Putative neuroprotective actions of N-acyl-ethanolamines

Anandamide and other N-acylethanolamines: A class of signaling lipids with therapeutic opportunities

N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), including N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA, anandamide), N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA, synaptamide) and their oxygenated metabolites are a lipid messenger family with numerous functions in health and disease, including inflammation, anxiety and energy metabolism. The NAEs exert their signaling role through activation of various G protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid CB₁ and CB₂ receptors, GPR55, GPR110, GPR119), ion channels (TRPV1) and nuclear receptors (PPAR-α and PPAR-γ) in the brain and periphery. The biological role of the oxygenated NAEs, such as prostamides, hydroxylated anandamide and DHEA derivatives, are less studied. Evidence is accumulating that NAEs and their oxidative metabolites may be aberrantly regulated or are associated with disease severity in obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, neuroinflammation and liver cirrhosis. Here, we comprehensively review NAE biosynthesis and degradation, their metabolism by lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases and cytochrome P450s and the biological functions of these signaling lipids. We discuss the latest findings and therapeutic potential of modulating endogenous NAE levels by inhibition of their degradation, which is currently under clinical evaluation for neuropsychiatric disorders. We also highlight NAE biosynthesis inhibition as an emerging topic with therapeutic opportunities in endocannabinoid and NAE signaling.

Drug repurposing: Clemastine fumarate and neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases have been a weighty problem in elder people who might be stricken with motor or/and cognition defects with lower life quality urging for effective treatment. Drugs are costly from development to market, so that drug repurposing, exploration of existing drugs for novel therapeutic purposes, becomes a wise and popular strategy to raise new treatment options. Clemastine fumarate, different from anti-allergic effect as H1 histamine antagonist, was screened and identified as promising drug for remyelination and autophagy enhancement. Surprisingly, fumarate salt also has similar effect. Hence, whether clemastine fumarate would make a protective impact on neurodegenerative diseases and what contribution fumarate probably makes are intriguing to us. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanism surrounding clemastine fumarate in current literature, and try to distinguish independent or synergistic effect between clemastine and fumarate, aiming to find worthwhile research direction for neurodegeneration diseases.

N-acylethanolamide metabolizing enzymes are upregulated in human neural progenitor-derived neurons exposed to sub-lethal oxidative stress

N-acyl amides (NAAs) are a class of lipids that consist of an acyl group N-linked to an amino acid, neurotransmitter, taurine or ethanolamide group (N-acylethanolamines or NAEs) and include some endocannabinoids (eCB) such as anandamide. These lipids are synthesized in a wide variety of organisms and in multiple cell types, including neurons. NAEs are involved in numerous cellular and physiological processes and their concentrations are elevated in response to ischemia and physical trauma to play a role in neuroprotection. The neuroprotective properties of eCB NAEs make the protein targets of these compounds attractive targets for clinical intervention for a variety of conditions. The most promising of these targets include cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). Further characterization of these targets in a more contemporary model system of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection will allow us to fully describe their role and mechanism of action in neuroprotection against oxidative stress leading to better utilization in the clinical setting. Human stem cell-derived or human neural progenitor cell-derived cells, such as ReN cells, have become more utilized for the study of human neuronal development and neurodegenerative diseases. ReN cells can be easily differentiated thereby circumventing the need for using transformed cell lines and primary neurons as cell model systems. In this study, we determined whether ReN cells, a superior cell model system for studying neurodevelopment, differentiation, and neuroprotection, express proteins involved in canonical eCB NAE signaling and whether oxidative stress can induce their expression. We determined that sublethal oxidative stress upregulates the expression of all eCB proteins tested. In addition, we determined that oxidative stress increases the nuclear localization of FAAH, and to a lesser extent, NAAA and NAPE-PLD. This study is a first step toward determining how oxidative stress affects CB1, CB2, FAAH, NAAA, and NAPE-PLD expression and their potential defense against oxidative stress. As such, our data is important for further determining the role of eCB metabolizing proteins and eCB receptors against oxidative stress.

Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Following Controlled Cortical Impact Restores Hippocampal-Dependent Working Memory and Locomotor Function

Hypothesis: Administration of the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) will enhance brain repair and improve short-term spatial working memory in mice following controlled cortical impact (CCI) by upregulating granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and other neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], glial-derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF]) in hippocampus (HP), cerebral cortex, and striatum. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6J mice underwent CCI and were treated for 3 days with Δ9-THC 3 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.). Short-term working memory was determined using the spontaneous alternations test during exploratory behavior in a Y-maze. Locomotor function was measured as latency to fall from a rotating drum (rotometry). These behaviors were recorded at baseline and 3, 7, and 14 days after CCI. Groups of mice were euthanized at 7 and 14 days. Extent of microgliosis, astrocytosis, and G-CSF, BDNF, and GDNF expression were measured at 7 and 14 days in cerebral cortex, striatum, and HP on the side of the trauma. Levels of the most abundant endocannabinoid (2-arachidonoyl-glycerol [2-AG]) was also measured at these times. Results: Δ9-THC-treated mice exhibited marked improvement in performance on the Y-maze indicating that treatment with the phytocannabinoid could reverse the deficit in working memory caused by the CCI. Δ9-THC-treated mice ran on the rotarod longer than vehicle-treated mice and recovered to normal rotarod performance levels at 2 weeks. Δ9-THC-treated mice, compared with vehicle-treated animals, exhibited significant upregulation of G-CSF as well as BDNF and GDNF in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and HP. Levels of 2-AG were also increased in the Δ9-THC-treated mice. Conclusion: Administration of the phytocannabinoid Δ9-THC promotes significant functional recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the realms of working memory and locomotor function. This beneficial effect is associated with upregulation of brain 2-AG, G-CSF, BDNF, and GDNF. The latter three neurotrophic factors have been previously shown to mediate brain self-repair following TBI and stroke.

Mediterranean Diet and Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Neglected Role of Nutrition in the Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System

Neurodegenerative disorders are a widespread cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal depletion. The broad-spectrum neuroprotective activity of the Mediterranean diet is widely documented, but it is not yet known whether its nutritional and caloric balance can induce a modulation of the endocannabinoid system. In recent decades, many studies have shown how endocannabinoid tone enhancement may be a promising new therapeutic strategy to counteract the main hallmarks of neurodegeneration. From a phylogenetic point of view, the human co-evolution between the endocannabinoid system and dietary habits could play a key role in the pro-homeostatic activity of the Mediterranean lifestyle: this adaptive balance among our ancestors has been compromised by the modern Western diet, resulting in a “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome”. This review aims to evaluate the evidence accumulated in the literature on the neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of the Mediterranean diet related to the modulation of the endocannabinoid system, suggesting new prospects for research and clinical interventions against neurodegenerative diseases in light of a nutraceutical paradigm.

Modulation of Endocannabinoids by Caloric Restriction Is Conserved in Mice but Is Not Required for Protection from Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and critical complication in the clinical setting. In rodents, AKI can be effectively prevented through caloric restriction (CR), which has also been shown to increase lifespan in many species. In Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), longevity studies revealed that a marked CR-induced reduction of endocannabinoids may be a key mechanism. Thus, we hypothesized that regulation of endocannabinoids, particularly arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), might also play a role in CR-mediated protection from renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in mammals including humans. In male C57Bl6J mice, CR significantly reduced renal IRI and led to a significant decrease of AEA. Supplementation of AEA to near-normal serum concentrations by repetitive intraperitoneal administration in CR mice, however, did not abrogate the protective effect of CR. We also analyzed serum samples taken before and after CR from patients of three different pilot trials of dietary interventions. In contrast to mice and C. elegans, we detected an increase of AEA. We conclude that endocannabinoid levels in mice are modulated by CR, but CR-mediated renal protection does not depend on this effect. Moreover, our results indicate that modulation of endocannabinoids by CR in humans may differ fundamentally from the effects in animal models.

NAPE-specific phospholipase D regulates LRRK2 association with neuronal membranes

N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs) are glycerophospholipid precursors for bioactive lipid amides and potential regulators of membrane function. They are hydrolyzed by NAPE-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and have been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Here, we used siRNA-mediated silencing of NAPE-PLD in human SH-SY5Y cells and NAPE-PLD^-/- mice to determine whether NAPEs influence the membrane association of LRRK2, a multifunctional protein kinase that is frequently mutated in persons with sporadic Parkinson's disease. NAPE-PLD deletion caused a significant accumulation of non-metabolized NAPEs, which was accompanied by a shift of LRRK2 from membrane to cytosol and a reduction in total LRRK2 content. Conversely, exposure of intact SH-SY5Y cells to bacterial PLD lowered NAPE levels and enhanced LRRK2 association with membranes. The results suggest that NAPE-PLD activity may contribute to the control of LRRK2 localization by regulating membrane NAPE levels.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors: Experimental Targeting for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptor proteins that promote ligand-dependent transcription of target genes that regulate energy production, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. The PPAR superfamily comprises three subtypes, PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ, with differential tissue distributions. In addition to their different roles in the regulation of energy balance and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, an emerging function of PPARs includes normal homeostasis of intestinal tissue. PPARα activation represses NF-κB signaling, which decreases the inflammatory cytokine production by different cell types, while PPARγ ligands can inhibit activation of macrophages and the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and Il-1β. In this regard, the anti-inflammatory responses induced by PPAR activation might restore physiopathological imbalances associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Thus, PPARs and their ligands have important therapeutic potential. This review briefly discusses the roles of PPARs in the physiopathology and therapies of the most important IBDs, ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn's disease (CD), as well some new experimental compounds with PPAR activity as promising drugs for IBD treatment.

Protective Effects of N-Oleoylglycine in a Mouse Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of death in young people for which currently no efficacious treatment exists. Recently, we have reported that mice with mild-TBI with a specific injury in the insula showed elevated levels of a little investigated N-acyl amino acid, N-oleoylglycine (OlGly). N-acyl amino acids have recently experienced an increased interest because of their important biological activities. They belong to the endocannabinoidome family of lipids with structural similarities with the endocannabinoids (eCBs). The aim of this study was to test the neuroprotective and antihyperalgesic actions of OlGly in a model of mouse mild-TBI (mTBI) and its effect on levels of eCBs and N-acylethanolamines at the end of treatment. Following mTBI, mice were administered a daily injection of OlGly (10-50-100 mg/kg i.p.) for 14 days. Treatment with OlGly normalized motor impairment and behavior in the light/dark box test, ameliorated TBI-induced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, and normalized aggressiveness and depression. Moreover, levels of eCBs and some N-acylethanolamines underwent significant changes 60 days after TBI, especially in the prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus, and OlGly reversed some of these changes. In conclusion, our findings reveal that OlGly ameliorates the behavioral alterations associated with mTBI in mice, while concomitantly modulating eCB and eCB-like mediator tone.

Stearoylethanolamide interferes with retrograde endocannabinoid signalling and supports the blood-brain barrier integrity under acute systemic inflammation

Neuroinflammation plays a prominent role in the onset of demyelinating diseases, major depressive disorder and delayed neurodegeneration. An open question remains whether pharmacological suppression of inflammation can effectively reduce the progression of these states. Bioactive lipid mediators such as N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) have an anti-inflammatory activity and are of pharmacological interest due to their endogenous on-demand production and the existence of distinct biological targets in humans and animals. Here we demonstrate for the first time, that treatment with stearoylethanolamide (SEA), a prevailing endogenously formed NAE, is neuroprotective against LPS-induced neuroinflammation in C57BL/6 male mice. SEA restricted the spreading of peripheral inflammation to the brain, and averted the activation of resident microglia and leukocyte trafficking to the brain parenchyma. Treatment with SEA per se increased the neuronal expression of cannabinoid receptors CB_1/2 and brain levels of the most potent endogenous CB_1/2 agonist 2-arachidonoylglycerol in vivo. SEA enhanced the amplitude of synaptic vesicle release, supported the balanced signal-to-noise ratio in glutamate- and GABAergic neurotransmission and decreased the excitotoxic risk associated with higher extracellular glutamate levels under neuroinflammation. The interference of SEA with the endocannabinoid system and presynaptic neurotransmitter release may represent an intrinsic neuroprotective mechanism that is triggered by inflammation and glutamate excitotoxicity. Thus, our data allows to consider SEA for the preventive therapy of acute and late-onset neuroinflammation-associated synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration.

A protective role for N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D in 6-OHDA-induced neurodegeneration

N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) catalyzes the cleavage of membrane NAPEs into bioactive fatty-acid ethanolamides (FAEs). Along with this precursor role, NAPEs might also serve autonomous signaling functions. Here, we report that injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the mouse striatum cause a local increase in NAPE and FAE levels, which precedes neuronal cell death. NAPE, but not FAE, accumulation is enhanced in mice lacking NAPE-PLD, which display a substantial reduction in 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity, as shown by increased survival of substantia nigra dopamine neurons, integrity of striatal dopaminergic fibers, and striatal dopamine metabolite content. Reduced damage is accompanied by attenuation of the motor response evoked by apomorphine. Furthermore, NAPE-PLD silencing protects cathecolamine-producing SH-SY5Y cells from 6-OHDA-induced reactive oxygen species formation, caspase-3 activation and death. Mechanistic studies in mice suggest the existence of multiple molecular contributors to the neuroprotective effects of NAPE-PLD deletion, including suppression of Rac1 activity and attenuated transcription of several genes (Cadps, Casp9, Egln1, Kcnj6, Spen, and Uchl1) implicated in dopamine neuron survival and/or Parkinson's disease. The findings point to a previously unrecognized role for NAPE-PLD in the regulation of dopamine neuron function, which may be linked to the control of NAPE homeostasis in membranes.

Oleoylethanolamide and Palmitoylethanolamide Protect Cultured Cortical Neurons Against Hypoxia

Introduction: Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) encephalopathy is defined as a neurological syndrome where the newborn suffers from acute ischemia and hypoxia during the perinatal period. New therapies are needed. The acylethanolamides, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), possess neuroprotective properties, and they could be effective against perinatal HI. These lipid mediators act through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors subtype α (PPARα), or transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV), such as TRPV subtype 1 and 4. Materials and Methods: The objectives of this study were to discern: (1) the neuroprotective role of OEA and PEA in parietotemporal cortical neurons of newborn rats and mice subjected to hypoxia, and (2) the role of the receptors, PPARα, TRPV1, and TRPV4, in neuroprotective effects. Cell culture of cortical neurons and the lactate dehydrogenase assay was carried out. The role of receptors was discerned by using selective antagonist and agonist ligands, as well as knockout (KO) PPARα mice. Results: The findings indicate that OEA and PEA exert neuroprotective effects on cultured cortical neurons subjected to a hypoxic episode. These protective effects are not mediated by the receptors, PPARα, TRPV1, or TRPV4, because neither PPARα KO mice nor receptor ligands significantly modify OEA and PEA-induced effects. Blocking TRPV4 with RN1734 is neuroprotective per se, and cotreatment with OEA and PEA is able to enhance neuroprotective effects of the acylethanolamides. Since stimulating TRPV4 was devoid of effects on OEA and PEA-induced protective effects, effects of RN1734 cotreatment seem to be a consequence of additive actions. Conclusion: The lipid mediators, OEA and PEA, exert neuroprotective effects on cultured cortical neurons subjected to hypoxia. Coadministration of OEA or PEA, and the TRPV4 antagonist RN1734 is able to enhance neuroprotective effects. These in vitro results could be of utility for developing new therapeutic tools against perinatal HI.

Binge Alcohol Exposure Transiently Changes the Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target to Prevent Alcohol-Induced Neurodegeneration

Excessive alcohol consumption leads to neurodegeneration, which contributes to cognitive decline that is associated with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the development of AUDs, but little is known about how the neurotoxic effects of alcohol impact the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of neurotoxic, binge-like alcohol exposure on components of the endocannabinoid system and related N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), and then evaluated the efficacy of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition on attenuating alcohol-induced neurodegeneration. Male rats were administered alcohol according to a binge model, which resulted in a transient decrease in [³H]-CP-55,940 binding in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus following two days, but not four days, of treatment. Furthermore, binge alcohol treatment did not change the tissue content of the three NAEs quantified, including the endocannabinoid and anandamide. In a separate study, the FAAH inhibitor, URB597 was administered to rats during alcohol treatment and neuroprotection was assessed by FluoroJade B (FJB) staining. The administration of URB597 during binge treatment did not significantly reduce FJB+ cells in the entorhinal cortex or hippocampus, however, a follow up "target engagement" study found that NAE augmentation by URB597 was impaired in alcohol intoxicated rats. Thus, potential alcohol induced alterations in URB597 pharmacodynamics may have contributed to the lack of neuroprotection by FAAH inhibition.

Capsaicin protects cortical neurons against ischemia/reperfusion injury via down-regulating NMDA receptors

Capsaicin, the ingredient responsible for the pungent taste of hot chili peppers, is widely used in the study and management of pain. Recently, its neuroprotective effect has been described in multiple studies. Herein, we investigated the underlying mechanisms for the neuroprotective effect of capsaicin. Direct injection of capsaicin (1 or 3nmol) into the peri-infarct area reduced the infarct volume and improved neurological behavioral scoring and motor coordination function in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion model in rats. The time window of the protective effect of capsaicin was within 1h after reperfusion, when excitotoxicity is the main reason of cell death. In cultured cortical neurons, administration of capsaicin attenuated glutamate-induced excitotoxic injury. With respect to the mechanisms of the neuroprotective effect of capsaicin, reduced calcium influx after glutamate stimulation was observed following capsaicin pretreatment in cortical neurons. Trpv1 knock-out abolished the inhibitory effect of capsaicin on glutamate-induced calcium influx and subsequent neuronal death. Reduced expression of GluN1 and GluN2B, subunits of NMDA receptor, was examined after capsaicin treatment in cortical neurons. In summary, our studies reveal that the neuroprotective effect of capsaicin in cortical neurons is TRPV1-dependent and down-regulation of the expression and function of NMDA receptors contributes to the protection afforded by capsaicin.

Targeting brain and peripheral plasticity of the lipidome in acute kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures in mice via quantitative mass spectrometry

Epilepsy is a highly common chronic neurological disorder, manifested in many different types, affecting ~1% of the worldwide human population. The molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis have not yet been clarified, and pharmacoresistance exhibited by 30-40% of epilepsy patients remains a major obstacle in medical care. Growing evidence indicates a role of lipid signalling pathways in epileptogenesis, thus lipid signals emerge as potential biomarkers for the onset and evolving course of the epileptic disorder, as well as potential therapeutic agents and targets. For this purpose, we applied a lipidomic strategy to unravel lipid alterations in brain regions, periphery tissues and plasma that are specific for acute epileptic seizures in mice at 1h after seizure induction by systemic kainic acid injection as compared to vehicle controls. Specifically, levels of (i) selected phospholipids and sphingomyelins, (ii) the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), and the endocannabinoid-related compounds oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), (iii) arachidonic acid (AA), (iv) selected eicosanoids, and (v) fatty acyl content of lipidome were determined in pulverized tissues from six brain regions of kainic acid induced epileptic seizure models and vehicle controls: hypothalamus, hippocampus, thalamus, striatum, cerebellum and cerebral cortex, and from peripheral organs, such as heart and lungs, and in plasma. Alterations in lipid levels after acute epileptic seizures as compared to non-seizure controls were found to be brain region- and periphery tissue-specific, including specific plasma lipid correlates, highlighting their value as marker candidates in translational research studies, and/or drug discovery and response monitoring.

Roles of fatty acid ethanolamides (FAE) in traumatic and ischemic brain injury

Ethanolamides of long-chain fatty acids are a class of endogenous lipid mediators generally referred to as N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). NAEs include anti-inflammatory and analgesic palmitoylethanolamide, anorexic oleoylethanolamide, stearoylethanolamide, and the endocannabinoid anandamide. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), associated with a high morbidity and mortality and no specific therapeutic treatment, has become a pressing public health and medical problem. TBI is a complex process evoking systemic immune responses as well as direct local responses in the brain tissues. The direct (primary) damage disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB), injures the neurons and initiates a cascade of inflammatory reactions including chemokine production and activation of resident immune cells. The effect of TBI is not restricted to the brain; it can cause multi-organ damage and evoke systemic immune response with cytokine and chemokine production. This facilitates the recruitment of immune cells to the site of injury and progression of the inflammatory reaction. Depending on severity, TBI induces immediate neuropathologic effects that, for the mildest form, may be transient; however, with increasing severity, these injuries cause cumulative neural damage and degeneration. Moreover, TBI leads to increased catabolism of phospholipids, resulting in a series of phospholipid breakdown products, some of which have potent biological activity. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury resulting from stroke leads to metabolic distress, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, making it likely that multiple therapeutic intervention strategies may be needed for successful treatment. Current therapeutic strategies for stroke need complimentary neuroprotective treatments to provide a better outcome. Prior studies on NAEs have demonstrated neurotrophic/neuroprotective activities across a broad spectrum of cellular and animal models of neurodegenerative and acute cerebrovascular disorders. The present review will summarize our knowledge of the biological role of these lipid signaling molecules in brain and highlights their therapeutic effect from multipotential actions on neuronal cell death and neuroinflammatory pathways.

Palmitoylethanolamide in CNS health and disease

The existence of acylethanolamides (AEs) in the mammalian brain has been known for decades. Among AEs, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is abundant in the central nervous system (CNS) and conspicuously produced by neurons and glial cells. Antihyperalgesic and neuroprotective properties of PEA have been mainly related to the reduction of neuronal firing and to control of inflammation. Growing evidence suggest that PEA may be neuroprotective during CNS neurodegenerative diseases. Advances in the understanding of the physiology and pharmacology of PEA have potentiated its interest as useful biological tool for disease management. Several rapid non-genomic and delayed genomic mechanisms of action have been identified for PEA as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α dependent. First, an early molecular control, through Ca(+2)-activated intermediate- and/or big-conductance K(+) channels opening, drives to rapid neuronal hyperpolarization. This is reinforced by the increase of the inward Cl(-) currents due to the modulation of the gamma aminobutyric acid A receptor and by the desensitization of the transient receptor potential channel type V1. Moreover, the gene transcription-mediated mechanism sustains the long-term anti-inflammatory effects, by reducing pro-inflammatory enzyme expression and increasing neurosteroid synthesis. Overall, the integration of these different modes of action allows PEA to exert an immediate and prolonged efficacious control in neuron signaling either on inflammatory process or neuronal excitability, maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this review, we will discuss the effect of PEA on metabolism, behavior, inflammation and pain perception, related to the control of central functions and the emerging evidence demonstrating its therapeutic efficacy in several neurodegenerative diseases.

Covalent modification of lipids and proteins in rat hepatocytes and in vitro by thioacetamide metabolites

Thioacetamide (TA) is a well-known hepatotoxin in rats. Acute doses cause centrilobular necrosis and hyperbilirubinemia while chronic administration leads to biliary hyperplasia and cholangiocarcinoma. Its acute toxicity requires its oxidation to a stable S-oxide (TASO) that is oxidized further to a highly reactive S,S-dioxide (TASO(2)). To explore possible parallels among the metabolism, covalent binding, and toxicity of TA and thiobenzamide (TB), we exposed freshly isolated rat hepatocytes to [(14)C]-TASO or [(13)C(2)D(3)]-TASO. TLC analysis of the cellular lipids showed a single major spot of radioactivity that mass spectral analysis showed to consist of N-acetimidoyl PE lipids having the same side chain composition as the PE fraction from untreated cells; no carbons or hydrogens from TASO were incorporated into the fatty acyl chains. Many cellular proteins contained N-acetyl- or N-acetimidoyl lysine residues in a 3:1 ratio (details to be reported separately). We also oxidized TASO with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylenthanolamine (DPPE) or lysozyme. Lysozyme was covalently modified at five of its six lysine side chains; only acetamide-type adducts were formed. DPPE in liposomes also gave only amide-type adducts, even when the reaction was carried out in tetrahydrofuran with only 10% water added. The exclusive formation of N-acetimidoyl PE in hepatocytes means that the concentration or activity of water must be extremely low in the region where TASO(2) is formed, whereas at least some of the TASO(2) can hydrolyze to acetylsulfinic acid before it reacts with cellular proteins. The requirement for two sequential oxidations to produce a reactive metabolite is unusual, but it is even more unusual that a reactive metabolite would react with water to form a new compound that retains a high degree of chemical reactivity toward biological nucleophiles. The possible contribution of lipid modification to the hepatotoxicity of TA/TASO remains to be determined.

Palmitoylethanolamide and other anandamide congeners. Proposed role in the diseased brain

Acylethanolamides are formed in the brain "on demand" from membrane phospholipids called N-acylated phosphatidylethanolamines. The acylethanolamides are signaling molecules of lipid nature, and this lipofilicity suggests an autocrine function. The acylethanolamides include palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), stearoylethanolamide (SEA), and several other quantitative minor species including anandamide (= arachidonoylethanolamide). PEA and OEA can activate several different receptors and inhibit some ion channels, e.g., PPARalpha, vanilloid receptor, K(+) channels (Kv4.3, Kv1.5), and OEA can activate GPR119 and inhibit ceramidases. Targets for SEA are less clear, but it has some cannabimimetic actions in rats in vivo. All acylethanolamides accumulate during neuronal injury, and injected OEA has neuroprotective effects, and PEA has anti-inflammatory effects as studied in the peripheral system. Several of the pharmacological effects seem to be mediated via activation of PPARalpha. Recently, injected OEA has been found to consolidate memories in rats. Inhibitors of the acylethanolamide-degrading enzyme FAAH can increase levels of all acylethanolamides including annandamide, and some of the pharmacological effects caused by these inhibitors may be explained by increased cerebral levels of OEA and PEA, e.g., suppression of nicotine-induced activation of dopamine neurons. Furthermore, through activation of PPARalpha, OEA and PEA may stimulate neurosteroid synthesis, thereby modulating several biological functions mediated by GABA(A) receptors. The existence of acylethanolamides in the mammalian brain has been known for decades, but it is first within the last few years that the putative biological functions of the three most abundant acylethanolamides species are starting to emerge.

Involvement of the cannabimimetic compound, N-palmitoyl-ethanolamine, in inflammatory and neuropathic conditions: review of the available pre-clinical data, and first human studies

The endogenous cannabimimetic compound, and anandamide analogue, N-palmitoyl-ethanolamine (PEA), was shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in experimental models of visceral, neuropathic and inflammatory pain by acting via several possible mechanisms. However, only scant data have been reported on the regulation of PEA levels during pathological conditions in animals or, particularly, humans. We review the current literature on PEA and report the results of three separate studies indicating that its concentrations are significantly increased during three different inflammatory and neuropathic conditions, two of which have been assessed in humans, and one in a mouse model. In patients affected with chronic low back pain, blood PEA levels were not significantly different from those of healthy volunteers, but were significantly and differentially increased (1.6-fold, P<0.01, N=10 per group) 30 min following an osteopathic manipulative treatment. In the second study, the paw skin levels of PEA in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathic pain were found to be significantly higher (1.5-fold, P<0.005, N=5) than those of control mice. In the third study, colonic PEA levels in biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis were found to be 1.8-fold higher (P<0.05, N=8-10) than those in healthy subjects. These heterogeneous data, together with previous findings reviewed here, substantiate the hypothesis that PEA is an endogenous mediator whose levels are increased following neuroinflammatory or neuropathic conditions in both animals and humans, possibly to exert a local anti-inflammatory and analgesic action.

Discovery and characterization of an Arabidopsis thaliana N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine synthase

N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are lipids involved in several physiological processes in animal and plant cells. In brain, NAEs are ligands of endocannabinoid receptors, which modulate various signaling pathways. In plant, NAEs regulate seed germination and root development, and they are involved in plant defense against pathogen attack. This signaling activity is started by an enzyme called N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) synthase. This catalyzes the N-acylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to form NAPE, which is most likely hydrolyzed by phospholipase D beta/gamma isoforms to generate NAE. This compound is further catabolized by fatty amide hydrolase. The genes encoding the enzymes involved in NAE metabolism are well characterized except for the NAPE synthase gene(s). By heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and overexpression in plants, we characterized an acyltransferase from Arabidopsis thaliana (At1g78690p) catalyzing the synthesis of lipids identified as NAPEs (two-dimensional TLC, phospholipase D hydrolysis assay, and electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry analyses). The ability of free fatty acid and acyl-CoA to be used as acyl donor was compared in vitro with E. coli membranes and purified enzyme (obtained by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography). In both cases, NAPE was synthesized only in the presence of acyl-CoA. beta-Glucuronidase promoter experiments revealed a strong expression in roots and young tissues of plants. Using yellow fluorescent protein fusion, we showed that the NAPE synthase is located in the plasmalemma of plant cells.

N-acylethanolamines, anandamide and food intake

Anandamide and the other N-acylethanolamines, e.g. oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and linoleoylethanolamide (LEA), may be formed by several enzymatic pathways from their precursors, which are the N-acylated ethanolamine phospholipids. The exact enzymatic pathways involved in their biosynthesis in specific tissues are not clarified. It has been suggested that endogenous anandamide could stimulate food intake by activation of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and/or in the intestinal tissue. On the other hand, endogenous OEA and PEA have been suggested to inhibit food intake by acting on receptors in the intestine. At present, there is no clear role for endogenous anandamide in controlling food intake via cannabinoid receptors, neither centrally nor in the gastrointestinal tract. However, OEA, PEA and perhaps also LEA may be involved in regulation of food intake by selective prolongation of feeding latency and post-meal interval. These N-acylethanolamines seem to be formed locally in the intestine, where they can activate PPARalpha located in close proximity to their site of synthesis. The rapid onset of OEA response and its reliance on an intact vagus nerve suggests that activation of PPARalpha does not result in formation of a transcription-dependent signal but must rely on an unidentified non-genomic signal that translates to activation of vagal afferents. Whether GPR119, TRPV1 and/or intestinal ceramide levels also contribute to the anorectic and weight-reducing effect of exogenous OEA is less clear. Prolonged intake of dietary fat (45 energy%) may promote over-consumption of food by decreasing the endogenous levels of OEA, PEA and LEA in the intestine.

Pharmacological and therapeutic secrets of plant and brain (endo)cannabinoids

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.

Ketogenic diet is antiepileptogenic in pentylenetetrazole kindled mice and decrease levels of N-acylethanolamines in hippocampus

The ketogenic diet (KD) is used for the treatment of refractory epilepsy in children, however, the mechanism(s) remains largely unknown. Also, the antiepileptogenic potential in animal models of epilepsy has been poorly addressed. Activation of cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB(1)-R) upon seizure activity may mediate neuroprotection as may several N-acylethanolamines. It is unknown how the KD interfere with the endocannabinoid system. We investigated the antiepileptogenic potential of the KD in the pentylenetetrazole kindling model in young mice and measured the hippocampal levels of CB(1)-R by Western blot and of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines by mass spectrometry. The KD significantly decreased incidence and severity of seizures, and significantly increased the latency to clonic convulsions. There were no changes in levels of endocannabinoids or CB(1)-R expression by either seizure activity or type of diet. The level of oleoylethanolamide as well as the sum of N-acylethanolamines were significantly decreased by the KD, but were unaffected by seizure activity. The study shows that the KD had clear antiepileptogenic properties in the pentylenetetrazole kindling model and does not support a role of endocannabinoids in this model. The significance of the decreased hippocampal level of oleoylethanolamide awaits further studies.

Endocannabinoids and nutrition

The endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are bioactive lipids derived from the n-6 family of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential fatty acids. Symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency in rats - growth retardation, scaly skin, and increased transepidermal water loss - can mainly be attributed to lack of linoleic acid as a structural element of the epidermis. Arachidonic acid, however, also serve essential functions, particularly in cellular signalling via its precursor role for numerous oxygenated derivatives such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, hepoxilins and other eicosanoids. Furthermore, arachidonic acid is also a structural part of endocannabinoids that have signalling functions in relation to modulation of neurotransmitter release, which might involve physiological and pathophysiological phenomena such as regulation of appetite, energy metabolism, pain perception, memory and learning. Furthermore, along with AEA formation other acylethanolamides are always formed - e.g., oleoylethanolamide (OEA), that can inhibit food intake, and palmitoylethanolamide, that is anti-inflammatory - possibly through activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) and/or GPR119. As all these unsaturated fatty acids are ingested daily in smaller or larger amounts, one can ask whether different dietary fats can affect the levels of these fatty acids in the tissues and thereby the quantitative formation of these bioactive signalling molecules. Generally, in vivo arachidonic-acid-derived eicosanoid production can be increased and decreased by prolonged feeding with pharmacological levels of arachidonic acid and long-chain (n-3) fatty acids (fish oil), respectively. Changes in levels of these two fatty acids within the traditional human diet hardly affects the eicosanoid production, however. Moreover, preliminary data suggest that dietary intake of arachidonic acid and fish oil also doesn't easily affect endocannabinoid formation; however, dietary fat in terms of saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated seems to affect tissue levels of AEA, 2-AG and OEA.

Changes in brain levels of N-acylethanolamines and 2-arachidonoylglycerol in focal cerebral ischemia in mice

The N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are bioactive lipids that can modulate inflammatory responses and protect neurons against glutamatergic excitotoxicity. We have used a model of focal cerebral ischemia in young adult mice to investigate the relationship between focal cerebral ischemia and endogenous NAEs. Over the first 24 h after induction of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, we observed a time-dependent increase in all the investigated NAEs, except for anandamide. Moreover, we found an accumulation of 2-AG at 4 h that returned to basal level 12 h after induction of ischemia. Accumulation of NAEs did not depend on regulation of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D or fatty acid amide hydrolase. Treatment with the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 (cyclohexyl carbamic acid 3'-carbamoyl-biphenyl-3-yl ester; 1 mg/kg; i.p.) 1.5 h before arterial occlusion decreased the infarct volume in our model system. Our results suggest that NAEs and 2-AG may be involved in regulation of neuroprotection during focal cerebral ischemia in mice.

Endocannabinoids and traumatic brain injury

In response to traumatic brain injury, there is local and transient accumulation of 2-AG at the site of injury, peaking at 4 h and sustained up to at least 24 h. Neuroprotection exerted by exogenous 2-AG suggests that the formation of 2-AG may serve as a molecular regulator of pathophysiological events, attenuating the brain damage. Inhibition of this protective effect by SR-141716A, a CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist, and the lack of effect of 2-AG in CB(1) knockout mice suggest that 2-AG and the CB(1) receptor may be important in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury. 2-AG exerts its neuroprotective effect after traumatic brain injury, at least in part, by inhibition of NF-kappaB transactivation. 2-AG also inhibits, at an early stage (2-4 h), the expression of the main proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta, and is accompanied by reduction of BBB permeability. Moreover, the CB(1), CB(2), and TRVP1 receptors are expressed on microvascular endothelial cells, and their activation by 2-AG counteracts endothelin (ET-1)-induced cerebral microvascular responses (namely, Ca(2+) mobilization and cytoskeleton rearrangement). This suggests that the functional interaction between 2-AG and ET-1 may provide a potential alternative pathway for abrogating ET-1-inducible vasoconstriction after brain injury and play a role in the neuroprotective effects exerted by 2-AG, as a potent vasodilator.

Cannabinoids and neuroprotection in basal ganglia disorders

Cannabinoids have been proposed as clinically promising neuroprotective molecules, as they are capable to reduce excitotoxicity, calcium influx, and oxidative injury. They are also able to decrease inflammation by acting on glial processes that regulate neuronal survival and to restore blood supply to injured area by reducing the vasoconstriction produced by several endothelium-derived factors. Through one or more of these processes, cannabinoids may provide neuroprotection in different neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease and Huntington's chorea, two chronic diseases that are originated as a consequence of the degeneration of specific nuclei of basal ganglia, resulting in a deterioration of the control of movement. Both diseases have been still scarcely explored at the clinical level for a possible application of cannabinoids to delay the progressive degeneration of the basal ganglia. However, the preclinical evidence seems to be solid and promising. There are two key mechanisms involved in the neuroprotection by cannabinoids in experimental models of these two disorders: first, a cannabinoid receptor-independent mechanism aimed at producing a decrease in the oxidative injury and second, an induction/upregulation of cannabinoid CB2 receptors, mainly in reactive microglia, that is capable to regulate the influence of these glial cells on neuronal homeostasis. Considering the relevance of these preclinical data and the lack of efficient neuroprotective strategies in both disorders, we urge the development of further studies that allow that the promising expectatives generated for these molecules progress from the present preclinical evidence till a real clinical application.

Short-term exposure to alcohol in rats affects brain levels of anandamide, other N-acylethanolamines and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol

Chronic alcohol exposure leads to significant changes in the levels of endocannabinoids and their receptors in the brains of humans and laboratory animals, as well as in cultured neuronal cells. However, little is known about the effects of short-term periods of alcohol exposure. In the present study, we examined the changes in endocannabinoid levels (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), as well as four additional N-acylethanolamines, in four brain regions of rats exposed to alcohol through the liquid diet for a period of 24h. The levels of N-acylethanolamines were diminished 24h after the onset of alcohol exposure. This was particularly evident for anandamide in the hypothalamus, amygdala and caudate-putamen, for N-palmitoylethanolamine in the caudate-putamen, for N-oleoylethanolamine in the hypothalamus, caudate-putamen and prefrontal cortex, and for N-stearoylethanolamine in the amygdala. The only exception was N-linoleoylethanolamine for which the levels increased in the amygdala after the exposure to alcohol. The levels of the other major endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, were also reduced with marked effects in the prefrontal cortex. These results support the notion that short-term alcohol exposure reduces endocannabinoid levels in the brain accompanied by a reduction in several related N-acylethanolamines.

Covalent modification of microsomal lipids by thiobenzamide metabolites in vivo

Thiobenzamide (TB) is hepatotoxic in rats causing centrolobular necrosis, steatosis, cholestasis, and hyperbilirubinemia. It serves as a model compound for a number of thiocarbonyl compounds that undergo oxidative bioactivation to chemically reactive metabolites. The hepatotoxicity of TB is strongly dependent on the electronic character of substituents in the meta- and para-positions, with Hammett rho values ranging from -4 to -2. On the other hand, ortho substituents that hinder nucleophilic addition to the benzylic carbon of S-oxidized TB metabolites abrogate the toxicity and protein covalent binding of TB. This strong linkage between the chemistry of TB and its metabolites and their toxicity suggests that this model is a good one for probing the overall mechanism of chemically induced biological responses. While investigating the protein covalent binding of TB metabolites, we noticed an unusually large amount of radioactivity associated with the lipid fraction of rat liver microsomes. Thin-layer chromatography showed that most of the radioactivity was contained in a single spot more polar than the neutral lipids but less polar than the phospholipid fractions. Mass spectral analyses aided by the use of synthetic standards identified the material as N-benzimidoyl derivatives of typical microsomal phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids. Quantitative analysis indicated that up to 25% of total microsomal PE became modified within 5 h after a hepatotoxic dose of TB. Further studies will be required to determine the contribution of lipid modification to the hepatotoxicity of TB.

Intestinal levels of anandamide and oleoylethanolamide in food-deprived rats are regulated through their precursors

The anorectic lipid oleoylethanolamide and the orexigenic lipid anandamide both belong to the group of N-acylethanolamines that are generated by the enzyme N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D. The levels of the two bioactive lipids were investigated in rat intestines after 24 h of starvation as well as after 1 and 4 h of re-feeding. Total levels of precursor phospholipids and N-acylethanolamines were decreased upon food-deprivation whereas the level of the anandamide precursor molecule was significantly increased. The level of 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol was unchanged as was the activity of N-acyltransferase, N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D, and fatty acid amide hydrolase upon starvation and re-feeding. It is concluded that remodeling of the amide-linked fatty acids of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine is responsible for the opposite effects on levels of anandamide and oleoylethanolamide in intestines of food-deprived rats and not an alternative biochemical route for anandamide synthesis. Furthermore, linoleoylethanolamide, which accounted for more than 50 mol% of the endogenous pool of N-acylethanolamines, was found not to have the same inhibitory effect on food intake, as did oleoylethanolamide following oral administration.

Signaling Pathways Involved in the Cardioprotective Effects of Cannabinoids

The aim of the present article is to review the cardioprotective properties of cannabinoids, with an emphasis on the signaling pathways involved. Cannabinoids have been reported to protect against ischemia in rat isolated hearts, as well as in rats and mice in vivo. Although these effects have been observed mostly with a pre-treatment of a cannabinoid, we report that the selective CB(2)-receptor agonist JWH133 is able to reduce infarct size when administered either before ischemia, during the entire ischemic period, or just upon reperfusion. Little is known about the signaling pathways involved in these cardioprotective effects. Likely candidates include protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) since they are activated during ischemia-reperfusion and contribute to the protective effect ischemic preconditioning. The use of pharmacological inhibitors suggests that PKC, p38 MAPK, and p42/p44 MAPK (ERK1/2) contribute to the protective effect of cannabinoids. In addition, perfusion with JWH133 in healthy hearts caused an increase in both p38 MAPK phosphorylation level and activity, whereas the CB(1)-receptor agonist ACEA was associated with an increase in the phosphorylation status of both ERK1 and ERK2 without any change in activity. During ischemia, both agonists doubled p38 MAPK activity, whereas ERK1/2 phosphorylation level and activity during reperfusion were enhanced only by the CB(1)-receptor agonist. Finally, although nitric oxide (NO) was shown to exert both pro and anti-apoptotic effects on cardiomyocytes, with an apparently controversial effect on myocardial survival, our data suggest that NO may contribute to the cardioprotective effect of some cannabinoids.

Mammalian cells stably overexpressing N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolysing phospholipase D exhibit significantly decreased levels of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines

In animal tissues, NAEs (N-acylethanolamines), including N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), are primarily formed from their corresponding NAPEs (N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines) by a phosphodiesterase of the PLD (phospholipase D) type (NAPE-PLD). Recently, we cloned cDNAs of NAPE-PLD from mouse, rat and human [Okamoto, Morishita, Tsuboi, Tonai and Ueda (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 5298-5305]. However, it remained unclear whether NAPE-PLD acts on endogenous NAPEs contained in the membrane of living cells. To address this question, we stably transfected two mammalian cell lines (HEK-293 and CHO-K1) with mouse NAPE-PLD cDNA, and investigated the endogenous levels and compositions of NAPEs and NAEs in these cells, compared with mock-transfected cells, with the aid of GC-MS. The overexpression of NAPE-PLD caused a decrease in the total amount of NAPEs by 50-90% with a 1.5-fold increase in the total amount of NAEs, suggesting that the recombinant NAPE-PLD utilizes endogenous NAPE as a substrate in the cell. Since the compositions of NAEs and NAPEs of NAPE-PLD-overexpressing cells and mock-transfected cells were very similar, the enzyme did not appear to discriminate among the N-acyl groups of endogenous NAPEs. These results confirm that overexpressed NAPE-PLD is capable of forming NAEs, including anandamide, in living cells.

Anandamide-induced cell death in primary neuronal cultures: role of calpain and caspase pathways

Anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamide or AEA) is an endocannabinoid that acts at vanilloid (VR1) as well as at cannabinoid (CB1/CB2) and NMDA receptors. Here, we show that AEA, in a dose-dependent manner, causes cell death in cultured rat cortical neurons and cerebellar granule cells. Inhibition of CB1, CB2, VR1 or NMDA receptors by selective antagonists did not reduce AEA neurotoxicity. Anandamide-induced neuronal cell loss was associated with increased intracellular Ca(2+), nuclear condensation and fragmentation, decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential, translocation of cytochrome c, and upregulation of caspase-3-like activity. However, caspase-3, caspase-8 or caspase-9 inhibitors, or blockade of protein synthesis by cycloheximide did not alter anandamide-related cell death. Moreover, AEA caused cell death in caspase-3-deficient MCF-7 cell line and showed similar cytotoxic effects in caspase-9 dominant-negative, caspase-8 dominant-negative or mock-transfected SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Anandamide upregulated calpain activity in cortical neurons, as revealed by alpha-spectrin cleavage, which was attenuated by the calpain inhibitor calpastatin. Calpain inhibition significantly limited anandamide-induced neuronal loss and associated cytochrome c release. These data indicate that AEA neurotoxicity appears not to be mediated by CB1, CB2, VR1 or NMDA receptors and suggest that calpain activation, rather than intrinsic or extrinsic caspase pathways, may play a critical role in anandamide-induced cell death.

Capsaicin exhibits neuroprotective effects in a model of transient global cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils

1. Capsaicin, the irritant principle of hot peppers, is a vanilloid agonist known to activate the transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily member 1 (VR1), recently reported to be involved in neurodegeneration. The present study investigated the role of VR1 in a model of global cerebral ischemia in gerbils. 2. Over the dose range tested, capsaicin (0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.2 and 0.6 mg kg(-1)), given 5 min after recirculation, dose-dependently antagonized the ischemia-induced electroencephalographic total spectral power decrease and restored relative frequency band distribution evaluated 7 days after ischemia. 3. Capsaicin, at all tested doses, fully prevented ischemia-induced hyperlocomotion evaluated 1 day after ischemia. 4. Capsaicin dose-dependently antagonized ischemia-induced memory impairment evaluated in a passive avoidance task, 3 days after ischemia. 5. Capsaicin showed a dose-dependent hypothermic effect evaluated for 2 h after recirculation. 6. At 7 days after ischemia, a progressive survival of pyramidal cells in the CA1 subfield in capsaicin-treated gerbils, with a maximum of 80%, at a dose of 0.2 mg kg(-1), was obtained. 7. The selective VR1 antagonist, capsazepine (0.01 mg kg(-1)), reversed capsaicin-induced protective effects, in a competitive manner. 8. These results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of capsaicin may be attributable, at least in part, to VR1 desensitization and provide a valuable target for development of interventional pharmacological strategies.

CB1 cannabinoid receptors are involved in neuroprotection via NF-kappa B inhibition

We reported earlier that closed head injury (CHI) in mice causes a sharp elevation of brain 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels, and that exogenous 2-AG reduces brain edema, infarct volume and hippocampal death and improved clinical recovery after CHI. The beneficial effect of 2-AG was attenuated by SR141716A, a CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, albeit at relatively high doses. In the present study, we further explored the role of CB1 receptors in mediating 2-AG neuroprotection. CB1 receptor knockout mice (CB1-/-) showed minor spontaneous recovery at 24 h after CHI, in contrast to the significant improvement in neurobehavioral function seen in wild-type (WT) mice. Moreover, administration of 2-AG did not improve neurological performance and edema formation in the CB1-/- mice. In addition, 2-AG abolished the three- to four-fold increase of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappa B) transactivation, at 24 h after CHI in the WT mice, while it had no effect on NF-kappaB in the CB1-/- mice, which was as high as in the WT vehicle-treated mice. We thus propose that 2-AG exerts its neuroprotection after CHI, at least in part, via CB1 receptor-mediated mechanisms that involve inhibition of intracellular inflammatory signaling pathways.

Effects of saturated long-chain N-acylethanolamines on voltage-dependent Ca2+ fluxes in rabbit T-tubule membranes

The effects of saturated long-chain (C: 16-22) N-acylethanolamines and a series of saturated fatty acids with the same length of carbon chains were investigated on depolarization-induced (45)Ca(2+) fluxes mediated by voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in transverse tubule membrane vesicles from rabbit skeletal muscle. Vesicles were loaded with (45)Ca(2+) and membrane potentials were generated by establishing potassium gradients across the vesicle using the ionophore valinomycin. Arachidonoylethanolamide and docosaenoylethanolamide but not palmitoylethanolamide and stearoylethanolamide (all 10 microM) caused a significant inhibition of depolarization-induced (45)Ca(2+) fluxes and specific binding of [(3)H]Isradipine to transverse tubule membranes. On the other hand, saturated fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, arachidic, and docosanoic acids (all 10 microM) were ineffective in functional and radioligand binding experiments. Additional experiments using endocannabinoid metabolites suggested that whereas ethanolamine and arachidic acids were ineffective, arachidonoylethanolamide inhibited Ca(2+) effluxes and specific binding of [(3)H]Isradipine. Further studies indicated that only those fatty acids containing ethanolamine as a head group and having a chain length of more than 18 carbons were effective in inhibiting depolarization-induced Ca(2+) effluxes and specific binding of [(3)H]Isradipine. In conclusion, results indicate that depending on the chain length and the head group of fatty acid, N-acylethanolamines have differential effects on the function of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels and on the specific binding of [(3)H]Isradipine in skeletal muscle membranes.

Anandamide transport inhibitor AM404 and structurally related compounds inhibit synaptic transmission between rat hippocampal neurons in culture independent of cannabinoid CB1 receptors

N-(hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM404) is an inhibitor of endocannabinoid transport. We examined the effects of AM404 on glutamatergic synaptic transmission using network-driven increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+] spikes) as an assay. At a concentration of 1 microM AM404 inhibited [Ca2+]i spiking by 73+/-8%. The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride (SR141716A), the vanilloid VR1 receptor antagonist capsazepine (CPZ), and treatment with pertussis toxin failed to block AM404-mediated inhibition. AM404 (3 microM) inhibited action-potential-evoked Ca2+ influx by 58+/-3% but failed to affect calcium influx evoked by depolarization with 30 mM K+, suggesting that the inhibition of electrically evoked [Ca2+]i increases and that [Ca2+]i spiking was due to inhibition of Na+ channels. Palmitoylethanolamide (PMEA), capsaicin (CAP) and (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-N-(4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenamide (VDM11), compounds structurally similar to AM404, inhibited [Ca2+]i spiking by 34+/-10%, 42+/-18% and 67+/-12%, respectively. Thus, AM404 and related compounds inhibit depolarization-induced Ca2+ influx independent of cannabinoid receptors, suggesting caution when using these agents as pharmacological probes to study synaptic transmission.

Experimental parkinsonism alters anandamide precursor synthesis, and functional deficits are improved by AM404: a modulator of endocannabinoid function

Modulation of the endocannabinoid system might be useful in treating Parkinson's disease. Here, we show that systemic administration of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM404), a cannabinoid modulator that enhances anandamide (AEA) availability in the biophase, exerts antiparkinsonian effects in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats. Local injections of AM404 into denervated striata reduced parkinsonian motor asymmetries, these effects being associated with the reduction of D2 dopamine receptor function together with a positive modulation of 5-HT(1B) serotonin receptor function. Stimulation of striatal 5-HT(1B) receptors alone was observed to ameliorate parkinsonian deficits, supporting the fact that AM404 exerts antiparkinsonian effects likely through stimulation of striatal 5-HT(1B) serotonin receptor function. Hence, modulation of cannabinoid function leading to enhancement of AEA in the biophase might be of therapeutic value in the control of symptoms of Parkinson's disease. On the other hand, reduced levels of N-acyl-transferase (AEA precursor synthesizing enzyme), without changes in fatty acid amidohydrolase (AEA degradative enzyme), were detected in denervated striata in comparison with intact striata. This finding reveals the presence of a homeostatic striatal mechanism emerging after dopaminergic denervation likely tending to enhance low dopamine tone.

A potentially critical role of phospholipases in central nervous system ischemic, traumatic, and neurodegenerative disorders

Phospholipases are a diverse group of enzymes whose activation may be responsible for the development of injury following insult to the brain. Amongst the numerous isoforms of phospholipase proteins expressed in mammals are 19 different phospholipase A2's (PLA2s), classified functionally as either secretory, calcium dependent, or calcium independent, 11 isozymes belonging to three structural groups of PLC, and 3 PLD gene products. Many of these phospholipases have been identified in selected brain regions. Under normal conditions, these enzymes regulate the turnover of free fatty acids (FFAs) in membrane phospholipids affecting membrane stability, fluidity, and transport processes. The measurement of free fatty acids thus provides a convenient method to follow phospholipase activity and their regulation. Phospholipase activity is also responsible for the generation of an extensive list of intracellular messengers including arachidonic acid metabolites. Phospholipases are regulated by many factors including selective phosphorylation, intracellular calcium and pH. However, under abnormal conditions, excessive phospholipase activation, along with a decreased ability to resynthesize membrane phospholipids, can lead to the generation of free radicals, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis/necrosis. This review evaluates the critical contribution of the various phospholipases to brain injury following ischemia and trauma and in neurodegenerative diseases.