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Liu N, Tu J, Huang Y, Yang W, Wang Q, Li Z, Sheng C. Target- and prodrug-based design for fungal diseases and cancer-associated fungal infections. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 197:114819. [PMID: 37024014 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are emerging as a serious threat to public health and are associated with high incidence and mortality. IFIs also represent a frequent complication in patients with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy. However, effective and safe antifungal agents remain limited, and the development of severe drug resistance further undermines the efficacy of antifungal therapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel antifungal agents to treat life-threatening fungal diseases, especially those with new mode of action, favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, and anti-resistance activity. In this review, we summarize new antifungal targets and target-based inhibitor design, with a focus on their antifungal activity, selectivity, and mechanism. We also illustrate the prodrug design strategy used to improve the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles of antifungal agents. Dual-targeting antifungal agents offer a new strategy for the treatment of resistant infections and cancer-associated fungal infections.
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2
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Murkar A, De Koninck J, Merali Z. Cannabinoids: Revealing their complexity and role in central networks of fear and anxiety. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:30-46. [PMID: 34487746 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The first aim of the present review is to provide an in-depth description of the cannabinoids and their known effects at various neuronal receptors. It reveals that cannabinoids are highly diverse, and recent work has highlighted that their effects on the central nervous system (CNS) are surprisingly more complex than previously recognized. Cannabinoid-sensitive receptors are widely distributed throughout the CNS where they act as primary modulators of neurotransmission. Secondly, we examine the role of cannabinoid receptors at key brain sites in the control of fear and anxiety. While our understanding of how cannabinoids specifically modulate these networks is mired by their complex interactions and diversity, a plausible framework(s) for their effects is proposed. Finally, we highlight some important knowledge gaps in our understanding of the mechanism(s) responsible for their effects on fear and anxiety in animal models and their use as therapeutic targets in humans. This is particularly important for our understanding of the phytocannabinoids used as novel clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Murkar
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Joseph De Koninck
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Zul Merali
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya; Carleton University, Neuroscience Department, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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3
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Ferrisi R, Ceni C, Bertini S, Macchia M, Manera C, Gado F. Medicinal Chemistry approach, pharmacology and neuroprotective benefits of CB 2R modulators in neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105607. [PMID: 34089867 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the last decades, cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) has continued to receive attention as a key therapeutic target in neuroprotection. Indeed, several findings highlight the neuroprotective effects of CB2R through suppression of both neuronal excitability and reactive microglia. Additionally, CB2R seems to be a more promising target than cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) thanks to the lack of central side effects, its lower expression levels in the central nervous system (CNS), and its inducibility, since its expression enhances quickly in the brain following pathological conditions. This review aims to provide a thorough overview of the main natural and synthetic selective CB2R modulators, their chemical classification and their potential therapeutic usefulness in neuroprotection, a crucial aspect for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ferrisi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Costanza Ceni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Francesca Gado
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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4
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Peeri H, Shalev N, Vinayaka AC, Nizar R, Kazimirsky G, Namdar D, Anil SM, Belausov E, Brodie C, Koltai H. Specific Compositions of Cannabis sativa Compounds Have Cytotoxic Activity and Inhibit Motility and Colony Formation of Human Glioblastoma Cells In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1720. [PMID: 33916466 PMCID: PMC8038598 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal subtype of glioma. Cannabis sativa is used for the treatment of various medical conditions. Around 150 phytocannabinoids have been identified in C. sativa, among them Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) that trigger GBM cell death. However, the optimal combinations of cannabis molecules for anti-GBM activity are unknown. Chemical composition was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Cytotoxic activity was determined by XTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays and apoptosis and cell cycle by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). F-actin structures were observed by confocal microscopy, gene expression by quantitative PCR, and cell migration and invasion by scratch and transwell assays, respectively. Fractions of a high-THC cannabis strain extract had significant cytotoxic activity against GBM cell lines and glioma stem cells derived from tumor specimens. A standard mix (SM) of the active fractions F4 and F5 induced apoptosis and expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress associated-genes. F4 and F5 inhibited cell migration and invasion, altered cell cytoskeletons, and inhibited colony formation in 2 and 3-dimensional models. Combinations of cannabis compounds exert cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory effects and should be examined for efficacy on GBM in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadar Peeri
- Institute of Plant Science, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; (H.P.); (N.S.); (A.C.V.); (D.N.); (S.M.A.); (E.B.)
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (R.N.); (G.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Nurit Shalev
- Institute of Plant Science, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; (H.P.); (N.S.); (A.C.V.); (D.N.); (S.M.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Ajjampura C. Vinayaka
- Institute of Plant Science, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; (H.P.); (N.S.); (A.C.V.); (D.N.); (S.M.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Rephael Nizar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (R.N.); (G.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Gila Kazimirsky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (R.N.); (G.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Dvora Namdar
- Institute of Plant Science, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; (H.P.); (N.S.); (A.C.V.); (D.N.); (S.M.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Seegehalli M. Anil
- Institute of Plant Science, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; (H.P.); (N.S.); (A.C.V.); (D.N.); (S.M.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Eduard Belausov
- Institute of Plant Science, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; (H.P.); (N.S.); (A.C.V.); (D.N.); (S.M.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Chaya Brodie
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (R.N.); (G.K.); (C.B.)
- Davidson Laboratory of Cell Signaling and Tumorigenesis, Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Hinanit Koltai
- Institute of Plant Science, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; (H.P.); (N.S.); (A.C.V.); (D.N.); (S.M.A.); (E.B.)
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Le Bacquer O, Lanchais K, Combe K, Van Den Berghe L, Walrand S. Acute rimonabant treatment promotes protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1-independent mechanism. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:2669-2683. [PMID: 32885412 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is an age-related loss of muscle mass associated with changes in skeletal muscle protein homeostasis due to lipid accumulation and anabolic resistance; changes that are also commonly described in obesity. Activation of the endocannabinoid system is associated with the development of obesity and insulin resistance, and with the perturbed skeletal muscle development. Taken together this suggests that endocannabinoids could be regulators of skeletal muscle protein homeostasis. Here we report that rimonabant, an antagonist for the CB1 receptor, can prevent dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy without affecting the mRNA expression of atrogin-1/MAFbx (a marker of proteolysis), which suggests it is involved in the control of protein synthesis. Rimonabant alone stimulates protein synthesis in a time- and dose-dependent manner through mTOR- and intracellular calcium-dependent mechanisms. CB1 agonists are unable to modulate protein synthesis or prevent the effect of rimonabant. Using C2C12 cells stably expressing an shRNA directed against CB1, or HEK293 cells overexpressing HA-tagged CB1, we demonstrated that the effect of rimonabant is unaffected by CB1 expression level. In summary, rimonabant can stimulate protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1-independent mechanism. These results highlight the need to identify non-CB1 receptor(s) mediating the pro-anabolic effect of rimonabant as potential targets for the treatment of sarcopenia, and to design new side-effect-free molecules that consolidate the effect of rimonabant on skeletal muscle protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Le Bacquer
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Kassandra Lanchais
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Kristell Combe
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Stéphane Walrand
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France.,CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Nutrition Clinique, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Urasaki Y, Beaumont C, Workman M, Talbot JN, Hill DK, Le TT. Fast-Acting and Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Neuronal Signaling Pathways by Copaiba Essential Oil. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072259. [PMID: 32218156 PMCID: PMC7177672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the biological activities of copaiba essential oil via measurement of its effects on signaling pathways in the SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line. Nanofluidic proteomic technologies were deployed to measure the phosphorylation of biomarker proteins within the signaling cascades. Interestingly, copaiba essential oil upregulated the pI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in neuronal cells. The effects of copaiba essential oil peaked at 30 min post-treatment, with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of approximately 80 ng/mL. Treatment with cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist AM1241 or the inverse agonist BML190 abrogated the regulatory effects of copaiba essential oil on the pI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Surprisingly, copaiba essential oil also activated the apoptosis signaling pathway and reduced the viability of SH-SY5Y cells with an EC50 of approximately 400 ng/mL. Furthermore, β-caryophyllene, a principal constituent of copaiba essential oil, downregulated the pI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, the findings indicated that copaiba essential oil upregulated signaling pathways associated with cell metabolism, growth, immunity, and apoptosis. The biological activities of copaiba essential oil were determined to be fast acting, CB2 mediated, and dependent on multiple chemical constituents of the oil. Nanofluidic proteomics provided a powerful means to assess the biological activities of copaiba essential oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyo Urasaki
- College of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, 10530 Discovery Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA; (Y.U.); (J.N.T.)
| | - Cody Beaumont
- dōTERRA International, LLC, 389 South 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA; (C.B.); (M.W.); (D.K.H.)
| | - Michelle Workman
- dōTERRA International, LLC, 389 South 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA; (C.B.); (M.W.); (D.K.H.)
| | - Jeffery N. Talbot
- College of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, 10530 Discovery Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA; (Y.U.); (J.N.T.)
| | - David K. Hill
- dōTERRA International, LLC, 389 South 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA; (C.B.); (M.W.); (D.K.H.)
| | - Thuc T. Le
- College of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, 10530 Discovery Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA; (Y.U.); (J.N.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-702-802-2820
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7
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Maybruck BT, Lam WC, Specht CA, Ilagan MXG, Donlin MJ, Lodge JK. The Aminoalkylindole BML-190 Negatively Regulates Chitosan Synthesis via the Cyclic AMP/Protein Kinase A1 Pathway in Cryptococcus neoformans. mBio 2019; 10:e02264-19. [PMID: 31848271 PMCID: PMC6918072 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02264-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans can cause fatal meningoencephalitis in patients with AIDS or other immunocompromising conditions. Current antifungals are suboptimal to treat this disease; therefore, novel targets and new therapies are needed. Previously, we have shown that chitosan is a critical component of the cryptococcal cell wall and is required for survival in the mammalian host and that chitosan deficiency results in rapid clearance from the mammalian host. We had also identified several specific proteins that were required for chitosan biosynthesis, and we hypothesize that screening for compounds that inhibit chitosan biosynthesis would identify additional genes/proteins that influence chitosan biosynthesis. To identify these compounds, we developed a robust and novel cell-based flow cytometry screening method to identify small-molecule inhibitors of chitosan production. We screened the ICCB Known Bioactives library and identified 8 compounds that reduced chitosan in C. neoformans We used flow cytometry-based counterscreens and confirmatory screens, followed by a biochemical secondary screen to refine our primary screening hits to 2 confirmed hits. One of the confirmed hits that reduced chitosan content was the aminoalkylindole BML-190, a known inverse agonist of mammalian cannabinoid receptors. We demonstrated that BML-190 likely targets the C. neoformans G-protein-coupled receptor Gpr4 and, via the cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, contributes to an intracellular accumulation of cAMP that results in decreased chitosan. Our discovery suggests that this approach could be used to identify additional compounds and pathways that reduce chitosan biosynthesis and could lead to potential novel therapeutics against C. neoformansIMPORTANCECryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen that kills ∼200,000 people every year. The cell wall is an essential organelle that protects fungi from the environment. Chitosan, the deacetylated form of chitin, has been shown to be an essential component of the cryptococcal cell wall during infection of a mammalian host. In this study, we screened a set of 480 compounds, which are known to have defined biological activities, for activity that reduced chitosan production in C. neoformans Two of these compounds were confirmed using an alternative method of measuring chitosan, and one of these was demonstrated to impact the cAMP signal transduction pathway. This work demonstrates that the cAMP pathway regulates chitosan biosynthesis in C. neoformans and validates that this screening approach could be used to find potential antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Maybruck
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Woei C Lam
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Charles A Specht
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ma Xenia G Ilagan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Maureen J Donlin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jennifer K Lodge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Silva GD, Lopes PSS, Fonoff ET, Pagano RL. The spinal anti-inflammatory mechanism of motor cortex stimulation: cause of success and refractoriness in neuropathic pain? J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:10. [PMID: 25600429 PMCID: PMC4311417 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-014-0216-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is an effective treatment in neuropathic pain refractory to pharmacological management. However, analgesia is not satisfactorily obtained in one third of patients. Given the importance of understanding the mechanisms to overcome therapeutic limitations, we addressed the question: what mechanisms can explain both MCS effectiveness and refractoriness? Considering the crucial role of spinal neuroimmune activation in neuropathic pain pathophysiology, we hypothesized that modulation of spinal astrocyte and microglia activity is one of the mechanisms of action of MCS. Methods Rats with peripheral neuropathy (chronic nerve injury model) underwent MCS and were evaluated with a nociceptive test. Following the test, these animals were divided into two groups: MCS-responsive and MCS-refractory. We also evaluated a group of neuropathic rats not stimulated and a group of sham-operated rats. Some assays included rats with peripheral neuropathy that were treated with AM251 (a cannabinoid antagonist/inverse agonist) or saline before MCS. Finally, we performed immunohistochemical analyses of glial cells (microglia and astrocytes), cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), cannabinoid type 2 (CB2), μ-opioid (MOR), and purinergic P2X4 receptors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DHSC). Findings MCS reversed mechanical hyperalgesia, inhibited astrocyte and microglial activity, decreased proinflammatory cytokine staining, enhanced CB2 staining, and downregulated P2X4 receptors in the DHSC ipsilateral to sciatic injury. Spinal MOR staining was also inhibited upon MCS. Pre-treatment with AM251 blocked the effects of MCS, including the inhibitory mechanism on cells. Finally, MCS-refractory animals showed similar CB2, but higher P2X4 and MOR staining intensity in the DHSC in comparison to MCS-responsive rats. Conclusions These results indicate that MCS induces analgesia through a spinal anti-neuroinflammatory effect and the activation of the cannabinoid and opioid systems via descending inhibitory pathways. As a possible explanation for MCS refractoriness, we propose that CB2 activation is compromised, leading to cannabinoid resistance and consequently to the perpetuation of neuroinflammation and opioid inefficacy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-014-0216-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme D Silva
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Experimental Pain, Hospital Sírio Libanês, Rua Coronel Nicolau dos Santos, 69, 01308-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Patrícia S S Lopes
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Experimental Pain, Hospital Sírio Libanês, Rua Coronel Nicolau dos Santos, 69, 01308-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Erich T Fonoff
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Experimental Pain, Hospital Sírio Libanês, Rua Coronel Nicolau dos Santos, 69, 01308-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Rua Dr Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, 01060-970, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rosana L Pagano
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Experimental Pain, Hospital Sírio Libanês, Rua Coronel Nicolau dos Santos, 69, 01308-060, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Ogawa S, Kunugi H. Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase and Monoacylglycerol Lipase: New Targets for Future Antidepressants. Curr Neuropharmacol 2015; 13:760-75. [PMID: 26630956 PMCID: PMC4759315 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150612225212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis and analogs of Δ<sup>9</sup>-tetrahydrocannabinol have been used for therapeutic purposes, but their therapeutic use remains limited because of various adverse effects. Endogenous cannabinoids have been discovered, and dysregulation of endocannabinoid signaling is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Recently, endocannabinoid hydrolytic enzymes such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) have become new therapeutic targets in the treatment of MDD. Several FAAH or MAGL inhibitors are reported to have no cannabimimetic side effects and, therefore, are new potential therapeutic options for patients with MDD who are resistant to first-line antidepressants (selective serotonin and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). In this review, we focus on the possible relationships between MDD and the endocannabinoid system as well as the inhibitors' therapeutic potential. MAGL inhibitors may reduce inflammatory responses through activation of cannabinoid receptor type 2. In the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, repeated FAAH inhibitor administration may be beneficial for reducing circulating glucocorticoid levels. Both FAAH and MAGL inhibitors may contribute to dopaminergic system regulation. Recently, several new inhibitors have been developed with strong potency and selectivity. FAAH inhibitor, MAGL inhibitor, or dual blocker use would be promising new treatments for MDD. Further pre-clinical studies and clinical trials using these inhibitors are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan.
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Andó RD, Bíró J, Csölle C, Ledent C, Sperlágh B. The inhibitory action of exo- and endocannabinoids on [³H]GABA release are mediated by both CB₁and CB₂receptors in the mouse hippocampus. Neurochem Int 2011; 60:145-52. [PMID: 22133429 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2011.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids play an important role in modulating the release of neurotransmitters in hippocampal excitatory and inhibitory networks, thus having profound effect on higher cognitive and emotional functions such as learning and memory. In this study we have studied the effect of cannabinoid agonists on the potassium depolarization-evoked [(3)H]GABA release from hippocampal synaptosomes in the wild-type (WT) and cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB(1)R)-null mutant mice. All tested cannabinoid agonists (WIN55,212-2, CP55,940, HU-210, 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol, 2-AG; delta-9-tetra-hydrocannabinol, THC) inhibited [(3)H]GABA release in WT mice with the following rank order of agonist potency: HU-210>CP55,490>WIN55,212-2>>2-AG>THC. By contrast, 2-AG and THC displayed the greatest efficacy eliciting almost complete inhibition of evoked [(3)H]GABA efflux, whereas the maximal inhibition obtained by HU-210, CP55,490, and WIN55,212-2 were less, eliciting not more than 40% inhibition. The inhibitory effect of WIN55,212-2, THC and 2-AG on evoked [(3)H]GABA efflux was antagonized by the CB(1) receptor inverse agonist AM251 (0.5 μM) in the WT mice. In the CB(1)R knockout mice the inhibitory effects of all three agonists were attenuated. In these mice, AM251 did not antagonize, but further reduced the [(3)H]GABA release in the presence of the synthetic agonist WIN55,212-2. By contrast, the concentration-dependent inhibitory effects of THC and 2-AG were partially antagonized by AM251 in the absence of CB(1) receptors. Finally, the inhibition of evoked [(3)H]GABA efflux by THC and 2-AG was also partially attenuated by AM630 (1 μM), the CB(2) receptor-selective antagonist, both in WT and CB(1) knockout mice. Our data prove the involvement of CB(1) receptors in the effect of exo- and endocannabinoids on GABA efflux from hippocampal nerve terminals. In addition, in the effect of the exocannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid 2-AG, non-CB(1), probably CB(2)-like receptors are also involved.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators/physiology
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Endocannabinoids
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Hippocampus/physiology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Knockout
- Neural Inhibition/genetics
- Neural Inhibition/physiology
- Presynaptic Terminals/metabolism
- Presynaptic Terminals/physiology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/deficiency
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Tritium
- gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Rómeó D Andó
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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11
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Bialuk I, Winnicka MM. AM251, cannabinoids receptors ligand, improves recognition memory in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2011; 63:670-9. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(11)70578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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12
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Beltramo M, Brusa R, Mancini I, Scandroglio P. Detecting constitutive activity and protean agonism at cannabinoid-2 receptor. Methods Enzymol 2011; 484:31-51. [PMID: 21036225 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-381298-8.00002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the cannabinoid system is involved in regulating several physiological functions such as locomotor activity, cognition, nociception, food intake, and inflammatory reaction, it has been the subject of intense study. Research on the pharmacology of this system has enormously progressed in the last 20years. One intriguing aspect that emerged from this research is that cannabinoid receptors (CBs) express a high level of constitutive activity. Investigation on this particular aspect of receptor pharmacology has largely focused on CB1, the CB subtype highly expressed in several brain regions. More recently, research on constitutive activity on the other CB subtype, CB2, was stimulated by the increasing interest on its potential as target for the treatment of various pathologies (e.g., pain and inflammation). There are several possible implications of constitutive activity on the therapeutic action of both agonists and antagonists, and consequently, it is important to have valuable methods to study this aspect of CB2 pharmacology. In the present chapter, we describe three methods to study constitutive activity at CB2: two classical methods relying on the detection of changes in cAMP level and GTPγS binding and a new one based on cell impedance measurement. In addition, we also included a section on detection of protean agonism, which is an interesting pharmacological phenomenon strictly linked to constitutive activity.
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13
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Jenkin KA, McAinch AJ, Grinfeld E, Hryciw DH. Role for cannabinoid receptors in human proximal tubular hypertrophy. Cell Physiol Biochem 2011; 26:879-86. [PMID: 21220919 DOI: 10.1159/000323997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors; namely CB1, CB2, TRPV1 and GPR55, to activate intracellular pathways that control many cellular functions. Elevated levels of endocannabinoids have been identified in diseases such as obesity and diabetes, with the onset of diabetic nephropathy associated with proximal tubule hypertrophy. Recent research has identified a role for CB1 in apoptosis in human proximal tubular (HK2) cells, however the role of the other receptors has not been investigated. We investigated if the cannabinoid receptors played a role in hypertrophy in HK2 cells. Characterisation of HK2 cells demonstrated that mRNA and protein for CB1, CB2, TRPV1 and GPR55 occurs in these cells. Importantly, activation of the cannabinoid receptors with anandamide significantly increases hypertrophy in HK2 cells. In general, treatment with CB1 antagonist AM-251, reduces hypertrophy while treatment with CB2 (AM-630) and TRPV1 (SB-366791) antagonists increases hypertrophy. Targeting a cannabinoid receptor sensitive to O-1918 in HK2 cells did not alter proximal tubule cell hypertrophy. Therefore it is likely that in human proximal tubule, these receptors regulate cellular function by activating different cell signalling pathways. Nonetheless, we have identified a role for cannabinoid receptors in proximal tubule cells which may provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayte A Jenkin
- School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Victoria University, St Albans Campus, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Ho WS, Patel S, Thompson JR, Roberts CJ, Stuhr KL, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid modulation of hyperaemia evoked by physiologically relevant stimuli in the rat primary somatosensory cortex. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:736-46. [PMID: 20590576 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00772.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In vitro studies demonstrate that cannabinoid CB(1) receptors subserve activity-dependent suppression of inhibition in the neocortex. To examine this mechanism in vivo, we assessed the effects of local changes in CB(1) receptor activity on somatosensory cortex neuronal activation by whisker movement in rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Laser Doppler flowmetry and c-Fos immunohistochemistry were used to measure changes in local blood flow and neuronal activation, respectively. All drugs were applied directly to the cranium above the whisker barrel fields of the primary somatosensory cortex. KEY RESULTS The CB(1) receptor agonist WIN55212-2 potentiated the hyperaemia induced by whisker movement and this potentiation was occluded by bicuculline. The CB(1) receptor antagonists, rimonabant and AM251, inhibited hyperaemic responses to whisker movement; indicating that activation of endogenous CB(1) receptors increased during whisker movement. Whisker movement-induced expression of c-Fos protein in neurons of the whisker barrel cortex was inhibited by rimonabant. Movement of the whiskers increased the 2-arachidonoylglycerol content in the contralateral, compared to the ipsilateral, sensory cortex. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results support the hypothesis that endocannabinoid signalling is recruited during physiologically relevant activation of the sensory cortex. These data support the hypothesis that the primary effect of CB(1) receptor activation within the activated whisker barrel cortex is to inhibit GABA release, resulting in disinhibition of neuronal activation. These studies provide physiological data involving endocannabinoid signalling in activity-dependent regulation of neuronal activation and provide a mechanistic basis for the effects of cannabis use on sensory processing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-Sv Ho
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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15
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Zhang Q, Ma P, Cole RB, Wang G. In vitro metabolism of indomethacin morpholinylamide (BML-190), an inverse agonist for the peripheral cannabinoid receptor (CB(2)) in rat liver microsomes. Eur J Pharm Sci 2010; 41:163-72. [PMID: 20542112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2010] [Revised: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 06/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro metabolism of an inverse agonist of the peripheral cannabinoid receptor (CB(2)), indomethacin morpholinylamide (BML-190), has been characterized using rat liver microsomal incubation. BML-190 was found to yield at least 15 metabolic products as identified by HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Four major phase one metabolic pathways either individually, or in combination, were proposed to account for the identified metabolic products: (1) loss of the p-chlorobenzyl group, (2) hydroxylation on the indole or on the morpholine ring, (3) morpholinyl ring opening, and (4) demethylation of the methoxyl group on the indole ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Dr, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
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16
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Hanus LO. Pharmacological and therapeutic secrets of plant and brain (endo)cannabinoids. Med Res Rev 2009; 29:213-71. [PMID: 18777572 DOI: 10.1002/med.20135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Research on the chemistry and pharmacology of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids has reached enormous proportions, with approximately 15,000 articles on Cannabis sativa L. and cannabinoids and over 2,000 articles on endocannabinoids. The present review deals with the history of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, its uses, constituent compounds and their biogeneses, and similarity to compounds from Radula spp. In addition, details of the pharmacology of natural cannabinoids, as well as synthetic agonists and antagonists are presented. Finally, details regarding the pioneering isolation of the endocannabinoid anandamide, as well as the pharmacology and potential therapeutic uses of endocannabinoid congeners are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumír Ondrej Hanus
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
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17
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Malysz J, Daza AV, Kage K, Grayson GK, Yao BB, Meyer MD, Gopalakrishnan M. Characterization of human cannabinoid CB2 receptor coupled to chimeric Gαqi5 and Gαqo5 proteins. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 603:12-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2007] [Revised: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18
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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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19
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Trang T, Sutak M, Jhamandas K. Involvement of cannabinoid (CB1)-receptors in the development and maintenance of opioid tolerance. Neuroscience 2007; 146:1275-88. [PMID: 17395382 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 02/13/2007] [Accepted: 02/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sustained exposure to opioid agonists such as morphine increases levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the spinal dorsal horn, a response implicated in the development of opioid tolerance and physical dependence. Recent evidence suggests that both the opioid-induced increase in CGRP and the development of opioid physical dependence are suppressed by blockade of spinal cannabinoid (CB1)-receptors. The present study examined whether CB1-receptor activity also has a role in the development of opioid tolerance. In rats implanted with spinal catheters, repeated acute injections of morphine (15 microg) delivered over 4 h resulted in a rapid decline of thermal and mechanical antinociception and a significant loss of analgesic potency, reflecting development of acute opioid tolerance. In another set of experiments, chronic administration of spinal morphine (15 microg) once daily for 5 days produced a similar loss of analgesic effect and a marked increase in CGRP-immunoreactivity in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn. Consistent with the in vivo findings, primary cultures of adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons exposed to morphine for 5 days showed a significant increase in the number of CGRP-immunoreactive neurons. Co-administration of acute or chronic morphine with a CB1-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-1-piperidinyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM-251), inhibited the development of both acute and chronic analgesic tolerance. In animals already exhibiting tolerance to morphine, intervention with AM-251 restored morphine analgesic potency. Co-administration with AM-251 attenuated the morphine-induced increase in CGRP-immunoreactivity in the spinal cord and in DRG cultured neurons. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that activity of endocannabinoids, mediated via CB1-receptors, contributes to both the development and maintenance of opioid tolerance by influencing the opioid-induced increase in spinal CGRP.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Data Interpretation, Statistical
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Tolerance/physiology
- Ganglia, Spinal/cytology
- Ganglia, Spinal/drug effects
- Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism
- Injections, Spinal
- Male
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Nociceptors/drug effects
- Pain Measurement/drug effects
- Piperidines
- Pyrazoles
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Reaction Time/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/physiology
- Receptors, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/biosynthesis
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Affiliation(s)
- T Trang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
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20
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Trang T, Ma W, Chabot JG, Quirion R, Jhamandas K. Spinal modulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide by endocannabinoids in the development of opioid physical dependence. Pain 2006; 126:256-71. [PMID: 16935424 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2006.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2006] [Revised: 06/12/2006] [Accepted: 07/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies implicate endocannabinoids in the acute and chronic actions of opioid drugs, including the genesis of physical dependence. Previous evidence suggests that spinal release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and activation of its receptors contribute to opioid physical dependence. The release of CGRP at the spinal level is modulated by cannabinoid (CB1)-receptors. Thus, this study examined whether CB1-receptor activity mediates changes in CGRP underlying development of opioid physical dependence. Systemic morphine administration for 5-days elevated CGRP-immunoreactivity in the rat spinal dorsal horn. In situ hybridization of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons revealed an increase in CGRP mRNA during initial (day 1-3) but not later phase (day 4-5) of morphine treatment. CGRP-immunoreactivity in DRG neurons, however, was increased in the later phase of morphine treatment. Naloxone challenge to morphine-treated animals precipitated an intense withdrawal syndrome that depleted CGRP-immunoreactivity and increased Fos expression in the dorsal horn. The Fos-response primarily occurred in neurons that expressed CGRP receptor component protein (RCP) suggesting CGRP activity contributes to neuronal activation during precipitated withdrawal. Spinal slices obtained from morphine-treated animals showed higher levels of CGRP release than from saline controls. Intrathecal co-administration of CB1-receptor antagonists, AM-251 or SR141716A, with daily morphine attenuated the behavioral manifestations of withdrawal. Treatment with AM-251 also reduced the depletion of CGRP, suppressed Fos-induction, and prevented the increase in capsaicin-evoked spinal CGRP release. Altogether, this study suggests that endocannabinoid activity, expressed via CB1-receptors, contributes to the induction of opioid physical dependence through spinal modulation of CGRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Trang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Anesthesiology, Queen's University Kingston, Ont., Canada K7L 3N6
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21
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Svensson AC, Johansson M, Persson E, Carchenilla MSC, Jacobsson SOP. Expression of functional CB1 cannabinoid receptors in retinoic acid-differentiated P19 embryonal carcinoma cells. J Neurosci Res 2006; 83:1128-40. [PMID: 16477621 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although primary neuronal cell cultures, usually obtained from embryonic or early postnatal rodents, have been used in vitro to study the neural cannabinoid signalling system, development of cell lines with neural properties exhibiting native expression of cannabinoid receptors is desirable. This study was undertaken to investigate the expression of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in neurons that develop from retinoic acid (RA)-primed mouse P19 embryonal carcinoma cells. Both undifferentiated P19 cells and RA-treated P19 neurons were positive, by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), for CB1 (but not CB2) mRNA. Neuronal differentiation increased the CB1 mRNA expression, and Western blotting with a CB1 receptor antibody showed a strong immunoreactive band at approximately 62 kDa in membranes from P19-derived neurons. The cannabinoid receptor agonists CP 55,940 and HU-210 produced concentration-dependent inhibition of forskolin-induced (3 microM) cyclic AMP production in the P19-derived neurons (29% at 1 microM CP 55,940 and 34% at 1 microM HU-210), which could be blocked by the CB1-selective receptor antagonist AM251, but not by the CB2-selective antagonist AM630. Furthermore, glutamate (100 microM) induced a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i in P19-derived neurons that could be concentration-dependently blocked by the cannabinoid receptor agonists WIN 55,212-2. Thus, the protocol used provides an in vitro model system expressing CB1 cannabinoid receptors at the level of mRNA, protein, and AM251-sensitive agonist-induced inhibition of intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation, which may be useful to investigate the developmental regulation, expression and function of neuronal cannabinoid receptors.
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MESH Headings
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Benzoxazines
- Blotting, Western/methods
- Calcium/metabolism
- Carcinoma/drug therapy
- Carcinoma/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cyclic AMP/metabolism
- Cyclohexanols/pharmacology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Dronabinol/analogs & derivatives
- Dronabinol/pharmacology
- Drug Interactions
- Embryo, Mammalian
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Mice
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Naphthalenes/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Temperature
- Tretinoin/pharmacology
- Tritium/pharmacokinetics
- gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/pharmacokinetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Svensson
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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22
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Nieri P, Romiti N, Adinolfi B, Chicca A, Massarelli I, Chieli E. Modulation of P-glycoprotein activity by cannabinoid molecules in HK-2 renal cells. Br J Pharmacol 2006; 148:682-7. [PMID: 16715117 PMCID: PMC1751877 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Endogenous and synthetic cannabinoid molecules have been investigated as possible MDR-1/P-glycoprotein (P-gp) modulators in HK-2-immortalized renal cells, using calcein acetoxymethylester (calcein-AM) as a P-gp substrate. 2. Among the endocannabinoid molecules tested, anandamide (AEA), but not 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) or palmitoyl-ethanolamide (PEA), increased the intracellular fluorescence emitted by calcein, a metabolic derivative of the P-gp substrate calcein-AM, indicative of a reduction in transport capacity. 3. All the three synthetic cannabimimetics tested, that is, R-(+)-methanandamide (R(+)-MET), AM 251 and CP55,940 significantly increased calcein accumulation in the cytosol. 4. RT-PCR demonstrated that HK-2 cells do not express CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptors. 5. R(+)-MET, AM251 and CP55,940 were also evaluated as modulators of P-gp expression, by Western blot analysis. Only AM251 weakly enhanced the protein levels (by 1.2-fold) after a 4-day-long incubation with the noncytotoxic drug concentration 2 microM. 6. The present data provide the first evidence that the endocannabinoid AEA and different synthetic cannabinoids may inhibit the P-gp activity in vitro via a cannabinoid receptor-independent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nieri
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, Pisa 56126, Pisa, Italia.
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23
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Abstract
Mammalian tissues express at least two types of cannabinoid receptor, CB1 and CB2, both G protein coupled. CB1 receptors are expressed predominantly at nerve terminals where they mediate inhibition of transmitter release. CB2 receptors are found mainly on immune cells, one of their roles being to modulate cytokine release. Endogenous ligands for these receptors (endocannabinoids) also exist. These are all eicosanoids; prominent examples include arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. These discoveries have led to the development of CB1- and CB2-selective agonists and antagonists and of bioassays for characterizing such ligands. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists include the CB1-selective SR141716A, AM251, AM281 and LY320135, and the CB2-selective SR144528 and AM630. These all behave as inverse agonists, one indication that CB1 and CB2 receptors can exist in a constitutively active state. Neutral cannabinoid receptor antagonists that seem to lack inverse agonist properties have recently also been developed. As well as acting on CB1 and CB2 receptors, there is convincing evidence that anandamide can activate transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors. Certain cannabinoids also appear to have non-CB1, non-CB2, non-TRPV1 targets, for example CB2-like receptors that can mediate antinociception and "abnormal-cannabidiol" receptors that mediate vasorelaxation and promote microglial cell migration. There is evidence too for TRPV1-like receptors on glutamatergic neurons, for alpha2-adrenoceptor-like (imidazoline) receptors at sympathetic nerve terminals, for novel G protein-coupled receptors for R-(+)-WIN55212 and anandamide in the brain and spinal cord, for novel receptors for delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol on perivascular sensory nerves and for novel anandamide receptors in the gastro-intestinal tract. The presence of allosteric sites for cannabinoids on various ion channels and non-cannabinoid receptors has also been proposed. In addition, more information is beginning to emerge about the pharmacological actions of the non-psychoactive plant cannabinoid, cannabidiol. These recent advances in cannabinoid pharmacology are all discussed in this review.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biological Assay
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Humans
- Ligands
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/classification
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/physiology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/physiology
- TRPV Cation Channels/drug effects
- TRPV Cation Channels/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Pertwee
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
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24
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Hirasawa M, Schwab Y, Natah S, Hillard CJ, Mackie K, Sharkey KA, Pittman QJ. Dendritically released transmitters cooperate via autocrine and retrograde actions to inhibit afferent excitation in rat brain. J Physiol 2004; 559:611-24. [PMID: 15254151 PMCID: PMC1665137 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2004.066159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is released from supraoptic magnocellular neurones and is thought to act at presynaptic receptors to inhibit transmitter release. We now show that this effect is mediated by endocannabinoids, but that oxytocin nonetheless plays an important role in endocannabinoid signalling. WIN55,212-2, a cannabinoid receptor agonist, mimicked the action of oxytocin and occluded oxytocin-induced presynaptic inhibition. The cannabinoid action is at the presynaptic terminal as shown by alteration in paired pulse ratio, a reduction in miniature EPSC frequency and immunohistochemical localization of CB1 receptors on presynaptic terminals. AM251, a CB1 receptor antagonist, blocked both the WIN55,212-2 and the oxytocin-induced presynaptic inhibition of EPSCs. Depolarization of postsynaptic magnocellular neurones (which contain fatty acid amide hydrolase, a cannabinoid catabolic enzyme) caused a transient inhibition of EPSCs that could be blocked by both the AM251 and Manning compound, an oxytocin/vasopressin receptor antagonist. This indicates that somatodendritic peptide release and action on previously identified autoreceptors facilitates the release of endocannabinoids that act as mediators of presynaptic inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiru Hirasawa
- Calgary Brain Institute, Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1
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25
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Downer EJ, Fogarty MP, Campbell VA. Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced neurotoxicity depends on CB1 receptor-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation in cultured cortical neurons. Br J Pharmacol 2004; 140:547-57. [PMID: 14522843 PMCID: PMC1574055 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, induces apoptosis in cultured cortical neurons. THC exerts its apoptotic effects in cortical neurons by binding to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. The CB1 receptor has been shown to couple to the stress-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). However, the involvement of specific JNK isoforms in the neurotoxic properties of THC remains to be established. The present study involved treatment of rat cultured cortical neurons with THC (0.005-50 microM), and combinations of THC with the CB1 receptor antagonist, AM 251 (10 microM) and pertussis toxin (PTX; 200 ng ml-1). Antisense oligonucleotides (AS) were used to deplete neurons of JNK1 and JNK2 in order to elucidate their respective roles in THC signalling. Here we report that THC induces the activation of JNK via the CB1 receptor and its associated G-protein, Gi/o. Treatment of cultured cortical neurons with THC resulted in a differential timeframe of activation of the JNK1 and JNK2 isoforms. Use of specific JNK1 and JNK2 AS identified activation of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation as downstream consequences of JNK1 and JNK2 activation. The results from this study demonstrate that activation of the CB1 receptor induces JNK and caspase-3 activation, an increase in Bax expression and DNA fragmentation. The data demonstrate that the activation of both JNK1 and JNK2 isoforms is central to the THC-induced activation of the apoptotic pathway in cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Downer
- Department of Physiology, Trinity College, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marie P Fogarty
- Department of Physiology, Trinity College, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Veronica A Campbell
- Department of Physiology, Trinity College, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Author for correspondence:
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