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Anajirih N, O'Sullivan SE, Alexander SP. Endocannabinoid hydrolases differentially distribute in platelets and red blood cells and are differentially released by thrombin. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2023; 164:106692. [PMID: 36372184 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2022.106692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma levels of the major endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylgycerol (2AG) and anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) have been identified to vary independently with particular pathological conditions. The levels of these endocannabinoids are tightly regulated by two hydrolytic enzymes, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), respectively. OBJECTIVES In this study, we have quantified these enzyme activities in the major blood fractions. PATIENTS/METHODS In blood fractions from human volunteers, radiometric assays were used to quantify monoacylglycerol lipase and fatty acid amide hydrolase. Tagging with fluorophosphonate-rhodamine allowed quantification of platelet serine hydrolase activities. RESULTS Fatty acid amide hydrolase activity was highest in platelets, while MAGL activity was most abundant in erythrocytes. Sampling the blood of donors on two further occasions 15 days apart showed no significant change in platelet FAAH or erythrocyte MAGL activities. Activities were not different when comparing female donors with males. Storage of these blood fractions at - 80 °C was associated with a rapid loss in enzyme activities, which could largely by avoided by storage in liquid nitrogen. Incubation of platelets and erythrocytes in the presence of thrombin lead to release of measurable FAAH, but not MAGL, activity. Tagging of serine hydrolase activities with fluorophosphonate-rhodamine allowed confirmation of MAGL activity in platelet preparations, as well as multiple other enzymes. CONCLUSIONS These investigations suggest a potential role for FAAH in regulation of coagulation, while the role of MAGL in blood requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuha Anajirih
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Saoirse E O'Sullivan
- Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Stephen Ph Alexander
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
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Bouyahya A, El Omari N, Elmenyiy N, Guaouguaou FE, Balahbib A, El-Shazly M, Chamkhi I. Ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Ajuga iva (L.,) schreb. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 258:112875. [PMID: 32387464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ajuga iva (L.,) Schreb (A. iva). is a medicinal plant commonly used in Africa to treat several diseases such as diabetes, rheumatism, allergy, cancer, renal, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, digestive, and respiratory disorders. AIM OF THE REVIEW We highlighted previous reports on A. iva including its ethnopharmacological uses, the chemistry of its secondary metabolites, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties, and toxicological evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data on A. iva were gathered using scientific research databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Scopus Wiley Online, and Google Scholar. In this review, studies focused on A. iva and its phytopharmacological activities were explored. RESULTS A. iva is used by many North African folk medicine practitioners especially against diabetes and immunological diseases. Our analysis of the previous reports confirmed the scientific evidence of A. iva ethnomedicinal uses, especially the antidiabetic and anti-hypercholesterolemia activity. However, there was no clear correlation between previous pharmacological reports on A. iva and its other ethnomedicinal uses in the treatment of rheumatism, allergy, metabolic, digestive, and respiratory disorders. The extracts and isolated compounds from A. iva exhibited numerous in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-hypercholesterolemia, insecticide, and litholitic effects. Chemical characterization using GC-MS, HPLC, and NMR revealed the presence of many chemical compounds such as 20-hydroxyecdysone, cyasterone, ajugasterone, apigenin dihexoside, apigenin, carvacrol, ecdysterone, palmitic acid in different parts of A. iva. These compounds belong to different classes of chemical compounds such as steroids, flavonoids, fatty acids, and terpenoids. CONCLUSIONS A. iva extracts especially from the leaves showed significant antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemia, and analgesic effects. Future studies are required to validate the results of clinical trials on A. iva antidiabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, antioxidant/anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. Toxicological validation and pharmacokinetics investigation are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety A. iva extracts and its secondary metabolites. An in-depth investigation is needed to reveal the biological activity of A. iva active compounds in preventing the development of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Nasreddine El Omari
- Laboratory of Histology, Embryology, and Cytogenetic, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Nawal Elmenyiy
- Laboratory of Physiology, Pharmacology & Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco.
| | - Fatima-Ezzahrae Guaouguaou
- Mohammed V University in Rabat, LPCMIO, Materials Science Center (MSC), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Abdelaali Balahbib
- Laboratory of Zoology and General Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Mohamed El-Shazly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt.
| | - Imane Chamkhi
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology Team, Center of Plant and Microbial Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
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Sonti S, Tolia M, Duclos RI, Loring RH, Gatley SJ. Metabolic studies of synaptamide in an immortalized dopaminergic cell line. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2019; 141:25-33. [PMID: 30763677 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Synaptamide, the N-acylethanolamine of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is structurally similar to the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine, anandamide. It is an endogenous ligand at the orphan G-protein coupled receptor 110 (GPR110; ADGRF1), and induces neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis in hippocampal and cortical neurons, as well as neuronal differentiation in neural stem cells. PURPOSE Our goal was to characterize the metabolic fate (synthesis and metabolism) of synaptamide in a dopaminergic cell line using immortalized fetal mesencephalic cells (N27 cells). Both undifferentiated and differentiating N27 cells were used in this study in an effort to understand synaptamide synthesis and metabolism in developing and adult cells. METHODS Radiotracer uptake and hydrolysis assays were conducted in N27 cells incubated with [1-14C]DHA or with one of two radioisotopomers of synaptamide: [α,β-14C2]synaptamide and [1-14C-DHA]synaptamide. RESULTS Neither differentiated nor undifferentiated N27 cells synthesized synaptamide from radioactive DHA, but both rapidly incorporated radioactivity from exogenous synaptamide into membrane phospholipids, regardless of which isotopomer was used. Pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) reduced formation of labeled phospholipids in undifferentiated but not differentiated cells. CONCLUSIONS In undifferentiated cells, synaptamide uptake and metabolism is driven by its enzymatic hydrolysis (fatty acid amide hydrolase; FAAH), but in differentiating cells, the process seems to be FAAH independent. We conclude that differentiated and undifferentiated N27 cells utilize synaptamide via different mechanisms. This observation could be extrapolated to how different mechanisms may be in place for synaptamide uptake and metabolism in developing and adult dopaminergic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Sonti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Mansi Tolia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Richard I Duclos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ralph H Loring
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Samuel J Gatley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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N-palmitoylethanolamide in the anterior cingulate cortex attenuates inflammatory pain behaviour indirectly via a CB1 receptor-mediated mechanism. Pain 2017; 157:2687-2696. [PMID: 27649266 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The neural substrates and mechanisms mediating the antinociceptive effects of the endogenous bioactive lipid, N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), require further investigation. We investigated the effects of exogenous PEA administration into the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), an important brain region linked with cognitive and affective modulation of pain, on formalin-evoked nociceptive behaviour in rats. Potential involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor isoforms (PPAR) α and γ or endocannabinoid-mediated entourage effects at cannabinoid1 (CB1) receptors or transient receptor potential subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) in mediating the effects of PEA was also investigated. Intra-ACC administration of PEA significantly attenuated the first and early second phases of formalin-evoked nociceptive behaviour. This effect was attenuated by the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251, but not by the PPARα antagonist GW6471, the PPARγ antagonist GW9662, or the TRPV1 antagonist 5'-iodo resiniferatoxin. All antagonists, administered alone, significantly reduced formalin-evoked nociceptive behaviour, suggesting facilitatory/permissive roles for these receptors in the ACC in inflammatory pain. Post-mortem tissue analysis revealed a strong trend for increased levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide in the ACC of rats that received intra-ACC PEA. Expression of c-Fos, a marker of neuronal activity, was significantly reduced in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, but not in the central nucleus of the amygdala, the rostral ventromedial medulla or the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In conclusion, these data indicate that PEA in the ACC can reduce inflammatory pain-related behaviour, possibly via AEA-induced activation of CB1 receptors and associated modulation of neuronal activity in the basolateral amygdala.
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Scarpelli R, Sasso O, Piomelli D. A Double Whammy: Targeting Both Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) and Cyclooxygenase (COX) To Treat Pain and Inflammation. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:1242-51. [PMID: 26486424 PMCID: PMC4840092 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Pain states that arise from non-resolving inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease or arthritis, pose an unusually difficult challenge for therapy because of the complexity and heterogeneity of their underlying mechanisms. It has been suggested that key nodes linking interactive pathogenic pathways of non-resolving inflammation might offer novel targets for the treatment of inflammatory pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX)-mediated production of pain- and inflammation-inducing prostanoids, are a common first-line treatment for this condition, but their use is limited by mechanism-based side effects. The endogenous levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid mediator with analgesic and tissue-protective functions, are regulated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). This review outlines the pharmacological and chemical rationale for the simultaneous inhibition of COX and FAAH activities with designed multitarget agents. Preclinical studies indicate that such agents may combine superior anti-inflammatory efficacy with reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Scarpelli
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Oscar Sasso
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy.
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA.
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Avraham Y, Katzhendler J, Vorobeiv L, Merchavia S, Listman C, Kunkes E, Harfoush F, Salameh S, Ezra AF, Grigoriadis NC, Berry EM, Najajreh Y. Novel Acylethanolamide Derivatives That Modulate Body Weight through Enhancement of Hypothalamic Pro-Opiomelanocortin (POMC) and/or Decreased Neuropeptide Y (NPY). J Med Chem 2013; 56:1811-29. [DOI: 10.1021/jm300484d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yosefa Avraham
- Department of Human Nutrition
and Metabolism, Braun School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jehoshua Katzhendler
- Institute of Drug Research,
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lia Vorobeiv
- Department of Human Nutrition
and Metabolism, Braun School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shira Merchavia
- Department of Human Nutrition
and Metabolism, Braun School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Chana Listman
- Department of Human Nutrition
and Metabolism, Braun School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eithan Kunkes
- Department of Human Nutrition
and Metabolism, Braun School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Fida’ Harfoush
- Anticancer Drugs Research Lab,
Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Abu-Dies, P.O. Box 20002, Jerusalem, Palestinian Authority
| | - Sawsan Salameh
- Anticancer Drugs Research Lab,
Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Abu-Dies, P.O. Box 20002, Jerusalem, Palestinian Authority
| | - Aviva F. Ezra
- Institute of Drug Research,
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nikolaos C. Grigoriadis
- Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elliot M. Berry
- Department of Human Nutrition
and Metabolism, Braun School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yousef Najajreh
- Anticancer Drugs Research Lab,
Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Abu-Dies, P.O. Box 20002, Jerusalem, Palestinian Authority
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7
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Rouzer CA, Marnett LJ. Endocannabinoid oxygenation by cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and cytochromes P450: cross-talk between the eicosanoid and endocannabinoid signaling pathways. Chem Rev 2011; 111:5899-921. [PMID: 21923193 PMCID: PMC3191732 DOI: 10.1021/cr2002799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Rouzer
- A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Center in Molecular Toxicology, Vanderbilt Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, USA
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8
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García MDC, Adler-Graschinsky E, Celuch SM. Enhancement of the hypotensive effects of intrathecally injected endocannabinoids by the entourage compound palmitoylethanolamide. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 610:75-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Revised: 03/03/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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9
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Holt S, Paylor B, Boldrup L, Alajakku K, Vandevoorde S, Sundström A, Cocco MT, Onnis V, Fowler CJ. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase, a key endocannabinoid metabolizing enzyme, by analogues of ibuprofen and indomethacin. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 565:26-36. [PMID: 17397826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2006] [Revised: 02/05/2007] [Accepted: 02/26/2007] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence in the literature that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs indomethacin and ibuprofen can interact with the cannabinoid system both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, a series of analogues of ibuprofen and indomethacin have been investigated with respect to their ability to inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase, the enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide. Of the fourteen compounds tested, the 6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl analogue of ibuprofen ("ibu-am5") was selected for further study. This compound inhibited rat brain anandamide hydrolysis in a non-competitive manner, with IC50 values of 4.7 and 2.5 microM being found at pH 6 and 8, respectively. By comparison, the IC50 values for ibuprofen were 130 and 750 microM at pH 6 and 8, respectively. There was no measurable N-acylethanolamine hydrolyzing acid amidase activity in rat brain membrane preparations. In intact C6 glioma cells, ibu-am5 inhibited the hydrolysis of anandamide with an IC50 value of 1.2 microM. There was little difference in the potencies of ibu-am5 and ibuprofen towards cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 enzymes, and neither compound inhibited the activity of monoacylglycerol lipase. Ibu-am5 inhibited the binding of [3H]-CP55,940 to rat brain CB1 and human CB2 cannabinoid receptors more potently than ibuprofen, but the increase in potency was less than the corresponding increase in potency seen for inhibition of FAAH activity. It is concluded that ibu-am5 is an analogue of ibuprofen with a greater potency towards fatty acid amide hydrolase but with a similar cyclooxygenase inhibitory profile, and may be useful for the study of the therapeutic potential of combined fatty acid amide hydrolase-cyclooxygenase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Holt
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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10
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Suplita RL, Gutierrez T, Fegley D, Piomelli D, Hohmann AG. Endocannabinoids at the spinal level regulate, but do not mediate, nonopioid stress-induced analgesia. Neuropharmacology 2005; 50:372-9. [PMID: 16316669 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2005.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2005] [Revised: 10/10/2005] [Accepted: 10/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent work in our laboratories has demonstrated that an opioid-independent form of stress-induced analgesia (SIA) is mediated by endogenous cannabinoids [Hohmann et al., 2005. Nature 435, 1108]. Non-opioid SIA, induced by a 3-min continuous foot shock, is characterized by the mobilization of two endocannabinoid lipids--2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide--in the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG). The present studies were conducted to examine the contributions of spinal endocannabinoids to nonopioid SIA. Time-dependent increases in levels of 2-AG, but not anandamide, were observed in lumbar spinal cord extracts derived from shocked relative to non-shocked rats. Notably, 2-AG accumulation was of smaller magnitude than that observed previously in the dorsal midbrain following foot shock. 2-AG is preferentially degraded by monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), whereas anandamide is hydrolyzed primarily by fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). This metabolic segregation enabled us to manipulate endocannabinoid tone at the spinal level to further evaluate the roles of 2-AG and anandamide in nonopioid SIA. Intrathecal administration of the competitive CB1 antagonist SR141716A (rimonabant) failed to suppress nonopioid SIA, suggesting that supraspinal rather than spinal CB1 receptor activation plays a pivotal role in endocannabinoid-mediated SIA. By contrast, spinal inhibition of MGL using URB602, which selectively inhibits 2-AG hydrolysis in the PAG, enhanced SIA through a CB1-selective mechanism. Spinal inhibition of FAAH, with either URB597 or arachidonoyl serotonin (AA-5-HT), also enhanced SIA through a CB1-mediated mechanism, presumably by increasing accumulation of tonically released anandamide. Our results suggest that endocannabinoids in the spinal cord regulate, but do not mediate, nonopioid SIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Suplita
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Baldwin Street, Athens, GA 30602-3013, USA
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11
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Hillard CJ, Jarrahian A. Accumulation of anandamide: Evidence for cellular diversity. Neuropharmacology 2005; 48:1072-8. [PMID: 15910883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2004.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2004] [Revised: 12/13/2004] [Accepted: 12/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA) is accumulated by many cell types, but the mechanisms are unknown. Data from several laboratories are consistent with the hypothesis that the accumulation of AEA occurs via the action of a transmembrane carrier that binds and transports AEA. However, other data suggest that AEA is sufficiently lipophilic to transverse plasma membranes by passive diffusion and will accumulate if it is catabolized intracellularly. The controversy is muddied by the use of different cellular models and assays, all of which are assumed to be studying the same phenomena. The purpose of the studies reported herein was: first, to compare AEA accumulation and accumulation inhibitors in cerebellar granule neurons with a glioma cell line; and, second, to compare the neuronal accumulation of AEA with a closely related analog, N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA). We have found that the accumulation of AEA by neurons and C6 glioma exhibits different affinity for AEA and inhibitor profiles. In addition, we find that the accumulation of AEA and PEA by neurons differs in the amount accumulated and in heterologous inhibition. These studies add to the evidence that the neuronal accumulation of AEA uniquely requires more than passive diffusion and fatty acid amide-mediated catabolism of intracellular AEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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12
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Shrestha R, Dixon RA, Chapman KD. Molecular identification of a functional homologue of the mammalian fatty acid amide hydrolase in Arabidopsis thaliana. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:34990-7. [PMID: 12824167 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m305613200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are endogenous constituents of plant and animal tissues, and in vertebrates their hydrolysis terminates their participation as lipid mediators in the endocannabinoid signaling system. The membrane-bound enzyme responsible for NAE hydrolysis in mammals has been identified at the molecular level (designated fatty acid amide hydrolase, FAAH), and although an analogous enzyme activity was identified in microsomes of cotton seedlings, no molecular information is available for this enzyme in plants. Here we report the identification, the heterologous expression (in Escherichia coli), and the biochemical characterization of an Arabidopsis thaliana FAAH homologue. Candidate Arabidopsis DNA sequences containing a characteristic amidase signature sequence (PS00571) were identified in plant genome data bases, and a cDNA was isolated by reverse transcriptase-PCR using Arabidopsis genome sequences to develop appropriate oligonucleotide primers. The cDNA was sequenced and predicted to encode a protein of 607 amino acids with 37% identity to rat FAAH within the amidase signature domain (18% over the entire length). Residues determined to be important for FAAH catalysis were conserved between the Arabidopsis and rat protein sequences. In addition, a single transmembrane domain near the N terminus was predicted in the Arabidopsis protein sequence, similar to that of the rat FAAH protein. The putative plant FAAH cDNA was expressed as an epitope/His-tagged fusion protein in E. coli and solubilized from cell lysates in the nonionic detergent, dodecyl maltoside. Affinity-purified recombinant protein was indeed active in hydrolyzing a variety of naturally occurring N-acylethanolamine types. Kinetic parameters and inhibition data for the recombinant Arabidopsis protein were consistent with these properties of the enzyme activity characterized previously in plant and animal systems. Collectively these data now provide support at the molecular level for a conserved mechanism between plants and animals for the metabolism of NAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhidaya Shrestha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, USA
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Wilson SJ, Lovenberg TW, Barbier AJ. A high-throughput-compatible assay for determining the activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase. Anal Biochem 2003; 318:270-5. [PMID: 12814631 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-2697(03)00217-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (EC 3.5.1.4.) is the enzyme responsible for the rapid degradation of lipid-derived chemical messengers such as anandamide, oleamide, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. The pharmacological characterization of this enzyme in vivo has been hampered by the lack of selective and bioavailable inhibitors. We have developed a simple, radioactive, high-throughput-compatible assay for this enzyme based on the differential absorption of the substrate and its products to activated charcoal. The assay was validated using known inhibitors. It may be applied for the identification of new inhibitors from a compound library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy J Wilson
- Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development LLC Neuroscience, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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14
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Vandevoorde S, Jonsson KO, Fowler CJ, Lambert DM. Modifications of the ethanolamine head in N-palmitoylethanolamine: synthesis and evaluation of new agents interfering with the metabolism of anandamide. J Med Chem 2003; 46:1440-8. [PMID: 12672243 DOI: 10.1021/jm0209679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous fatty acid amide anandamide (AEA) has, as a result of its actions on cannabinoid and vanilloid receptors, a number of important pharmacological properties including effects on nociception, memory processes, spasticity, and cell proliferation. Inhibition of the metabolism of AEA, catalyzed by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), potentiates the actions of AEA in vivo and therefore may be a useful target for drug development. In the present study, we have investigated whether substitution of the headgroup of the endogenous alternative FAAH substrate palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) can result in the identification of novel compounds preventing AEA metabolism. Thirty-seven derivatives of PEA were synthesized, with the C16 long chain of palmitic acid kept intact, and comprising 20 alkylated, 12 aromatic, and 4 halogenated amides. The ability of the PEA derivatives to inhibit FAAH-catalyzed hydrolysis of [(3)H]AEA was investigated using rat brain homogenates as a source of FAAH. Inhibition curves were analyzed to determine the potency of the inhibitable fraction (pI(50) values) and the maximal attained inhibition for the compound, given that solubility in an aqueous environment is a major issue for these compounds. In the alkylamide family, palmitoylethylamide and palmitoylallylamide were inhibitors of AEA metabolism with pI(50) values of 5.45 and 5.47, respectively. Halogenated derivatives (Cl and Br) exhibit pI(50) values of approximately 5.5 but rather low percentages of maximal inhibition. The -OH group of the ethyl head chain of N-palmitoylethanolamine was not necessary for interaction with FAAH. Amides containing aromatic moieties were less potent inhibitors of AEA metabolism. Compounds containing amide and ester bonds, 13 and 37, showed pI(50) values of 4.99 and 5.08, respectively. None of the compounds showed obvious affinity for CB(1) or CB(2) receptors expressed on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. It is concluded that although none of the compounds were dramatically more potent than PEA itself at reducing the metabolism of AEA, the lack of effect of the compounds at CB(1) and CB(2) receptors makes them useful templates for development of possible therapeutic FAAH inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Vandevoorde
- Unité de Chimie Pharmaceutique et de Radiopharmacie, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier, 73, UCL-CMFA 73.40, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Holt S, Fowler CJ. Anandamide metabolism by fatty acid amide hydrolase in intact C6 glioma cells. Increased sensitivity to inhibition by ibuprofen and flurbiprofen upon reduction of extra- but not intracellular pH. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2003; 367:237-44. [PMID: 12644895 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-002-0686-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2002] [Accepted: 11/26/2002] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The metabolism of anandamide by fatty acid amidohydrolase (FAAH) at different intra- and extracellular pH values has been investigated in intact C6 rat glioma cells. The cellular uptake of anandamide at 37 degrees C was found to decrease by 28% when the extracellular pH (pH(e)) was reduced from pH 7.4 to pH 6.2. In contrast, a selective decrease in intracellular pH (pH(i)), accomplished by acidifying the cells followed by incubation in sodium-free buffer at pH 7.4, did not affect the uptake. Anandamide uptake was inhibited by (R)-ibuprofen, with pI(50) values of 3.05+/-0.57, 3.66+/-0.23 and 3.94+/-0.88 at pH(e) values of 7.4, 6.8 and 6.2, respectively. In the presence of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, however, (R)-ibuprofen failed to inhibit the uptake of anandamide. A reduction in pH(e) from 7.4 to 6.2 produced a 17% reduction in the FAAH-catalyzed metabolism of anandamide in the intact C6 cells. However, an increased sensitivity of FAAH activity to inhibition by (R)-ibuprofen as well as (R,S)-flurbiprofen and (S)-flurbiprofen was seen at a lower pH(e). For (R)-ibuprofen, pI(50) values of 3.57+/-0.08, 4.04+/-0.05 and 4.59+/-0.04 were found at pH(e) values of 7.4, 6.8 and 6.2, respectively. For (R,S)- and (S)-flurbiprofen, the pI(50) values at pH(e) 7.4 were 4.02+/-0.05 and 4.13+/-0.18, respectively at a pH(e) of 7.4, and 4.81+/-0.11 and 4.84+/-0.10, respectively, at a pH(e) of 6.2. In contrast, intracellular acidification did not affect either the rate of anandamide metabolism or its inhibition by (R)-ibuprofen or (S)-flurbiprofen. It is concluded that a reduction of extracellular pH produces an enhanced accumulation of the acidic NSAIDs ibuprofen and flurbiprofen into C6 glioma cells and thereby an inhibition of anandamide metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Holt
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
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16
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Fowler CJ, Jonsson KO, Tiger G. Fatty acid amide hydrolase: biochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic possibilities for an enzyme hydrolyzing anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, palmitoylethanolamide, and oleamide. Biochem Pharmacol 2001; 62:517-26. [PMID: 11585048 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-2952(01)00712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is responsible for the hydrolysis of a number of important endogenous fatty acid amides, including the endogenous cannabimimetic agent anandamide (AEA), the sleep-inducing compound oleamide, and the putative anti-inflammatory agent palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). In recent years, there have been great advances in our understanding of the biochemical and pharmacological properties of the enzyme. In this commentary, the structure and biochemical properties of FAAH and the development of potent and selective FAAH inhibitors are reviewed, together with a brief discussion on the therapeutic possibilities for such compounds in the treatment of inflammatory pain and ischaemic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Sweden.
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17
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Di Marzo V, Melck D, Orlando P, Bisogno T, Zagoory O, Bifulco M, Vogel Z, De Petrocellis L. Palmitoylethanolamide inhibits the expression of fatty acid amide hydrolase and enhances the anti-proliferative effect of anandamide in human breast cancer cells. Biochem J 2001; 358:249-55. [PMID: 11485574 PMCID: PMC1222054 DOI: 10.1042/0264-6021:3580249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has been shown to act in synergy with anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamide; AEA), an endogenous agonist of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB(1)). This synergistic effect was reduced by the CB(2) cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR144528, although PEA does not activate either CB(1) or CB(2) receptors. Here we show that PEA potently enhances the anti-proliferative effects of AEA on human breast cancer cells (HBCCs), in part by inhibiting the expression of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the major enzyme catalysing AEA degradation. PEA (1-10 microM) enhanced in a dose-related manner the inhibitory effect of AEA on both basal and nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced HBCC proliferation, without inducing any cytostatic effect by itself. PEA (5 microM) decreased the IC(50) values for AEA inhibitory effects by 3-6-fold. This effect was not blocked by the CB(2) receptor antagonist SR144528, and was not mimicked by a selective agonist of CB(2) receptors. PEA enhanced AEA-evoked inhibition of the expression of NGF Trk receptors, which underlies the anti-proliferative effect of the endocannabinoid on NGF-stimulated MCF-7 cells. The effect of PEA was due in part to inhibition of AEA degradation, since treatment of MCF-7 cells with 5 microM PEA caused a approximately 30-40% down-regulation of FAAH expression and activity. However, PEA also enhanced the cytostatic effect of the cannabinoid receptor agonist HU-210, although less potently than with AEA. PEA did not modify the affinity of ligands for CB(1) or CB(2) receptors, and neither did it alter the CB(1)/CB(2)-mediated inhibitory effect of AEA on adenylate cyclase type V, nor the expression of CB(1) and CB(2) receptors in MCF-7 cells. We suggest that long-term PEA treatment of cells may positively affect the pharmacological activity of AEA, in part by inhibiting FAAH expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Di Marzo
- Istituto per la Chimica di Molecole di Interesse Biologico, Via Toiano 6, 80072, Arco Felice, Napoli, Italy.
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Jonsson KO, Vandevoorde S, Lambert DM, Tiger G, Fowler CJ. Effects of homologues and analogues of palmitoylethanolamide upon the inactivation of the endocannabinoid anandamide. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 133:1263-75. [PMID: 11498512 PMCID: PMC1621151 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
1. The ability of a series of homologues and analogues of palmitoylethanolamide to inhibit the uptake and fatty acid amidohydrolase (FAAH)-catalysed hydrolysis of [(3)H]-anandamide ([(3)H]-AEA) has been investigated. 2. Palmitoylethanolamide and homologues with chain lengths from 12 - 18 carbon atoms inhibited rat brain [(3)H]-AEA metabolism with pI(50) values of approximately 5. Homologues with chain lengths < or = eight carbon atoms gave < 20% inhibition at 100 microM. 3. R-palmitoyl-(2-methyl)ethanolamide, palmitoylisopropylamide and oleoylethanolamide inhibited [(3)H]-AEA metabolism with pI(50) values of 5.39 (competitive inhibition), 4.89 (mixed type inhibition) and 5.33 (mixed type inhibition), respectively. 4. With the exception of oleoylethanolamide, the compounds did not produce dramatic inhibition of [(3)H]-WIN 55,212-2 binding to human CB(2) receptors expressed on CHO cells. Palmitoylethanolamide, palmitoylisopropylamide and R-palmitoyl-(2-methyl)ethanolamide had modest effects upon [(3)H]-CP 55,940 binding to human CB(1) receptors expressed on CHO cells. 5. Most of the compounds had little effect upon the uptake of [(3)H]-AEA into C6 and/or RBL-2H3 cells. However, palmitoylcyclohexamide (100 microM) and palmitoylisopropylamide (30 and 100 microM) produced more inhibition of [(3)H]-AEA uptake than expected to result from inhibition of [(3)H]-AEA metabolism alone. 6. In intact C6 cells, palmitoylisopropylamide and oleoylethanolamide inhibited formation of [(3)H]-ethanolamine from [(3)H]-AEA to a similar extent as AM404, whereas palmitoylethanolamide, palmitoylcyclohexamide and R-palmitoyl-(2-methyl)ethanolamide were less effective. 7. These data provide useful information upon the ability of palmitoylethanolamide analogues to act as 'entourage' compounds. Palmitoylisopropylamide may prove useful as a template for design of compounds that reduce the cellular accumulation and metabolism of AEA without affecting either CB(1) or CB(2) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- K O Jonsson
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
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Holt S, Nilsson J, Omeir R, Tiger G, Fowler CJ. Effects of pH on the inhibition of fatty acid amidohydrolase by ibuprofen. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 133:513-20. [PMID: 11399668 PMCID: PMC1572815 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological properties of fatty acid amidohydrolase (FAAH) at different assay pH values were investigated using [(3)H]-anandamide ([(3)H]-AEA) as substrate in rat brain homogenates and in COS-1 [corrected] cells transfected with wild type and mutant FAAH. Rat brain hydrolysis of [(3)H]-AEA showed pH dependency with an optimum around pH 8-9. Between pH 6.3 and 8.2, the difference in activity was due to differences in the V(max), rather than the K(M) values. For inhibition of rat brain [(3)H]-AEA metabolism by a series of known FAAH inhibitors, the potencies of the enantiomers of ibuprofen and phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) were higher at pH 5.28 than at pH 8.37, whereas the reverse was true for oleyl trifluoromethylketone (OTMK) and arachidonoylserotonin. At both pH values, (-)ibuprofen was a mixed-type inhibitor of FAAH. The K(i)((slope)) and K(i)((intercept)) values for (-)ibuprofen at pH 5.28 were 11 and 143 microM, respectively. At pH 8.37, the corresponding values were 185 and 3950 microM, respectively. The pH dependency for the inhibition by OTMK and (-)ibuprofen was also seen in COS-1 [corrected] cells transiently transfected with either wild type, S152A or C249A FAAH. No differences in potencies between the wild type and mutant enzymes were seen. It is concluded that the pharmacological properties of FAAH are highly pH-dependent. The higher potency of ibuprofen at lower pH values raises the possibility that in certain types of inflamed tissue, the concentration of this compound following oral administration may be sufficient to inhibit FAAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Holt
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Nilsson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Romelda Omeir
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, NY, 11974-5215, U.S.A
| | - Gunnar Tiger
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christopher J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Author for correspondence:
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Fowler CJ, Börjesson M, Tiger G. Differences in the pharmacological properties of rat and chicken brain fatty acid amidohydrolase. Br J Pharmacol 2000; 131:498-504. [PMID: 11015300 PMCID: PMC1572338 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0703569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological properties of fatty acid amidohydrolase (FAAH) were investigated in brains of 35-day-old chickens, since nothing is known about the enzyme in avian species. FAAH activity towards both [(3)H]-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) [K(M)=1.5 microM] and [(3)H]-anandamide (AEA) [K(M)=5.4 microM] was demonstrated in the chicken brains. The chicken FAAH was inhibited by the substrate analogues oleyl trifluoromethylketone (OTMK) and diazomethylarachidonyl ketone (DAK) with similar potencies to the rat FAAH. However, in contrast to the rat brain, phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) and the enantiomers of ibuprofen had very weak effects on chicken brain FAAH. Indomethacin and niflumic acid were found to inhibit rat brain AEA hydrolysis. The inhibition by indomethacin was reversible and competitive, with a K(i) value of 120 microM. Chicken FAAH was less sensitive to indomethacin than its rodent counterpart, but the inhibition was also competitive (K(i)). It is concluded that chicken FAAH activity has different pharmacological properties to its rodent counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeâ University, SE-901 87 Umeâ, Sweden.
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