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Barrera-Conde M, Ramon-Duaso C, González-Parra JA, Veza-Estevez E, Chevaleyre V, Piskorowski RA, de la Torre R, Busquets-García A, Robledo P. Adolescent cannabinoid exposure rescues phencyclidine-induced social deficits through modulation of CA2 transmission. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 240:102652. [PMID: 38955325 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Psychotic disorders entail intricate conditions marked by disruptions in cognition, perception, emotions, and social behavior. Notably, psychotic patients who use cannabis tend to show less severe deficits in social behaviors, such as the misinterpretation of social cues and the inability to interact with others. However, the biological underpinnings of this epidemiological interaction remain unclear. Here, we used the NMDA receptor blocker phencyclidine (PCP) to induce psychotic-like states and to study the impact of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on social behavior deficits and synaptic transmission changes in hippocampal area CA2, a region known to be active during social interactions. In particular, adolescent mice underwent 7 days of subchronic treatment with the synthetic cannabinoid, WIN 55, 212-2 (WIN) followed by one injection of PCP. Using behavioral, biochemical, and electrophysiological approaches, we showed that PCP persistently reduced sociability, decreased GAD67 expression in the hippocampus, and induced GABAergic deficits in proximal inputs from CA3 and distal inputs from the entorhinal cortex (EC) to CA2. Notably, WIN exposure during adolescence specifically restores adult sociability deficits, the expression changes in GAD67, and the GABAergic impairments in the EC-CA2 circuit, but not in the CA3-CA2 circuit. Using a chemogenetic approach to target EC-CA2 projections, we demonstrated the involvement of this specific circuit on sociability deficits. Indeed, enhancing EC-CA2 transmission was sufficient to induce sociability deficits in vehicle-treated mice, but not in animals treated with WIN during adolescence, suggesting a mechanism by which adolescent cannabinoid exposure rescues sociability deficits caused by enhanced EC-CA2 activity in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barrera-Conde
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research Program, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Ramon-Duaso
- Cell-Type Mechanisms in Normal and Pathological Behavior Research Group, Neuroscience Programme, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio González-Parra
- Cell-Type Mechanisms in Normal and Pathological Behavior Research Group, Neuroscience Programme, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emma Veza-Estevez
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research Program, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vivien Chevaleyre
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, GHU Paris Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Paris, France
| | - Rebecca A Piskorowski
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, GHU Paris Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Paris, France
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research Program, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arnau Busquets-García
- Cell-Type Mechanisms in Normal and Pathological Behavior Research Group, Neuroscience Programme, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Patricia Robledo
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience, Neuroscience Research Program, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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2
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Seillier A. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase reverses aberrant prefrontal gamma oscillations in the sub-chronic PCP model for schizophrenia. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1149-1160. [PMID: 38489023 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06801-2] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Hypofunctioning of NMDA receptors, and the resulting shift in the balance between excitation and inhibition, is considered a key process in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. One important manifestation of this phenomenon is changes in neural oscillations, those above 30 Hz (i.e., gamma-band oscillations), in particular. Although both preclinical and clinical studies observed increased gamma activity following acute administration of NMDA receptor antagonists, the relevance of this phenomenon has been recently questioned given the reduced gamma oscillations typically observed during sensory and cognitive tasks in schizophrenia. However, there is emerging, yet contradictory, evidence for increased spontaneous gamma-band activity (i.e., at rest or under baseline conditions). Here, we use the sub-chronic phencyclidine (PCP) rat model for schizophrenia, which has been argued to model the pathophysiology of schizophrenia more closely than acute NMDA antagonism, to investigate gamma oscillations (30-100 Hz) in the medial prefrontal cortex of anesthetized animals. While baseline gamma oscillations were not affected, oscillations induced by train stimulation of the posterior dorsal CA1 (pdCA1) field of the hippocampus were enhanced in PCP-treated animals (5 mg/kg, twice daily for 7 days, followed by a 7-day washout period). This effect was reversed by pharmacological enhancement of endocannabinoid levels via systemic administration of URB597 (0.3 mg/kg), an inhibitor of the catabolic enzyme of the endocannabinoid anandamide. Intriguingly, the pharmacological blockade of CB1 receptors by AM251 unmasked a reduced gamma oscillatory activity in PCP-treated animals. The findings are consistent with the observed effects of URB597 and AM251 on behavioral deficits reminiscent of the symptoms of schizophrenia and further validate the potential for cannabinoid-based drugs as a treatment for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Seillier
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Schizophrenia Models for Advancing Research and Treatment, Preclinical Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
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Guo B, Xi K, Mao H, Ren K, Xiao H, Hartley ND, Zhang Y, Kang J, Liu Y, Xie Y, Zhou Y, Zhu Y, Zhang X, Fu Z, Chen JF, Hu H, Wang W, Wu S. CB1R dysfunction of inhibitory synapses in the ACC drives chronic social isolation stress-induced social impairments in male mice. Neuron 2024; 112:441-457.e6. [PMID: 37992714 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.027] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation is a risk factor for multiple mood disorders. Specifically, social isolation can remodel the brain, causing behavioral abnormalities, including sociability impairments. Here, we investigated social behavior impairment in mice following chronic social isolation stress (CSIS) and conducted a screening of susceptible brain regions using functional readouts. CSIS enhanced synaptic inhibition in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), particularly at inhibitory synapses of cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing interneurons. This enhanced synaptic inhibition in the ACC was characterized by CSIS-induced loss of presynaptic cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1Rs), resulting in excessive axonal calcium influx. Activation of CCK-expressing interneurons or conditional knockdown of CB1R expression in CCK-expressing interneurons specifically reproduced social impairment. In contrast, optogenetic activation of CB1R or administration of CB1R agonists restored sociability in CSIS mice. These results suggest that the CB1R may be an effective therapeutic target for preventing CSIS-induced social impairments by restoring synaptic inhibition in the ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolin Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Kaiwen Xi
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Honghui Mao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Keke Ren
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Haoxiang Xiao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Nolan D Hartley
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yangming Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Junjun Kang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yuqiao Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhanyan Fu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hailan Hu
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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Alegre-Zurano L, Caceres-Rodriguez A, Berbegal-Sáez P, Lassalle O, Manzoni O, Valverde O. Cocaine-induced loss of LTD and social impairments are restored by fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18229. [PMID: 37880305 PMCID: PMC10600200 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45476-7] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A single dose of cocaine abolishes endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression (eCB-LTD) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) within 24 h of administration. However, it is uncertain whether this altered neuroplasticity entails a behavioral deficit. As previously reported, after a single dose of cocaine (20 mg/kg), mice displayed impaired eCB-LTD in the NAc. Such cocaine-induced neuroplastic impairment was accompanied by an altered preference for saccharin and social interactions and a reduction in mRNA levels of the anandamide-catabolizing enzyme NAPE-PLD. The pharmacological increase of anandamide through the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 (1 mg/kg) reversed the cocaine-induced loss of eCB-LTD in the NAc and restored normal social interaction in cocaine-exposed mice, but it did not affect saccharin preference. Overall, this research underlines the neuroplastic and behavioral alterations occurring after the initial use of cocaine and suggests a potential role for anandamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Alegre-Zurano
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/ Dr Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Paula Berbegal-Sáez
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/ Dr Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivier Lassalle
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Manzoni
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/ Dr Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
- Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital Del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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Kwee CMB, Leen NA, Van der Kamp RC, Van Lissa CJ, Cath DC, Groenink L, Baas JMP. Anxiolytic effects of endocannabinoid enhancing compounds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 72:79-94. [PMID: 37094409 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is a promising candidate for anxiolytic therapy, but translation to the clinic has been lagging. We meta-analyzed the evidence for anxiety-reduction by compounds that facilitate endocannabinoid signaling in humans and animals. To identify areas of specific potential, effects of moderators were assessed. Literature was searched in Pubmed and Embase up to May 2021. A placebo/vehicle-control group was required and in human studies, randomization. We excluded studies that co-administered other substances. Risk of bias was assessed with SYRCLE's RoB tool and Cochrane RoB 2.0. We conducted three-level random effects meta-analyses and explored sources of heterogeneity using Bayesian regularized meta-regression (BRMA). The systematic review yielded 134 studies. We analyzed 120 studies (114 animal, 6 human) that investigated cannabidiol (CBD, 61), URB597 (39), PF-3845 (6) and AM404 (14). Pooled effects on conditioned and unconditioned anxiety in animals (with the exception of URB597 on unconditioned anxiety) and on experimentally induced anxiety in humans favored the investigational drugs over placebo/vehicle. Publication year was negatively associated with effects of CBD on unconditioned anxiety. Compared to approach avoidance tests, tests of repetitive-compulsive behavior were associated with larger effects of CBD and URB597, and the social interaction test with smaller effects of URB597. Larger effects of CBD on unconditioned anxiety were observed when anxiety pre-existed. Studies reported few side effects at therapeutic doses. The evidence quality was low with indications of publication bias. More clinical trials are needed to translate the overall positive results to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M B Kwee
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Altrecht Academic Anxiety Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Nadia A Leen
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Brain Research & Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rian C Van der Kamp
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, VUmc medical faculty, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Caspar J Van Lissa
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Danielle C Cath
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; GGZ Drenthe, Department of specialist trainings, Assen, the Netherlands
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, UIPS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna M P Baas
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Role of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in psychosis and the modulatory effects of cannabinoids. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 176:105942. [PMID: 36473591 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is a serine/threonine kinase that has emerged as a key regulator of neurotransmission in complex cognitive processes. Its expression is altered in treated schizophrenia patients, and cannabinoids modulate CDK5 levels in the brain of rodents. However, the role of this kinase, and its interaction with cannabis use in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients is still not known. Hence, we studied the expression changes of CDK5 and its signaling partner, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in olfactory neuroepithelial (ON) cells of FEP patients with (FEP/c) and without (FEP/nc) prior cannabis use, and in a dual-hit mouse model of psychosis. In this model, adolescent mice were exposed to the cannabinoid receptor 1 agonist (CB1R) WIN-55,212-2 (WIN: 1 mg/kg) during 21 days, and to the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) blocker phencyclidine (PCP: 10 mg/kg) during 10 days. FEP/c showed less social functioning deficits, lower CDK5 and higher PSD95 levels than FEP/nc. These changes correlated with social skills, but not cognitive deficits. Consistently, exposure of ON cells from FEP/nc patients to WIN in vitro reduced CDK5 levels. Convergent results were obtained in mice, where PCP by itself induced more sociability deficits, and PSD95/CDK5 alterations in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus than exposure to PCP-WIN. In addition, central blockade of CDK5 activity with roscovitine in PCP-treated mice restored both sociability impairments and PSD95 levels. We provide translational evidence that increased CDK5 could be an early indicator of psychosis associated with social deficits, and that this biomarker is modulated by prior cannabis use.
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Warren WG, Papagianni EP, Hale E, Brociek RA, Cassaday HJ, Stevenson CW. Endocannabinoid metabolism inhibition has no effect on spontaneous fear recovery or extinction resistance in Lister hooded rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1082760. [PMID: 36588687 PMCID: PMC9798003 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1082760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid transmission is emerging as a target for treating anxiety-related disorders, given its regulation of fear extinction. Boosting anandamide levels via inhibition of its metabolism by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) can enhance extinction, whereas inhibiting monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) to elevate 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels can impair extinction. However, whether endocannabinoids regulate fear relapse over time or extinction resistance remains unclear. In two experiments using auditory fear conditioned rats, we examined the effects of the FAAH inhibitor URB597 and the MAGL inhibitor JZL184 administered systemically on 1) spontaneous fear recovery after delayed extinction, and 2) extinction resistance resulting from immediate extinction [the immediate extinction deficit (IED)]. In Experiment 1, URB597 or JZL184 was given immediately after delayed extinction occurring 24 h after conditioning. Extinction recall and spontaneous fear recovery were tested drug-free 1 and 21 days later, respectively. We found no effects of either drug on extinction recall or spontaneous fear recovery. In Experiment 2, URB597 or JZL184 was given before immediate extinction occurring 30 min after conditioning and extinction recall was tested drug-free the next day. We also examined the effects of propranolol, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist that can rescue the IED, as a positive control. JZL184 enhanced fear expression and impaired extinction learning but we found no lasting effects of URB597 or JZL184 on cued extinction recall. Propranolol reduced fear expression but, unexpectedly, had no enduring effect on extinction recall. The results are discussed in relation to various methodological differences between previous studies examining endocannabinoid and adrenergic regulation of fear extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G. Warren
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni P. Papagianni
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Ed Hale
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca A. Brociek
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Helen J. Cassaday
- School of Psychology, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Carl W. Stevenson
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Carl W. Stevenson,
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Effects of endocannabinoid system modulation on social behaviour: A systematic review of animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104680. [PMID: 35513169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
There is a clear link between psychiatric disorders and social behaviour, and evidence suggests the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). A systematic review of preclinical literature was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) and PsychINFO databases to examine whether pharmacological and/or genetic manipulations of the ECS alter social behaviours in wildtype (WT) animals or models of social impairment (SIM). Eighty studies were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using SYRCLE's RoB tool. While some variability was evident, studies most consistently found that direct cannabinoid receptor (CBR) agonism decreased social behaviours in WT animals, while indirect CBR activation via enzyme inhibition or gene-knockout increased social behaviours. Direct and, more consistently, indirect CBR activation reversed social deficits in SIM. These CBR-mediated effects were often sex- and developmental-phase-dependent and blocked by CBR antagonism. Overall, ECS enzyme inhibition may improve social behaviour in SIM, suggesting the potential usefulness of ECS enzyme inhibition as a therapeutic approach for social deficits. Future research should endeavour to elucidate ECS status in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social deficits.
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Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Gasparyan A, Navarro D, López-Picón F, Morcuende Á, Femenía T, Manzanares J. Biomarkers of the Endocannabinoid System in Substance Use Disorders. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030396. [PMID: 35327588 PMCID: PMC8946268 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite substance use disorders (SUD) being one of the leading causes of disability and mortality globally, available therapeutic approaches remain ineffective. The difficulty in accurately characterizing the neurobiological mechanisms involved with a purely qualitative diagnosis is an obstacle to improving the classification and treatment of SUD. In this regard, identifying central and peripheral biomarkers is essential to diagnosing the severity of drug dependence, monitoring therapeutic efficacy, predicting treatment response, and enhancing the development of safer and more effective pharmacological tools. In recent years, the crucial role that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays in regulating the reinforcing and motivational properties of drugs of abuse has been described. This has led to studies characterizing ECS alterations after exposure to various substances to identify biomarkers with potential diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic utility. This review aims to compile the primary evidence available from rodent and clinical studies on how the ECS components are modified in the context of different substance-related disorders, gathering data from genetic, molecular, functional, and neuroimaging experimental approaches. Finally, this report concludes that additional translational research is needed to further characterize the modifications of the ECS in the context of SUD, and their potential usefulness in the necessary search for biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María S. García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco López-Picón
- PET Preclinical Imaging Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland;
| | - Álvaro Morcuende
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
| | - Teresa Femenía
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-919-248
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10
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Bauminger H, Zaidan H, Akirav I, Gaisler-Salomon I. Anandamide Hydrolysis Inhibition Reverses the Long-Term Behavioral and Gene Expression Alterations Induced by MK-801 in Male Rats: Differential CB1 and CB2 Receptor-Mediated Effects. Schizophr Bull 2022; 48:795-803. [PMID: 35092675 PMCID: PMC9212101 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbab153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
NMDA receptor blockade in rodents is commonly used to induce schizophrenia-like behavioral abnormalities, including cognitive deficits and social dysfunction. Aberrant glutamate and GABA transmission, particularly in adolescence, is implicated in these behavioral abnormalities. The endocannabinoid system modulates glutamate and GABA transmission, but the impact of endocannabinoid modulation on cognitive and social dysfunction is unclear. Here, we asked whether late-adolescence administration of the anandamide hydrolysis inhibitor URB597 can reverse behavioral deficits induced by early-adolescence administration of the NMDA receptor blocker MK-801. In parallel, we assessed the impact of MK-801 and URB597 on mRNA expression of glutamate and GABA markers. We found that URB597 prevented MK-801-induced novel object recognition deficits and social interaction abnormalities in adult rats, and reversed glutamate and GABA aberrations in the prelimbic PFC. URB597-mediated reversal of MK-801-induced social interaction deficits was mediated by the CB1 receptor, whereas the reversal of cognitive deficits was mediated by the CB2 receptor. This was paralleled by the reversal of CB1 and CB2 receptor expression abnormalities in the basolateral amygdala and prelimbic PFC, respectively. Together, our findings show that interfering with NMDA receptor function in early adolescence has a lasting impact on phenotypes resembling the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia and on glutamate and GABA marker expression in the PFC. Prevention of behavioral and molecular abnormalities by late-adolescence URB597 via CB1 and CB2 receptors suggests that endocannabinoid stimulation may have therapeutic potential in addressing treatment-resistant symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Bauminger
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Hiba Zaidan
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Inna Gaisler-Salomon
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: +972-4-8249674, fax: +972-4-8263157, e-mail:
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11
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Stark T, Iannotti FA, Di Martino S, Di Bartolomeo M, Ruda-Kucerova J, Piscitelli F, Wotjak CT, D’Addario C, Drago F, Di Marzo V, Micale V. Early Blockade of CB1 Receptors Ameliorates Schizophrenia-like Alterations in the Neurodevelopmental MAM Model of Schizophrenia. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010108. [PMID: 35053256 PMCID: PMC8773886 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In agreement with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia, prenatal exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats to the antimitotic agent methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) at gestational day 17 produces long-lasting behavioral alterations such as social withdrawal and cognitive impairment in adulthood, mimicking a schizophrenia-like phenotype. These abnormalities were preceded at neonatal age both by the delayed appearance of neonatal reflexes, an index of impaired brain maturation, and by higher 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) brain levels. Schizophrenia-like deficits were reversed by early treatment [from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 8] with the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 (0.5 mg/kg/day). By contrast, early CB1 blockade affected the behavioral performance of control rats which was paralleled by enhanced 2-AG content in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These results suggest that prenatal MAM insult leads to premorbid anomalies at neonatal age via altered tone of the endocannabinoid system, which may be considered as an early marker preceding the development of schizophrenia-like alterations in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.S.); (J.R.-K.)
- Scientific Core Unit Neuroimaging, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (F.A.I.); (F.P.); (V.D.M.)
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (F.D.)
| | - Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.S.); (J.R.-K.)
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (F.A.I.); (F.P.); (V.D.M.)
| | - Carsten T. Wotjak
- Central Nervous System Diseases Research (CNSDR), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Claudio D’Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (F.D.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (F.A.I.); (F.P.); (V.D.M.)
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Centre de Recherche de l’Institut de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de l’Université et Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (F.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-4781199
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12
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Warren WG, Hale E, Papagianni EP, Cassaday HJ, Stevenson CW, Stubbendorff C. URB597 induces subtle changes to aggression in adult Lister Hooded rats. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:885146. [PMID: 36032247 PMCID: PMC9412954 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.885146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in both social and cognitive processing. The endocannabinoid metabolism inhibitor, URB597, dose-dependently improves non-social memory in adult Wistar and Sprague Dawley rats, whereas its effect on social interaction (SI) is affected by both rat strain and drug dose. Lister Hooded rats consistently respond differently to drug treatment in general compared with albino strains. This study sought to investigate the effects of different doses of URB597 on social and non-social memory in Lister Hooded rats, as well as analyzing the behavioral composition of the SI. Males were tested for novel object recognition (NOR), social preference (between an object and an unfamiliar rat), social novelty recognition (for a familiar vs. unfamiliar rat) and SI with an unfamiliar rat. URB597 (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg) or vehicle was given 30 min before testing. During SI testing, total interaction time was assessed along with time spent on aggressive and explorative behaviors. Lister Hooded rats displayed expected non-social and social memory and social preference, which was not affected by URB597. During SI, URB597 did not affect total interaction time. However, the high dose increased aggression, compared to vehicle, and decreased anogenital sniffing, compared to the low dose of URB597. In summary, URB597 did not affect NOR, social preference or social recognition memory but did have subtle behavioral effects during SI in Lister hooded rats. Based on our findings we argue for the importance of considering strain as well as the detailed composition of behavior when investigating drug effects on social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Warren
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Ed Hale
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni P Papagianni
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Helen J Cassaday
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Carl W Stevenson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Stubbendorff
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, United Kingdom.,Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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13
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Molecular Findings Guiding the Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System as a Potential Target to Treat Schizophrenia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1400:89-103. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-97182-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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14
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Pietropaolo S, Marsicano G. The role of the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target for autism spectrum disorder: Lessons from behavioral studies on mouse models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:664-678. [PMID: 34813825 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen an impressive amount of research devoted to understanding the etiopathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developing therapies for this syndrome. Because of the lack of biomarkers of ASD, this work has been largely based on the behavioral characterization of rodent models, based on a multitude of genetic and environmental manipulations. Here we highlight how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has recently emerged within this context of mouse behavioral studies as an etiopathological factor in ASD and a valid potential therapeutic target. We summarize the most recent results showing alterations of the ECS in rodent models of ASD, and demonstrating ASD-like behaviors in mice with altered ECS, induced either by genetic or pharmacological manipulations. We also give a critical overview of the most relevant advances in designing treatments and novel mouse models for ASD targeting the ECS, highlighting the relevance of thorough and innovative behavioral approaches to investigate the mechanisms acting underneath the complex features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33077, Bordeaux Cedex, France
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15
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Ahmed M, Boileau I, Le Foll B, Carvalho AF, Kloiber S. The endocannabinoid system in social anxiety disorder: from pathophysiology to novel therapeutics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 44:81-93. [PMID: 34468550 PMCID: PMC8827369 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2021-1926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder that presents with an early age of onset, chronic disease course, and increased risk of psychiatric comorbidity. Current treatment options for SAD are associated with low response rates, suboptimal efficacy, and possible risk of adverse effects. Investigation of new neurobiological mechanisms may aid in the identification of more specific therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disorder. Emerging evidence suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system, also referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), could play a potential role in the pathophysiology of SAD. This review discusses the known pathophysiological mechanisms of SAD, the potential role of the ECS in this disorder, current drugs targeting the ECS, and the potential of these novel compounds to enhance the therapeutic armamentarium for SAD. Further investigational efforts, specifically in human populations, are warranted to improve our knowledge of the ECS in SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashal Ahmed
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boileau
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT) Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia, 3216
| | - Stefan Kloiber
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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16
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Hoffman KL. From the Clinic to the Laboratory, and Back Again: Investigations on Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoid System Modulators for Treating Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:682611. [PMID: 34290632 PMCID: PMC8287066 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.682611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The present mini-review focuses on animal models of schizophrenia that have explored the effects of cannabidiol (CBD; a non-psychoactive component of cannabis) or the pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system on behavioral and cognitive outcome measures. First, results of some relevant clinical studies in this area are summarized, and then pre-clinical work on animal models of schizophrenia based on NMDA receptor antagonism or neurodevelopmental manipulations are discussed. A brief overview is given of the theoretical framework on which these models are based, along with a concise summary of results that have been obtained. Clinical results using CBD for schizophrenia seem promising and its effects in animal models of schizophrenia support its potential as a useful pharmacotherapy. Animal models have been paramount for elucidating the actions of CBD and the function of the endocannabinoid system and for identifying novel pharmacological targets, such as cannabinoid receptors and anandamide. However, more attention needs to be placed on defining and applying independent variables and outcome measures that are comparable between pre-clinical and clinical studies. The objective of this review is, on the one hand, to emphasize the potential of such models to predict clinical response to experimental drugs, and on the other hand, to highlight areas in which research on such models could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Leroy Hoffman
- Centro de Investigación en Reproduccion Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV'-IPN), Tlaxcala, Mexico
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17
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Gellner AK, Voelter J, Schmidt U, Beins EC, Stein V, Philipsen A, Hurlemann R. Molecular and neurocircuitry mechanisms of social avoidance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1163-1189. [PMID: 32997200 PMCID: PMC7904739 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Humans and animals live in social relationships shaped by actions of approach and avoidance. Both are crucial for normal physical and mental development, survival, and well-being. Active withdrawal from social interaction is often induced by the perception of threat or unpleasant social experience and relies on adaptive mechanisms within neuronal networks associated with social behavior. In case of confrontation with overly strong or persistent stressors and/or dispositions of the affected individual, maladaptive processes in the neuronal circuitries and its associated transmitters and modulators lead to pathological social avoidance. This review focuses on active, fear-driven social avoidance, affected circuits within the mesocorticolimbic system and associated regions and a selection of molecular modulators that promise translational potential. A comprehensive review of human research in this field is followed by a reflection on animal studies that offer a broader and often more detailed range of analytical methodologies. Finally, we take a critical look at challenges that could be addressed in future translational research on fear-driven social avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Kathrin Gellner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jella Voelter
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Hermann-Ehlers-Str. 7, 26160, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry Und Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eva Carolina Beins
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Valentin Stein
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Hermann-Ehlers-Str. 7, 26160, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany. .,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
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18
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Ike KG, de Boer SF, Buwalda B, Kas MJ. Social withdrawal: An initially adaptive behavior that becomes maladaptive when expressed excessively. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:251-267. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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19
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PPARD May Play a Protective Role against the Development of Schizophrenia. PPAR Res 2020; 2020:3480412. [PMID: 32831816 PMCID: PMC7428834 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3480412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PPARD has been suggested to contribute to the etiology of schizophrenia (SCZ) with the underlying mechanisms largely unknown. Here, we first collected and analyzed the PPARD expression profile from three groups: (1) 18 healthy control (HC) subjects, (2) 14 clinical high-risk (CHR) patients, and (3) 19 early onset of SCZ (EOS) patients. After that, we conducted a systematical pathway analysis to explore the potential mechanisms involved in PPARD exerting influence on the pathological development of SCZ. Compared to the HC group, the expression of PPARD was slightly decreased in the EOS group (LFC = −0.34; p = 0.23) and increased in the CHR group (LFC = 0.65; p = 0.20). However, there was a significant difference between the EOS group and the CHR group (LFC = −0.99; p = 0.015), reflecting the amount of variation in PPARD expression before and after the onset of SCZ. Pathway analysis suggested that overexpression of PPARD may regulate ten proteins or molecules to inhibit the pathological development of SCZ, including the deactivation of eight SCZ promoters and stimulation of two SCZ inhibitors. Our results support the association between PPARD and SCZ. The pathways identified may help in the understanding of the potential mechanisms by which PPARD contributes to the etiology of SCZ.
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20
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Therapeutic potential of pharmacological agents targeting TRP channels in CNS disorders. Pharmacol Res 2020; 159:105026. [PMID: 32562815 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), stroke, epilepsy, depression, and bipolar disorder have a high impact on both medical and social problems due to the surge in their prevalence. All of these neuronal disorders share some common etiologies including disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis and accumulation of misfolded proteins. These misfolded proteins further disrupt the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis by disrupting the activity of several ion channels including transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. TRP channel families include non-selective Ca2+ permeable channels, which act as cellular sensors activated by various physio-chemical stimuli, exogenous, and endogenous ligands responsible for maintaining the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. TRP channels are abundantly expressed in the neuronal cells and disturbance in their activity leads to various neuronal diseases. Under the pathological conditions when the activity of TRP channels is perturbed, there is a disruption of the neuronal homeostasis through increased inflammatory response, generation of reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, there is a potential of pharmacological interventions targeting TRP channels in CNS disorders. This review focuses on the role of TRP channels in neurological diseases; also, we have highlighted the current insights into the pharmacological modulators targeting TRP channels.
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21
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Pietropaolo S, Bellocchio L, Bouzón-Arnáiz I, Yee BK. The role of the endocannabinoid system in autism spectrum disorders: Evidence from mouse studies. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 173:183-208. [PMID: 32711810 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A substantive volume of research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has emerged in recent years adding to our understanding of the etiopathological process. Preclinical models in mice and rats have been highly instrumental in modeling and dissecting the contributions of a multitude of known genetic and environmental risk factors. However, the translation of preclinical data into suitable drug targets must overcome three critical hurdles: (i) ASD comprises a highly heterogeneous group of conditions that can markedly differ in terms of their clinical presentation and symptoms, (ii) the plethora of genetic and environmental risk factors suggests a complex, non-unitary, etiopathology, and (iii) the lack of consensus over the myriad of preclinical models, with respect to both construct validity and face validity. Against this backdrop, this Chapter traces how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a promising target for intervention with predictive validity. Recent supportive preclinical evidence is summarized, especially studies in mice demonstrating the emergence of ASD-like behaviors following diverse genetic or pharmacological manipulations targeting the ECS. The critical relevance of ECS to the complex pathogenesis of ASD is underscored by its multiple roles in modulating neuronal functions and shaping brain development. Finally, we argue that important lessons have been learned from the novel mouse models of ASD, which not only stimulate game-changing innovative treatments but also foster a consensual framework to integrate the diverse approaches applied in the search of novel treatments for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Pietropaolo
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bat B2, Pessac Cedex, France.
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bat B2, Pessac Cedex, France; INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Inés Bouzón-Arnáiz
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamin K Yee
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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22
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Qi XR, Zhang L. The Potential Role of Gut Peptide Hormones in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:73. [PMID: 32296309 PMCID: PMC7136424 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut peptide hormones are one group of secretory factors produced from gastrointestinal endocrine cells with potent functions in modulating digestive functions. In recent decades, they have been found across different brain regions, many of which are involved in autism-related social, emotional and cognitive deficits. Clinical studies have revealed possible correlation between those hormones and autism spectrum disorder pathogenesis. In animal models, gut peptide hormones modulate neurodevelopment, synaptic transmission and neural plasticity, explaining their behavioral relevance. This review article will summarize major findings from both clinical and basic research showing the role of gut peptide hormones in mediating autism-related neurological functions, and their potential implications in autism pathogenesis. The pharmaceutical value of gut hormones in alleviating autism-associated behavioral syndromes will be discussed to provide new insights for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Rui Qi
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Seillier A, Martinez AA, Giuffrida A. Differential effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol dosing on correlates of schizophrenia in the sub-chronic PCP rat model. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230238. [PMID: 32163506 PMCID: PMC7067407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Social withdrawal in the sub-chronic phencyclidine (PCP) rat model, a behavioral correlate of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, results from deficits in brain endocannabinoid transmission. As cannabis intake has been shown to affect negatively the course and expression of psychosis, we tested whether the beneficial effects of endocannabinoid-mediated CB1 activation on social withdrawal in PCP-treated rats (5 mg/kg, twice daily for 7 days)also occurred after administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.). In addition, we assessed whether THC affected two correlates of positive symptoms: 1) motor activity induced by d-amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), and 2) dopamine neuron population activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). After the motor activity test, the brains from d-amphetamine-treated animals were collected and processed for measurements of endocannabinoids and activation of Akt/GSK3β, two molecular markers involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In control rats, THC dose-dependently produced social interaction deficits and aberrant VTA dopamine neuron population activity similar to those observed in PCP-treated animals. In PCP-treated rats, only the lowest dose of THC reversed PCP-induced deficits, as well as PCP-induced elevation of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) in the nucleus accumbens. Last, THC activated the Akt/GSK3β pathway dose-dependently in both control and PCP-treated animals. Taken together, these data suggest that only low doses of THC have beneficial effects on behavioral, neurochemical and electrophysiological correlates of schizophrenia symptoms. This observation may shed some light on the controversial hypothesis of marijuana use as self-medication in schizophrenic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Seillier
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alex A. Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
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Abstract
The use of medical cannabis in children is rapidly growing. While robust evidence currently exists only for pure cannabidiol (CBD) to treat specific types of refractory epilepsy, in most cases, artisanal strains of CBD-rich medical cannabis are being used to treat children with various types of refractory epilepsy or irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Other common pediatric disorders that are being considered for cannabis treatment are Tourette syndrome and spasticity. As recreational cannabis use during youth is associated with serious adverse events and medical cannabis use is believed to have a relatively high placebo effect, decisions to use medical cannabis during childhood and adolescence should be made with caution and based on evidence. This review summarizes the current evidence for safety, tolerability, and efficacy of medical cannabis in children with epilepsy and in children with ASD. The main risks associated with use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD in the pediatric population are described, as well as the debate regarding the use of whole-plant extract to retain a possible "entourage effect" as opposed to pure cannabinoids that are more standardized and reproducible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Aran
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Gonczarowska N, Tomaz C, Caixeta FV, Malcher-Lopes R, Barros M, Nishijo H, Maior RS. CB1 receptor antagonism in capuchin monkeys alters social interaction and aversive memory extinction. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3413-3419. [PMID: 31250073 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05305-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid system (eCS) is an important modulator of social anxiety and social reward, as well as memory functions. OBJECTIVES The present study evaluated the role of eCS in social interactions and aversive memory extinction in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) by blocking the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1r). METHODS In experiment 1, spontaneous social and non-social behaviors of five capuchin males, each one living in triads with two other females, were observed after AM251 treatment (vehicle, 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg; i.m.). In experiment 2, seven male capuchin monkeys were trained to reach for a reward inside a wooden box. After training, they were given either vehicle or a 3.0-mg/kg i.m. dose of AM251 before a single aversive encounter with a live snake in the box. The latency to return to reach the reward inside the box in subsequent trials was measured. RESULTS The 3.0-mg/kg dose significantly increased the time spent performing self-directed behaviors, while decreasing that of social interactions. No changes were observed in vigilance or locomotion. AM251 increased the latency to reach the reward after the aversive encounter. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results suggest that CB1r antagonism induces social deficits without increasing anxiety levels and impairs the extinction of aversive memories. This behavioral profile in monkeys underscores the potential involvement of eCS signaling in the deficits observed in autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Gonczarowska
- Primate Center, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos Tomaz
- Primate Center, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroscience & Behavior, Universidade Ceuma, São Luis, MA, Brazil
| | - Fabio V Caixeta
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Renato Malcher-Lopes
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Marilia Barros
- Primate Center, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Hisao Nishijo
- System Emotional Science, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama, 2630, Japan
| | - Rafael S Maior
- Primate Center, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil. .,Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
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Kruk-Slomka M, Banaszkiewicz I, Slomka T, Biala G. Effects of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitors Acute Administration on the Positive and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:7251-7266. [PMID: 31004320 PMCID: PMC6815283 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1596-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The connection between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and schizophrenia is supported by a large body of research. The ECS is composed of two types cannabinoid (CB: CB1 and CB2) receptors and their endogenous ligands, endocannabinoids. The best-known endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are intracellularly degraded by fatty acid hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), respectively. Thus, the function of ECS might be modulated in a direct way, through CB receptor ligands or indirectly by FAAH and MAGL inhibitors. We evaluated that the direct influence of ECS, using FAAH (URB 597) and MAGL (JZL 184) inhibitors, on the schizophrenia-like effects in mice. The behavioral schizophrenia-like symptoms were obtained in animals by using N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, MK-801. An acute administration of MK-801 (0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg) induced psychotic symptoms in rodents, manifested as the increase in locomotor activity, measured in actimeters, as well as the memory impairment, assessed in the passive avoidance (PA) task. We revealed that an acute administration of URB 597, at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg, attenuated MK-801 (0.6 mg/kg)-induced memory impairment. In turn, an acute administration of URB 597 at a higher dose (1 mg/kg) potentiated MK-801 (0.3 mg/kg)-induced memory impairment. Similarly, an acute administration of JZL 184 (20 and 40 mg/kg) intensified an amnestic effect of MK-801 (0.3 mg/kg). Moreover, an acute injection of JZL 184 (1 mg/kg) potentiated hyperlocomotion is provoked by MK-801 (0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg) administration. The present findings clearly indicate that ECS, through an indirect manner, modulates a variety of schizophrenia-like responses in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Kruk-Slomka
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Izabela Banaszkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Slomka
- Department of Mathematics and Medical Biostatistics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4 Street, 20-954, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grazyna Biala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
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Stark T, Ruda-Kucerova J, Iannotti FA, D'Addario C, Di Marco R, Pekarik V, Drazanova E, Piscitelli F, Bari M, Babinska Z, Giurdanella G, Di Bartolomeo M, Salomone S, Sulcova A, Maccarrone M, Wotjak CT, Starcuk Z, Drago F, Mechoulam R, Di Marzo V, Micale V. Peripubertal cannabidiol treatment rescues behavioral and neurochemical abnormalities in the MAM model of schizophrenia. Neuropharmacology 2019; 146:212-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Social brain, social dysfunction and social withdrawal. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 97:10-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Aran A, Eylon M, Harel M, Polianski L, Nemirovski A, Tepper S, Schnapp A, Cassuto H, Wattad N, Tam J. Lower circulating endocannabinoid levels in children with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2019; 10:2. [PMID: 30728928 PMCID: PMC6354384 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0256-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a major regulator of synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation. Alterations of the ECS have been demonstrated in several animal models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In some of these models, activating the ECS rescued the social deficits. Evidence for dysregulations of the ECS in human ASD are emerging, but comprehensive assessments and correlations with disease characteristics have not been reported yet. Methods Serum levels of the main endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA or anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their related endogenous compounds, arachidonic acid (AA), N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), and N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), were analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 93 children with ASD (age = 13.1 ± 4.1, range 6–21; 79% boys) and 93 age- and gender-matched neurotypical children (age = 11.8 ± 4.3, range 5.5–21; 79% boys). Results were associated with gender and use of medications, and were correlated with age, BMI, and adaptive functioning of ASD participants as reflected by scores of Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II (VABS-II), and Social Responsiveness Scale-II (SRS-2). Results Children with ASD had lower levels (pmol/mL, mean ± SEM) of AEA (0.722 ± 0.045 vs. 1.252 ± 0.072, P < 0.0001, effect size 0.91), OEA (17.3 ± 0.80 vs. 27.8 ± 1.44, P < 0.0001, effect size 0.94), and PEA (4.93 ± 0.32 vs. 7.15 ± 0.37, P < 0.0001, effect size 0.65), but not AA and 2-AG. Serum levels of AEA, OEA, and PEA were not significantly associated or correlated with age, gender, BMI, medications, and adaptive functioning of ASD participants. In children with ASD, but not in the control group, younger age and lower BMI tended to correlate with lower AEA levels. However, these correlations were not statistically significant after a correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusions We found lower serum levels of AEA, PEA, and OEA in children with ASD. Further studies are needed to determine whether circulating endocannabinoid levels can be used as stratification biomarkers that identify clinically significant subgroups within the autism spectrum and if they reflect lower endocannabinoid “tone” in the brain, as found in animal models of ASD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-019-0256-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Aran
- 1Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Bayit Street, 91031 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maya Eylon
- 2Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moria Harel
- 1Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Bayit Street, 91031 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lola Polianski
- 1Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Bayit Street, 91031 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- 2Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sigal Tepper
- 3Department of Nutritional Sciences, Tel Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, 1220800 Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Aviad Schnapp
- 1Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Bayit Street, 91031 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hanoch Cassuto
- 1Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Bayit Street, 91031 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nadia Wattad
- 1Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 12 Bayit Street, 91031 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joseph Tam
- 2Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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30
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Secci ME, Mascia P, Sagheddu C, Beggiato S, Melis M, Borelli AC, Tomasini MC, Panlilio LV, Schindler CW, Tanda G, Ferré S, Bradberry CW, Ferraro L, Pistis M, Goldberg SR, Schwarcz R, Justinova Z. Astrocytic Mechanisms Involving Kynurenic Acid Control Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Increases in Glutamate Release in Brain Reward-Processing Areas. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:3563-3575. [PMID: 30151725 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1319-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The reinforcing effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rats and monkeys, and the reinforcement-related dopamine-releasing effects of THC in rats, can be attenuated by increasing endogenous levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA) through systemic administration of the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase inhibitor, Ro 61-8048. KYNA is a negative allosteric modulator of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) and is synthesized and released by astroglia, which express functional α7nAChRs and cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs). Here, we tested whether these presumed KYNA autoreceptors (α7nAChRs) and CB1Rs regulate glutamate release. We used in vivo microdialysis and electrophysiology in rats, RNAscope in situ hybridization in brain slices, and primary culture of rat cortical astrocytes. Acute systemic administration of THC increased extracellular levels of glutamate in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). THC also reduced extracellular levels of KYNA in the NAcS. These THC effects were prevented by administration of Ro 61-8048 or the CB1R antagonist, rimonabant. THC increased the firing activity of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons projecting from the mPFC to the NAcS or to the VTA in vivo. These effects were averted by pretreatment with Ro 61-8048. In vitro, THC elicited glutamate release from cortical astrocytes (on which we demonstrated co-localization of the CB1Rs and α7nAChR mRNAs), and this effect was prevented by KYNA and rimonabant. These results suggest a key role of astrocytes in interactions between the endocannabinoid system, kynurenine pathway, and glutamatergic neurotransmission, with ramifications for the pathophysiology and treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Secci
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Paola Mascia
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea C Borelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria C Tomasini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Leigh V Panlilio
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Charles W Schindler
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sergi Ferré
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles W Bradberry
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Steven R Goldberg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zuzana Justinova
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Sun L, Min L, Li M, Shao F, Wang W. Transcriptomic analysis reveals oxidative phosphorylation activation in an adolescent social isolation rat model. Brain Res Bull 2018; 142:304-312. [PMID: 30142370 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors exert a sustained influence on the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCZ). Adolescent social isolation is regarded as a typical paradigm for SCZ. However, the underlying pathological mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, adolescent Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were placed in isolation rearing (IR) or social rearing (SR) conditions from postnatal day (PND) 21 to 34 to establish a SCZ disease model and a control model, respectively. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) assays and elevated plus maze tests were performed on PND 56. Next, prefrontal cortex (PFC) tissues were isolated for transcriptomic sequencing and RT-qPCR analyses. The results indicated that adolescent social isolation induced anxious behaviors and disrupted PPIs as well as specific PFC gene expression patterns in adult SD rats. A total of 196 genes were identified as upregulated, and 748 genes were identified as down-regulated in the IR group compared with those in the SR group. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were highly enriched in the KEGG pathways associated with the comorbidity of neurological disorder and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS); 26 out of 27 comorbid neurological disorder-associated DEGs overlapped with 31 OXPHOS-associated DEGs. Those 26 overlapping DEGs were all upregulated in the IR group and could easily distinguish the IR group from the SR group; 6 of these DEGs (COX7C, NDUFB11, NDUFA2, NDUFC2, ATP5C1, and COX6A1) were verified by RT-qPCR. Here, we provide a systematic overview of gene expression alterations in adolescent-social-isolation-induced SCZ (ASI-SCZ), which suggests that genes that are associated with the comorbidity of neurological disorders, especially OXPHOS-related genes, contribute to the pathogenesis of ASI-SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Sun
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Li Min
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Feng Shao
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Weiwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Seabra G, Falvella ACB, Guest PC, Martins-de-Souza D, de Almeida V. Proteomics and Lipidomics in the Elucidation of Endocannabinoid Signaling in Healthy and Schizophrenia Brains. Proteomics 2018; 18:e1700270. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201700270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Seabra
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline B. Falvella
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
| | - Paul C. Guest
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Valéria de Almeida
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics; Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas Brazil
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Seillier A, Giuffrida A. The cannabinoid transporter inhibitor OMDM-2 reduces social interaction: Further evidence for transporter-mediated endocannabinoid release. Neuropharmacology 2018; 130:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Aguilar DD, Giuffrida A, Lodge DJ. Adolescent Synthetic Cannabinoid Exposure Produces Enduring Changes in Dopamine Neuron Activity in a Rodent Model of Schizophrenia Susceptibility. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:393-403. [PMID: 29329382 PMCID: PMC5887672 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies recognize cannabis intake as a risk factor for schizophrenia, yet the majority of adolescents who use marijuana do not develop psychosis. Similarly, the abuse of synthetic cannabinoids poses a risk for psychosis. For these reasons, it is imperative to understand the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure in susceptible individuals. METHODS We recently developed a novel rodent model of schizophrenia susceptibility, the F2 methylazoxymethanol acetate rat, where only a proportion (~40%) of rats display a schizophrenia-like phenotype. Using this model, we examined the effects of adolescent synthetic cannabinoid exposure (0.2 mg/kg WIN55, 212-2, i.p.) or adolescent endocannabinoid upregulation (0.3 mg/kg URB597, i.p.) on dopamine neuron activity and amphetamine sensitivity in adulthood. RESULTS Adolescent synthetic cannabinoid exposure significantly increased the proportion of susceptible rats displaying a schizophrenia-like hyperdopaminergic phenotype after puberty without producing any observable alterations in control rats. Furthermore, this acquired phenotype appears to correspond with alterations in parvalbumin interneuron function within the hippocampus. Endocannabinoid upregulation during adolescence also increased the proportion of susceptible rats developing an increase in dopamine neuron activity; however, it did not alter the behavioral response to amphetamine, further emphasizing differences between exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these studies provide experimental evidence that adolescent synthetic cannabinoid exposure may contribute to psychosis in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas,Correspondence: David D. Aguilar, PhD, Boston VA Medical Center, West Roxbury Research, Bldg 3, 2A115 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA, 02132 ()
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas
| | - Daniel J Lodge
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas
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Renard J, Szkudlarek HJ, Kramar CP, Jobson CEL, Moura K, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. Adolescent THC Exposure Causes Enduring Prefrontal Cortical Disruption of GABAergic Inhibition and Dysregulation of Sub-Cortical Dopamine Function. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11420. [PMID: 28900286 PMCID: PMC5595795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11645-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic adolescent marijuana use has been linked to the later development of psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia. GABAergic hypofunction in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a cardinal pathological feature of schizophrenia and may be a mechanism by which the PFC loses its ability to regulate sub-cortical dopamine (DA) resulting in schizophrenia-like neuropsychopathology. In the present study, we exposed adolescent rats to Δ-9-tetra-hydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana. At adulthood, we characterized the functionality of PFC GABAergic neurotransmission and its regulation of sub-cortical DA function using molecular, behavioral and in-vivo electrophysiological analyses. Our findings revealed a persistent attenuation of PFC GABAergic function combined with a hyperactive neuronal state in PFC neurons and associated disruptions in cortical gamma oscillatory activity. These PFC abnormalities were accompanied by hyperactive DAergic neuronal activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and behavioral and cognitive abnormalities similar to those observed in psychiatric disorders. Remarkably, these neuronal and behavioral effects were reversed by pharmacological activation of GABAA receptors in the PFC. Together, these results identify a mechanistic link between dysregulated frontal cortical GABAergic inhibition and sub-cortical DAergic dysregulation, characteristic of well-established neuropsychiatric endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Renard
- Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Cecilia P Kramar
- Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Christina E L Jobson
- Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Kyra Moura
- Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada.,Dept. of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada. .,Dept. of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada.
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Chesworth R, Karl T. Molecular Basis of Cannabis-Induced Schizophrenia-Relevant Behaviours: Insights from Animal Models. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-017-0120-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Anxiety does not contribute to social withdrawal in the subchronic phencyclidine rat model of schizophrenia. Behav Pharmacol 2017; 28:512-520. [PMID: 28704273 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Social withdrawal should not be considered a direct measure of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia as it may result not only from asociality (primary negative symptom) but also from other altered processes such as anxiety. To understand the contribution of these two factors to social deficit, we investigated whether the social withdrawal observed in the subchronic phencyclidine (PCP) rat model of schizophrenia could be attributed to increased anxiety. Compared to saline controls, PCP-treated rats (5 mg/kg, twice daily for 7 days, followed by a washout period) spent significantly less time in social interaction, but did not show anxiety-like behaviors in different relevant behavioral paradigms. In addition, their social deficit was not affected by a behavioral procedure known to reduce anxiety-like behavior (repeated exposure to the same partner) nor by systemic administration of the classical anxiolytic diazepam. In contrast, PCP-induced social withdrawal was reversed by the cannabinoid agonist CP55,940, a drug with known anxiogenic properties. Furthermore, when using the social approach task, PCP-treated animals performed similarly to control animals treated with diazepam, but not to those treated with the anxiogenic compound pentylenetetrazole. Taken together, our results indicate that PCP-induced social withdrawal cannot be attributed to increased anxiety. These data are discussed in the context of primary versus secondary negative symptoms and the deficit syndrome of schizophrenia.
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Wei D, Allsop S, Tye K, Piomelli D. Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Control of Social Behavior. Trends Neurosci 2017; 40:385-396. [PMID: 28554687 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many mammalian species, including humans, exhibit social behavior and form complex social groups. Mechanistic studies in animal models have revealed important roles for the endocannabinoid signaling system, comprising G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous lipid-derived agonists, in the control of neural processes that underpin social anxiety and social reward, two key aspects of social behavior. An emergent insight from these studies is that endocannabinoid signaling in specific circuits of the brain is context dependent and selectively recruited. These insights open new vistas on the neural basis of social behavior and social impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don Wei
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Allsop
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kay Tye
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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39
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Lipids in psychiatric disorders and preventive medicine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:336-362. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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40
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Rentzsch J, Kronenberg G, Stadtmann A, Neuhaus A, Montag C, Hellweg R, Jockers-Scherübl MC. Opposing Effects of Cannabis Use on Late Auditory Repetition Suppression in Schizophrenia Patients and Healthy Control Subjects. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Peters SM, Tuffnell JA, Pinter IJ, van der Harst JE, Spruijt BM. Short- and long-term behavioral analysis of social interaction, ultrasonic vocalizations and social motivation in a chronic phencyclidine model. Behav Brain Res 2017; 325:34-43. [PMID: 28235589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Phencyclidine (PCP) has been suggested to induce symptoms of schizophrenia. However, animal models using PCP administration have produced ambiguous results thus far. It seems that acute effects are similar to symptoms of schizophrenia, however, it is not clear if PCP can induce permanent behavioral changes that reflect schizophrenic-like symptoms. Therefore, we assessed the ability of chronic PCP administration (3mg/kg, 14 days) to induce short or long lasting behavioral changes in rats. Social behavior, including ultrasonic vocalizations and motivation for social contact were investigated at different time points, up to 29-36 days, after cessation of PCP treatment. During a social separation test, performed at 5 and 36 days, PCP treated rats spent less time near the divider that separates them from their familiar cage mate compared with saline (SAL) treated rats. Further, at short term, PCP was able to induce a decrease in social behavior. In contrast, at long-term, PCP treated animals spent more time in contact when exposed to an unfamiliar partner as compared to SAL treated rats. But, this difference was not observed when exposed to a familiar partner. We did not find any difference in ultrasonic vocalizations at all time points. The results of our study indicate that PCP is unable to induce overt long term deficits in social interaction behavior. Rather, it seems that PCP diminishes motivation for social contact. The long-term consequences of chronic PCP administration on social behavior in rodent models remain complex, and future studies addressing this are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Peters
- Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Delta Phenomics B.V., Nistelrooisebaan 3, NL-5374 RE Schaijk, The Netherlands.
| | - Joe A Tuffnell
- Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ilona J Pinter
- Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Delta Phenomics B.V., Nistelrooisebaan 3, NL-5374 RE Schaijk, The Netherlands
| | - Johanneke E van der Harst
- Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Delta Phenomics B.V., Nistelrooisebaan 3, NL-5374 RE Schaijk, The Netherlands
| | - Berry M Spruijt
- Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Doenni VM, Gray JM, Song CM, Patel S, Hill MN, Pittman QJ. Deficient adolescent social behavior following early-life inflammation is ameliorated by augmentation of anandamide signaling. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 58:237-247. [PMID: 27453335 PMCID: PMC5461973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.07.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life inflammation has been shown to exert profound effects on brain development and behavior, including altered emotional behavior, stress responsivity and neurochemical/neuropeptide receptor expression and function. The current study extends this research by examining the impact of inflammation, triggered with the bacterial compound lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on postnatal day (P) 14, on social behavior during adolescence. We investigated the role that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays in sociability after early-life LPS. To test this, multiple cohorts of Sprague Dawley rats were injected with LPS on P14. In adolescence, rats were subjected to behavioral testing in a reciprocal social interaction paradigm as well as the open field. We quantified eCB levels in the amygdala of P14 and adolescent animals (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) as well as adolescent amygdaloid cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) binding site density and the hydrolytic activity of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which metabolizes the eCB anandamide. Additionally, we examined the impact of FAAH inhibition on alterations in social behavior. Our results indicate that P14 LPS decreases adolescent social behavior (play and social non-play) in males and females at P40. This behavioral alteration is accompanied by decreased CB1 binding, increased anandamide levels and increased FAAH activity. Oral administration of the FAAH inhibitor PF-04457845 (1mg/kg) prior to the social interaction task normalizes LPS-induced alterations in social behavior, while not affecting social behavior in the control group. Infusion of 10ng PF-04457845 into the basolateral amygdala normalized social behavior in LPS injected females. These data suggest that alterations in eCB signaling following postnatal inflammation contribute to impairments in social behavior during adolescence and that inhibition of FAAH could be a novel target for disorders involving social deficits such as social anxiety disorders or autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Doenni
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Mathison Center for Mental Health, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - J M Gray
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Mathison Center for Mental Health, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - C M Song
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Mathison Center for Mental Health, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - S Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Dr, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - M N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Mathison Center for Mental Health, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Q J Pittman
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Mathison Center for Mental Health, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Schneider P, Bindila L, Schmahl C, Bohus M, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Lutz B, Spanagel R, Schneider M. Adverse Social Experiences in Adolescent Rats Result in Enduring Effects on Social Competence, Pain Sensitivity and Endocannabinoid Signaling. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:203. [PMID: 27812328 PMCID: PMC5071316 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Social affiliation is essential for many species and gains significant importance during adolescence. Disturbances in social affiliation, in particular social rejection experiences during adolescence, affect an individual’s well-being and are involved in the emergence of psychiatric disorders. The underlying mechanisms are still unknown, partly because of a lack of valid animal models. By using a novel animal model for social peer-rejection, which compromises adolescent rats in their ability to appropriately engage in playful activities, here we report on persistent impairments in social behavior and dysregulations in the endocannabinoid (eCB) system. From postnatal day (pd) 21 to pd 50 adolescent female Wistar rats were either reared with same-strain partners (control) or within a group of Fischer 344 rats (inadequate social rearing, ISR), previously shown to serve as inadequate play partners for the Wistar strain. Adult ISR animals showed pronounced deficits in social interaction, social memory, processing of socially transmitted information, and decreased pain sensitivity. Molecular analysis revealed increased CB1 receptor (CB1R) protein levels and CP55, 940 stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding activity specifically in the amygdala and thalamus in previously peer-rejected rats. Along with these changes, increased levels of the eCB anandamide (AEA) and a corresponding decrease of its degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) were seen in the amygdala. Our data indicate lasting consequences in social behavior and pain sensitivity following peer-rejection in adolescent female rats. These behavioral impairments are accompanied by persistent alterations in CB1R signaling. Finally, we provide a novel translational approach to characterize neurobiological processes underlying social peer-rejection in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Schneider
- Research Group Developmental Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of HeidelbergMannheim, Germany; Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of HeidelbergMannheim, Germany
| | - Laura Bindila
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Bohus
- Institute for Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of HeidelbergMannheim, Germany; Faculty of Health, University of AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg Mannheim, Germany
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg Mannheim, Germany
| | - Miriam Schneider
- Research Group Developmental Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of HeidelbergMannheim, Germany; Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of HeidelbergMannheim, Germany
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Matricon J, Seillier A, Giuffrida A. Distinct neuronal activation patterns are associated with PCP-induced social withdrawal and its reversal by the endocannabinoid-enhancing drug URB597. Neurosci Res 2016; 110:49-58. [PMID: 27091613 PMCID: PMC5007165 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, URB597, an endocannabinoid enhancing drug, reverses social withdrawal in the sub-chronic PCP rat model of schizophrenia, but reduces social interaction (SI) in controls. To identify the anatomical substrates associated with PCP-induced social withdrawal and the contrasting effects of URB597 on SI in PCP- versus saline-treated rats, we analyzed SI-induced c-Fos expression in 28 brain areas relevant to schizophrenia and/or social behavior following vehicle or URB597 administration. In saline-treated rats, SI was accompanied by changes in c-Fos expression in the infralimbic and orbitofrontal cortices, dorsomedial caudate putamen, ventrolateral nucleus of the septum, dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) and central amygdala. Except for the dlPAG, these changes were not observed in PCP-treated rats or in saline-treated rats receiving URB597. In the dorsomedial part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dmBNST), SI-induced c-Fos expression was observed only in PCP-treated rats. Interestingly, URB597 in PCP-treated rats restored a similar c-Fos expression pattern as observed in saline-treated rats: activation of the orbitofrontal cortex, inhibition of the central amygdala and suppression of activation of the dmBNST. These data suggest that orbitofrontal cortex, central amygdala and dmBNST play a critical role in the reversal of PCP-induced social withdrawal by URB597.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Matricon
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Alexandre Seillier
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Fakhoury M. Could cannabidiol be used as an alternative to antipsychotics? J Psychiatr Res 2016; 80:14-21. [PMID: 27267317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects close to 1% of the population. Individuals with this disorder often present signs such as hallucination, anxiety, reduced attention, and social withdrawal. Although antipsychotic drugs remain the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, they are associated with severe side effects. Recently, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for pharmacotherapy that is involved in a wide range of disorders, including schizophrenia. Since its discovery, a lot of effort has been devoted to the study of compounds that can modulate its activity for therapeutic purposes. Among them, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, shows great promise for the treatment of psychosis, and is associated with fewer extrapyramidal side effects than conventional antipsychotic drugs. The overarching goal of this review is to provide current available knowledge on the role of the dopamine system and the ECS in schizophrenia, and to discuss key findings from animal studies and clinical trials investigating the antipsychotic potential of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Abstract
Despite a lack of recent progress in the treatment of schizophrenia, our understanding of its genetic and environmental causes has considerably improved, and their relationship to aberrant patterns of neurodevelopment has become clearer. This raises the possibility that 'disease-modifying' strategies could alter the course to - and of - this debilitating disorder, rather than simply alleviating symptoms. A promising window for course-altering intervention is around the time of the first episode of psychosis, especially in young people at risk of transition to schizophrenia. Indeed, studies performed in both individuals at risk of developing schizophrenia and rodent models for schizophrenia suggest that pre-diagnostic pharmacotherapy and psychosocial or cognitive-behavioural interventions can delay or moderate the emergence of psychosis. Of particular interest are 'hybrid' strategies that both relieve presenting symptoms and reduce the risk of transition to schizophrenia or another psychiatric disorder. This Review aims to provide a broad-based consideration of the challenges and opportunities inherent in efforts to alter the course of schizophrenia.
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Seillier A, Giuffrida A. Disruption of social cognition in the sub-chronic PCP rat model of schizophrenia: Possible involvement of the endocannabinoid system. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:298-309. [PMID: 26706691 PMCID: PMC4762710 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that social withdrawal in the phencyclidine (PCP) rat model of schizophrenia results from deficient endocannabinoid-induced activation of CB1 receptors. To understand the underlying cognitive mechanisms of the social deficit in PCP-treated rats, we examined the impact of pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system on sociability (i.e. social approach) and social novelty preference (which relies on social recognition). Control rats showed a clear preference for a "social" cage (i.e. unfamiliar stimulus rat placed under a wire mesh cage) versus an "empty" cage, and spent more time exploring a "novel" cage (i.e. new stimulus rat) versus a "familiar" cage. In contrast, rats receiving PCP (5 mg/kg, b.i.d. for 7 days, followed by a 7 day-washout period) showed intact sociability, but lacked social novelty preference. This PCP-induced deficit was due to increased activity at CB1 receptors as it was reversed by systemic administration of the CB1 antagonist AM251 (1 mg/kg). In agreement with this hypothesis, the cannabinoid agonist CP55,940 (0.003-0.03 mg/kg) dose-dependently suppressed social novelty preference in control animals without affecting sociability. Taken together, these data suggest that PCP-treated rats have a deficit in social cognition, possibly induced by increased stimulation of CB1 receptors. This deficit, however, is distinct from the social withdrawal previously observed in these animals, as the latter is due to deficient, rather than increased, CB1 stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Seillier
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
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48
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Aguilar DD, Giuffrida A, Lodge DJ. THC and endocannabinoids differentially regulate neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the subchronic PCP model of schizophrenia. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:169-81. [PMID: 26510449 PMCID: PMC5252830 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115612239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use has been associated with an increased risk to develop schizophrenia as well as symptom exacerbation in patients. In contrast, clinical studies have revealed an inverse relationship between the cerebrospinal fluid levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide and symptom severity, suggesting a therapeutic potential for endocannabinoid-enhancing drugs. Indeed, preclinical studies have shown that these drugs can reverse distinct behavioral deficits in a rodent model of schizophrenia. The mechanisms underlying the differences between exogenous and endogenous cannabinoid administration are currently unknown. Using the phencyclidine (PCP) rat model of schizophrenia, we compared the effects on neuronal activity of systematic administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597. Specifically, we found that the inhibitory response in the prefrontal cortex to THC administration was absent in PCP-treated rats. In contrast, an augmented response to endocannabinoid upregulation was observed in the prefrontal cortex of PCP-treated rats. Interestingly, differential effects were also observed at the neuronal population level, as endocannabinoid upregulation induced opposite effects on coordinated activity when compared with THC. Such information is important for understanding why marijuana and synthetic cannabinoid use may be contraindicated in schizophrenia patients while endocannabinoid enhancement may provide a novel therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Fakhoury M. Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:768-778. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9697-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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50
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Müller I, Çalışkan G, Stork O. The GAD65 knock out mouse - a model for GABAergic processes in fear- and stress-induced psychopathology. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2015; 14:37-45. [PMID: 25470336 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) synthetic enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)65 is critically involved in the activity-dependent regulation of GABAergic inhibition in the central nervous system. It is also required for the maturation of the GABAergic system during adolescence, a phase that is critical for the development of several neuropsychiatric diseases. Mice bearing a null mutation of the GAD65 gene develop hyperexcitability of the amygdala and hippocampus, and a phenotype of increased anxiety and pathological fear memory reminiscent of posttraumatic stress disorder. Although genetic association of GAD65 in human has not yet been reported, these findings are in line with observations of reduced GABAergic function in these brain regions of anxiety disorder patients. The particular value of GAD65(-/-) mice thus lies in modeling the effects of reduced GABAergic function in the mature nervous system. The expression of GAD65 and a second GAD isozyme, GAD67, are differentially regulated in response to stress in limbic brain areas suggesting that by controlling GABAergic inhibition these enzymes determine the vulnerability for the development of pathological anxiety and other stress-induced phenotypes. In fact, we could recently show that GAD65 haplodeficiency, which results in delayed postnatal increase of GABA levels, provides resilience to juvenile-stress-induced anxiety to GAD65(+/-) mice thus foiling the increased fear and anxiety in homozygous GAD65(-/-) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Müller
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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