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da Silva Rodrigues F, Jantsch J, de Farias Fraga G, Luiza de Camargo Milczarski V, Silva Dias V, Scheid C, de Oliveira Merib J, Giovernardi M, Padilha Guedes R. Cannabidiol improves maternal obesity-induced behavioral, neuroinflammatory and neurochemical dysfunctions in the juvenile offspring. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:301-316. [PMID: 38608740 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder in the offspring. While numerous studies focus on preventive measures targeting the mothers, only a limited number provide practical approaches for addressing the damages once they are already established. We have recently demonstrated the interplay between maternal obesity and treatment with cannabidiol (CBD) on hypothalamic inflammation and metabolic disturbances, however, little is known about this relationship on behavioral manifestations and neurochemical imbalances in other brain regions. Therefore, here we tested whether CBD treatment could mitigate anxiety-like and social behavioral alterations, as well as neurochemical disruptions in both male and female offspring of obese dams. Female Wistar rats were fed a cafeteria diet for 12 weeks prior to mating, and during gestation and lactation. Offspring received CBD (50 mg/kg) from weaning for 3 weeks. Behavioral tests assessed anxiety-like manifestations and social behavior, while neuroinflammatory and neurochemical markers were evaluated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. CBD treatment attenuated maternal obesity-induced anxiety-like and social behavioral alterations, followed by rescuing effects on imbalanced neurotransmitter and endocannabinoid concentrations and altered expression of glial markers, CB1, oxytocin and dopamine receptors, with important differences between sexes. Overall, the findings of this study provide insight into the signaling pathways for the therapeutic benefits of CBD on neuroinflammation and neurochemical imbalances caused by perinatal maternal obesity in the PFC and the hippocampus, which translates into the behavioral manifestations, highlighting the sexual dimorphism encompassing both the transgenerational effect of obesity and the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda da Silva Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Jantsch
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gabriel de Farias Fraga
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vitória Luiza de Camargo Milczarski
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Victor Silva Dias
- Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Camila Scheid
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Josias de Oliveira Merib
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcia Giovernardi
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, 90050-170 Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Renata Padilha Guedes
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, 90050-170 Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Cherry AL, Wheeler MJ, Mathisova K, Di Miceli M. In silico analyses of the involvement of GPR55, CB1R and TRPV1: response to THC, contribution to temporal lobe epilepsy, structural modeling and updated evolution. Front Neuroinform 2024; 18:1294939. [PMID: 38404644 PMCID: PMC10894036 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2024.1294939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is named after the discovery that endogenous cannabinoids bind to the same receptors as the phytochemical compounds found in Cannabis. While endogenous cannabinoids include anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), exogenous phytocannabinoids include Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds finely tune neurotransmission following synapse activation, via retrograde signaling that activates cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and/or transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). Recently, the eCB system has been linked to several neurological diseases, such as neuro-ocular abnormalities, pain insensitivity, migraine, epilepsy, addiction and neurodevelopmental disorders. In the current study, we aim to: (i) highlight a potential link between the eCB system and neurological disorders, (ii) assess if THC exposure alters the expression of eCB-related genes, and (iii) identify evolutionary-conserved residues in CB1R or TRPV1 in light of their function. Methods To address this, we used several bioinformatic approaches, such as transcriptomic (Gene Expression Omnibus), protein-protein (STRING), phylogenic (BLASTP, MEGA) and structural (Phyre2, AutoDock, Vina, PyMol) analyzes. Results Using RNA sequencing datasets, we did not observe any dysregulation of eCB-related transcripts in major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in the anterior cingulate cortex, nucleus accumbens or dorsolateral striatum. Following in vivo THC exposure in adolescent mice, GPR55 was significantly upregulated in neurons from the ventral tegmental area, while other transcripts involved in the eCB system were not affected by THC exposure. Our results also suggest that THC likely induces neuroinflammation following in vitro application on mice microglia. Significant downregulation of TPRV1 occurred in the hippocampi of mice in which a model of temporal lobe epilepsy was induced, confirming previous observations. In addition, several transcriptomic dysregulations were observed in neurons of both epileptic mice and humans, which included transcripts involved in neuronal death. When scanning known interactions for transcripts involved in the eCB system (n = 12), we observed branching between the eCB system and neurophysiology, including proteins involved in the dopaminergic system. Our protein phylogenic analyzes revealed that CB1R forms a clade with CB2R, which is distinct from related paralogues such as sphingosine-1-phosphate, receptors, lysophosphatidic acid receptors and melanocortin receptors. As expected, several conserved residues were identified, which are crucial for CB1R receptor function. The anandamide-binding pocket seems to have appeared later in evolution. Similar results were observed for TRPV1, with conserved residues involved in receptor activation. Conclusion The current study found that GPR55 is upregulated in neurons following THC exposure, while TRPV1 is downregulated in temporal lobe epilepsy. Caution is advised when interpreting the present results, as we have employed secondary analyzes. Common ancestors for CB1R and TRPV1 diverged from jawless vertebrates during the late Ordovician, 450 million years ago. Conserved residues are identified, which mediate crucial receptor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Cherry
- Worcester Biomedical Research Group, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Wheeler
- Sustainable Environments Research Group, School of Science and the Environment University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Karolina Mathisova
- School of Science and the Environment University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Mathieu Di Miceli
- Worcester Biomedical Research Group, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
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Chou S, Fish KN, Lewis DA, Sweet RA. Terminal type-specific cannabinoid CB1 receptor alterations in patients with schizophrenia: A pilot study. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 185:106262. [PMID: 37586566 PMCID: PMC10958392 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with schizophrenia are at elevated genetic risks for comorbid cannabis use, and often experience exacerbations of cognitive and psychotic symptoms when exposed to cannabis. These findings have led a number of investigators to examine cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) alterations in schizophrenia, though with conflicting results. We recently demonstrated the presence of CB1R in both excitatory and inhibitory boutons in the human prefrontal cortex, with differential levels of the receptor between bouton types. We hypothesized that the differential enrichment of CB1R between bouton types - a factor previously unaccounted for when examining CB1R changes in schizophrenia - may resolve prior discrepant reports and increase our insight into the effects of CB1R alterations on the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. METHODS Using co-labeling immunohistochemistry and fluorescent microscopy, we examined total CB1R levels and CB1R levels within excitatory (vGlut1-positive) and inhibitory (vGAT-positive) boutons of prefrontal cortex samples from ten pairs of individuals (nine male pairs and one female pair) diagnosed with schizophrenia and non-psychiatric comparisons. RESULTS Significantly higher total CB1R levels were found within samples from individuals with schizophrenia. Terminal type-specific analyses identified significantly higher CB1R levels within excitatory boutons in samples from individuals with schizophrenia relative to comparisons. In contrast, CB1R levels within the subset of inhibitory boutons that normally express high CB1R levels (presumptive cholecystokinin neuron boutons) were lower in samples from individuals with schizophrenia relative to comparison samples. CONCLUSION Given CB1R's role in suppressing neurotransmission upon activation, these results suggest an overall shift in excitatory and inhibitory balance regulation toward a net reduction of excitatory activity in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnyi Chou
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America
| | - Kenneth N Fish
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America
| | - David A Lewis
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America
| | - Robert A Sweet
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America.
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Chou S, Fish KN, Lewis DA, Sweet RA. Terminal type-specific cannabinoid CB1 receptor alterations in patients with schizophrenia: a pilot study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.11.536217. [PMID: 37090672 PMCID: PMC10120624 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.11.536217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Individuals with schizophrenia are at elevated genetic risks for comorbid cannabis use, and often experience exacerbations of cognitive and psychotic symptoms when exposed to cannabis. These findings have led a number of investigators to examine cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) alterations in schizophrenia, though with conflicting results. We recently demonstrated the presence of CB1R in both excitatory and inhibitory boutons in the human prefrontal cortex, with differential levels of the receptor between bouton types. We hypothesized that the differential enrichment of CB1R between bouton types - a factor previously unaccounted for when examining CB1R changes in schizophrenia - may resolve prior discrepant reports and increase our insight into the effects of CB1R alterations on the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Methods Using co-labeling immunohistochemistry and fluorescent microscopy, we examined total CB1R levels and CB1R levels within excitatory (vGlut1-positive) and inhibitory (vGAT-positive) boutons of prefrontal cortex samples from ten pairs of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and non-psychiatric comparisons. Results Significantly higher total CB1R levels were found within samples from individuals with schizophrenia. Terminal type-specific analyses identified significantly higher CB1R levels within excitatory boutons in samples from individuals with schizophrenia relative to comparisons. In contrast, CB1R levels within the subset of inhibitory boutons that normally express high CB1R levels (presumptive cholecystokinin neuron boutons) were lower in samples from individuals with schizophrenia relative to comparison samples. Conclusion Given CB1R's role in suppressing neurotransmission upon activation, these results suggest an overall shift in excitatory and inhibitory balance regulation toward a net reduction of excitatory activity in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnyi Chou
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261
| | - Kenneth N Fish
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261
| | - David A Lewis
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261
| | - Robert A Sweet
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261
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D'Souza DC, DiForti M, Ganesh S, George TP, Hall W, Hjorthøj C, Howes O, Keshavan M, Murray RM, Nguyen TB, Pearlson GD, Ranganathan M, Selloni A, Solowij N, Spinazzola E. Consensus paper of the WFSBP task force on cannabis, cannabinoids and psychosis. World J Biol Psychiatry 2022; 23:719-742. [PMID: 35315315 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2022.2038797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The liberalisation of cannabis laws, the increasing availability and potency of cannabis has renewed concern about the risk of psychosis with cannabis. METHODS The objective of the WFSBP task force was to review the literature about this relationship. RESULTS Converging lines of evidence suggest that exposure to cannabis increases the risk for psychoses ranging from transient psychotic states to chronic recurrent psychosis. The greater the dose, and the earlier the age of exposure, the greater the risk. For some psychosis outcomes, the evidence supports some of the criteria of causality. However, alternate explanations including reverse causality and confounders cannot be conclusively excluded. Furthermore, cannabis is neither necessary nor sufficient to cause psychosis. More likely it is one of the multiple causal components. In those with established psychosis, cannabis has a negative impact on the course and expression of the illness. Emerging evidence also suggests alterations in the endocannabinoid system in psychotic disorders. CONCLUSIONS Given that exposure to cannabis and cannabinoids is modifiable, delaying or eliminating exposure to cannabis or cannabinoids, could potentially impact the rates of psychosis related to cannabis, especially in those who are at high risk for developing the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marta DiForti
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Suhas Ganesh
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tony P George
- Addictions Division and Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wayne Hall
- The National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Oliver Howes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Institute for Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matcheri Keshavan
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robin M Murray
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy B Nguyen
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.,Institute for Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Godfrey D Pearlson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Olin Neuropsychiatry Ctr. Institute of Living, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alex Selloni
- Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Edoardo Spinazzola
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Molecular Alterations of the Endocannabinoid System in Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094764. [PMID: 35563156 PMCID: PMC9104141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic benefits of the current medications for patients with psychiatric disorders contrast with a great variety of adverse effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) components have gained high interest as potential new targets for treating psychiatry diseases because of their neuromodulator role, which is essential to understanding the regulation of many brain functions. This article reviewed the molecular alterations in ECS occurring in different psychiatric conditions. The methods used to identify alterations in the ECS were also described. We used a translational approach. The animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neurochemical aspects of psychiatric disorders and the molecular alterations in clinical studies in post-mortem brain tissue or peripheral tissues were analyzed. This article reviewed the most relevant ECS changes in prevalent psychiatric diseases such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, autism, attentional deficit, eating disorders (ED), and addiction. The review concludes that clinical research studies are urgently needed for two different purposes: (1) To identify alterations of the ECS components potentially useful as new biomarkers relating to a specific disease or condition, and (2) to design new therapeutic targets based on the specific alterations found to improve the pharmacological treatment in psychiatry.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that an overlap exists between the neurobiology of psychotic disorders and the effects of cannabinoids on neurocognitive and neurochemical substrates involved in reward processing. AIMS We investigate whether the psychotomimetic effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the antipsychotic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) are underpinned by their effects on the reward system and dopamine. METHODS This narrative review focuses on the overlap between altered dopamine signalling and reward processing induced by cannabinoids, pre-clinically and in humans. A systematic search was conducted of acute cannabinoid drug-challenge studies using neuroimaging in healthy subjects and those with psychosis RESULTS: There is evidence of increased striatal presynaptic dopamine synthesis and release in psychosis, as well as abnormal engagement of the striatum during reward processing. Although, acute THC challenges have elicited a modest effect on striatal dopamine, cannabis users generally indicate impaired presynaptic dopaminergic function. Functional MRI studies have identified that a single dose of THC may modulate regions involved in reward and salience processing such as the striatum, midbrain, insular, and anterior cingulate, with some effects correlating with the severity of THC-induced psychotic symptoms. CBD may modulate brain regions involved in reward/salience processing in an opposite direction to that of THC. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence to suggest modulation of reward processing and its neural substrates by THC and CBD. Whether such effects underlie the psychotomimetic/antipsychotic effects of these cannabinoids remains unclear. Future research should address these unanswered questions to understand the relationship between endocannabinoid dysfunction, reward processing abnormalities, and psychosis.
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Molecular Findings Guiding the Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System as a Potential Target to Treat Schizophrenia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1400:89-103. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-97182-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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O’Neill A, Annibale L, Blest-Hopley G, Wilson R, Giampietro V, Bhattacharyya S. Cannabidiol modulation of hippocampal glutamate in early psychosis. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:814-822. [PMID: 33860709 PMCID: PMC8278563 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211001107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence supports the antipsychotic effect of cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating component of cannabis, in people with psychosis. Preclinical findings suggest that this antipsychotic effect may be related to cannabidiol modulating glutamatergic signalling in the brain. AIM The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cannabidiol on the neurochemical mechanisms underlying psychosis. METHODS We investigated the effects of a single oral dose of cannabidiol (600 mg) in patients with psychosis, using a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures, within-subject cross-over design. After drug administration, 13 patients were scanned using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure left hippocampal glutamate levels. Symptom severity was rated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale 60 min before drug administration (pre-scan), and 270 min after drug administration (post-scan). Effects of cannabidiol on hippocampal glutamate levels, symptom severity, and correlations between hippocampal glutamate and symptoms were investigated. RESULTS Compared to placebo, there was a significant increase in hippocampal glutamate (p=0.035), and a significantly greater decrease in symptom severity (p=0.032) in the psychosis patients under cannabidiol treatment. There was also a significant negative relationship between post-treatment total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score and hippocampal glutamate (p=0.047), when baseline Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score, treatment (cannabidiol vs placebo), and interaction between treatment and glutamate levels were controlled for. CONCLUSIONS These findings may suggest a link between the increase in glutamate levels and concomitant decrease in symptom severity under cannabidiol treatment observed in psychosis patients. Furthermore, the findings provide novel insight into the potential neurochemical mechanisms underlying the antipsychotic effects of cannabidiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling O’Neill
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King’s College London, London, UK,Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luciano Annibale
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Robin Wilson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King’s College London, London, UK,Sagnik Bhattacharyya, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, M6.01.04, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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Seillier A. The endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target for schizophrenia: Failures and potentials. Neurosci Lett 2021; 759:136064. [PMID: 34146641 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Owing to its psychotropic effects, Cannabis has been stigmatized by its recreational use leading to a dramatic decline in the experimentations about its medical use in the twentieth century. The medical properties of the plant - known since ancient times - have received increased attention over recent years; yet, the research on its potential application in the field of psychiatry is still nascent. In this connection, the non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a phytocannabinoid compound with promising antipsychotic effects. In addition, advances in our understanding of the endocannabinoid system, along with accumulating evidence implicating this system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, have stimulated research by the pharmaceutical industry to explore whether alteration of this system can be of medical benefit. This review examines the current state of evidence regarding the clinical potential of cannabinoid-based drugs as a treatment for schizophrenia, while discussing various limitations with the therapeutic approaches considered so far. In the second part, the author highlights the most promising strategies, as well as the most interesting directions one could follow, in the emerging field of cannabinoid therapies for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Seillier
- RP1 Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67 Klecany, Prague East, Czech Republic.
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Laviolette SR. Exploring the impact of adolescent exposure to cannabinoids and nicotine on psychiatric risk: insights from translational animal models. Psychol Med 2021; 51:940-947. [PMID: 31801641 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719003325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence represents a highly sensitive period of mammalian neurodevelopment wherein critical synaptic and structural changes are taking place in brain regions involved in cognition, self-regulation and emotional processing. Importantly, neural circuits such as the mesocorticolimbic pathway, comprising the prefrontal cortex, sub-cortical mesolimbic dopamine system and their associated input/output centres, are particularly vulnerable to drug-related insults. Human adolescence represents a life-period wherein many individuals first begin to experiment with recreational drugs such as nicotine and cannabis, both of which are known to profoundly modulate neurochemical signalling within the mesocorticolimbic pathway and to influence both long-term and acute neuropsychiatric symptoms. While a vast body of epidemiological clinical research has highlighted the effects of adolescent exposure to drugs such as nicotine and cannabis on the developing adolescent brain, many of these studies are limited to correlative analyses and rely on retrospective self-reports from subjects, making causal interpretations difficult to discern. The use of pre-clinical animal studies can avoid these issues by allowing for precise temporal and dose-related experimental control over drug exposure during adolescence. In addition, such animal-based research has the added advantage of allowing for in-depth molecular, pharmacological, genetic and neuronal analyses of how recreational drug exposure may set up the brain for neuropsychiatric risk. This review will explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of these models, with a focus on the common, divergent and synergistic effects of adolescent nicotine and cannabis exposure on neuropsychiatric risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, CanadaN6A3K7
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, CanadaN6A3K7
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, CanadaN6A3K7
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Endocannabinoid system in psychotic and mood disorders, a review of human studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110096. [PMID: 32898588 PMCID: PMC8582009 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite widespread evidence of endocannabinoid system involvement in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, our understanding remains rudimentary. Here we review studies of the endocannabinoid system in humans with psychotic and mood disorders. Postmortem, peripheral, cerebrospinal fluid and in vivo imaging studies provide evidence for the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in psychotic and mood disorders. Psychotic disorders and major depressive disorder exhibit alterations of brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors and peripheral blood endocannabinoids. Further, these changes may be sensitive to treatment status, disease state, and symptom severity. Evidence from psychotic disorder extend to endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes in the brain and periphery, whereas these lines of evidence remain poorly developed in mood disorders. A paucity of studies examining this system in bipolar disorder represents a notable gap in the literature. Despite a growing body of productive work in this field of research, there is a clear need for investigation beyond the CB1 receptor in order to more fully elucidate the role of the endocannabinoid system in psychotic and mood disorders.
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Szkudlarek HJ, Rodríguez-Ruiz M, Hudson R, De Felice M, Jung T, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. THC and CBD produce divergent effects on perception and panic behaviours via distinct cortical molecular pathways. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110029. [PMID: 32623021 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and pre-clinical evidence demonstrates divergent psychotropic effects of THC vs. CBD. While THC can induce perceptual distortions and anxiogenic effects, CBD displays antipsychotic and anxiolytic properties. A key brain region responsible for regulation of cognition and affect, the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), is strongly modulated by cannabinoids, suggesting that these dissociable THC/CBD-dependent effects may involve functional and molecular interplay within the PFC. The primary aim of this study was to investigate potential interactions and molecular substrates involved in PFC-mediated effects of THC and CBD on differential cognitive and affective behavioural processing. Male Sprague Dawley rats received intra-PFC microinfusions of THC, CBD or their combination, and tested in the latent inhibition paradigm, spontaneous oddity discrimination test, elevated T-maze and open field. To identify local, drug-induced molecular modulation in the PFC, PFC samples were collected and processed with Western Blotting. Intra-PFC THC induced strong panic-like responses that were counteracted with CBD. In contrast, CBD did not affect panic-like behaviours but blocked formation of associative fear memories and impaired latent inhibition and oddity discrimination performance. Interestingly, these CBD effects were dependent upon 5-HT1A receptor transmission but not influenced by THC co-administration. Moreover, THC induced robust phosphorylation of ERK1/2 that was prevented by CBD, while CBD decreased phosphorylation of p70S6K, independently of THC. These results suggest that intra-PFC infusion of THC promotes panic-like behaviour associated with increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast, CBD impairs perceptive functions and latent inhibition via activation of 5-HT1A receptors and reduced phosphorylation of p70S6K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada.
| | - Mar Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Tony Jung
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry. Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry. Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada.
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14
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Oliver EE, Hughes EK, Puckett MK, Chen R, Lowther WT, Howlett AC. Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein 1a (CRIP1a) in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121609. [PMID: 33261012 PMCID: PMC7761089 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid signaling depends upon the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and intracellular proteins that mediate responses via the C-terminal and other intracellular receptor domains. The CB1 receptor regulates and is regulated by associated G proteins predominantly of the Gi/o subtypes, β-arrestins 1 and 2, and the cannabinoid receptor-interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a). Evidence for a physiological role for CRIP1a is emerging as data regarding the cellular localization and function of CRIP1a are generated. Here we summarize the neuronal distribution and role of CRIP1a in endocannabinoid signaling, as well as discuss investigations linking CRIP1a to development, vision and hearing sensory systems, hippocampus and seizure regulation, and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. We also examine the genetic and epigenetic association of CRIP1a within a variety of cancer subtypes. This review provides evidence upon which to base future investigations on the function of CRIP1a in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Oliver
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 20157, USA; (E.E.O.); (E.K.H.); (M.K.P.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 20157, USA;
| | - Erin K. Hughes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 20157, USA; (E.E.O.); (E.K.H.); (M.K.P.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 20157, USA;
| | - Meaghan K. Puckett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 20157, USA; (E.E.O.); (E.K.H.); (M.K.P.); (R.C.)
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 20157, USA; (E.E.O.); (E.K.H.); (M.K.P.); (R.C.)
| | - W. Todd Lowther
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 20157, USA;
| | - Allyn C. Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 20157, USA; (E.E.O.); (E.K.H.); (M.K.P.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-336-716-8545
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15
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The Cannabinoid CB 1 Receptor in Schizophrenia. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 6:646-659. [PMID: 33077399 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Converging lines of evidence from epidemiological, preclinical, and experimental studies indicate that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and suggest that the cannabinoid CB1 receptor may be a potential therapeutic target. In view of this, we first provide an overview of the endocannabinoid system and systematically review the evidence for CB1 receptor alterations in animal models of schizophrenia and clinical studies in schizophrenia. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycArticles, and PsycINFO were systematically searched from inception until January 7, 2020. Of 1187 articles, 24 were included in the systematic review, including 8 preclinical studies measuring the CB1 receptor in the context of an established animal model of schizophrenia and 16 clinical studies investigating the CB1 receptor in schizophrenia. The majority of preclinical studies (6 of 8) have shown that the CB1 receptor is reduced in the context of animal models of schizophrenia. Moreover, the majority of in vivo clinical imaging studies that used arterial blood sampling to quantify the radiotracer kinetics (3 of 4) have shown reduced CB1 receptor availability in schizophrenia. However, mixed findings have been reported in ex vivo literature, including reports of no change in receptor levels (5 of 11), increased receptor levels (4 of 11), and decreased receptor levels (2 of 11). We review methodological reasons for these discrepancies and review how CB1 receptor dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, drawing on the role of the receptor in regulating synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. We also discuss how the CB1 receptor may be a potential therapeutic target.
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16
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Reddy V, Grogan D, Ahluwalia M, Salles ÉL, Ahluwalia P, Khodadadi H, Alverson K, Nguyen A, Raju SP, Gaur P, Braun M, Vale FL, Costigliola V, Dhandapani K, Baban B, Vaibhav K. Targeting the endocannabinoid system: a predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine-directed approach to the management of brain pathologies. EPMA J 2020; 11:217-250. [PMID: 32549916 PMCID: PMC7272537 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-020-00203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis-inspired medical products are garnering increasing attention from the scientific community, general public, and health policy makers. A plethora of scientific literature demonstrates intricate engagement of the endocannabinoid system with human immunology, psychology, developmental processes, neuronal plasticity, signal transduction, and metabolic regulation. Despite the therapeutic potential, the adverse psychoactive effects and historical stigma, cannabinoids have limited widespread clinical application. Therefore, it is plausible to weigh carefully the beneficial effects of cannabinoids against the potential adverse impacts for every individual. This is where the concept of "personalized medicine" as a promising approach for disease prediction and prevention may take into the account. The goal of this review is to provide an outline of the endocannabinoid system, including endocannabinoid metabolizing pathways, and will progress to a more in-depth discussion of the therapeutic interventions by endocannabinoids in various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamsi Reddy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Dayton Grogan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Meenakshi Ahluwalia
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Évila Lopes Salles
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Pankaj Ahluwalia
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Hesam Khodadadi
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Katelyn Alverson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Andy Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Srikrishnan P. Raju
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
- Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Pankaj Gaur
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Molly Braun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA
- VISN 20 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, USA
| | - Fernando L. Vale
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | | | - Krishnan Dhandapani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
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17
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Woo JJ, van Reekum EA, Rosic T, Samaan Z. Children and Youth Who Use Cannabis for Pain Relief: Benefits, Risks, and Perceptions. ADOLESCENT HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS 2020; 11:53-61. [PMID: 32547283 PMCID: PMC7247732 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s254264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We provide up-to-date perspectives on the benefits and risks of medical cannabis for pain management in children and youth. To date, only two studies (a case report and a small observational study) have examined the effects of medical cannabis on pain in children and youth. No controlled trial has commented on long-term safety of medical cannabis. Findings from the recreational cannabis literature reveal significant potential short- and long-term risks of regular cannabis use, including impaired driving, depression, suicidality, psychosis, and tolerance. Despite this, many children and youth are self-medicating with cannabis, and perceive regular cannabis use to be safe. There is a need for better education and counselling of patients regarding the benefits and risks of medical cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Woo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tea Rosic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Zainab Samaan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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18
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Seillier A, Martinez AA, Giuffrida A. Differential effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol dosing on correlates of schizophrenia in the sub-chronic PCP rat model. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230238. [PMID: 32163506 PMCID: PMC7067407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Social withdrawal in the sub-chronic phencyclidine (PCP) rat model, a behavioral correlate of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, results from deficits in brain endocannabinoid transmission. As cannabis intake has been shown to affect negatively the course and expression of psychosis, we tested whether the beneficial effects of endocannabinoid-mediated CB1 activation on social withdrawal in PCP-treated rats (5 mg/kg, twice daily for 7 days)also occurred after administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.). In addition, we assessed whether THC affected two correlates of positive symptoms: 1) motor activity induced by d-amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), and 2) dopamine neuron population activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). After the motor activity test, the brains from d-amphetamine-treated animals were collected and processed for measurements of endocannabinoids and activation of Akt/GSK3β, two molecular markers involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In control rats, THC dose-dependently produced social interaction deficits and aberrant VTA dopamine neuron population activity similar to those observed in PCP-treated animals. In PCP-treated rats, only the lowest dose of THC reversed PCP-induced deficits, as well as PCP-induced elevation of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) in the nucleus accumbens. Last, THC activated the Akt/GSK3β pathway dose-dependently in both control and PCP-treated animals. Taken together, these data suggest that only low doses of THC have beneficial effects on behavioral, neurochemical and electrophysiological correlates of schizophrenia symptoms. This observation may shed some light on the controversial hypothesis of marijuana use as self-medication in schizophrenic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Seillier
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alex A. Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
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19
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van der Steur SJ, Batalla A, Bossong MG. Factors Moderating the Association Between Cannabis Use and Psychosis Risk: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E97. [PMID: 32059350 PMCID: PMC7071602 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates a relationship between cannabis use and psychosis risk. Specific factors, such as determinants of cannabis use or the genetic profile of cannabis users, appear to moderate this association. The present systematic review presents a detailed and up-to-date literature overview on factors that influence the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis risk. A systematic search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines in MEDLINE and Embase, and 56 studies were included. The results show that, in particular, frequent cannabis use, especially daily use, and the consumption of high-potency cannabis are associated with a higher risk of developing psychosis. Moreover, several genotypes moderate the impact of cannabis use on psychosis risk, particularly those involved in the dopamine function, such as AKT1. Finally, cannabis use is associated with an earlier psychosis onset and increased risk of transition in individuals at a clinical high risk of psychosis. These findings indicate that changing cannabis use behavior could be a harm reduction strategy employed to lower the risk of developing psychosis. Future research should aim to further develop specific biomarkers and genetic profiles for psychosis, thereby contributing to the identification of individuals at the highest risk of developing a psychotic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthijs G. Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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20
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Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Jurado-Barba R, Rubio G, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Endocannabinoid System Components as Potential Biomarkers in Psychiatry. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:315. [PMID: 32395111 PMCID: PMC7197485 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The high heterogeneity of psychiatric disorders leads to a lack of diagnostic precision. Therefore, the search of biomarkers is a fundamental aspect in psychiatry to reach a more personalized medicine. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has gained increasing interest due to its involvement in many different functional processes in the brain, including the regulation of emotions, motivation, and cognition. This article reviews the role of the main components of the ECS as biomarkers in certain psychiatric disorders. Studies carried out in rodents evaluating the effects of pharmacological and genetic manipulation of cannabinoid receptors or endocannabinoids (eCBs) degrading enzymes were included. Likewise, the ECS-related alterations occurring at the molecular level in animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neuropathological aspects of psychiatric disorders were reviewed. Furthermore, clinical studies evaluating gene or protein alterations in post-mortem brain tissue or in vivo blood, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed. Also, the results from neuroimaging studies using positron emission tomography (PET) or functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) were included. This review shows the close involvement of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1r) in stress regulation and the development of mood disorders [anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder (BD)], in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or eating disorders (i.e. anorexia and bulimia nervosa). On the other hand, recent results reveal the potential therapeutic action of the endocannabinoid tone manipulation by inhibition of eCBs degrading enzymes, as well as by the modulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2r) activity on anxiolytic, antidepressive, or antipsychotic associated effects. Further clinical research studies are needed; however, current evidence suggests that the components of the ECS may become promising biomarkers in psychiatry to improve, at least in part, the diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Jurado-Barba
- Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Educación y Salud, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Rubio
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Cortez IL, Rodrigues da Silva N, Guimarães FS, Gomes FV. Are CB2 Receptors a New Target for Schizophrenia Treatment? Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:587154. [PMID: 33329132 PMCID: PMC7673393 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.587154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that involves several neurotransmitters such as dopamine, glutamate, and GABA. More recently, the endocannabinoid system has also been associated with this disorder. Although initially described as present mostly in the periphery, cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptors are now proposed to play a role in several brain processes related to schizophrenia, such as modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission, microglial activation, and neuroplastic changes induced by stress. Here, we reviewed studies describing the involvement of the CB2 receptor in these processes and their association with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Taken together, these pieces of evidence indicate that CB2 receptor may emerge as a new target for the development of antipsychotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora L Cortez
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Naielly Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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22
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Osborne AL, Solowij N, Babic I, Lum JS, Huang XF, Newell KA, Weston-Green K. Cannabidiol improves behavioural and neurochemical deficits in adult female offspring of the maternal immune activation (poly I:C) model of neurodevelopmental disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 81:574-587. [PMID: 31326506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a major source of disability in schizophrenia and current antipsychotic drugs (APDs) have minimal efficacy for this symptom domain. Cannabidiol (CBD), the major non-intoxicating component of Cannabis sativa L., exhibits antipsychotic and neuroprotective properties. We recently reported the effects of CBD on cognition in male offspring of a maternal immune activation (polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid (poly I:C)) model relevant to the aetiology of schizophrenia; however, the effects of CBD treatment in females are unknown. Sex differences are observed in the onset of schizophrenia symptoms and response to APD treatment. Furthermore, the endogenous cannabinoid system, a direct target of CBD, is sexually dimorphic in humans and rodents. Therefore, the present work aimed to assess the therapeutic impact of CBD treatment on behaviour and neurochemical signalling markers in female poly I:C offspring. Time-mated pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 16) were administered poly I:C (4 mg/kg; i.v.) or saline (control) on gestational day 15. From postnatal day 56, female offspring received CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle treatment for approximately 3 weeks. Following 2 weeks of CBD treatment, offspring underwent behavioural testing, including the novel object recognition, rewarded alternation T-maze and social interaction tests to assess recognition memory, working memory and sociability, respectively. After 3 weeks of CBD treatment, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HPC) were collected to assess effects on endocannabinoid, glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signalling markers. CBD attenuated poly I:C-induced deficits in recognition memory, social interaction and glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) binding in the PFC of poly I:C offspring. Working memory performance was similar between treatment groups. CBD also increased glutamate decarboxylase 67, the rate-limiting enzyme that converts glutamate to GABA, and parvalbumin protein levels in the HPC. In contrast to the CBD treatment effects observed in poly I:C offspring, CBD administration to control rats reduced social interaction, cannabinoid CB1 receptor and NMDAR binding density in the PFC, suggesting that CBD administration to healthy rats may have negative consequences on social behaviour and brain maturation in adulthood. Overall, the findings of this study support the therapeutic benefits of CBD on recognition memory and sociability in female poly I:C offspring, and provide insight into the neurochemical changes that may underlie the therapeutic benefits of CBD in the poly I:C model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh L Osborne
- Neuropharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Centre for Translational Neuroscience, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Ilijana Babic
- Neuropharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Centre for Translational Neuroscience, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Jeremy S Lum
- Neuropharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Centre for Translational Neuroscience, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Kelly A Newell
- Neuropharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Centre for Translational Neuroscience, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Katrina Weston-Green
- Neuropharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Centre for Translational Neuroscience, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
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Borgan F, Laurikainen H, Veronese M, Marques TR, Haaparanta-Solin M, Solin O, Dahoun T, Rogdaki M, Salokangas RKR, Karukivi M, Di Forti M, Turkheimer F, Hietala J, Howes O. In Vivo Availability of Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Levels in Patients With First-Episode Psychosis. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:1074-1084. [PMID: 31268519 PMCID: PMC6613300 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.1427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Experimental and epidemiological studies implicate the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) in the pathophysiology of psychosis. However, whether CB1R levels are altered in the early stages of psychosis and whether they are linked to cognitive function or symptom severity remain unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate CB1R availability in first-episode psychosis (FEP) without the confounds of illness chronicity or the use of illicit substances or antipsychotics. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional, case-control study of 2 independent samples included participants receiving psychiatric early intervention services at 2 independent centers in Turku, Finland (study 1) and London, United Kingdom (study 2). Study 1 consisted of 18 volunteers, including 7 patients with affective or nonaffective psychoses taking antipsychotic medication and 11 matched controls; study 2, 40 volunteers, including 20 antipsychotic-naive or antipsychotic-free patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 20 matched controls. Data were collected from January 5, 2015, through September 26, 2018, and analyzed from June 20, 2016, through February 12, 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The availability of CB1R was indexed using the distribution volume (VT, in milliliters per cubic centimeter) of 2 CB1R-selective positron emission tomography radiotracers: fluoride 18-labeled FMPEP-d2 (study 1) and carbon 11-labeled MePPEP (study 2). Cognitive function was measured using the Wechsler Digit Symbol Coding Test. Symptom severity was measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for study 1 and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for study 2. RESULTS A total of 58 male individuals were included in the analyses (mean [SD] age of controls, 27.16 [5.93] years; mean [SD] age of patients, 26.96 [4.55] years). In study 1, 7 male patients with FEP (mean [SD] age, 26.80 [5.40] years) were compared with 11 matched controls (mean [SD] age, 27.18 [5.86] years); in study 2, 20 male patients with FEP (mean [SD] age, 27.00 [5.06] years) were compared with 20 matched controls (mean [SD] age, 27.15 [6.12] years). In study 1, a significant main effect of group on [18F]FMPEP-d2 VT was found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) (t16 = -4.48; P < .001; Hedges g = 1.2), hippocampus (t16 = -2.98; P = .006; Hedges g = 1.4), striatum (t16 = -4.08; P = .001; Hedges g = 1.9), and thalamus (t16 = -4.67; P < .001; Hedges g = 1.4). In study 2, a significant main effect of group on [11C]MePPEP VT was found in the ACC (Hedges g = 0.8), hippocampus (Hedges g = 0.5), striatum (Hedges g = 0.4), and thalamus (Hedges g = 0.7). In patients, [11C]MePPEP VT in the ACC was positively associated with cognitive functioning (R = 0.60; P = .01), and [11C]MePPEP VT in the hippocampus was inversely associated with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total symptom severity (R = -0.50; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The availability of CB1R was lower in antipsychotic-treated and untreated cohorts relative to matched controls. Exploratory analyses indicated that greater reductions in CB1R levels were associated with greater symptom severity and poorer cognitive functioning in male patients. These findings suggest that CB1R may be a potential target for the treatment of psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Borgan
- Psychosis Studies Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heikki Laurikainen
- Turku PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Mattia Veronese
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tiago Reis Marques
- Psychosis Studies Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Merja Haaparanta-Solin
- Turku PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Olof Solin
- Turku PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Tarik Dahoun
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Rogdaki
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raimo KR Salokangas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Max Karukivi
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University, Satakunta Hospital District, Turku, Finland
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Psychosis Studies Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federico Turkheimer
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jarmo Hietala
- Turku PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Oliver Howes
- Psychosis Studies Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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24
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Almeida V, Levin R, Peres FF, Suiama MA, Vendramini AM, Santos CM, Silva ND, Zuardi AW, Hallak JEC, Crippa JA, Abílio VC. Role of the endocannabinoid and endovanilloid systems in an animal model of schizophrenia-related emotional processing/cognitive deficit. Neuropharmacology 2019; 155:44-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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25
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Muguruza C, Morentin B, Meana JJ, Alexander SP, Callado LF. Endocannabinoid system imbalance in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of subjects with schizophrenia. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1132-1140. [PMID: 31237179 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119857205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system - comprising cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoid ligands and their synthesis and inactivation enzymes - has been widely implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, little is known regarding the status of the different elements of the endocannabinoid system in the brain of schizophrenic patients. We have previously reported altered endocannabinoid levels in the postmortem brain of subjects with schizophrenia compared with matched controls. AIMS Our aim was to further examine the status of the main elements of the endocannabinoid system in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of the same cohort of subjects. METHODS Gene expression and function of the cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1) and the endocannabinoid degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) have been assessed. RESULTS A significant decrease in CB1 mRNA levels in schizophrenia was found, without alteration of FAAH or MAGL mRNA expression. Moreover, positive correlations among mRNA expressions of the three genes studied were found in the prefrontal cortex of controls but not in schizophrenic subjects. No alteration was found in CB1 receptor mediated functional coupling to G-proteins, but a significant increase of FAAH activity was found in schizophrenic subjects compared with controls. 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels and MAGL activity were found to positively correlate in controls but not in schizophrenic subjects. CONCLUSIONS The present findings reveal an imbalance in the expression and function of different elements of the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia. This outcome highlights the relevance of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and emphasises its elements as potential targets in the search for new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Muguruza
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Benito Morentin
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Basque Institute of Legal Medicine, Bilbao, Spain
| | - J Javier Meana
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Stephen Ph Alexander
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK
| | - Luis F Callado
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
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26
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Perez SM, Donegan JJ, Boley AM, Aguilar DD, Giuffrida A, Lodge DJ. Ventral hippocampal overexpression of Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein 1 (CNRIP1) produces a schizophrenia-like phenotype in the rat. Schizophr Res 2019; 206:263-270. [PMID: 30522798 PMCID: PMC6525642 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent cannabis use has been implicated as a risk factor for schizophrenia; however, it is neither necessary nor sufficient. Previous studies examining this association have focused primarily on the role of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) with relatively little known about a key regulatory protein, the cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1 (CNRIP1). CNRIP1 is an intracellular protein that interacts with the C-terminal tail of CB1R and regulates its intrinsic activity. Previous studies have demonstrated aberrant CNRIP1 DNA promoter methylation in post-mortem in human patients with schizophrenia, and we have recently reported decreased methylation of the CNRIP1 DNA promoter in the ventral hippocampus (vHipp) of a rodent model of schizophrenia susceptibility. To examine whether augmented CNRIP1 expression could contribute to the pathology of schizophrenia, we performed viral-mediated overexpression of CNRIP1 in the vHipp of Sprague Dawley rats. We then tested these rats for behavioral correlates of schizophrenia symptoms, followed by electrophysiology to determine the effects on the dopamine system, known to underlie psychosis. Here, we report that overexpression of vHipp CNRIP1 induces impairments in latent inhibition and social interaction, similar to those observed in individuals with schizophrenia and in rodent models of the disease. Furthermore, rats overexpressing vHipp CNRIP1 displayed a significant increase in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neuron population activity, a putative correlate of psychosis. These data provide evidence that alterations in CNRIP1 may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, as overexpression is sufficient to produce neurophysiological and behavioral correlates consistently observed in rodent models of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Perez
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7764, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Jennifer J Donegan
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7764, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Angela M Boley
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7764, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - David D Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7764, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School Department of Psychiatry, 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132, USA
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7764, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Daniel J Lodge
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7764, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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27
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The endocannabinoid system in mental disorders: Evidence from human brain studies. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:97-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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de Almeida V, Martins-de-Souza D. Cannabinoids and glial cells: possible mechanism to understand schizophrenia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018; 268:727-737. [PMID: 29392440 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-018-0874-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Clinical and neurobiological findings have reported the involvement of endocannabinoid signaling in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This system modulates dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission that is associated with positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Despite neurotransmitter impairments, increasing evidence points to a role of glial cells in schizophrenia pathobiology. Glial cells encompass three main groups: oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. These cells promote several neurobiological functions, such as myelination of axons, metabolic and structural support, and immune response in the central nervous system. Impairments in glial cells lead to disruptions in communication and in the homeostasis of neurons that play role in pathobiology of disorders such as schizophrenia. Therefore, data suggest that glial cells may be a potential pharmacological tool to treat schizophrenia and other brain disorders. In this regard, glial cells express cannabinoid receptors and synthesize endocannabinoids, and cannabinoid drugs affect some functions of these cells that can be implicated in schizophrenia pathobiology. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide data about the glial changes observed in schizophrenia, and how cannabinoids could modulate these alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéria de Almeida
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
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29
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Seabra G, Falvella ACB, Guest PC, Martins-de-Souza D, de Almeida V. Proteomics and Lipidomics in the Elucidation of Endocannabinoid Signaling in Healthy and Schizophrenia Brains. Proteomics 2018; 18:e1700270. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201700270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Seabra
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline B. Falvella
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
| | - Paul C. Guest
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Valéria de Almeida
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
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Lian J, Deng C. The effects of antipsychotics on the density of cannabinoid receptors in selected brain regions of male and female adolescent juvenile rats. Psychiatry Res 2018; 266:317-322. [PMID: 29576413 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Antipsychotic drugs have been increasingly prescribed to children and adolescents for treating various mental disorders, such as childhood-onset schizophrenia. The abnormality of endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathophysiology of these disorders in juveniles. This study investigated the effect of antipsychotics on the cannabinoid (CB) receptors in the brain of both male and female juvenile rats. The postnatal rats (PD23±1) were administered aripiprazole (1 mg/kg), olanzapine (1 mg/kg), risperidone (0.3 mg/kg) or vehicle (control) for 3 weeks. Quantitative autoradiography was used to investigate the binding densities of [3H]CP-55940 (an agonist for CB1R and CB2R) and [3H]SR141716A (a selective CB1R antagonist) in the rat brains. Risperidone significantly upregulated the [3H]CP55940 and [3H]SR141716A bindings in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens core (NAcC), nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS), cingulate cortex (Cg), and the caudate putamen (CPu) in male rats. Moreover, aripiprazole significantly elevated the [3H]SR141716A binding in the Cg and NAcS of female rats. Furthermore, there is an overall higher [3H]SR141716A binding level in the brain of female rats than male rats. Therefore, treatment with aripiprazole, olanzapine and risperidone could induce differential and gender specific effects on the binding density of cannabinoid receptors in the selected brain regions of childhood/adolescent rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Lian
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Chao Deng
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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31
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Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia: Implications for Pharmacological Intervention. CNS Drugs 2018; 32:605-619. [PMID: 30022465 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-018-0539-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The term schizophrenia describes a group of multifaceted psychiatric conditions causing significant impairment of the quality of life of affected patients. Although multiple pharmacological treatment options exist, e.g. first- or second-generation antipsychotics, these therapeutics often cause disturbing side effects, such as extrapyramidal symptoms, prolactin increase, sexual dysfunction and/or metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, cognitive impairments and negative symptoms, two factors significantly influencing the course and outcome, are not sufficiently addressed by the available antipsychotics. Since its discovery, multiple clinical and preclinical studies have linked the endocannabinoid system to schizophrenia. Both the endocannabinoid anandamide and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor are deeply linked to underlying disease processes. Based hereon, clinical trials in schizophrenia have explored cannabidiol, a primary component of Cannabis sativa, and rimonabant, a partial antagonist to the CB1 receptor. While the latter did not reveal positive results, cannabidiol significantly ameliorated psychotic symptoms, which was associated with an increase in anandamide serum levels. However, the exact mechanisms of the antipsychotic effects of cannabidiol are not fully understood, and, furthermore, only a limited number of clinical trials in humans have been concluded to date. Thus, the level of proof of safety and efficacy required to approve the therapeutic use of cannabidiol in schizophrenia is currently lacking. However, cannabidiol is a promising candidate as an effective and mechanistically different antipsychotic treatment with a favourable side-effect profile. We therefore conclude that further studies are urgently needed to clarify the antipsychotic effects and safety profile of cannabidiol, and to fully explore its potential antipsychotic mechanism.
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32
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Chesworth R, Long LE, Weickert CS, Karl T. The Endocannabinoid System across Postnatal Development in Transmembrane Domain Neuregulin 1 Mutant Mice. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:11. [PMID: 29467679 PMCID: PMC5808294 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cannabis is a well-established component risk factor for schizophrenia, particularly in adolescent individuals with genetic predisposition for the disorder. Alterations to the endocannabinoid system have been found in the prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia. Thus, we assessed whether molecular alterations exist in the endocannabinoid signalling pathway during brain development in a mouse model for the schizophrenia risk gene neuregulin 1 (Nrg1). We analysed transcripts encoding key molecules of the endocannabinoid system in heterozygous transmembrane domain Nrg1 mutant mice (Nrg1 TM HET), which is known to have increased sensitivity to cannabis exposure. Tissue from the prelimbic cortex and hippocampus of male and female Nrg1 TM HET mice and wild type-like littermates was collected at postnatal days (PNDs) 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, 49, and 161. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to assess mRNA levels of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and enzymes for the synthesis and breakdown of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol [i.e., diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLα), monoglyceride lipase (MGLL), and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6)]. No sex differences were found for any transcripts in either brain region; thus, male and female data were pooled. Hippocampal and cortical mRNA expression of DAGLα, MGLL, and ABHD6 increased until PND 21-35 and then decreased and stabilised for the rest of postnatal development. Hippocampal CB1R mRNA expression increased until PND 21 and decreased after this age. Expression levels of these endocannabinoid markers did not differ in Nrg1 TM HET compared to control mice at any time point. Here, we demonstrate dynamic changes in the developmental trajectory of several key endocannabinoid system transcripts in the mouse brain, which may correspond with periods of endocannabinoid system maturation. Nrg1 TM HET mutation did not alter the developmental trajectory of the endocannabinoid markers assessed, suggesting that other mechanisms may be responsible for the exaggerated cannabinoid susceptibility in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Leonora E Long
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Delis F, Rosko L, Shroff A, Leonard KE, Thanos PK. Oral haloperidol or olanzapine intake produces distinct and region-specific increase in cannabinoid receptor levels that is prevented by high fat diet. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 79:268-280. [PMID: 28619471 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies show higher levels of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) in the brain of schizophrenic patients while preclinical studies report a significant functional interaction between dopamine D2 receptors and CB1Rs as well as an upregulation of CB1Rs after antipsychotic treatment. These findings prompted us to study the effects of chronic oral intake of a first and a second generation antipsychotic, haloperidol and olanzapine, on the levels and distribution of CB1Rs in the rat brain. Rats consumed either regular chow or high-fat food and drank water, haloperidol drinking solution (1.5mg/kg), or olanzapine drinking solution (10mg/kg) for four weeks. Motor and cognitive functions were tested at the end of treatment week 3 and upon drug discontinuation. Two days after drug discontinuation, rats were euthanized and brains were processed for in vitro receptor autoradiography. In chow-fed animals, haloperidol and olanzapine increased CB1R levels in the basal ganglia and the hippocampus, in a similar, but not identical pattern. In addition, olanzapine had unique effects in CB1R upregulation in higher order cognitive areas, in the secondary somatosensory cortex, in the visual and auditory cortices and the geniculate nuclei, as well as in the hypothalamus. High fat food consumption prevented antipsychotic-induced increase in CB1R levels in all regions examined, with one exception, the globus pallidus, in which they were higher in haloperidol-treated rats. The results point towards the hypothesis that increased CB1R levels could be a confounding effect of antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia that is circumveneted by high fat feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Lauren Rosko
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Aditya Shroff
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Kenneth E Leonard
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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D'Addario C, Micale V, Di Bartolomeo M, Stark T, Pucci M, Sulcova A, Palazzo M, Babinska Z, Cremaschi L, Drago F, Carlo Altamura A, Maccarrone M, Dell'Osso B. A preliminary study of endocannabinoid system regulation in psychosis: Distinct alterations of CNR1 promoter DNA methylation in patients with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2017; 188:132-140. [PMID: 28108228 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence supports the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in psychosis vulnerability. We here evaluated the transcriptional regulation of ECS components in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from subjects suffering from bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, focusing in particular on the effects of DNA methylation. We observed selective alterations of DNA methylation at the promoter of CNR1, the gene coding for the type-1 cannabinoid receptor, in schizophrenic patients (N=25) with no changes in any other disorder. We confirmed the regulation of CNR1 in a well-validated animal model of schizophrenia, induced by prenatal methylazoxymethanol (MAM) acetate exposure (N=7 per group) where we found, in the prefrontal cortex, a significant increase in CNR1 expression and a consistent reduction in DNA methylation at specific CpG sites of gene promoter. Overall, our findings suggest a selective dysregulation of ECS in psychosis, and highlight the evaluation of CNR1 DNA methylation levels in PBMCs as a potential biomarker for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- CEITEC/Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mariangela Pucci
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Mariacarlotta Palazzo
- Centro Sant'Ambrogio, Ordine Ospedaliero San Giovanni di Dio-Fatebenefratelli, Cernusco sul Naviglio, Italy
| | - Zuzana Babinska
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Cremaschi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Carlo Altamura
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Stanford University, CA, USA.
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O’Neill A, Bhattacharyya S. Investigating the Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Early Psychosis. JOURNAL OF EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 2:85-92. [DOI: 10.14218/jerp.2017.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Ruggiero RN, Rossignoli MT, De Ross JB, Hallak JEC, Leite JP, Bueno-Junior LS. Cannabinoids and Vanilloids in Schizophrenia: Neurophysiological Evidence and Directions for Basic Research. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:399. [PMID: 28680405 PMCID: PMC5478733 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of our knowledge of the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia comes from behavioral measures in rodents, like prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle and open-field locomotion, which are commonly used along with neurochemical approaches or drug challenge designs. Such methods continue to map fundamental mechanisms of sensorimotor gating, hyperlocomotion, social interaction, and underlying monoaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic disturbances. These strategies will require, however, a greater use of neurophysiological tools to better inform clinical research. In this sense, electrophysiology and viral vector-based circuit dissection, like optogenetics, can further elucidate how exogenous cannabinoids worsen (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) or ameliorate (e.g., cannabidiol, CBD) schizophrenia symptoms, like hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive deficits. Also, recent studies point to a complex endocannabinoid-endovanilloid interplay, including the influence of anandamide (endogenous CB1 and TRPV1 agonist) on cognitive variables, such as aversive memory extinction. In fact, growing interest has been devoted to TRPV1 receptors as promising therapeutic targets. Here, these issues are reviewed with an emphasis on the neurophysiological evidence. First, we contextualize imaging and electrographic findings in humans. Then, we present a comprehensive review on rodent electrophysiology. Finally, we discuss how basic research will benefit from further combining psychopharmacological and neurophysiological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael N Ruggiero
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus T Rossignoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jana B De Ross
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Joao P Leite
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lezio S Bueno-Junior
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
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Murray RM, Englund A, Abi-Dargham A, Lewis DA, Di Forti M, Davies C, Sherif M, McGuire P, D'Souza DC. Cannabis-associated psychosis: Neural substrate and clinical impact. Neuropharmacology 2017. [PMID: 28634109 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Prospective epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that cannabis use is associated with an increased subsequent risk of both psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia-like psychoses. Early onset of use, daily use of high-potency cannabis, and synthetic cannabinoids carry the greatest risk. The risk-increasing effects are not explained by shared genetic predisposition between schizophrenia and cannabis use. Experimental studies in healthy humans show that cannabis and its active ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can produce transient, dose-dependent, psychotic symptoms, as well as an array of psychosis-relevant behavioral, cognitive and psychophysiological effects; the psychotogenic effects can be ameliorated by cannabidiol (CBD). Findings from structural imaging studies in cannabis users have been inconsistent but functional MRI studies have linked the psychotomimetic and cognitive effects of THC to activation in brain regions implicated in psychosis. Human PET studies have shown that acute administration of THC weakly releases dopamine in the striatum but that chronic users are characterised by low striatal dopamine. We are beginning to understand how cannabis use impacts on the endocannabinoid system but there is much still to learn about the biological mechanisms underlying how cannabis increases risk of psychosis. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "A New Dawn in Cannabinoid Neurobiology".
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.
| | - A Englund
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - A Abi-Dargham
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, New York, USA
| | - D A Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburg, PA, USA
| | - M Di Forti
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - C Davies
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - M Sherif
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, CT, USA
| | - P McGuire
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - D C D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, CT, USA
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Silveira MM, Arnold JC, Laviolette SR, Hillard CJ, Celorrio M, Aymerich MS, Adams WK. Seeing through the smoke: Human and animal studies of cannabis use and endocannabinoid signalling in corticolimbic networks. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:380-395. [PMID: 27639448 PMCID: PMC5350061 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Public opinion surrounding the recreational use and therapeutic potential of cannabis is shifting. This review describes new work examining the behavioural and neural effects of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, highlighting key regions within corticolimbic brain circuits. First, we consider the role of human genetic factors and cannabis strain chemotypic differences in contributing to interindividual variation in the response to cannabinoids, such as THC, and review studies demonstrating that THC-induced impairments in decision-making processes are mediated by actions at prefrontal CB1 receptors. We further describe evidence that signalling through prefrontal or ventral hippocampal CB1 receptors modulates mesolimbic dopamine activity, aberrations of which may contribute to emotional processing deficits in schizophrenia. Lastly, we review studies suggesting that endocannabinoid tone in the amygdala is a critical regulator of anxiety, and report new data showing that FAAH activity is integral to this response. Together, these findings underscore the importance of cannabinoid signalling in the regulation of cognitive and affective behaviours, and encourage further research given their social, political, and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason M Silveira
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- The Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Marta Celorrio
- Program of Neurosciences, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Science, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - María S Aymerich
- Program of Neurosciences, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Science, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Wendy K Adams
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Cannabinoid receptors on peripheral leukocytes from patients with schizophrenia: Evidence for defective immunomodulatory mechanisms. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 87:44-52. [PMID: 28011441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to evaluate cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) expression on peripheral immune cells, i.e., blood monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and NK cells, and their relationship to a wide range of serum cytokine levels in subjects with schizophrenia and controls. METHODS A sample of 55 people with chronic schizophrenia and 48 controls were enrolled in the study. The expression of the cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R was evaluated in peripheral blood leukocytes by flow cytometry. Serum levels of cytokines/chemokines were simultaneously analyzed by cytometric bead array. RESULTS We found higher expression of cannabinoid receptors on cells of the innate immune system in subjects with schizophrenia when compared with controls. Serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, interferon (IFN-γ), and (C-X-C motif) ligand 10/interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (CXCL10/IP10) were decreased, while levels of the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2/MCP-1) were increased in the schizophrenia group in comparison with controls. Patients with schizophrenia showed simpler correlation network between cytokines and CBRs expression than controls. CONCLUSION Patients with schizophrenia showed increased CBRs expression in cells of the innate immune system and simpler correlation network between cytokines and CBRs expression when compared with controls. These results suggest a defective endocannabinoid system-mediated immunomodulation in patients with schizophrenia.
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Renard J, Norris C, Rushlow W, Laviolette SR. Neuronal and molecular effects of cannabidiol on the mesolimbic dopamine system: Implications for novel schizophrenia treatments. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 75:157-165. [PMID: 28185872 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Growing clinical and pre-clinical evidence points to a critical role for cannabidiol (CBD), the largest phytochemical component of cannabis, as a potential pharmacotherapy for various neuropsychiatric disorders. In contrast to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is associated with acute and neurodevelopmental pro-psychotic side-effects, CBD possesses no known psychoactive or dependence-producing properties. However, evidence has demonstrated that CBD strongly modulates the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system and may possess promising anti-psychotic properties. Despite the psychotropic differences between CBD and THC, little is known regarding their molecular and neuronal effects on the mesolimbic DA system, nor how these differential effects may relate to their potential pro vs. anti-psychotic properties. This review summarizes clinical and pre-clinical evidence demonstrating CBD's modulatory effects on DA activity states within the mesolimbic pathway, functional interactions with the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor system, and their downstream molecular signaling effects. Together with clinical evidence showing that CBD may normalize affective and cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia, CBD may represent a promising treatment for schizophrenia, acting through novel molecular and neuronal mesolimbic substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Renard
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada; Dept. of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada
| | - Christopher Norris
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada; Dept. of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada
| | - Walter Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada; Dept. of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada; Dept. of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada; Dept. of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada; Dept. of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada; Dept. of Psychology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6C 5A1, Canada.
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Rees CL, White CM, Ascoli GA. Neurochemical Markers in the Mammalian Brain: Structure, Roles in Synaptic Communication, and Pharmacological Relevance. Curr Med Chem 2017; 24:3077-3103. [PMID: 28413962 PMCID: PMC5646670 DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170414163506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of molecular marker (typically protein or mRNA) expression in neural systems can provide insight to the chemical blueprint of signal processing and transmission, assist in tracking developmental or pathological progressions, and yield key information regarding potential medicinal targets. These markers are particularly relevant in the mammalian brain in the light of its unsurpassed cellular diversity. Accordingly, molecular expression profiling is rapidly becoming a major approach to classify neuron types. Despite a profusion of research, however, the biological functions of molecular markers commonly used to distinguish neuron types remain incompletely understood. Furthermore, most molecular markers of mammalian neuron types are also present in other organs, therefore complicating considerations of their potential pharmacological interactions. OBJECTIVE Here, we survey 15 prominent neurochemical markers from five categories, namely membrane transporters, calcium-binding proteins, neuropeptides, receptors, and extracellular matrix proteins, explaining their relation and relevance to synaptic communication. METHOD For each marker, we summarize fundamental structural features, cellular functionality, distributions within and outside the brain, as well as known drug effectors and mechanisms of action. CONCLUSION This essential primer thus links together the cellular complexity of the brain, the chemical properties of key molecular players in neurotransmission, and possible biomedical opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. Rees
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Charise M. White
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Giorgio A. Ascoli
- Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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Suryadevara U, Bruijnzeel DM, Nuthi M, Jagnarine DA, Tandon R, Bruijnzeel AW. Pros and Cons of Medical Cannabis use by People with Chronic Brain Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:800-814. [PMID: 27804883 PMCID: PMC5652027 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666161101095325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the world and there is growing concern about the mental health effects of cannabis use. These concerns are at least partly due to the strong increase in recreational and medical cannabis use and the rise in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels. Cannabis is widely used to self-medicate by older people and people with brain disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of the perceived benefits and adverse mental health effects of cannabis use in people with ALS, MS, AD, PD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. RESULTS The reviewed studies indicate that cannabis use diminishes some symptoms associated with these disorders. Cannabis use decreases pain and spasticity in people with MS, decreases tremor, rigidity, and pain in people with PD, and improves the quality of life of ALS patients by improving appetite, and decreasing pain and spasticity. Cannabis use is more common among people with schizophrenia than healthy controls. Cannabis use is a risk factor for schizophrenia which increases positive symptoms in schizophrenia patients and diminishes negative symptoms. Cannabis use worsens bipolar disorder and there is no evidence that bipolar patients derive any benefit from cannabis. In late stage Alzheimer's patients, cannabis products may improve food intake, sleep quality, and diminish agitation. CONCLUSION Cannabis use diminishes some of the adverse effects of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, chronic cannabis use may lead to cognitive impairments and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Suryadevara
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Meena Nuthi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Rajiv Tandon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Adriaan W. Bruijnzeel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Chase KA, Feiner B, Rosen C, Gavin DP, Sharma RP. Characterization of peripheral cannabinoid receptor expression and clinical correlates in schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2016; 245:346-353. [PMID: 27591408 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between cannabinoid receptor signaling and psychosis vulnerability requires further exploration. The endocannabinoid signaling system is extensive, with receptors exerting regulatory functions in both immune and central nervous systems. In the brain, cannabinoid receptors (CBR) directly modulate neurotransmitter systems. In the peripheral lymphocyte, CBRs mediate cytokine release, with dysregulated cytokine levels demonstrated in schizophrenia. mRNA levels of CBRs were measured in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from 70 participants (35 non-clinical controls, 35 participants with schizophrenia), who were recruited for the absence of marijuana use/abuse by self-report. Changes in mRNA expression were measured using qRT-PCR. Clinical measurements collected included the MATRICS Cognitive Battery and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Levels of CB1R and CB2R mRNA in PBMCs were significantly higher in participants with schizophrenia compared to the non-clinical controls. Additionally, CB1R and CB2R mRNA levels correlated with impairments in cognitive processing and clinical symptom severity in multiple domains. These results continue to support dysregulation of particular aspects of the endocannabinoid signaling system in participants with schizophrenia selected for the self-reported absence of marijuana abuse/dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla A Chase
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of California, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 8505, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Benjamin Feiner
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Cherise Rosen
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - David P Gavin
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 820 South Damen Avenue (M/C 151), Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Rajiv P Sharma
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 820 South Damen Avenue (M/C 151), Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Szűcs E, Dvorácskó S, Tömböly C, Büki A, Kékesi G, Horváth G, Benyhe S. Decreased CB receptor binding and cannabinoid signaling in three brain regions of a rat model of schizophrenia. Neurosci Lett 2016; 633:87-93. [PMID: 27639959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder characterized by several behavioral and biochemicel abnormalities. In a previous study we have shown that mu-opioid (MOP) receptor signaling is impaired in specific brain regions of our three-hit animal model of schizophrenia. Since the cannabinoid system is significantly influenced in schizophrenic patients, in the present work we investigated cannabinoid (CB) receptor binding and G-protein activation in cortical, subcortical and cerebellar regions of control and 'schizophrenic' rats. Cannabinoid agonist (WIN-55,212-2 mesylate) mediated G-protein activation was consistently decreased in all areas tested, and the difference was extremely significant in membranes prepared from the cerebellum. Interestingly, the cerebellar activity of WIN-55,212-2 stimulated G-proteins was substantially higher than those of cerebral cortex and subcortical region in control animals, indicating a primordial role of the cannabinoid system in the cerebellum. At the level of radioligand binding, the affinities of the CB receptors were also markedly decreased in the model animals. Capacity of the [3H]WIN-55,212-2 binding was only higher in the cerebellum of 'schizophrenic' model rats. Taken together, in all three brain areas of model rats both cannabinoid receptor binding and cannabinoid agonist-mediated G-protein activation were regularly decreased. Our results revealed that besides the opioids, the endocannabinoid - cannabis receptor system also shows impairment in our rat model, increasing its face validity and translational utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62., Hungary(1)
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62., Hungary(1)
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62., Hungary(1)
| | - Alexandra Büki
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Dóm tér 10., Hungary
| | - Gabriella Kékesi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Dóm tér 10., Hungary
| | - Gyöngyi Horváth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Dóm tér 10., Hungary
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62., Hungary(1).
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Peres FF, Levin R, Almeida V, Zuardi AW, Hallak JE, Crippa JA, Abilio VC. Cannabidiol, among Other Cannabinoid Drugs, Modulates Prepulse Inhibition of Startle in the SHR Animal Model: Implications for Schizophrenia Pharmacotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:303. [PMID: 27667973 PMCID: PMC5016523 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder that involves positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. Prepulse inhibition of startle reflex (PPI) is a paradigm that assesses the sensorimotor gating functioning and is impaired in schizophrenia patients as well as in animal models of this disorder. Recent data point to the participation of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia. Here, we focus on the effects of cannabinoid drugs on the PPI deficit of animal models of schizophrenia, with greater focus on the SHR (Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats) strain, and on the future prospects resulting from these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda F Peres
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Escola Paulista De Medicina, Federal University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista De Medicina, Federal University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Levin
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Escola Paulista De Medicina, Federal University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista De Medicina, Federal University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valéria Almeida
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Escola Paulista De Medicina, Federal University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista De Medicina, Federal University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio W Zuardi
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq)Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaime E Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq)Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José A Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq)Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vanessa C Abilio
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Escola Paulista De Medicina, Federal University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista De Medicina, Federal University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
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Matricon J, Seillier A, Giuffrida A. Distinct neuronal activation patterns are associated with PCP-induced social withdrawal and its reversal by the endocannabinoid-enhancing drug URB597. Neurosci Res 2016; 110:49-58. [PMID: 27091613 PMCID: PMC5007165 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, URB597, an endocannabinoid enhancing drug, reverses social withdrawal in the sub-chronic PCP rat model of schizophrenia, but reduces social interaction (SI) in controls. To identify the anatomical substrates associated with PCP-induced social withdrawal and the contrasting effects of URB597 on SI in PCP- versus saline-treated rats, we analyzed SI-induced c-Fos expression in 28 brain areas relevant to schizophrenia and/or social behavior following vehicle or URB597 administration. In saline-treated rats, SI was accompanied by changes in c-Fos expression in the infralimbic and orbitofrontal cortices, dorsomedial caudate putamen, ventrolateral nucleus of the septum, dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) and central amygdala. Except for the dlPAG, these changes were not observed in PCP-treated rats or in saline-treated rats receiving URB597. In the dorsomedial part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dmBNST), SI-induced c-Fos expression was observed only in PCP-treated rats. Interestingly, URB597 in PCP-treated rats restored a similar c-Fos expression pattern as observed in saline-treated rats: activation of the orbitofrontal cortex, inhibition of the central amygdala and suppression of activation of the dmBNST. These data suggest that orbitofrontal cortex, central amygdala and dmBNST play a critical role in the reversal of PCP-induced social withdrawal by URB597.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Matricon
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Alexandre Seillier
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Fakhoury M. Could cannabidiol be used as an alternative to antipsychotics? J Psychiatr Res 2016; 80:14-21. [PMID: 27267317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects close to 1% of the population. Individuals with this disorder often present signs such as hallucination, anxiety, reduced attention, and social withdrawal. Although antipsychotic drugs remain the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, they are associated with severe side effects. Recently, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for pharmacotherapy that is involved in a wide range of disorders, including schizophrenia. Since its discovery, a lot of effort has been devoted to the study of compounds that can modulate its activity for therapeutic purposes. Among them, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, shows great promise for the treatment of psychosis, and is associated with fewer extrapyramidal side effects than conventional antipsychotic drugs. The overarching goal of this review is to provide current available knowledge on the role of the dopamine system and the ECS in schizophrenia, and to discuss key findings from animal studies and clinical trials investigating the antipsychotic potential of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Ranganathan M, Cortes-Briones J, Radhakrishnan R, Thurnauer H, Planeta B, Skosnik P, Gao H, Labaree D, Neumeister A, Pittman B, Surti T, Huang Y, Carson RE, D'Souza DC. Reduced Brain Cannabinoid Receptor Availability in Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:997-1005. [PMID: 26432420 PMCID: PMC4884543 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several lines of evidence suggest the presence of abnormalities in the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in schizophrenia (SCZ). However, there are limited in vivo measures of the eCB system in SCZ. METHODS Twenty five male SCZ subjects (SCZs) (18 antipsychotic treated and 7 antipsychotic free) were compared with 18 age-matched male healthy control subjects (HCs). Subjects underwent one positron emission tomography scan each with the cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1R) selective radiotracer [(11)C]OMAR on the high resolution research tomography scanner. Regional volume of distribution (VT) values were determined using kinetic modeling of positron emission tomography data as a measure of CB1R availability. Group differences in mean composite [(11)C]OMAR VT values were compared between SCZs and HCs. Exploratory comparisons of CB1R availability within 15 brain regions were also conducted. All analyses were covaried for age and body mass index. RESULTS SCZs showed significantly (p = .02) lower composite [(11)C]OMAR VT relative to HCs (~12% difference, effect size d = .73). [(11)C]OMAR VT was significantly (all ps < .05) lower in SCZs in the amygdala, caudate, posterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and insula. Composite [11]OMAR VT was HCs > antipsychotic treated SZCs > antipsychotic free SZCs. Furthermore, composite [(11)C]OMAR VT was greater in HCs than SCZ smokers (n = 11) and SCZ nonsmokers (n = 14). CONCLUSIONS CB1R availability is lower in male SCZ subjects compared with HCs. Furthermore, antipsychotics and tobacco use may increase CB1R availability in this population. The findings of the study provide further evidence supporting the hypothesis that alterations in the eCB system might contribute to the pathophysiology of SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohini Ranganathan
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Jose Cortes-Briones
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rajiv Radhakrishnan
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Halle Thurnauer
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Beata Planeta
- Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Positron Emission Tomography Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Patrick Skosnik
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hong Gao
- Positron Emission Tomography Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David Labaree
- Positron Emission Tomography Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alexander Neumeister
- Molecular Imaging Program for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Brian Pittman
- Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Positron Emission Tomography Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Toral Surti
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Positron Emission Tomography Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Richard E Carson
- Positron Emission Tomography Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Abstract
Cannabis use has been reported to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and to worsen symptoms of the illness. Both of these outcomes might be attributable to the disruption by cannabis of the endogenous cannabinoid system's spatiotemporal regulation of the inhibitory circuitry in the prefrontal cortex that is essential for core cognitive processes, such as working memory, which are impaired in schizophrenia. In the healthy brain, the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonylglycerol 1) is synthesized by diacylglycerol lipase in pyramidal neurons; 2) travels retrogradely to nearby inhibitory axon terminals that express the primary type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R); 3) binds to CB1R, which inhibits gamma-aminobutyric acid release from the cholecystokinin-containing population of interneurons; and 4) is metabolized by either monoglyceride lipase, which is located in the inhibitory axon terminal, or by α-β-hydrolase domain 6, which is co-localized presynaptically with diacylglycerol lipase. Investigations of the endogenous cannabinoid system in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with schizophrenia have found evidence of higher metabolism of 2-arachidonylglycerol, as well as both greater CB1R receptor binding and lower levels of CB1R messenger RNA and protein. Current views on the potential pathogenesis of these alterations, including disturbances in the development of the endogenous cannabinoid system, are discussed. In addition, how interactions between these alterations in the endocannabinoid system and those in other inhibitory neurons in the prefrontal cortex in subjects with schizophrenia might increase the liability to adverse outcomes with cannabis use is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Volk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - David A. Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213,Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Psychosis. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:604-12. [PMID: 26852073 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Over recent years, the interest in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a new target for the treatment of schizophrenia has evolved. The ECS represents one of the most relevant neurotransmitter systems in the brain and mainly fulfills a homeostatic role in terms of neurotransmission but also with respect to inflammatory processes. Two main approaches to the modulation of endocannabinoid functioning have been chosen so far. First, the selective blockade or inverse agonism of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor has been tested for the improvement of acute psychotic symptoms, as well as for the improvement of cognitive functions in schizophrenia. This was not effective in either case. Second, the modulation of endocannabinoid levels by use of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol and selective fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors has been proposed, and the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol are currently being investigated in humans. Unfortunately, for most of these trials that have focused on psychopathological and cognitive effects of cannabidiol, no published data are available. However, there is first evidence that cannabidiol may ameliorate psychotic symptoms with a superior side-effect profile compared with established antipsychotics. In conclusion, several clinical trials targeting the ECS in acute schizophrenia have either been completed or are underway. Although publicly available results are currently limited, preliminary data indicate that selected compounds modulating the ECS may be effective in acute schizophrenia. Nevertheless, so far, sample sizes of patients investigated are not sufficient to come to a final judgment, and no maintenance studies are available to ensure long-term efficacy and safety.
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