
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University. State College, PA USA
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
- Translational Drug Development Core, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY USA
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY, USA
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14
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Zagzoog A, Cabecinha A, Abramovici H, Laprairie RB. Modulation of type 1 cannabinoid receptor activity by cannabinoid by-products from Cannabis sativa and non-cannabis phytomolecules. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:956030. [PMID: 36091813 PMCID: PMC9458935 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.956030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa contains more than 120 cannabinoids and 400 terpene compounds (i.e., phytomolecules) present in varying amounts. Cannabis is increasingly available for legal medicinal and non-medicinal use globally, and with increased access comes the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the pharmacology of phytomolecules. The main transducer of the intoxicating effects of Cannabis is the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R). ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (∆9-THCa) is often the most abundant cannabinoid present in many cultivars of Cannabis. Decarboxylation converts ∆9-THCa to ∆9-THC, which is a CB1R partial agonist. Understanding the complex interplay of phytomolecules—often referred to as “the entourage effect”—has become a recent and major line of inquiry in cannabinoid research. Additionally, this interest is extending to other non-Cannabis phytomolecules, as the diversity of available Cannabis products grows. Here, we chose to focus on whether 10 phytomolecules (∆8-THC, ∆6a,10a-THC, 11-OH-∆9-THC, cannabinol, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, olivetol, palmitoylethanolamide, piperine, and quercetin) alter CB1R-dependent signaling with or without a co-treatment of ∆9-THC. Phytomolecules were screened for their binding to CB1R, inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, and βarrestin2 recruitment in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human CB1R. Select compounds were assessed further for cataleptic, hypothermic, and anti-nociceptive effects on male mice. Our data revealed partial agonist activity for the cannabinoids tested, as well as modulation of ∆9-THC-dependent binding and signaling properties of phytomolecules in vitro and in vivo. These data represent a first step in understanding the complex pharmacology of Cannabis- and non-Cannabis-derived phytomolecules at CB1R and determining whether these interactions may affect the physiological outcomes, adverse effects, and abuse liabilities associated with the use of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Ashley Cabecinha
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hanan Abramovici
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert B. Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: Robert B. Laprairie,
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15
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Maciel IDS, de Abreu GH, Johnson CT, Bonday R, Bradshaw HB, Mackie K, Lu HC. Perinatal CBD or THC Exposure Results in Lasting Resistance to Fluoxetine in the Forced Swim Test: Reversal by Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibition. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:318-327. [PMID: 34182795 PMCID: PMC9225394 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There is widespread acceptance of cannabis for medical or recreational use across the society, including pregnant women. Concerningly, numerous studies find that the developing central nervous system (CNS) is vulnerable to the detrimental effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In contrast, almost nothing on the consequences of perinatal cannabidiol (CBD) exposure. In this study, we used mice to investigate the adult impact of perinatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE) with THC, CBD, or a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD on behaviors. Furthermore, the lasting impact of PCE on fluoxetine sensitivity in the forced swim test (FST) was evaluated to probe neurochemical pathways interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Methods: Pregnant CD1 dams were injected subcutaneously daily with vehicle, 3 mg/kg THC, 3 mg/kg CBD, or 3 mg/kg THC +3 mg/kg CBD from gestational day 5 to postnatal day 10. Mass spectroscopic (MS) analyses were conducted to measure the THC and CBD brain levels in dams and their embryonic progenies. PCE adults were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests: open field arena, sucrose preference test, marble burying test, nestlet shredding test, and FST. Results: MS analysis found substantial levels of THC and CBD in embryonic brains. Our behavioral testing found that PCE females receiving THC or CBD buried significantly more marbles than control mice. Interestingly, PCE males receiving CBD or THC+CBD had significantly increased sucrose preference. While PCE with THC or CBD did not affect FST immobility, PCE with THC or CBD prevented fluoxetine from decreasing immobility in both males and females. Excitingly, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition with a dose of URB597 that was behaviorally inactive in the FST rescued fluoxetine efficacy in PCE mice of both sexes. Conclusions: Our data suggest that PCE with either THC, CBD, or THC+CBD alters repetitive and hedonic behaviors in a phytocannabinoid and sex-dependent manner. In addition, PCE with THC or CBD prevents fluoxetine from enhancing coping behavior. The restoration of fluoxetine responsiveness in THC or CBD PCE adults by inhibition of FAAH suggests that PCE causes a lasting reduction of the ECS and that enhancement of anandamide signaling represents a potential treatment for behavioral deficits following PCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izaque de Sousa Maciel
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Gabriel H.D. de Abreu
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Claire T. Johnson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Rida Bonday
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Heather B. Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Hui-Chen Lu
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Address correspondence to: Hui-Chen Lu, PhD, The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, 702 N Walnut Grove Ave, IN 47405, USA,
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16
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Cannabinoid tetrad effects of oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in male and female rats: sex, dose-effects and time course evaluations. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1397-1408. [PMID: 34652500 PMCID: PMC9287828 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05995-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The legalization of medicinal use of Cannabis sativa in most US states and the removal of hemp from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) controlled substances act has resulted in a proliferation of products containing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) for oral consumption (e.g., edibles, oils, and tinctures) that are being used for recreational and medicinal purposes. OBJECTIVE This study examined the effects of cannabinoids THC and CBD when administered orally on measures of pain sensitivity, body temperature, locomotor activity, and catalepsy (i.e., cannabinoid tetrad) in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. METHODS Rats (N = 24, 6 per sex/drug group) were administered THC (1-20 mg/kg), CBD (3-30 mg/kg), or sesame oil via oral gavage. Thermal and mechanical pain sensitivity (tail flick assay, von Frey test), rectal measurements for body temperature, locomotor activity, and the bar-test of catalepsy were completed. A separate group of rats (N = 8/4 per sex) was administered morphine (5-20 mg/kg; intraperitoneal, IP) and evaluated for pain sensitivity as a positive control. RESULTS We observed classic tetrad effects of antinociception, hypothermia, hyper- and hypolocomotion, and catalepsy after oral administration of THC that were long lasting (> 7 h). CBD modestly increased mechanical pain sensitivity and produced sex-dependent effects on body temperature and locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS Oral THC and CBD produced long lasting effects that differed in magnitude and time course when compared with other routes of administration. Examination of cannabinoid effects administered via different routes of administration, species, and in both males and females is critical to enhance translation.
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17
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Moore CF, Stiltner JW, Davis CM, Weerts EM. Translational models of cannabinoid vapor exposure in laboratory animals. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:63-89. [PMID: 33136615 PMCID: PMC8079522 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most frequently used psychoactive substances in the world. The most common route of administration for cannabis and cannabinoid constituents such as Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is via smoking or vapor inhalation. Preclinical vapor models have been developed, although the vaporization devices and delivery methods vary widely across laboratories. This review examines the emerging field of preclinical vapor models with a focus on cannabinoid exposure in order to (1) summarize vapor exposure parameters and other methodological details across studies; (2) discuss the pharmacological and behavioral effects produced by exposure to vaporized cannabinoids; and (3) compare behavioral effects of cannabinoid vapor administration with those of other routes of administration. This review will serve as a guide for past and current vapor delivery methods in animals, synergize findings across studies, and propose future directions for this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F. Moore
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jeffrey W. Stiltner
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Catherine M. Davis
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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18
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Breit KR, Rodriguez CG, Hussain S, Thomas KJ, Zeigler M, Gerasimidis I, Thomas JD. A Model of Combined Exposure to Nicotine and Tetrahydrocannabinol via Electronic Cigarettes in Pregnant Rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:866722. [PMID: 35368251 PMCID: PMC8966542 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.866722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotine and cannabis are two of the most commonly consumed licit and illicit drugs during pregnancy, often consumed together via e-cigarettes. Vaping is assumed to be a safer alternative than traditional routes of consumption, yet the potential consequences of prenatal e-cigarette exposure are largely unknown, particularly when these two drugs are co-consumed. In a novel co-exposure model, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received nicotine (36 mg/mL), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (100 mg/mL), the combination, or the vehicle via e-cigarettes daily from gestational days 5–20, mimicking the first and second human trimesters. Maternal blood samples were collected throughout pregnancy to measure drug and metabolite levels, and core body temperatures before and after exposure were also measured. Pregnant dams exposed to combined nicotine and THC had lower plasma nicotine and cotinine levels than those exposed to nicotine alone; similarly, the combined exposure group also had lower plasma THC and THC metabolite (THC-OH and THC-COOH) levels than those exposed to THC alone. Prenatal nicotine exposure gradually decreased initial core body temperatures each day, with chronic exposure, whereas exposure to THC decreased temperatures during the individual sessions. Despite these physiological effects, no changes were observed in food or water intake, weight gain, or basic litter outcomes. The use of this model can help elucidate the effects of co-exposure to THC and nicotine via e-cigarettes on both users and their offspring. Understanding the effects of co-use during pregnancy is critical for improving education for pregnant mothers about prenatal e-cigarette use and has important implications for public policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen R. Breit
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kristen R. Breit,
| | - Cristina G. Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Samirah Hussain
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Karen J. Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Mikayla Zeigler
- Department of Biology, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA, United States
| | - Ioanna Gerasimidis
- Department of Biology, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer D. Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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19
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Cuttler C, LaFrance EM, Craft RM. A Large-Scale Naturalistic Examination of the Acute Effects of Cannabis on Pain. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:93-99. [PMID: 33998864 PMCID: PMC8864413 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis use for pain relief is commonly reported, yet laboratory studies and clinical trials suggest that cannabinoids are weak analgesics, and it is unclear whether perceived reductions in pain from before to after cannabis use relate to factors such as dose, method of administration, phytocannabinoid content, or the age or gender of the user. We determined whether inhalation of cannabis decreased self-reported pain ratings as well as whether user gender, age, time, method of administration, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) content, or dose of cannabis contribute to changes in these ratings. We also examined whether tolerance may develop to the analgesic effects of cannabis over time. Materials and Methods: Archival data were obtained from Strainprint®, a medical cannabis app that allows patients to track symptoms before and after using different strains and doses of cannabis. Latent change score models and multilevel models were used to analyze data from 131,582 sessions in which inhaled cannabis was used to treat "muscle pain," "joint pain," or "nerve pain." Results: For all three pain symptoms, severity ratings decreased significantly after cannabis use. Women reported higher baseline and postcannabis pain severity than did men, and men reported larger decreases in pain than did women. Neither THC nor CBD content nor their interaction predicted reductions in pain ratings. However, vaping was associated with larger reductions in joint pain ratings than was smoking, and lower doses were associated with larger reductions in nerve pain ratings. Additionally, for all three pain symptoms, the dose of cannabis used to manage pain increased significantly over time. Conclusions: Inhaled cannabis reduces self-reported pain severity by ∼42-49%. However, these reductions appear to diminish across time, and patients use larger doses across time, suggesting that analgesic tolerance develops with continued use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Cuttler
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- *Address correspondence to: Carrie Cuttler, PhD, Department of Psychology, Washington State University, PO Box 644820, Pullman, WA 99164-4820, USA,
| | - Emily M. LaFrance
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Craft
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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20
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Abstract
RATIONALE Opioids are effective medications, but they have several key limitations including the development of tolerance, establishment of dependence, diversion for non-medical use, and the development of addiction. Therefore, any drugs which act in an additive or synergistic fashion with opioids to address medical applications have the potential to reduce opioid-related harms. OBJECTIVES To determine if heroin and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interact in an additive or independent manner to alter nociception, body temperature, and spontaneous locomotor activity when inhaled or injected. METHODS Groups of female and male rats, implanted with radiotelemetry transmitters, were exposed to vapor generated from heroin (50 mg/mL in propylene glycol vehicle; PG), THC (50 mg/mL), or the combination for assessment of effects on temperature and activity. Thermal nociception was assessed with a warm water tail-withdrawal assay. RESULTS Heroin inhalation increased temperature and activity whereas THC inhalation decreased temperature and activity in both female and male Sprague-Dawley rats. Effects of combined inhalation were in opposition, and additional experiments found the same outcome for the injection of heroin (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) and THC (10 mg/kg, i.p.) alone and in combination. In contrast, the co-administration of heroin and THC by either inhalation or injection produced additive effects on thermal nociception in both male and female Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that additive effects of THC with an opioid on a medical endpoint such as analgesia may not generalize to other behavioral or physiological effects, which may be a positive outcome for unwanted side effects.
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21
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Wiley JL, Taylor SI, Marusich JA. Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol discrimination: Effects of route of administration in rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 225:108827. [PMID: 34186444 PMCID: PMC8282763 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis users typically smoke or vape cannabis or ingest it in edibles, whereas cannabinoids are typically administered via injection in rodent research. The present study examined the effects of route of administration (ROA) of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Adult female and male Long Evans rats were trained to discriminate intraperitoneal (i.p.) THC from vehicle in a drug discrimination procedure. Following acquisition, dose-effect curves were determined with THC using i.p., oral (p.o.), and subcutaneous (s.c.) injection in both sexes and aerosol exposure in males only, followed by a time course with one dose for each ROA. Both sexes acquired THC discrimination in a similar number of sessions, although baseline response rates were significantly lower in females than males. THC fully substituted for the 3 mg/kg i.p. training dose across all ROA. While potencies were similar for ROA involving first-pass metabolism (i.p. and p.o.), THC potency was lower with s.c. administration. During the time course analysis, aerosol administration had the shortest latency to onset of discriminative stimulus effects and the shortest duration of effect, whereas s.c. administration had the longest duration. The results of this examination of the effects of ROA on an abuse-related effect of THC provide an empirical foundation to facilitate choice of ROA for mechanistic investigation of THC's pharmacology. Further, animal models using translationally relevant ROA may facilitate more accurate predictions of their effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L Wiley
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Shanequa I Taylor
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Julie A Marusich
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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22
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Bhaskar A, Bell A, Boivin M, Briques W, Brown M, Clarke H, Cyr C, Eisenberg E, de Oliveira Silva RF, Frohlich E, Georgius P, Hogg M, Horsted TI, MacCallum CA, Müller-Vahl KR, O'Connell C, Sealey R, Seibolt M, Sihota A, Smith BK, Sulak D, Vigano A, Moulin DE. Consensus recommendations on dosing and administration of medical cannabis to treat chronic pain: results of a modified Delphi process. J Cannabis Res 2021; 3:22. [PMID: 34215346 PMCID: PMC8252988 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-021-00073-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, medical cannabis legalization has increased in recent years and medical cannabis is commonly used to treat chronic pain. However, there are few randomized control trials studying medical cannabis indicating expert guidance on how to dose and administer medical cannabis safely and effectively is needed. METHODS Using a multistage modified Delphi process, twenty global experts across nine countries developed consensus-based recommendations on how to dose and administer medical cannabis in patients with chronic pain. RESULTS There was consensus that medical cannabis may be considered for patients experiencing neuropathic, inflammatory, nociplastic, and mixed pain. Three treatment protocols were developed. A routine protocol where the clinician initiates the patient on a CBD-predominant variety at a dose of 5 mg CBD twice daily and titrates the CBD-predominant dose by 10 mg every 2 to 3 days until the patient reaches their goals, or up to 40 mg/day. At a CBD-predominant dose of 40 mg/day, clinicians may consider adding THC at 2.5 mg and titrate by 2.5 mg every 2 to 7 days until a maximum daily dose of 40 mg/day of THC. A conservative protocol where the clinician initiates the patient on a CBD-predominant variety at a dose of 5 mg once daily and titrates the CBD-predominant dose by 10 mg every 2 to 3 days until the patient reaches their goals, or up to 40 mg/day. At a CBD-predominant dose of 40 mg/day, clinicians may consider adding THC at 1 mg/day and titrate by 1 mg every 7 days until a maximum daily dose of 40 mg/day of THC. A rapid protocol where the clinician initiates the patient on a balanced THC:CBD variety at 2.5-5 mg of each cannabinoid once or twice daily and titrates by 2.5-5 mg of each cannabinoid every 2 to 3 days until the patient reaches his/her goals or to a maximum THC dose of 40 mg/day. CONCLUSIONS In summary, using a modified Delphi process, expert consensus-based recommendations were developed on how to dose and administer medical cannabis for the treatment of patients with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Bhaskar
- Pain Management Centre, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alan Bell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Matthew Brown
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Hance Clarke
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Claude Cyr
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elon Eisenberg
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Eva Frohlich
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Malcolm Hogg
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Kirsten R Müller-Vahl
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover, Germany
| | - Colleen O'Connell
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Robert Sealey
- Cannabinoid Medicine Specialist, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marc Seibolt
- Algesiologikum- Centers for Pain Medicine, Day Clinic for Pain Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Aaron Sihota
- The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brennan K Smith
- CTC Communications, Medical Division, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | | | - Antonio Vigano
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dwight E Moulin
- Departments of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Oncology, Earl Russell Chair of Pain Medicine, Western University, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.
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23
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Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabis use, abuse, and withdrawal: Cannabinergic mechanisms, clinical, and preclinical findings. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1674-1696. [PMID: 33891706 PMCID: PMC9291571 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is the most widely used illicit drug in the world. Its main psychoactive component is delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of over 100 phytocannabinoid compounds produced by the cannabis plant. THC is the primary compound that drives cannabis abuse potential and is also used and prescribed medically for therapeutic qualities. Despite its therapeutic potential, a significant subpopulation of frequent cannabis or THC users will develop a drug use syndrome termed cannabis use disorder. Individuals suffering from cannabis use disorder exhibit many of the hallmarks of classical addictions including cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Currently, there are no efficacious treatments for cannabis use disorder or withdrawal symptoms. This makes both clinical and preclinical research on the neurobiological mechanisms of these syndromes ever more pertinent. Indeed, basic research using animal models has provided valuable evidence of the neural molecular and cellular actions of cannabis that mediate its behavioral effects. One of the main components being central action on the cannabinoid type‐one receptor and downstream intracellular signaling related to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Back‐translational studies have provided insight linking preclinical basic and behavioral biology research to better understand symptoms observed at the clinical level. This narrative review aims to summarize major research elucidating the molecular, cellular, and behavioral manifestations of cannabis/THC use that play a role in cannabis use disorder and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Kesner
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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24
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Iemolo A, Montilla-Perez P, Nguyen J, Risbrough VB, Taffe MA, Telese F. Reelin deficiency contributes to long-term behavioral abnormalities induced by chronic adolescent exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in mice. Neuropharmacology 2021; 187:108495. [PMID: 33582152 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use is widespread among adolescents and has been associated with long-term negative outcomes on neurocognitive functions. However, the factors that contribute to the long-term detrimental effects of cannabis use remain poorly understood. Here, we studied how Reelin deficiency influences the behavior of mice exposed to cannabis during adolescence. Reelin is a gene implicated in the development of the brain and of psychiatric disorders. To this aim, heterozygous Reeler (HR) mice, that express reduced level of Reelin, were chronically injected during adolescence with high doses (10 mg/kg) of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a major psychoactive component of cannabis. Two weeks after the last injection of THC, mice were tested with multiple behavioral assays, including working memory, social interaction, locomotor activity, anxiety-like responses, stress reactivity, and pre-pulse inhibition. Compared to wild-type (WT), HR mice treated with THC showed impaired social behaviors, elevated disinhibitory phenotypes and increased reactivity to aversive situations, in a sex-specific manner. Overall, these findings show that Reelin deficiency influences behavioral abnormalities caused by heavy consumption of THC during adolescence and suggest that elucidating Reelin signaling will improve our understanding of neurobiological mechanisms underlying behavioral traits relevant to the development of psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Iemolo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | - Jacques Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Victoria B Risbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Center for Excellence in Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Francesca Telese
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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25
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Taffe MA, Creehan KM, Vandewater SA, Kerr TM, Cole M. Effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vapor inhalation in Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2021; 29:1-13. [PMID: 32297788 PMCID: PMC8376092 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An inhalation system based on e-cigarette technology produces hypothermic and antinociceptive effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rats. Indirect comparison of some prior investigations suggested differential impact of inhaled THC between Wistar (WI) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats; thus, this study was conducted to directly compare the strains across inhaled and injected routes of administration. Groups (N = 8 per strain) of age-matched male SD and WI rats were prepared with radiotelemetry devices to measure temperature and then exposed to vapor from the propylene glycol (PG) vehicle or THC (25-200 mg/mL of PG) for 30 or 40 min. Additional studies evaluated effects of THC inhalation on plasma THC (50-200 mg/mL) and nociception (100-200 mg/mL) as well as the thermoregulatory effect of intraperitoneal injection of THC (5-30 mg/kg). Hypothermic effects of THC were more pronounced in SD rats, where plasma levels of THC were identical across strains, under either fixed inhalation conditions or injection of a mg/kg equivalent dose. Strain differences in hypothermia were largest after i.p. injection of THC, with SD rats exhibiting dose-dependent temperature reduction after 5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p. and the WI rats only exhibiting significant hypothermia after 20 mg/kg, i.p. The antinociceptive effects of inhaled THC (100, 200 mg/mL) did not differ significantly across the strains. These studies confirm an insensitivity of WI rats, compared with SD rats, to hypothermia induced by THC following inhalation conditions that produced identical plasma THC and antinociception. Thus, quantitative, albeit not qualitative, strain differences may be obtained when studying thermoregulatory effects of THC. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA,Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to Dr. Michael A. Taffe, Department of Psychiatry; 9500 Gilman Dr. MC 0714; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093; USA; Phone: +1.858.246.5638;
| | - Kevin M. Creehan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | | | - Tony M. Kerr
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Maury Cole
- La Jolla Alcohol Research, Inc, La Jolla, CA USA
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26
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Moore CF, Davis CM, Harvey EL, Taffe MA, Weerts EM. Appetitive, antinociceptive, and hypothermic effects of vaped and injected Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rats: exposure and dose-effect comparisons by strain and sex. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 202:173116. [PMID: 33493547 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Advances in drug vapor exposure systems have enabled evaluation of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vapor effects in laboratory animals. The purpose of this study was to 1) establish a range of parameters of THC vapor exposure in rats sufficient to produce a behavioral dose-effect curve in a battery of tasks sensitive to THC; and 2) to investigate sex differences in the effects of THC vapor exposure and THC injection (intraperitoneal, IP) on these behaviors in two strains of outbred rats. Male and female Sprague Dawley and Wistar rats (N = 22, 5-6/sex per group) received THC via passive vapor exposure (200 mg/mL; 5 conditions) and IP injection (1-20 mg/kg) in a within subject design. The effects of vaped and injected THC on appetite was determined using progressive ratio responding for food pellets. THC effects on nociception, measured using the tail withdrawal assay, and body temperature were also assessed during a 5-h test period for evaluation of time course of effects. Plasma THC concentrations were assessed after THC vapor and 10 mg/kg IP THC. THC vapor produced exposure-related increases and decreases in motivation to obtain food under the progressive ratio schedule. IP THC (3-20 mg/kg) reduced breakpoints. Vaped and injected THC produced exposure and dose-dependent antinociception and hypothermia. Sex and strain differences in THC effects were also observed. Plasma THC concentrations were higher after 10 mg/kg IP THC (152 ng/mL) compared to the highest vapor exposure condition tested (38 ng/mL), but magnitude of behavioral effects were comparable. THC vapor exposure produced reliable, dose orderly effects on food-maintained behavior, nociception, and body temperature that are comparable to effects of IP THC, although there were differences in the time course of behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F Moore
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Catherine M Davis
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric L Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Elise M Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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27
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Lee H. Vitamin E acetate as linactant in the pathophysiology of EVALI. Med Hypotheses 2020; 144:110182. [PMID: 33254504 PMCID: PMC7422838 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The recent identification of Vitamin E acetate as one of the causal agents for the e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) is a major milestone. In membrane biophysics, Vitamin E is a linactant and a potent modulator of lateral phase separation that effectively reduces the line tension at the two-dimensional phase boundaries and thereby exponentially increases the surface viscosity of the pulmonary surfactant. Disrupted dynamics of respiratory compression-expansion cycling may result in an extensive hypoxemia, leading to an acute respiratory distress entailing the formation of intraalveolar lipid-laden macrophages. Supplementation of pulmonary surfactants which retain moderate level of cholesterol and controlled hypothermia for patients are recommended when the hypothesis that the line-active property of the vitamin derivative drives the pathogenesis of EVALI holds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjun Lee
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
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28
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Gutierrez A, Creehan KM, Taffe MA. A vapor exposure method for delivering heroin alters nociception, body temperature and spontaneous activity in female and male rats. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 348:108993. [PMID: 33130050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing crisis related to non-medical use of opioids makes it of continued importance to understand the risk factors for opioid addiction, the behavioral and neurobiological consequences of opioid exposure and to seek potential avenues for therapy. Pre-clinical rodent models have been critical to advancing understanding of opioid consequences for decades, but have been mostly limited to drug delivery by injection or by oral dosing. Inhalation, a significant route for many human users, has not been as well-established. METHOD We adapted an e-cigarette based exposure system, previously shown efficacious for delivery of other drugs to rats, to deliver heroin vapor. Effectsin vivo were assessed in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats using a warm-water assay for anti-nociception and an implanted radiotelemetry system for evaluating changes in body temperature and spontaneous activity rate. RESULTS Inhalation of vapor created by heroin 100 mg/mL in the propylene glycol (PG) vehicle significantly slowed tail-withdrawal from a 52 °C water bath, bi-phasically altered activity, and increased temperature in male and female rats. Inhalation of heroin 50 mg/mL for 15 min produced significant effects, as the lower bound on efficacy, whereas inhalation of heroin 100 mg/mL for 30 min produced robust effects across all endpoints and groups. CONCLUSIONS This work shows that e-cigarette devices deliver psychoactive doses of heroin to rats, using concentrations of ∼50-100 mg/mL and inhalation durations of 15-30 min. This technique may be useful to assess the health consequences of inhaled heroin and other opioid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin M Creehan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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29
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Parks C, Jones BC, Moore BM, Mulligan MK. Sex and Strain Variation in Initial Sensitivity and Rapid Tolerance to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2020; 5:231-245. [PMID: 32923660 PMCID: PMC7480727 DOI: 10.1089/can.2019.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: For cannabis and other drugs of abuse, initial response and/or tolerance to drug effects can predict later dependence and problematic use. Our objective is to identify sex and genetic (strain) differences in initial response and rapid tolerance to Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, between highly genetically divergent inbred mouse strains—C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2). Experimental Approach: Sex and strain responses relative to baseline were quantified following daily exposure (i.p.) to 10 mg/kg THC or vehicle (VEH) over the course of 5 days. Dependent measures included hypothermia (decreased body temperature) and ataxia (decreased spontaneous activity in the open field), and antinociception (increase in tail withdrawal latency to a thermal stimulus). Initial sensitivity to THC was defined as the difference in response between baseline and day 1. Rapid tolerance to THC was defined as the difference in response between days 1 and 2. Results: B6 exhibited greater THC-induced motor activity suppression and initial sensitivity to ataxia relative to the D2 strain. Females demonstrated greater levels of THC-induced hypothermia and initial sensitivity relative to males. Higher levels of THC-induced antinociception and initial sensitivity were observed for D2 relative to B6. Rapid tolerance to THC was observed for hypothermia and antinociception. Much less tolerance was observed for THC-induced ataxia. D2 exhibited rapid tolerance to THC-induced hypothermia and antinociception at time points associated with peak THC initial response. Likewise, at the peak initial THC response time point, females demonstrated greater levels of rapid tolerance to hypothermic effects relative to males. Conclusions: Both sex and genetic factors drive variation in initial response and rapid tolerance to the ataxic, antinociceptive, and hypothermic effects of THC. As these traits directly result from THC activation of the cannabinoid receptor 1, gene variants between B6 and D2 in cannabinoid signaling pathways are likely to mediate strain differences in response to THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Parks
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Byron C Jones
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Bob M Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Megan K Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
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30
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Nguyen JD, Creehan KM, Grant Y, Vandewater SA, Kerr TM, Taffe MA. Explication of CB 1 receptor contributions to the hypothermic effects of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when delivered by vapor inhalation or parenteral injection in rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 214:108166. [PMID: 32717503 PMCID: PMC7423642 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by inhalation using e-cigarette technology grows increasingly popular for medical and recreational purposes. This has led to development of e-cigarette based techniques to study the delivery of THC by inhalation in laboratory rodents. Inhaled THC reliably produces hypothermic and antinociceptive effects in rats, similar to effects of parenteral injection of THC. This study was conducted to determine the extent to which the hypothermic response depends on interactions with the CB1 receptor, using pharmacological antagonist (SR141716, AM-251) approaches. Groups of rats were implanted with radiotelemetry devices capable of reporting activity and body temperature, which were assessed after THC inhalation or injection. SR141716 (4 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked or attenuated antinociceptive effects of acute THC inhalation in male and female rats. SR141716 was unable to block the initial hypothermia caused by THC inhalation, but temperature was restored to normal more quickly. Alterations in antagonist pre-treatment time, dose and the use of a rat strain with less sensitivity to THC-induced hypothermia did not change this pattern. Pre-treatment with SR141716 (4 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked hypothermia induced by i.v. THC and reversed hypothermia when administered 45 or 90 min after THC (i.p.). SR141716 and AM-251 (4 mg/kg, i.p.) sped recovery from, but did not block, hypothermia caused by vapor THC in female rats made tolerant by prior repeated THC vapor inhalation. The CB2 antagonist AM-630, had no effect. These results suggest that hypothermia consequent to THC inhalation is induced by other mechanisms in addition to CB1 receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques D. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - K. M. Creehan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Yanabel Grant
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | | | - Tony M. Kerr
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Michael A. Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
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31
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An D, Peigneur S, Hendrickx LA, Tytgat J. Targeting Cannabinoid Receptors: Current Status and Prospects of Natural Products. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5064. [PMID: 32709050 PMCID: PMC7404216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), as part of the endocannabinoid system, play a critical role in numerous human physiological and pathological conditions. Thus, considerable efforts have been made to develop ligands for CB1 and CB2, resulting in hundreds of phyto- and synthetic cannabinoids which have shown varying affinities relevant for the treatment of various diseases. However, only a few of these ligands are clinically used. Recently, more detailed structural information for cannabinoid receptors was revealed thanks to the powerfulness of cryo-electron microscopy, which now can accelerate structure-based drug discovery. At the same time, novel peptide-type cannabinoids from animal sources have arrived at the scene, with their potential in vivo therapeutic effects in relation to cannabinoid receptors. From a natural products perspective, it is expected that more novel cannabinoids will be discovered and forecasted as promising drug leads from diverse natural sources and species, such as animal venoms which constitute a true pharmacopeia of toxins modulating diverse targets, including voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors such as CB1 and CB2, with astonishing affinity and selectivity. Therefore, it is believed that discovering novel cannabinoids starting from studying the biodiversity of the species living on planet earth is an uncharted territory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (D.A.); (S.P.); (L.A.H.)
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32
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Montanari C, Kelley LK, Kerr TM, Cole M, Gilpin NW. Nicotine e-cigarette vapor inhalation effects on nicotine & cotinine plasma levels and somatic withdrawal signs in adult male Wistar rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:613-625. [PMID: 31760460 PMCID: PMC7039759 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05400-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Non-contingent chronic nicotine exposure procedures have evolved rapidly in recent years, culminating in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS or e-cigarettes) to deliver vaporized drugs to rodents in standard housing chambers. OBJECTIVES The aim of the current work was to use ENDS to test concentration-dependent effects of nicotine e-cigarette vapor inhalation on blood-nicotine concentrations, blood-cotinine concentrations, and somatic withdrawal signs over time in rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats were exposed to vapor containing various concentrations of nicotine (20, 40, 80 mg/mL) for 11 days through ENDS, and blood concentrations of nicotine and cotinine, the major proximate metabolite of nicotine, as well as spontaneous and precipitated somatic withdrawal signs, were measured over time (across days of exposure and over hours after termination of vapor exposure). RESULTS Exposing male Wistar rats to non-contingent nicotine vapor inhalation through ENDS produces somatic withdrawal symptoms and measurable blood-nicotine and blood-cotinine levels that change according to (1) concentration of nicotine in vape solution, (2) number of days of nicotine vapor exposure, (3) time since termination of nicotine vapor exposure, and (4) relative to the withdrawal signs, whether withdrawal was spontaneous or precipitated (by mecamylamine). CONCLUSIONS The data presented here provide parameters that can be used as a reasonable starting point for future work that employs ENDS to deliver non-contingent nicotine vapor in rats, although many parameters can and should be altered to match the specific goals of future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Montanari
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Leslie K Kelley
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Tony M Kerr
- La Jolla Alcohol Research Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maury Cole
- La Jolla Alcohol Research Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas W. Gilpin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.,Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.,Alcohol & Drug Abuse Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.,Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA, 70119, USA
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33
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Nguyen JD, Creehan KM, Kerr TM, Taffe MA. Lasting effects of repeated ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol vapour inhalation during adolescence in male and female rats. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 177:188-203. [PMID: 31478558 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Adolescents are regularly exposed to ∆9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via smoking and, more recently, vaping cannabis extracts. Growing legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes, combined with decreasing perceptions of harm, makes it increasingly important to determine the consequences of frequent adolescent exposure for motivated behaviour and lasting tolerance in response to THC. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES Male and female rats inhaled THC vapour, or that from the propylene glycol (PG) vehicle, twice daily for 30 min from postnatal day (PND) 35-39 and PND 42-46 using an e-cigarette system. Thermoregulatory responses to vapour inhalation were assessed by radio-telemetry during adolescence and from PND 86-94. Chow intake was assessed in adulthood. Blood samples were obtained from additional adolescent groups following initial THC inhalation and after 4 days of twice daily exposure. Additional groups exposed repeatedly to THC or PG during adolescence were evaluated for intravenous self-administration of oxycodone as adults. KEY RESULTS Female, not male, adolescents developed tolerance to the hypothermic effects of THC inhalation in the first week of repeated exposure despite similar plasma THC levels. Each sex exhibited tolerance to THC hypothermia in adulthood after repeated adolescent THC. However, enhanced potency was found in females. Repeated THC male rats consumed more food than their PG-treated control group, without significant bodyweight differences. Adolescent THC did not alter oxycodone self-administration in either sex but increased fentanyl self-administration in females. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Repeated THC vapour inhalation in adolescent rats has lasting consequences observable in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques D Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, La Jolla, California
| | - Kevin M Creehan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, La Jolla, California
| | - Tony M Kerr
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, La Jolla, California
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Modeling drug exposure in rodents using e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 330:108458. [PMID: 31614162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Smoking tobacco products is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Coordinated efforts have successfully reduced tobacco cigarette smoking in the United States; however, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) recently have replaced traditional cigarettes for many users. While the clinical risks associated with long-term ENDS use remain unclear, advancements in preclinical rodent models will enhance our understanding of their overall health effects. This review examines the peripheral and central effects of ENDS-mediated exposure to nicotine and other drugs of abuse in rodents and evaluates current techniques for implementing ENDS in preclinical research.
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Ogden SB, Malamas MS, Makriyannis A, Eckel LA. The novel cannabinoid CB 1 receptor agonist AM11101 increases food intake in female rats. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:3972-3982. [PMID: 31328790 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) acts via cannabinoid CB1 receptors to increase feeding. Here, we assessed the orexigenic effect of AM11101, a novel CB1 receptor agonist designed to have a more favourable pharmacodynamic profile than THC. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The acute, orexigenic effects of AM11101 and THC were compared in female rats. Food intake and meal patterns were also examined following once daily treatment with AM11101 and THC for 7 days. KEY RESULTS AM11101 (0.01-0.1 mg·kg-1 ) increased food intake during the first hour following both acute and chronic treatments in pre-fed and freely feeding animals. This orexigenic effect persisted for up to 4 hr, with no compensatory decrease in feeding during the subsequent 4-22 hr. THC (1 mg·kg-1 ) increased 1-hr food intake in pre-fed animals, but was less reliable than AM11101 in increasing 1-hr food intake in freely feeding animals following both acute and chronic administration. The orexigenic effect of both compounds was due to an increase in meal size, not meal number. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our study provides the first demonstration that AM11101 increases short-term food intake via a selective increase in meal size. AM11101 promotes a more reliable orexigenic effect than THC in freely feeding animals, with no subsequent compensatory decrease in feeding. AM11101 may offer a greater efficacy than THC and its congeners in stimulating food intake in underweight clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean B Ogden
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Michael S Malamas
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lisa A Eckel
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
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Javadi-Paydar M, Kerr TM, Harvey EL, Cole M, Taffe MA. Effects of nicotine and THC vapor inhalation administered by an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) in male rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 198:54-62. [PMID: 30878767 PMCID: PMC6467722 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, e-cigarettes) are increasingly used for the self-administration of nicotine by various human populations, including previously nonsmoking adolescents. Studies in preclinical models are necessary to evaluate health impacts of ENDS including the development of nicotine addiction, effects of ENDS vehicles, flavorants and co-administered psychoactive substances such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This study was conducted to validate a rat model useful for the study of nicotine effects delivered by inhalation of vapor created by ENDS. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 8) were prepared with radio telemetry devices for the reporting of temperature and activity. Experiments subjected rats to inhalation of vapor generated by an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) adapted for rodents. Inhalation conditions included vapor generated by the propylene glycol (PG) vehicle, Nicotine (1, 10, 30 mg/mL in the PG) and THC (12.5, 25 mg/mL). RESULTS Nicotine inhalation increased spontaneous locomotion and decreased body temperature of rats. Pretreatment with the nicotinic cholinergic receptor antagonist mecamylamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented stimulant effects of nicotine vapor inhalation and attenuated the hypothermic response. Combined inhalation of nicotine and THC resulted in apparently independent effects which were either additive (hypothermia) or opposed (activity). CONCLUSIONS These studies provide evidence that ENDS delivery of nicotine via inhalation results in nicotine-typical effects on spontaneous locomotion and thermoregulation in male rats. Effects were blocked by a nicotinic antagonist, demonstrating mechanistic specificity. This system will therefore support additional studies of the contribution of atomizer/wick design, vehicle constituents and/or flavorants to the effects of nicotine administered by ENDS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tony M. Kerr
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric L. Harvey
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maury Cole
- La Jolla Alcohol Research, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A. Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA,Correspondence: Michael A. Taffe, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, SP30-2400 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, Phone: +1.858.784.7228 Fax: +1.858.784.7405
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37
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Nguyen JD, Grant Y, Creehan KM, Hwang CS, Vandewater SA, Janda KD, Cole M, Taffe MA. Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol attenuates oxycodone self-administration under extended access conditions. Neuropharmacology 2019; 151:127-135. [PMID: 30980837 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Growing nonmedical use of prescription opioids is a global problem, motivating research on ways to reduce use and combat addiction. Medical cannabis ("medical marijuana") legalization has been associated epidemiologically with reduced opioid harms and cannabinoids have been shown to modulate effects of opioids in animal models. This study was conducted to determine if Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) enhances the behavioral effects of oxycodone. Male rats were trained to intravenously self-administer (IVSA) oxycodone (0.15 mg/kg/infusion) during 1 h, 4 h or 8 h sessions. Following acquisition rats were exposed to THC by vapor inhalation (1 h and 8 h groups) or injection (0-10 mg/kg, i.p.; all groups) prior to IVSA sessions. Fewer oxycodone infusions were obtained by rats following vaporized or injected THC compared with vehicle treatment prior to the session. Follow-up studies demonstrated parallel dose-dependent effects of THC, i.p., on self-administration of different per-infusion doses of oxycodone and a preserved loading dose early in the session. These patterns are inconsistent with behavioral suppression. Additional groups of male and female Wistar rats were assessed for nociception following inhalation of vaporized THC (50 mg/mL), oxycodone (100 mg/mL) or the combination. Tail withdrawal latency was increased more by the THC/oxycodone combination compared to either drug alone. Similar additive antinociceptive effects were produced by injection of THC (5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and oxycodone (2.0 mg/kg, s.c.). Together these data demonstrate additive effects of THC and oxycodone and suggest the potential use of THC to enhance therapeutic efficacy, and to reduce the abuse, of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques D Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yanabel Grant
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin M Creehan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Candy S Hwang
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute for Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Chemistry, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sophia A Vandewater
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kim D Janda
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute for Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maury Cole
- La Jolla Alcohol Research, Inc, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Tolerance to hypothermic and antinoceptive effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vapor inhalation in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 172:33-38. [PMID: 30031028 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE A reduced effect of a given dose of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) emerges with repeated exposure to the drug. This tolerance can vary depending on THC dose, exposure chronicity and the behavioral or physiological measure of interest. A novel THC inhalation system based on e-cigarette technology has been recently shown to produce the hypothermic and antinociceptive effects of THC in rats. OBJECTIVE To determine if tolerance to these effects can be produced with repeated vapor inhalation. METHODS Groups of male and female Wistar rats were exposed to 30 min of inhalation of the propylene glycol (PG) vehicle or THC (200 mg/mL in PG) two or three times per day for four days. Rectal temperature changes and nociception were assessed after the first exposure on the first and fourth days of repeated inhalation. RESULTS Female, but not male, rats developed tolerance to the hypothermic and antinociceptive effects of THC after four days of twice-daily THC vapor inhalation. Thrice daily inhalation for four days resulted in tolerance in both male and female rats. The plasma THC levels reached after a 30 min inhalation session did not differ between the male and female rats. CONCLUSIONS Repeated daily THC inhalation induces tolerance in female and male rats, providing further validation of the vapor inhalation method for preclinical studies.
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