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Schantell M, John JA, Coutant AT, Okelberry HJ, Horne LK, Glesinger R, Springer SD, Mansouri A, May‐Weeks PE, Wilson TW. Chronic cannabis use alters the spontaneous and oscillatory gamma dynamics serving cognitive control. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26787. [PMID: 39023178 PMCID: PMC11256138 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26787] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Regular cannabis use is associated with cortex-wide changes in spontaneous and oscillatory activity, although the functional significance of such changes remains unclear. We hypothesized that regular cannabis use would suppress spontaneous gamma activity in regions serving cognitive control and scale with task performance. Participants (34 cannabis users, 33 nonusers) underwent an interview regarding their substance use history and completed the Eriksen flanker task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG data were imaged in the time-frequency domain and virtual sensors were extracted from the peak voxels of the grand-averaged oscillatory interference maps to quantify spontaneous gamma activity during the pre-stimulus baseline period. We then assessed group-level differences in spontaneous and oscillatory gamma activity, and their relationship with task performance and cannabis use metrics. Both groups exhibited a significant behavioral flanker interference effect, with slower responses during incongruent relative to congruent trials. Mixed-model ANOVAs indicated significant gamma-frequency neural interference effects in the left frontal eye fields (FEF) and left temporoparietal junction (TPJ). Further, a group-by-condition interaction was detected in the left FEF, with nonusers exhibiting stronger gamma oscillations during incongruent relative to congruent trials and cannabis users showing no difference. In addition, spontaneous gamma activity was sharply suppressed in cannabis users relative to nonusers in the left FEF and TPJ. Finally, spontaneous gamma activity in the left FEF and TPJ was associated with task performance across all participants, and greater cannabis use was associated with weaker spontaneous gamma activity in the left TPJ of the cannabis users. Regular cannabis use was associated with weaker spontaneous gamma in the TPJ and FEF. Further, the degree of use may be proportionally related to the degree of suppression in spontaneous activity in the left TPJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikki Schantell
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
- College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)OmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Jason A. John
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Anna T. Coutant
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Hannah J. Okelberry
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Lucy K. Horne
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Ryan Glesinger
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | - Seth D. Springer
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
- College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)OmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Amirsalar Mansouri
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
| | | | - Tony W. Wilson
- Institute for Human NeuroscienceBoys Town National Research HospitalBoys TownNebraskaUSA
- College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)OmahaNebraskaUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and NeuroscienceCreighton UniversityOmahaNebraskaUSA
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2
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Sayson LV, Ortiz DM, Lee HJ, Kim M, Custodio RJP, Yun J, Lee CH, Lee YS, Cha HJ, Cheong JH, Kim HJ. Deletion of Cryab increases the vulnerability of mice to the addiction-like effects of the cannabinoid JWH-018 via upregulation of striatal NF-κB expression. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1135929. [PMID: 37007015 PMCID: PMC10060981 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1135929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids have exhibited unpredictable abuse liabilities, especially self-administration (SA) responses in normal rodent models, despite seemingly inducing addiction-like effects in humans. Thus, an efficient pre-clinical model must be developed to determine cannabinoid abuse potential in animals and describe the mechanism that may mediate cannabinoid sensitivity. The Cryab knockout (KO) mice were recently discovered to be potentially sensitive to the addictive effects of psychoactive drugs. Herein, we examined the responses of Cryab KO mice to JWH-018 using SA, conditioned place preference, and electroencephalography. Additionally, the effects of repeated JWH-018 exposure on endocannabinoid- and dopamine-related genes in various addiction-associated brain regions were examined, along with protein expressions involving neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity. Cryab KO mice exhibited greater cannabinoid-induced SA responses and place preference, along with divergent gamma wave alterations, compared to wild-type (WT) mice, implying their higher sensitivity to cannabinoids. Endocannabinoid- or dopamine-related mRNA expressions and accumbal dopamine concentrations after repeated JWH-018 exposure were not significantly different between the WT and Cryab KO mice. Further analyses revealed that repeated JWH-018 administration led to possibly greater neuroinflammation in Cryab KO mice, which may arise from upregulated NF-κB, accompanied by higher expressions of synaptic plasticity markers, which might have contributed to the development of cannabinoid addiction-related behavior in Cryab KO mice. These findings signify that increased neuroinflammation via NF-κB may mediate the enhanced addiction-like responses of Cryab KO mice to cannabinoids. Altogether, Cryab KO mice may be a potential model for cannabinoid abuse susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Val Sayson
- Department of Pharmacy, Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Darlene Mae Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacy, Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Raly James Perez Custodio
- Department of Ergonomics, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors—IfADo, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Hyeon Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Cha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam–do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Institute for New Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jae Hoon Cheong, ; Hee Jin Kim,
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jae Hoon Cheong, ; Hee Jin Kim,
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3
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Shah S, Schwenk ES, Sondekoppam RV, Clarke H, Zakowski M, Rzasa-Lynn RS, Yeung B, Nicholson K, Schwartz G, Hooten WM, Wallace M, Viscusi ER, Narouze S. ASRA Pain Medicine consensus guidelines on the management of the perioperative patient on cannabis and cannabinoids. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2023; 48:97-117. [PMID: 36596580 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2022-104013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The past two decades have seen an increase in cannabis use due to both regulatory changes and an interest in potential therapeutic effects of the substance, yet many aspects of the substance and their health implications remain controversial or unclear. METHODS In November 2020, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine charged the Cannabis Working Group to develop guidelines for the perioperative use of cannabis. The Perioperative Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids Guidelines Committee was charged with drafting responses to the nine key questions using a modified Delphi method with the overall goal of producing a document focused on the safe management of surgical patients using cannabinoids. A consensus recommendation required ≥75% agreement. RESULTS Nine questions were selected, with 100% consensus achieved on third-round voting. Topics addressed included perioperative screening, postponement of elective surgery, concomitant use of opioid and cannabis perioperatively, implications for parturients, adjustment in anesthetic and analgesics intraoperatively, postoperative monitoring, cannabis use disorder, and postoperative concerns. Surgical patients using cannabinoids are at potential increased risk for negative perioperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Specific clinical recommendations for perioperative management of cannabis and cannabinoids were successfully created.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Shah
- Dept of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Care, UC Irvine Health, Orange, California, USA
| | - Eric S Schwenk
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Hance Clarke
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Univ Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Zakowski
- Anesthesiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Brent Yeung
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | | | - Gary Schwartz
- AABP Integrative Pain Care, Melville, New York, USA.,Anesthesiology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | | | - Mark Wallace
- Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Eugene R Viscusi
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samer Narouze
- Center for Pain Medicine, Western Reserve Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
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4
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Springer SD, Spooner RK, Schantell M, Arif Y, Frenzel MR, Eastman JA, Wilson TW. Regular recreational Cannabis users exhibit altered neural oscillatory dynamics during attention reorientation. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1205-1214. [PMID: 34889178 PMCID: PMC9250753 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721002671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and is often associated with changes in attention function, which may ultimately impact numerous other cognitive faculties (e.g. memory, executive function). Importantly, despite the increasing rates of cannabis use and widespread legalization in the United States, the neural mechanisms underlying attentional dysfunction in chronic users are poorly understood. METHODS We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) and a modified Posner cueing task in 21 regular cannabis users and 32 demographically matched non-user controls. MEG data were imaged in the time-frequency domain using a beamformer and peak voxel time series were extracted to quantify the oscillatory dynamics underlying use-related aberrations in attentional reorienting, as well as the impact on spontaneous neural activity immediately preceding stimulus onset. RESULTS Behavioral performance on the task (e.g. reaction time) was similar between regular cannabis users and non-user controls. However, the neural data indicated robust theta-band synchronizations across a distributed network during attentional reorienting, with activity in the bilateral inferior frontal gyri being markedly stronger in users relative to controls (p's < 0.036). Additionally, we observed significantly reduced spontaneous theta activity across this distributed network during the pre-stimulus baseline in cannabis users relative to controls (p's < 0.020). CONCLUSIONS Despite similar performance on the task, we observed specific alterations in the neural dynamics serving attentional reorienting in regular cannabis users compared to controls. These data suggest that regular cannabis users may employ compensatory processing in the prefrontal cortices to efficiently reorient their attention relative to non-user controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D. Springer
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rachel K. Spooner
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mikki Schantell
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yasra Arif
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michaela R. Frenzel
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jacob A. Eastman
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tony W. Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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5
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Scheyer A, Yasmin F, Naskar S, Patel S. Endocannabinoids at the synapse and beyond: implications for neuropsychiatric disease pathophysiology and treatment. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:37-53. [PMID: 36100658 PMCID: PMC9700791 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid neuromodulators that suppress neurotransmitter release, reduce postsynaptic excitability, activate astrocyte signaling, and control cellular respiration. Here, we describe canonical and emerging eCB signaling modes and aim to link adaptations in these signaling systems to pathological states. Adaptations in eCB signaling systems have been identified in a variety of biobehavioral and physiological process relevant to neuropsychiatric disease states including stress-related disorders, epilepsy, developmental disorders, obesity, and substance use disorders. These insights have enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders and are contributing to the ongoing development of eCB-targeting therapeutics. We suggest future studies aimed at illuminating how adaptations in canonical as well as emerging cellular and synaptic modes of eCB signaling contribute to disease pathophysiology or resilience could further advance these novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhana Yasmin
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Saptarnab Naskar
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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6
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Syed SA, Schnakenberg Martin AM, Cortes-Briones JA, Skosnik PD. The Relationship Between Cannabinoids and Neural Oscillations: How Cannabis Disrupts Sensation, Perception, and Cognition. Clin EEG Neurosci 2022:15500594221138280. [PMID: 36426543 DOI: 10.1177/15500594221138280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Disruptions in neural oscillations are believed to be one critical mechanism by which cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahyrdrocannabinol (THC; the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis), perturbs brain function. Here we briefly review the role of synchronized neural activity, particularly in the gamma (30-80 Hz) and theta (4-7 Hz) frequency range, in sensation, perception, and cognition. This is followed by a review of clinical studies utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) which have demonstrated that both chronic and acute cannabinoid exposure disrupts neural oscillations in humans. We also offer a hypothetical framework through which endocannabinoids modulate neural synchrony at the network level. This also includes speculation on how both chronic and acute cannabinoids disrupt functionally relevant neural oscillations by altering the fine tuning of oscillations and the inhibitory/excitatory balance of neural circuits. Finally, we highlight important clinical implications of such oscillatory disruptions, such as the potential relationship between cannabis use, altered neural synchrony, and disruptions in sensation, perception, and cognition, which are perturbed in disorders such as schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shariful A Syed
- Department of Psychiatry, 12228Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ashley M Schnakenberg Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, 12228Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jose A Cortes-Briones
- Department of Psychiatry, 12228Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Patrick D Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, 12228Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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7
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Newman SD, Schnakenberg Martin AM, Raymond D, Cheng H, Wilson L, Barnes S, O’Donnell BF. The relationship between cannabis use and taurine: A MRS and metabolomics study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269280. [PMID: 35653401 PMCID: PMC9162360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Taurine is an essential amino acid. It has been shown to be neuroprotective including protecting against the neurotoxic effects of glutamate. The goal of the current study was to examine the relationship between CB use and taurine measured in brain using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and peripherally from a urine sample. Two experiments are presented. The first is a reanalysis of published data that examined taurine and glutamate in the dorsal anterior cingulate of a CB user group and non-user group using MRS. The second experiment, in a separate CB user group, used metabolomics analysis to measure taurine levels in urine. Because body composition has been associated with the pharmacokinetics of cannabis and taurine levels, a moderation model was examined with body composition included as the covariate. The MRS study found taurine levels were correlated with glutamate in both groups and taurine was correlated with frequency of CB use in the CB user group. The moderation model demonstrated significant effects of CB use and BMI; the interaction was marginally significant with lower BMI individuals showing a positive relationship between CB use and taurine. A similar finding was observed for the urine analysis. Both CB use and weight, as well as the interaction were significant. In this case, individuals with higher weight showed an association between CB use and taurine levels. This study shows the feasibility and potential importance of examining the relationship between taurine and CB use as it may shed light on a mechanism that underlies the neuroprotective effects of CB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharlene D. Newman
- Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ashley M. Schnakenberg Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - David Raymond
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Hu Cheng
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Landon Wilson
- Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Stephen Barnes
- Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Brian F. O’Donnell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
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8
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Lew BJ, Salimian A, Wilson TW. Occipital neural dynamics in cannabis and alcohol use: independent effects of addiction. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22258. [PMID: 34782632 PMCID: PMC8593162 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01493-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol and cannabis use disorder (AUD/CUD) are two of the most common addictive disorders. While studies are beginning to understand the neural changes related to acute and chronic use, few studies have examined the independent effects of AUD and CUD on neural oscillatory activity. We examined 45 adults who reported current use of both cannabis and alcohol. Participants underwent the SCID-V to determine whether they met criteria for AUD and/or CUD. Participants also completed a visual-spatial processing task while undergoing magnetoencephalography (MEG). ANCOVA with a 2 × 2 design was then used to identify the main effects of AUD and CUD on source-level oscillatory activity. Of the 45 adults, 17 met criteria for AUD, and 26 met criteria for CUD. All participants, including comparison groups, reported use of both cannabis and alcohol. Statistical analyses showed a main effect of AUD, such that participants with AUD displayed a blunted occipital alpha (8-16 Hz) response. Post-hoc testing showed this decreased alpha response was related to increased AUD symptoms, above and beyond amount of use. No effects of AUD or CUD were identified in visual theta or gamma activity. In conclusion, AUD was associated with reduced alpha responses and scaled with increasing severity, independent of CUD. These findings indicate that alpha oscillatory activity may play an integral part in networks affected by alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Lew
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, 378 Bucher Drive, Boys Town, NE, 68010, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Anabel Salimian
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, 378 Bucher Drive, Boys Town, NE, 68010, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, 378 Bucher Drive, Boys Town, NE, 68010, USA.
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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9
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Christopher-Hayes NJ, Lew BJ, Wiesman AI, Schantell M, O'Neill J, May PE, Swindells S, Wilson TW. Cannabis use impacts pre-stimulus neural activity in the visual cortices of people with HIV. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:5446-5457. [PMID: 34464488 PMCID: PMC8519863 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
People with HIV (PWH) use cannabis at a higher rate than the general population, but the influence on neural activity is not well characterized. Cannabis use among PWH may have a beneficial effect, as neuroinflammation is known to be a critical problem in PWH and cannabis use has been associated with a reduction in proinflammatory markers. Thus, it is important to understand the net impact of cannabis use on brain and cognitive function in PWH. In this study, we collected magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain imaging data on 81 participants split across four demographically matched groups (i.e., PWH using cannabis, controls using cannabis, non‐using PWH, and non‐using controls). Participants completed a visuospatial processing task during MEG. Time–frequency resolved voxel time series were extracted to identify the dynamics of oscillatory and pre‐stimulus baseline neural activity. Our results indicated strong theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (10–16 Hz), and gamma (62–72 Hz) visual oscillations in parietal–occipital brain regions across all participants. PWH exhibited significant behavioral deficits in visuospatial processing, as well as reduced theta oscillations and elevated pre‐stimulus gamma activity in visual cortices, all of which replicate prior work. Strikingly, chronic cannabis use was associated with a significant reduction in pre‐stimulus gamma activity in the visual cortices, such that PWH no longer statistically differed from controls. These results provide initial evidence that cannabis use may normalize some neural aberrations in PWH. This study fills an important gap in understanding the impact of cannabis use on brain and cognitive function in PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon J Lew
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Alex I Wiesman
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mikki Schantell
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jennifer O'Neill
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UNMC, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Pamela E May
- Department of Neurological Sciences, UNMC, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Susan Swindells
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UNMC, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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10
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Martin AMS, Kim DJ, Newman SD, Cheng H, Hetrick WP, Mackie K, O’Donnell BF. Altered cerebellar-cortical resting-state functional connectivity in cannabis users. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:823-832. [PMID: 34034553 PMCID: PMC8813046 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211019291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use has been associated with abnormalities in cerebellar mediated motor and non-motor (i.e. cognition and personality) phenomena. Since the cerebellum is a region with high cannabinoid type 1 receptor density, these impairments may reflect alterations of signaling between the cerebellum and other brain regions. AIMS We hypothesized that cerebellar-cortical resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) would be altered in cannabis users, relative to their non-using peers. It was also hypothesized that differences in rsFC would be associated with cannabis use features, such as age of initiation and lifetime use. METHODS Cerebellar-cortical and subcortical rsFCs were computed between 28 cerebellar lobules, defined by a spatially unbiased atlas template of the cerebellum, and individual voxels in the cerebral regions, in 41 regular cannabis users (20 female) and healthy non-using peers (N = 31; 18 female). We also investigated associations between rsFC and cannabis use features (e.g. lifetime cannabis use and age of initiation). RESULTS Cannabis users demonstrated hyperconnectivity between the anterior cerebellar regions (i.e. lobule I-IV) with the posterior cingulate cortex, and hypoconnectivity between the rest of the cerebellum (i.e. Crus I and II, lobule VIIb, VIIIa, VIIIb, IX, and X) and the cortex. No associations were observed between features of cannabis use and rsFC. CONCLUSIONS Cannabis use was associated with altered patterns of rsFC from the cerebellum to the cerebral cortex which may have a downstream impact on behavior and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Schnakenberg Martin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Dae-Jin Kim
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Sharlene D Newman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Hu Cheng
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - William P Hetrick
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Brian F O’Donnell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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11
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that males and females may be differentially affected by cannabis use. This study evaluated the interaction of cannabis use and biological sex on cognition, and the association between observed cognitive deficits and features of cannabis use. METHODS Cognitive measures were assessed in those with regular, ongoing, cannabis use (N = 40; 22 female) and non-using peers (N = 40; 23 female). Intelligence, psychomotor speed, and verbal working memory were measured with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Digit Symbol Test, and Digit Span and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, respectively. Associations between cognitive measures and cannabis use features (e.g., lifetime cannabis use, age of initiation, time since last use of cannabis, recent high-concentration tetrahydrocannabinoid exposure) were also evaluated. RESULTS No main effects of group were observed across measures. Significant interactions between group and biological sex were observed on measures of intelligence, psychomotor speed, and verbal learning, with greatest group differences observed between males with and without regular cannabis use. Psychomotor performance was negatively correlated with lifetime cannabis exposure. Female and male cannabis use groups did not differ in features of cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that biological sex influences the relationship between cannabis and cognition, with males potentially being more vulnerable to the neurocognitive deficits related to cannabis use.
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O'Donnell BF, Skosnik PD, Hetrick WP, Fridberg DJ. Decision Making and Impulsivity in Young Adult Cannabis Users. Front Psychol 2021; 12:679904. [PMID: 34276500 PMCID: PMC8280309 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.679904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Chronic cannabis users show impairments on laboratory measures of decision making which reflect risk factors for initiation and continued use of cannabis. However, the differential sensitivity of these tasks to cannabis use has not been established. Moreover, studies to date have often lacked assessment of psychiatric histories and use of other illicit substances, both of which may influence decision making outcomes. The current study aimed to address these limitations by (1) including multiple types of decision making tasks, (2) implementing the Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task, a measure of decision making under uncertainty, for the first time in cannabis users, (3) including young adult cannabis users with no other psychiatric disorders, and (4) conducting urinalysis to exclude users of other illicit drugs. Methods: Thirty-three current cannabis users without comorbid psychiatric disorders and 35 cannabis non-users completed behavioral measures of decision-making (Iowa Gambling Task), reward discounting (Delay Discounting Task), choice-outcome learning (the Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task) and a questionnaire assessment of impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale). Results: Relative to non-users, cannabis users demonstrated greater preference for immediate vs. delayed rewards on the Delay Discounting Task, made fewer advantageous decisions on the Iowa Gambling Task, and endorsed greater impulsivity on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale scales. Cannabis users and non-users showed comparable performance on the Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task. Frequency of past-month cannabis use and total years of use did not predict decision making or impulsivity. Conclusions: Young adult cannabis users demonstrated higher discounting rates and impairments in learning cost-benefit contingencies, while reversal learning was unaffected. Self-reported impulsivity was elevated as well. None of these measures correlated with current or lifetime estimates of cannabis use, arguing against a dose-relationship. Interventions that target improvement in affected components of decision making may be helpful in reducing cannabis use and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian F O'Donnell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Patrick D Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - William P Hetrick
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Daniel J Fridberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Ritchay MM, Huggins AA, Wallace AL, Larson CL, Lisdahl KM. Resting state functional connectivity in the default mode network: Relationships between cannabis use, gender, and cognition in adolescents and young adults. Neuroimage Clin 2021; 30:102664. [PMID: 33872994 PMCID: PMC8080071 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States, and nearly 1 in 4 young adults are current cannabis users. Chronic cannabis use is associated with changes in resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in the default mode network (DMN) in adolescents and young adults; results are somewhat inconsistent across studies, potentially due to methodological differences. The aims of the present study were to examine potential differences in DMN RSFC between cannabis users and controls, and to examine, as an exploratory analysis, if gender moderated any findings. We further examined whether differences in RSFC related to differences in performance on selected neuropsychological measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-seven 16-26-year-old participants underwent an MRI scan (including resting state scan), neuropsychological battery, toxicology screening, and drug use interview. Differences in DMN connectivity were examined between groups (cannabis vs. control) and with an exploratory group by gender interaction, using a left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) seed-based analysis conducted in AFNI. RESULTS Cannabis users demonstrated weaker connectivity than controls between the left PCC and various DMN nodes, and the right Rolandic operculum/Heschl's gyrus. Cannabis users demonstrated stronger connectivity between the left PCC and the cerebellum and left supramarginal gyrus. The group by gender interaction was not significantly associated with connectivity differences. Stronger left PCC-cerebellum connectivity was associated with poorer performance on cognitive measures in cannabis users. In controls, intra-DMN connectivity was positively correlated with performance on a speeded selective/sustained attention measure. DISCUSSION Consistent with our hypotheses and other studies, cannabis users demonstrated weaker connectivity between the left PCC and DMN nodes. Chronic THC exposure may alter GABA and glutamate concentrations, which may alter brain communication. Future studies should be conducted with a larger sample size and examine gender differences and the mechanism by which these differences may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Ritchay
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, 2441 E. Hartford Ave Garland 224, Milwaukee, 53211 WI, USA
| | - Ashley A Huggins
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, 2441 E. Hartford Ave Garland 224, Milwaukee, 53211 WI, USA
| | - Alexander L Wallace
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, 2441 E. Hartford Ave Garland 224, Milwaukee, 53211 WI, USA
| | - Christine L Larson
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, 2441 E. Hartford Ave Garland 224, Milwaukee, 53211 WI, USA
| | - Krista M Lisdahl
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, 2441 E. Hartford Ave Garland 224, Milwaukee, 53211 WI, USA.
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14
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The Role of Gamma Oscillations in the Pathophysiology of Substance Use Disorders. J Pers Med 2020; 11:jpm11010017. [PMID: 33379187 PMCID: PMC7824040 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a major public health problem—with over 200 million people reporting drug use in 2016. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a powerful tool that can provide insights into the impact of SUDs on cognition. Specifically, modulated gamma activity may provide an index of the pathophysiology of SUDs. Thus, the purpose of this review was to investigate the impact of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamine on gamma activity, among pre-clinical and clinical populations during acute and chronic exposure and withdrawal states. We searched multiple databases for key terms related to SUDs, EEG, and gamma and ensured rigorous methods by using a standardized review reporting tool. We included 30 studies in this review and found that all substances were associated with modulation of gamma activity, across states and in both preclinical and clinical populations. Gamma oscillations appeared to be differentially modulated in clinical versus preclinical populations and had the most complex relationship with alcohol, indicating that it may act differently than other substances. The findings of this review offer insights into the pathophysiology of SUDs, providing a potential window into novel treatments for SUDs via modulation of gamma activity.
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15
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Anderson DE, Madhavan D, Swaminathan A. Global brain network dynamics predict therapeutic responsiveness to cannabidiol treatment for refractory epilepsy. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa140. [PMID: 33376981 PMCID: PMC7751013 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Refractory epilepsy is a chronic brain network disorder characterized by unresponsiveness to multiple (>2) anti-epileptic drugs. Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic neuroactive substance, is an emerging anti-epileptic treatment that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, especially Lennox Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Here, we evaluated associations between global brain network dynamics and related changes and responsiveness to cannabidiol therapy using a combination of electroencephalography phase coherence and graph theoretical analyses. Refractory epilepsy patients with Lennox Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome underwent serial electroencephalography testing prior to and during cannabidiol treatment. Patients showing greater than 70% seizure frequency reduction were classified as treatment responders for the purposes of this study. We calculated inter-electrode electroencephalography phase coherence in delta (1–3 Hz), theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) frequency bands. Graph theoretical analysis of brain network dynamics was extracted from phase coherence to evaluate measures of network integration (i.e. characteristic path length, global efficiency and degree) and segregation (i.e. modularity and transitivity). We found that responders, relative to non-responders, showed increased network integration—as indexed by relatively higher global efficiency and lower degree—and increased network segregation—as indexed by relatively higher modularity—exclusively in the beta-frequency band. We also found that larger cannabidiol dosages were associated with increased network integration—as indexed by higher global efficiency with increasing dose—and increased network segregation—as indexed by lower transitivity with increasing dose—in the delta, theta and alpha frequency bands. In summary, we demonstrate novel effects of cannabidiol on brain network dynamics with important implications for the treatment of refractory epilepsy and, possibly, across broader research applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Anderson
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5540, USA
| | - Deepak Madhavan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68198-8440, USA
| | - Arun Swaminathan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Boys Town, NE 68010, USA
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Mondino A, Cavelli M, González J, Santana N, Castro-Zaballa S, Mechoso B, Bracesco N, Fernandez S, Garcia-Carnelli C, Castro MJ, Umpierrez E, Murillo-Rodriguez E, Torterolo P, Falconi A. Acute effect of vaporized Cannabis on sleep and electrocortical activity. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 179:113-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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17
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Skosnik PD, Hajós M, Cortes-Briones JA, Edwards CR, Pittman BP, Hoffmann WE, Sewell AR, D'Souza DC, Ranganathan M. Cannabinoid receptor-mediated disruption of sensory gating and neural oscillations: A translational study in rats and humans. Neuropharmacology 2018; 135:412-423. [PMID: 29604295 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has been associated with altered sensory gating and neural oscillations. However, it is unclear which constituent in cannabis is responsible for these effects, or whether these are cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) mediated. Therefore, the present study in humans and rats examined whether cannabinoid administration would disrupt sensory gating and evoked oscillations utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) and local field potentials (LFPs), respectively. Human subjects (n = 15) completed four test days during which they received intravenous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-THC + CBD, or placebo. Subjects engaged in a dual-click paradigm, and outcome measures included P50 gating ratio (S2/S1) and evoked power to S1 and S2. In order to examine CB1R specificity, rats (n = 6) were administered the CB1R agonist CP-55940, CP-55940+AM-251 (a CB1R antagonist), or vehicle using the same paradigm. LFPs were recorded from CA3 and entorhinal cortex. Both Δ9-THC (p < 0.007) and Δ9-THC + CBD (p < 0.004) disrupted P50 gating ratio compared to placebo, while CBD alone had no effect. Δ9-THC (p < 0.048) and Δ9-THC + CBD (p < 0.035) decreased S1 evoked theta power, and in the Δ9-THC condition, S1 theta negatively correlated with gating ratios (r = -0.629, p < 0.012 (p < 0.048 adjusted)). In rats, CP-55940 disrupted gating in both brain regions (p < 0.0001), and this was reversed by AM-251. Further, CP-55940 decreased evoked theta (p < 0.0077) and gamma (p < 0.011) power to S1, which was partially blocked by AM-251. These convergent human/animal data suggest that CB1R agonists disrupt sensory gating by altering neural oscillations in the theta-band. Moreover, this suggests that the endocannabinoid system mediates theta oscillations relevant to perception and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Mihály Hajós
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jose A Cortes-Briones
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Chad R Edwards
- Developmental Neuropsychological Services, P.C., South Bend, IN 46615, USA
| | - Brian P Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - William E Hoffmann
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Andrew R Sewell
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Deepak C D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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18
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Sherif MA, Cortes-Briones JA, Ranganathan M, Skosnik PD. Cannabinoid-glutamate interactions and neural oscillations: implications for psychosis. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 48:2890-2902. [PMID: 29247465 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Sherif
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; VA Connecticut Healthcare System Building 5, Suite C-214 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven CT 06516 USA
| | - Jose A. Cortes-Briones
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; VA Connecticut Healthcare System Building 5, Suite C-214 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven CT 06516 USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; VA Connecticut Healthcare System Building 5, Suite C-214 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven CT 06516 USA
| | - Patrick D. Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; VA Connecticut Healthcare System Building 5, Suite C-214 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven CT 06516 USA
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19
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Bertini S, Chicca A, Gado F, Arena C, Nieri D, Digiacomo M, Saccomanni G, Zhao P, Abood ME, Macchia M, Gertsch J, Manera C. Novel analogs of PSNCBAM-1 as allosteric modulators of cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6427-6434. [PMID: 29079014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we explored the molecular framework of the known CB1R allosteric modulator PSNCBAM-1 with the aim to generate new bioactive analogs and to deepen the structure-activity relationships of this type of compounds. In particular, the introduction of a NH group between the pyridine ring and the phenyl nucleus generated the amino-phenyl-urea derivative SN15b that behaved as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM), increasing the CB1R binding affinity of the orthosteric ligand CP55,940. The functional activity was evaluated using serum response element (SRE) assay, which assesses the CB1R-dependent activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. SN15b and the biphenyl-urea analog SC4a significantly inhibited the response produced by CP55,940 in the low µM range, thus behaving as negative allosteric modulators (NAMs). The new derivatives presented here provide further insights about the modulation of CB1R binding and functional activity by allosteric ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Gado
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Arena
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Nieri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Digiacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Pingwei Zhao
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Mary E Abood
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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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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21
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Green IW, Glausier JR. Different Paths to Core Pathology: The Equifinal Model of the Schizophrenia Syndrome. Schizophr Bull 2016; 42:542-9. [PMID: 26392629 PMCID: PMC4838077 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbv136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that is perhaps more accurately characterized as "the schizophrenia syndrome." This clinical heterogeneity is reflected in the heterogeneous neurobiological presentations associated with the illness. Moreover, even highly specific neural aberrations that are associated with distinct symptoms of schizophrenia are linked to a wide range of risk factors. As such, any individual with schizophrenia likely has a particular set of risk factors that interact and converge to cross the disease threshold, forming a particular etiology that ultimately generates a core pathophysiology. This core pathophysiology may then produce 1 or more symptoms of schizophrenia, leading to common symptoms across individuals in spite of disparate etiologies. As such, the schizophrenia syndrome can be considered as anequifinalentity: a state of dysfunction that can arise from different upstream etiologies. Moreover, schizophrenia etiologies are multifactorial and can involve the interactive effects of a broad range of genetic, environmental, and developmental risk factors. Through a consideration of how disparate etiologies, caused by different sets of risk factors, converge on the same net dysfunction, this paper aims to model the equifinal nature of schizophrenia symptoms. To demonstrate the equifinal model, we discuss how maternal infection and adolescent cannabis use, 2 recognized schizophrenia risk factors, may interact with other genetic, environmental, and/or developmental risk factors to cause the conserved clinical presentation of impaired working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel W. Green
- Department of Psychology, Harvard College, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Jill R. Glausier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,*To whom correspondence should be addressed; Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, Biomedical Science Tower W1654, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, US; tel: 412-624-7869, fax: 412-624-9910, e-mail:
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22
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Sherif M, Radhakrishnan R, D'Souza DC, Ranganathan M. Human Laboratory Studies on Cannabinoids and Psychosis. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:526-38. [PMID: 26970363 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Some of the most compelling evidence supporting an association between cannabinoid agonists and psychosis comes from controlled laboratory studies in humans. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover laboratory studies demonstrate that cannabinoid agonists, including phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids, produce a wide range of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms and psychophysiologic deficits in healthy human subjects that resemble the phenomenology of schizophrenia. These effects are time locked to drug administration, are dose related, and are transient and rarely necessitate intervention. The magnitude of effects is similar to the effects of ketamine but qualitatively distinct from other psychotomimetic drugs, including ketamine, amphetamine, and salvinorin A. Cannabinoid agonists have also been shown to transiently exacerbate symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia in laboratory studies. Patients with schizophrenia are more vulnerable than healthy control subjects to the acute behavioral and cognitive effects of cannabinoid agonists and experience transient exacerbation of symptoms despite treatment with antipsychotic medications. Furthermore, laboratory studies have failed to demonstrate any "beneficial" effects of cannabinoid agonists in individuals with schizophrenia-challenging the cannabis self-medication hypothesis. Emerging evidence suggests that polymorphisms of several genes related to dopamine metabolism (e.g., COMT, DAT1, and AKT1) may moderate the effects of cannabinoid agonists in laboratory studies. Cannabinoid agonists induce dopamine release, although the magnitude of release does not appear to be commensurate to the magnitude and spectrum of their acute psychotomimetic effects. Interactions between the endocannabinoid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate systems and their individual and interactive effects on neural oscillations provide a plausible mechanism underlying the psychotomimetic effects of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Sherif
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rajiv Radhakrishnan
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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23
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Lorenzetti V, Solowij N, Yücel M. The Role of Cannabinoids in Neuroanatomic Alterations in Cannabis Users. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:e17-31. [PMID: 26858212 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The past few decades have seen a marked change in the composition of commonly smoked cannabis. These changes primarily involve an increase of the psychoactive compound ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and a decrease of the potentially therapeutic compound cannabidiol (CBD). This altered composition of cannabis may be linked to persistent neuroanatomic alterations typically seen in regular cannabis users. In this review, we summarize recent findings from human structural neuroimaging investigations. We examine whether neuroanatomic alterations are 1) consistently observed in samples of regular cannabis users, particularly in cannabinoid receptor-high areas, which are vulnerable to the effects of high circulating levels of THC, and 2) associated either with greater levels of cannabis use (e.g., higher dosage, longer duration, and earlier age of onset) or with distinct cannabinoid compounds (i.e., THC and CBD). Across the 31 studies selected for inclusion in this review, neuroanatomic alterations emerged across regions that are high in cannabinoid receptors (i.e., hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, cerebellum). Greater dose and earlier age of onset were associated with these alterations. Preliminary evidence shows that THC exacerbates, whereas CBD protects from, such harmful effects. Methodologic differences in the quantification of levels of cannabis use prevent accurate assessment of cannabis exposure and direct comparison of findings across studies. Consequently, the field lacks large "consortium-style" data sets that can be used to develop reliable neurobiological models of cannabis-related harm, recovery, and protection. To move the field forward, we encourage a coordinated approach and suggest the urgent development of consensus-based guidelines to accurately and comprehensively quantify cannabis use and exposure in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lorenzetti
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology, Centre for Health Initiatives and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne.
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24
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Skosnik PD, Cortes-Briones JA, Hajós M. It's All in the Rhythm: The Role of Cannabinoids in Neural Oscillations and Psychosis. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:568-77. [PMID: 26850792 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Evidence has accumulated over the past several decades suggesting that both exocannabinoids and endocannabinoids play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The current article presents evidence suggesting that one of the mechanisms whereby cannabinoids induce psychosis is through the alteration in synchronized neural oscillations. Neural oscillations, particularly in the gamma (30-80 Hz) and theta (4-7 Hz) ranges, are disrupted in schizophrenia and are involved in various areas of perceptual and cognitive function. Regarding cannabinoids, preclinical evidence from slice and local field potential recordings has shown that central cannabinoid receptor (cannabinoid receptor type 1) agonists decrease the power of neural oscillations, particularly in the gamma and theta bands. Further, the administration of cannabinoids during critical stages of neural development has been shown to disrupt the brain's ability to generate synchronized neural oscillations in adulthood. In humans, studies examining the effects of chronic cannabis use (utilizing electroencephalography) have shown abnormalities in neural oscillations in a pattern similar to those observed in schizophrenia. Finally, recent studies in humans have also shown disruptions in neural oscillations after the acute administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive constituent in cannabis. Taken together, these data suggest that both acute and chronic cannabinoids can disrupt the ability of the brain to generate synchronized oscillations at functionally relevant frequencies. Hence, this may represent one of the primary mechanisms whereby cannabinoids induce disruptions in attention, working memory, sensory-motor integration, and many other psychosis-related behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Jose A Cortes-Briones
- Department of Psychiatry, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mihály Hajós
- Laboratory of Translational Neuropharmacology, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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25
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Cortes-Briones J, Skosnik PD, Mathalon D, Cahill J, Pittman B, Williams A, Sewell RA, Ranganathan M, Roach B, Ford J, D'Souza DC. Δ9-THC Disrupts Gamma (γ)-Band Neural Oscillations in Humans. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2124-34. [PMID: 25709097 PMCID: PMC4613601 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gamma (γ)-band oscillations play a key role in perception, associative learning, and conscious awareness and have been shown to be disrupted by cannabinoids in animal studies. The goal of this study was to determine whether cannabinoids disrupt γ-oscillations in humans and whether these effects relate to their psychosis-relevant behavioral effects. The acute, dose-related effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC) on the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) were studied in humans (n=20) who completed 3 test days during which they received intravenous Δ(9)-THC (placebo, 0.015, and 0.03 mg/kg) in a double-blind, randomized, crossover, and counterbalanced design. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded while subjects listened to auditory click trains presented at 20, 30, and 40 Hz. Psychosis-relevant effects were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome scale (PANSS). Δ(9)-THC (0.03 mg/kg) reduced intertrial coherence (ITC) in the 40 Hz condition compared with 0.015 mg/kg and placebo. No significant effects were detected for 30 and 20 Hz stimulation. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between 40 Hz ITC and PANSS subscales and total scores under the influence of Δ(9)-THC. Δ(9)-THC (0.03 mg/kg) reduced evoked power during 40 Hz stimulation at a trend level. Recent users of cannabis showed blunted Δ(9)-THC effects on ITC and evoked power. We show for the first time in humans that cannabinoids disrupt γ-band neural oscillations. Furthermore, there is a relationship between disruption of γ-band neural oscillations and psychosis-relevant phenomena induced by cannabinoids. These findings add to a growing literature suggesting some overlap between the acute effects of cannabinoids and the behavioral and psychophysiological alterations observed in psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Cortes-Briones
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Patrick D Skosnik
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Daniel Mathalon
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Mental Health Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Cahill
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ashley Williams
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - R Andrew Sewell
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian Roach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Mental Health Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Judith Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Mental Health Service Line, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Psychiatry Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA,Psychiatry Service 116A, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA, Tel: +1 203 932 5711 (2594), Fax: +1 203 937 4860, E-mail:
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26
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Cabral GA, Rogers TJ, Lichtman AH. Turning Over a New Leaf: Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Modulation of Immune Function. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2015; 10:193-203. [PMID: 26054900 PMCID: PMC4469415 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-015-9615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is a complex substance that harbors terpenoid-like compounds referred to as phytocannabinoids. The major psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in cannabis ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces the majority of its pharmacological effects through two cannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2. The discovery of these receptors as linked functionally to distinct biological effects of THC, and the subsequent development of synthetic cannabinoids, precipitated discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid (or endocannabinoid) system. This system consists of the endogenous lipid ligands N- arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the CB1 and CB2 receptors that they activate. Endocannabinoids have been identified in immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, basophils, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells and are believed to be enzymatically produced and released "on demand" in a similar fashion as the eicosanoids. It is now recognized that other phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) can alter the functional activities of the immune system. This special edition of the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology (JNIP) presents a collection of cutting edge original research and review articles on the medical implications of phytocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. The goal of this special edition is to provide an unbiased assessment of the state of research related to this topic from leading researchers in the field. The potential untoward effects as well as beneficial uses of marijuana, its phytocannabinoid composition, and synthesized cannabinoid analogs are discussed. In addition, the role of the endocannabinoid system and approaches to its manipulation to treat select human disease processes are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy A Cabral
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA,
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Lovelace JW, Corches A, Vieira PA, Hiroto AS, Mackie K, Korzus E. An animal model of female adolescent cannabinoid exposure elicits a long-lasting deficit in presynaptic long-term plasticity. Neuropharmacology 2015; 99:242-55. [PMID: 25979486 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis continues to be the most accessible and popular illicit recreational drug. Whereas current data link adolescence cannabinoid exposure to increased risk for dependence on other drugs, depression, anxiety disorders and psychosis, the mechanism(s) underlying these adverse effects remains controversial. Here we show in a mouse model of female adolescent cannabinoid exposure deficient endocannabinoid (eCB)-mediated signaling and presynaptic forms of long-term depression at adult central glutamatergic synapses in the prefrontal cortex. Increasing endocannabinoid levels by blockade of monoacylglycerol lipase, the primary enzyme responsible for degrading the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), with the specific inhibitor JZL 184 ameliorates eCB-LTD deficits. The observed deficit in cortical presynaptic signaling may represent a neural maladaptation underlying network instability and abnormal cognitive functioning. Our study suggests that adolescent cannabinoid exposure may permanently impair brain functions, including the brain's intrinsic ability to appropriately adapt to external influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Lovelace
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, University of California Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Alex Corches
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Philip A Vieira
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, University of California Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Alex S Hiroto
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, University of California Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Gill Center for Biomedical Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Edward Korzus
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, University of California Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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28
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Sivarao DV. The 40-Hz auditory steady-state response: a selective biomarker for cortical NMDA function. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2015; 1344:27-36. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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29
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Nottage JF, Stone J, Murray RM, Sumich A, Bramon-Bosch E, ffytche D, Morrison PD. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, neural oscillations above 20 Hz and induced acute psychosis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:519-28. [PMID: 25038870 PMCID: PMC4302232 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3684-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE An acute challenge with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can induce psychotic symptoms including delusions. High electroencephalography (EEG) frequencies, above 20 Hz, have previously been implicated in psychosis and schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to determine the effect of intravenous THC compared to placebo on high-frequency EEG. METHODS A double-blind cross-over study design was used. In the resting state, the high-beta to low-gamma magnitude (21-45 Hz) was investigated (n = 13 pairs + 4 THC only). Also, the event-related synchronisation (ERS) of motor-associated high gamma was studied using a self-paced button press task (n = 15). RESULTS In the resting state, there was a significant condition × frequency interaction (p = 0.00017), consisting of a shift towards higher frequencies under THC conditions (reduced high beta [21-27 Hz] and increased low gamma [27-45 Hz]). There was also a condition × frequency × location interaction (p = 0.006), such that the reduction in 21-27-Hz magnitude tended to be more prominent in anterior regions, whilst posterior areas tended to show greater 27-45-Hz increases. This effect was correlated with positive symptoms, as assessed on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) (r = 0.429, p = 0.042). In the motor task, there was a main effect of THC to increase 65-130-Hz ERS (p = 0.035) over contra-lateral sensorimotor areas, which was driven by increased magnitude in the higher, 85-130-Hz band (p = 0.02) and not the 65-85-Hz band. CONCLUSIONS The THC-induced shift to faster gamma oscillations may represent an over-activation of the cortex, possibly related to saliency misattribution in the delusional state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith F. Nottage
- Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, P089 DeCrespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - James Stone
- Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, P089 DeCrespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Robin M. Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, P089 DeCrespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Alex Sumich
- Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG1 4BU UK
| | | | - Dominic ffytche
- Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, P089 DeCrespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Paul D. Morrison
- Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, P089 DeCrespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF UK
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30
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Skosnik PD, Krishnan GP, D'Souza DC, Hetrick WP, O'Donnell BF. Disrupted gamma-band neural oscillations during coherent motion perception in heavy cannabis users. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:3087-99. [PMID: 24990428 PMCID: PMC4229582 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Previous work in animals and humans has shown that exogenous cannabinoids disrupt time-locked, evoked gamma oscillations (30-80 Hz). However, no studies to date have examined the effect of cannabis on non-time-locked, induced gamma oscillations during more complex Gestalt perception. The current study therefore utilized electroencephalography (EEG) to examine gamma oscillations during coherent motion perception in heavy cannabis users and controls. Chronic cannabis users (n = 24; 12 h abstinence before study; positive 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol urine levels) and cannabis-naive controls (n = 23) were evaluated. Stimuli consisted of random dot kinetograms (RDKs) that subjects passively viewed during three different conditions: coherent motion, incoherent motion, and static. Time × frequency analysis on EEG data was performed using Fourier-based mean trial power (MTP). Transient event-related potentials (ERPs) to stimulus onset (visual N100 and P200 components) were also evaluated. The results showed that the coherent motion condition produced a robust increase in neural activity in the gamma range (induced power from 40 to 59 Hz) as compared with the incoherent motion and static conditions. As predicted, the cannabis group showed significant reductions in induced gamma power in the coherent condition relative to healthy controls. No differences were observed between the groups in the N100 or P200 components, indicating intact primary sensory processing. Finally, cannabis users showed a trend toward increased scores on the Chapman Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS) that was positively correlated with total years of active cannabis use. These data suggest that cannabis use may interfere with the generation of induced gamma-band neural oscillations that could in part mediate the perceptual-altering effects of exogenous cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA, Tel: +1 812 320 2521, Fax: +1 203 937 4860, E-mail:
| | - Giri P Krishnan
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Deepak C D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - William P Hetrick
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Brian F O'Donnell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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31
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Neurobiology of Comorbid Substance Use Disorders in Mental Illness: A Closer Look at the Underlying Commonalities between Cannabis and Schizophrenia. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-014-0031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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32
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Cheng H, Skosnik PD, Pruce BJ, Brumbaugh MS, Vollmer JM, Fridberg DJ, O’Donnell BF, Hetrick WP, Newman SD. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging reveals distinct brain activity in heavy cannabis users - a multi-voxel pattern analysis. J Psychopharmacol 2014; 28:1030-40. [PMID: 25237118 PMCID: PMC4427512 DOI: 10.1177/0269881114550354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cannabis use can cause cognitive, perceptual and personality alterations, which are believed to be associated with regional brain changes and possible changes in connectivity between functional regions. This study aims to identify the changes from resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. A two-level multi-voxel pattern analysis was proposed to classify male cannabis users from normal controls. The first level analysis works on a voxel basis and identifies clusters for the input of a second level analysis, which works on the functional connectivity between these regions. We found distinct clusters for male cannabis users in the middle frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, cerebellum and some other regions. Based on the functional connectivity of these clusters, a high overall accuracy rate of 84-88% in classification accuracy was achieved. High correlations were also found between the overall classification accuracy and Barrett Barrett Impulsiveness Scale factor scores of attention and motor. Our result suggests regional differences in the brains of male cannabis users that span from the cerebellum to the prefrontal cortex, which are associated with differences in functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Cheng
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - PD Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, The Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - BJ Pruce
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - MS Brumbaugh
- Department of Psychiatry, The Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - JM Vollmer
- Department of Psychiatry, The Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - DJ Fridberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - BF O’Donnell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - WP Hetrick
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - SD Newman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Farabi SS, Prasad B, Quinn L, Carley DW. Impact of dronabinol on quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) measures of sleep in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. J Clin Sleep Med 2014; 10:49-56. [PMID: 24426820 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.3358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of dronabinol on quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) markers of the sleep process, including power distribution and ultradian cycling in 15 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS EEG (C4-A1) relative power (% total) in the delta, theta, alpha, and sigma bands was quantified by fast Fourier transformation (FFT) over 28-second intervals. An activation ratio (AR = [alpha + sigma] / [delta + theta]) also was computed for each interval. To assess ultradian rhythms, the best-fitting cosine wave was determined for AR and each frequency band in each polysomnogram (PSG). RESULTS Fifteen subjects were included in the analysis. Dronabinol was associated with significantly increased theta power (p = 0.002). During the first half of the night, dronabinol decreased sigma power (p = 0.03) and AR (p = 0.03), and increased theta power (p = 0.0006). At increasing dronabinol doses, ultradian rhythms accounted for a greater fraction of EEG power variance in the delta band (p = 0.04) and AR (p = 0.03). Females had higher amplitude ultradian rhythms than males (theta: p = 0.01; sigma: p = 0.01). Decreasing AHI was associated with increasing ultradian rhythm amplitudes (sigma: p < 0.001; AR: p = 0.02). At the end of treatment, lower relative power in the theta band (p = 0.02) and lower AHI (p = 0.05) correlated with a greater decrease in sleepiness from baseline. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study demonstrates that in individuals with OSA, dronabinol treatment may yield a shift in EEG power toward delta and theta frequencies and a strengthening of ultradian rhythms in the sleep EEG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bharati Prasad
- Center for Narcolepsy, Sleep and Health Research ; Department of Medicine
| | | | - David W Carley
- Center for Narcolepsy, Sleep and Health Research ; Department of Medicine ; Department of Biobehavioral Health Science ; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Radhakrishnan R, Wilkinson ST, D'Souza DC. Gone to Pot - A Review of the Association between Cannabis and Psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:54. [PMID: 24904437 PMCID: PMC4033190 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide, with ~5 million daily users worldwide. Emerging evidence supports a number of associations between cannabis and psychosis/psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. These associations-based on case-studies, surveys, epidemiological studies, and experimental studies indicate that cannabinoids can produce acute, transient effects; acute, persistent effects; and delayed, persistent effects that recapitulate the psychopathology and psychophysiology seen in schizophrenia. Acute exposure to both cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids (Spice/K2) can produce a full range of transient psychotomimetic symptoms, cognitive deficits, and psychophysiological abnormalities that bear a striking resemblance to symptoms of schizophrenia. In individuals with an established psychotic disorder, cannabinoids can exacerbate symptoms, trigger relapse, and have negative consequences on the course of the illness. Several factors appear to moderate these associations, including family history, genetic factors, history of childhood abuse, and the age at onset of cannabis use. Exposure to cannabinoids in adolescence confers a higher risk for psychosis outcomes in later life and the risk is dose-related. Individuals with polymorphisms of COMT and AKT1 genes may be at increased risk for psychotic disorders in association with cannabinoids, as are individuals with a family history of psychotic disorders or a history of childhood trauma. The relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia fulfills many but not all of the standard criteria for causality, including temporality, biological gradient, biological plausibility, experimental evidence, consistency, and coherence. At the present time, the evidence indicates that cannabis may be a component cause in the emergence of psychosis, and this warrants serious consideration from the point of view of public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Radhakrishnan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA
| | - Samuel T Wilkinson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA ; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center , New Haven, CT , USA ; Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System , West Haven, CT , USA
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35
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Raver SM, Haughwout SP, Keller A. Adolescent cannabinoid exposure permanently suppresses cortical oscillations in adult mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2013; 38:2338-47. [PMID: 23822952 PMCID: PMC3799078 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regular marijuana use during adolescence, but not adulthood, may permanently impair cognition and increase the risk for psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia. Cortical oscillations are integral for cognitive processes and are abnormal in patients with schizophrenia. We test the hypothesis that adolescence is a sensitive period because of the active development of cortical oscillations and neuromodulatory systems that underlie them. The endocannabinoid system upon which marijuana acts is one such system. Here we test the prediction that adolescent cannabinoid exposure alters cortical oscillations in adults. Using in vitro local field potential, in vivo electrocorticogram recordings and cognitive behavioral testing in adult mice, we demonstrate that chronic adolescent, but not adult, cannabinoid exposure suppresses pharmacologically evoked cortical oscillations and impairs working memory performance in adults. The later-maturing prefrontal cortex is more sensitive to adolescent exposure than the earlier-maturing, primary somatosensory cortex. These data establish a link between chronic adolescent cannabinoid exposure and alterations in adult cortical network activity that underlie cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvina M Raver
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah P Haughwout
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Asaf Keller
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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