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Szente L, Balla GY, Varga ZK, Toth B, Biro L, Balogh Z, Hill MN, Toth M, Mikics E, Aliczki M. Endocannabinoid and neuroplasticity-related changes as susceptibility factors in a rat model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 32:100662. [PMID: 39183773 PMCID: PMC11341941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic experiences result in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 10-25% of exposed individuals. While human clinical studies suggest that susceptibility is potentially linked to endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, neurobiological PTSD susceptibility factors are poorly understood. Employing a rat model of contextual conditioned fear, we characterized distinct resilient and susceptible subpopulations based on lasting generalized fear, a core symptom of PTSD. In these groups, we assessed i.) eCB levels by mass spectrometry and ii.) expression variations of eCB system- and iii.) neuroplasticity-related genes by real-time quantitative PCR in the circuitry relevant in trauma-induced changes. Furthermore, employing unsupervised and semi-supervised machine learning based statistical analytical models, we assessed iv.) gene expression patterns with the most robust predictive power regarding PTSD susceptibility. According to our findings, in our model, generalized fear responses occurred with sufficient variability to characterize distinct resilient and susceptible subpopulations. Resilient subjects showed elevated prelimbic and lower ventral hippocampal levels of eCB 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) compared to resilient and non-shocked control subjects. Ventral hippocampal 2-AG content positively correlated with the strength of fear generalization. Furthermore, susceptibility was associated with i.) prefrontal, hippocampal and amygdalar neuronal hypoactivity, ii.) marked decrease in the expression of genes of transcription factors modulating neuroplasticity and iii.) an altered expression pattern of eCB-related genes, including enzymes involved in eCB metabolism. Unsupervised and semi-supervised statistical approaches highlighted that hippocampal gene expression patterns possess strong predictive power regarding susceptibility. Taken together, the marked eCB and neuroplasticity changes in susceptible individuals associated with abnormal activity patterns in the fear circuitry possibly contribute to context coding deficits, resulting in generalized fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Szente
- Translational Behavioural Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyula Y. Balla
- Translational Behavioural Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan K. Varga
- Translational Behavioural Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Blanka Toth
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Biro
- Translational Behavioural Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Balogh
- Translational Behavioural Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Matthew N. Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mate Toth
- Translational Behavioural Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eva Mikics
- Translational Behavioural Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mano Aliczki
- Translational Behavioural Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
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2
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Xie G, Gao X, Guo Q, Liang H, Yao L, Li W, Ma B, Wu N, Han X, Li J. Cannabidiol ameliorates PTSD-like symptoms by inhibiting neuroinflammation through its action on CB2 receptors in the brain of male mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:945-964. [PMID: 38759736 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health disease related to traumatic experience, and its treatment outcomes are unsatisfactory. Accumulating research has indicated that cannabidiol (CBD) exhibits anti-PTSD effects, however, the underlying mechanism of CBD remains inadequately investigated. Although many studies pertaining to PTSD have primarily focused on aberrations in neuronal functioning, the present study aimed to elucidate the involvement and functionality of microglia/macrophages in PTSD while also investigated the modulatory effects of CBD on neuroinflammation associated with this condition. We constructed a modified single-prolonged stress (SPS) mice PTSD model and verified the PTSD-related behaviors by various behavioral tests (contextual freezing test, elevated plus maze test, tail suspension test and novel object recognition test). We observed a significant upregulation of Iba-1 and alteration of microglial/macrophage morphology within the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, but not the amygdala, two weeks after the PTSD-related stress, suggesting a persistent neuroinflammatory phenotype in the PTSD-modeled group. CBD (10 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited all PTSD-related behaviors and reversed the alterations in both microglial/macrophage quantity and morphology when administered prior to behavioral assessments. We further found increased pro-inflammatory factors, decreased PSD95 expression, and impaired synaptic density in the hippocampus of the modeled group, all of which were also restored by CBD treatment. CBD dramatically increased the level of anandamide, one of the endocannabinoids, and cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2Rs) transcripts in the hippocampus compared with PTSD-modeled group. Importantly, we discovered the expression of CB2Rs mRNA in Arg-1-positive cells in vivo and found that the behavioral effects of CBD were diminished by CB2Rs antagonist AM630 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and both the behavioral and molecular effects of CBD were abolished in CB2Rs knockout mice. These findings suggest that CBD would alleviate PTSD-like behaviors in mice by suppressing PTSD-related neuroinflammation and upregulation and activation of CB2Rs may serve as one of the underlying mechanisms for this therapeutic effect. The present study offers innovative experimental evidence supporting the utilization of CBD in PTSD treatment from the perspective of its regulation of neuroinflammation, and paves the way for leveraging the endocannabinoid system to regulate neuroinflammation as a potential therapeutic approach for psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanbo Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xinwei Gao
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Qingchun Guo
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Haizhen Liang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baiping Ma
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Ning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
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3
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Ornelas LC, Besheer J. Predator odor stress reactivity, alcohol drinking and the endocannabinoid system. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100634. [PMID: 38623398 PMCID: PMC11016807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are highly comorbid and individual differences in response to stress suggest resilient and susceptible populations. Using animal models to target neurobiological mechanisms associated with individual variability in stress coping responses and the relationship with subsequent increases in alcohol consumption has important implications for the field of traumatic stress and alcohol disorders. The current review discusses the unique advantages of utilizing predator odor stressor exposure models, specifically using 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) on better understanding PTSD pathophysiology and neurobiological mechanisms associated with stress reactivity and subsequent increases in alcohol drinking. Furthermore, there has been increasing interest regarding the role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating behavioral responses to stress with an emphasis on stress coping and individual differences in stress-susceptibility. Therefore, the current review focuses on the topic of endocannabinoid modulation of stress reactive behaviors during and after exposure to a predator odor stressor, with implications on modulating distinctly different behavioral coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Ornelas
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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Butini S, Grether U, Jung KM, Ligresti A, Allarà M, Postmus AGJ, Maramai S, Brogi S, Papa A, Carullo G, Sykes D, Veprintsev D, Federico S, Grillo A, Di Guglielmo B, Ramunno A, Stevens AF, Heer D, Lamponi S, Gemma S, Benz J, Di Marzo V, van der Stelt M, Piomelli D, Campiani G. Development of Potent and Selective Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitors. SARs, Structural Analysis, and Biological Characterization. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1758-1782. [PMID: 38241614 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
New potent, selective monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors based on the azetidin-2-one scaffold ((±)-5a-v, (±)-6a-j, and (±)-7a-d) were developed as irreversible ligands, as demonstrated by enzymatic and crystallographic studies for (±)-5d, (±)-5l, and (±)-5r. X-ray analyses combined with extensive computational studies allowed us to clarify the binding mode of the compounds. 5v was identified as selective for MAGL when compared with other serine hydrolases. Solubility, in vitro metabolic stability, cytotoxicity, and absence of mutagenicity were determined for selected analogues. The most promising compounds ((±)-5c, (±)-5d, and (±)-5v) were used for in vivo studies in mice, showing a decrease in MAGL activity and increased 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol levels in forebrain tissue. In particular, 5v is characterized by a high eudysmic ratio and (3R,4S)-5v is one of the most potent irreversible inhibitors of h/mMAGL identified thus far. These results suggest that the new MAGL inhibitors have therapeutic potential for different central and peripheral pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Uwe Grether
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Annemarieke G J Postmus
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 CC, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Samuele Maramai
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - David Sykes
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Dmitry Veprintsev
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Federico
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Grillo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Di Guglielmo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Ramunno
- Department of Pharmacy/DIFARMA, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Salerno 84084, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Anna Floor Stevens
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 CC, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dominik Heer
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Lamponi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jörg Benz
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur La Nutrition Et Les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), École de Nutrition, Université Laval, 2440 Boulevard Hochelaga, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, PO Box 2325, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Faculté de Médecine, Département de Médecine, Université Laval, PO Box 2725, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
- Unité Mixte Internationale en Recherche Chimique et Biomoléculaire sur le Microbiome et Son Impact Sur la Santé Métabolique et la Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), Université Laval, PO Box 2325, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 CC, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-7346, Iran
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Vozella V, Cruz B, Feldman HC, Bullard R, Bianchi PC, Natividad LA, Cravatt BF, Zorrilla EP, Ciccocioppo R, Roberto M. Sexually dimorphic effects of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor MJN110 on stress-related behaviour and drinking in Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:3130-3145. [PMID: 37488777 PMCID: PMC10805956 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16197] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays an important homeostatic role in the regulation of stress circuits and has emerged as a therapeutic target to treat stress disorders and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Extensive research has elucidated a role for the eCB anandamide (AEA), but less is known about 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) mediated signalling. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We pharmacologically enhanced eCB signalling by inhibiting the 2-AG metabolizing enzyme, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), in male and female Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats, a model of innate alcohol preference and stress hypersensitivity, and in control Wistar rats. We tested the acute effect of the selective MAGL inhibitor MJN110 in alleviating symptoms of alcohol drinking, anxiety, irritability and fear. KEY RESULTS A single systemic administration of MJN110 increased 2-AG levels in the central amygdala, prelimbic and infralimbic cortex but did not acutely alter alcohol drinking. MAGL inhibition reduced aggressive behaviours in female msPs, and increased defensive behaviours in male msPs, during the irritability test. Moreover, in the novelty-induced hypophagia test, MJN110 selectively enhanced palatable food consumption in females, mitigating stress-induced food suppression. Lastly, msP rats showed increased conditioned fear behaviour compared with Wistar rats, and MJN110 reduced context-associated conditioned fear responses, but not cue-probed fear expression, in male msPs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Acute inhibition of MAGL attenuated some stress-related responses in msP rats but not voluntary alcohol drinking. Our results provide new insights into the sex dimorphism documented in stress-induced responses. Sex-specific eCB-based approaches should be considered in the clinical development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vozella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Bryan Cruz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hannah C. Feldman
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ryan Bullard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Paula C. Bianchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Luis A. Natividad
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W. Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Eric P. Zorrilla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, Camerino, 62032 Italy
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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6
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Fotio Y, Mabou Tagne A, Jung KM, Piomelli D. Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition alleviates anxiety-like symptoms in a rat model used to study post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00213-023-06358-y. [PMID: 37017699 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06358-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a chronic debilitating condition that affects nearly 5-10% of American adults, is treated with a handful of FDA-approved drugs that provide at best symptomatic relief and exert multiple side effects. Preclinical and clinical evidence shows that inhibitors of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which deactivates the endocannabinoid anandamide, exhibit anxiolytic-like properties in animal models. In the present study, we investigated the effects of two novel brain-permeable FAAH inhibitors - the compounds ARN14633 and ARN14280 - in a rat model of predator stress-induced long-term anxiety used to study PTSD. METHODS We exposed male Sprague-Dawley rats to 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), a volatile constituent of fox feces, and assessed anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test seven days later. We measured FAAH activity using a radiometric assay and brain levels of FAAH substrates by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Rats challenged with TMT developed persistent (≥ 7 days) anxiety-like symptoms in the EPM test. Intraperitoneal administration of ARN14633 or ARN14280 1 h before testing suppressed TMT-induced anxiety-like behaviors with median effective doses (ED50) of 0.23 and 0.33 mg/kg, respectively. The effects were negatively correlated (ARN14663: R2 = 0.455; ARN14280: R2 = 0.655) with the inhibition of brain FAAH activity and were accompanied by increases in brain FAAH substrate levels. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that FAAH-regulated lipid signaling serves important regulatory functions in the response to stress and confirm that FAAH inhibitors may be useful for the management of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Fotio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Alex Mabou Tagne
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA.
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Kondev V, Morgan A, Najeed M, Winters ND, Kingsley PJ, Marnett L, Patel S. The Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Bidirectionally Modulates Acute and Protracted Effects of Predator Odor Exposure. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:739-749. [PMID: 35961791 PMCID: PMC9827751 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress-related disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, characterized by excess fear and enhanced avoidance of trauma triggers. Elucidating the mechanisms regulating temporally distinct aspects of innate and conditioned fear responses could facilitate novel therapeutic development for stress-related disorders. One potential target that has recently emerged is the endocannabinoid system, which has been reported to mediate the physiological response to stress and represents an important substrate underlying individual differences in stress susceptibility. METHODS Here, we exposed male and female CD-1 mice to an innate predator stressor, 2MT (2-methyl-2-thiazoline), to investigate the ability of endocannabinoid signaling to modulate temporally distinct innate and conditioned fear behaviors. RESULTS We found that 2MT exposure increased amygdala 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) content and selectively increased excitability in central, but not basolateral, amygdala neurons. We also found that pharmacological 2-AG augmentation during stress exposure exacerbated both acute freezing responses and central amygdala hyperexcitability via cannabinoid receptor type 1- and type 2-dependent mechanisms. Finally, 2-AG augmentation during stress exposure reduced long-term contextual conditioned freezing, and 2-AG augmentation 24 hours after stress exposure reduced conditioned avoidance behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate a bidirectional effect of 2-AG augmentation on innate and conditioned fear behavior, with enhancement of 2-AG levels during stress promoting innate fear responses but ultimately resulting in long-term conditioned fear reduction. These data could reconcile contradictory data on the role of 2-AG in the regulation of innate and conditioned fear-related behavioral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Kondev
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Amanda Morgan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mustafa Najeed
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nathan D Winters
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Philip J Kingsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lawrence Marnett
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
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8
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Almeida MM, Dias-Rocha CP, Calviño C, Trevenzoli IH. Lipid endocannabinoids in energy metabolism, stress and developmental programming. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 542:111522. [PMID: 34843899 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates brain development and function, energy metabolism and stress in a sex-, age- and tissue-dependent manner. The ECS comprises mainly the bioactive lipid ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-aracdonoylglycerol (2-AG), cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), and several metabolizing enzymes. The endocannabinoid tonus is increased in obesity, stimulating food intake and a preference for fat, reward, and lipid accumulation in peripheral tissues, as well as favoring a positive energy balance. Energy balance and stress responses share adaptive mechanisms regulated by the ECS that seem to underlie the complex relationship between feeding and emotional behavior. The ECS is also a key regulator of development. Environmental insults (diet, toxicants, and stress) in critical periods of developmental plasticity, such as gestation, lactation and adolescence, alter the ECS and may predispose individuals to the development of chronic diseases and behavioral changes in the long term. This review is focused on the ECS and the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Macedo Almeida
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Calviño
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isis Hara Trevenzoli
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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9
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Mayo LM, Rabinak CA, Hill MN, Heilig M. Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Promising Case of Preclinical-Clinical Translation? Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:262-272. [PMID: 34598785 PMCID: PMC11097652 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is one the most ubiquitous signaling systems of the brain and offers a rich pharmacology including multiple druggable targets. Preclinical research shows that eCB activity influences functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala and thereby influences an organism's ability to cope with threats and stressful experiences. Animal studies show that CB1 receptor activation within the amygdala is essential for extinction of fear memories. Failure to extinguish traumatic memories is a core symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder, suggesting that potentiating eCB signaling may have a therapeutic potential in this condition. However, it has been unknown whether animal findings in this domain translate to humans. Data to inform this critical question are now emerging and are the focus of this review. We first briefly summarize the biology of the eCB system and the animal studies that support its role in fear extinction and stress responding. We then discuss the pharmacological eCB-targeting strategies that may be exploited for therapeutic purposes: direct CB1 receptor activation, using Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or its synthetic analogs; or indirect potentiation, through inhibition of eCB-degrading enzymes, the anandamide-degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase; or the 2-AG (2-arachidonoyl glycerol)-degrading enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase. We then review recent human data on direct CB1 receptor activation via Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and anandamide potentiation through fatty acid amide hydrolase blockade. The available human data consistently support a translation of animal findings on fear memories and stress reactivity and suggest a potential therapeutic utility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Mayo
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Christine A Rabinak
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Translational Neuroscience Program, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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10
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Papa A, Pasquini S, Contri C, Gemma S, Campiani G, Butini S, Varani K, Vincenzi F. Polypharmacological Approaches for CNS Diseases: Focus on Endocannabinoid Degradation Inhibition. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030471. [PMID: 35159280 PMCID: PMC8834510 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Polypharmacology breaks up the classical paradigm of “one-drug, one target, one disease” electing multitarget compounds as potential therapeutic tools suitable for the treatment of complex diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, psychiatric or degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and cancer. These diseases often require a combination therapy which may result in positive but also negative synergistic effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is emerging as a particularly attractive therapeutic target in CNS disorders and neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), pain, and epilepsy. ECS is an organized neuromodulatory network, composed by endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors type 1 and type 2 (CB1 and CB2), and the main catabolic enzymes involved in the endocannabinoid inactivation such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). The multiple connections of the ECS with other signaling pathways in the CNS allows the consideration of the ECS as an optimal source of inspiration in the development of innovative polypharmacological compounds. In this review, we focused our attention on the reported polypharmacological examples in which FAAH and MAGL inhibitors are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.P.); (S.G.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0577-234161
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.); (F.V.)
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11
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Albrechet-Souza L, Nastase AS, Hill MN, Gilpin NW. Amygdalar endocannabinoids are affected by predator odor stress in a sex-specific manner and modulate acoustic startle reactivity in female rats. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100387. [PMID: 34522703 PMCID: PMC8426281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding sex differences in behavioral and molecular effects of stress has important implications for understanding the vulnerability to chronic psychiatric disorders associated with stress response circuitry. The amygdala is critical for emotional learning and generating behavioral responses to stressful stimuli, and preclinical studies indicate that amygdalar endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling regulates emotional states. This study measured eCB contents in the basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA) amygdala of male and female rats exposed to predator odor stress (bobcat urine) and tested for contextual avoidance 24 h later. Stressed females had lower levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) in the BLA and higher levels of anandamide (AEA) in the CeA, while exposure to bobcat urine did not affect amygdalar eCB contents in males. We previously reported that female rats exposed to bobcat urine exhibit blunted acoustic startle reactivity (ASR) 48 h after predator odor stress. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that intra-BLA injection of a diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) inhibitor (which would be expected to reduce 2-AG levels in BLA) and intra-CeA injection of a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor (which would be expected to increase AEA levels in CeA) would mimic previously observed predator odor stress-induced reductions in ASR. Contrary to our hypothesis, microinjections of either the DAGL inhibitor DO34 into the BLA or the FAAH inhibitor URB597 into the CeA significantly increased ASR in females compared to vehicle-treated rats. These findings describe sex-specific effects of predator odor stress on amygdalar eCBs, and new roles for amygdalar eCBs in regulating behavior in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Albrechet-Souza
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Andrei S Nastase
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicholas W Gilpin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA, USA.,Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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12
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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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13
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Danan D, Todder D, Zohar J, Cohen H. Is PTSD-Phenotype Associated with HPA-Axis Sensitivity?: The Endocannabinoid System in Modulating Stress Response in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6416. [PMID: 34203952 PMCID: PMC8232809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids play a role in adaptation to stress and regulate the release of glucocorticoids in stressed and unstressed conditions. We recently found that basal corticosterone pulsatility may significantly impact the vulnerability for developing post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD), suggesting that the endocannabinoid system may contribute to its development. To examine this, we exposed rats to predator scent stress (PSS). Behavioral reactions were recorded seven days post-PSS. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from anesthetized rats shortly after PSS exposure to determine the levels of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA). To correlate between endocannabinoids and corticosterone levels, rats were placed in metabolic cages for urine collection. To assess the levels of endocannabinoids in specific brain regions, rats' brains were harvested one day after behavioral analysis for staining and fluorescence quantification. Moreover, 2-AG was elevated in the CSF of PTSD-phenotype rats as compared with other groups and was inversely correlated with corticosterone urinary secretion. Eight days post-PSS exposure, hippocampal and hypothalamic 2-AG levels and hippocampal AEA levels were significantly more reduced in the PTSD-phenotype group compared to other groups. We posit that maladaptation to stress, which is propagated by an abnormal activation of endocannabinoids, mediates the subsequent stress-induced behavioral disruption, which, later, reduces neuronal the expression of endocannabinoids, contributing to PTSD symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dor Danan
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ministry of Health, Beer-Sheva 8461144, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Doron Todder
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ministry of Health, Beer-Sheva 8461144, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Post-Trauma Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv 5262000, Israel;
| | - Hagit Cohen
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ministry of Health, Beer-Sheva 8461144, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
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14
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Ornelas LC, Tyler RE, Irukulapati P, Paladugu S, Besheer J. Increased alcohol self-administration following exposure to the predator odor TMT in active coping female rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 402:113068. [PMID: 33333108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are highly comorbid. Additionally, individual differences in response to stress suggest resilient and susceptible populations. The current study exposed male and female Long Evans rats to the synthetically produced predator odor 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) to examine individual differences in stress-reactive behaviors (digging and immobility) and whether these differences were related to subsequent alcohol drinking. Male and female Long Evans rats were trained on operant alcohol self-administration. After 9 sessions, rats underwent exposure to TMT or water (Control) in a distinct context. 6 days after TMT exposure, rats underwent re-exposure to the TMT-paired context (without TMT), and a series of behavioral assessments (acoustic startle, zero maze, light/dark box), after which rats resumed alcohol self-administration. TMT subgroups were created using a ratio of digging to immobility behavior during TMT exposure and rats with a ratio score < 1.0 or> 1.0 were grouped into TMT-1 (low digging/high immobility) or TMT-2 (high digging/low immobility), respectively. All male rats exposed to TMT met criteria for TMT-1, while female rats were divided into the two subgroups. In females, high digging/low immobility behavior during TMT exposure (TMT-2) was related to increased alcohol self-administration, but this was not observed in males or females that engaged in low digging/high immobility (TMT-1). These data show that individual differences in stress-reactivity can lead to lasting behavioral changes which may lead to a better understanding of increases in alcohol drinking following stress in females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan E Tyler
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, United States; Neuroscience Curriculum, United States
| | | | | | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, United States; Neuroscience Curriculum, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States.
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15
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Bedse G, Hill MN, Patel S. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Modulation of Anxiety and Stress Adaptation: From Grass Roots to Novel Therapeutics. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 88:520-530. [PMID: 32197779 PMCID: PMC7486996 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade there has been a surge of interest in the development of endocannabinoid-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of diverse neuropsychiatric conditions. Although initial preclinical and clinical development efforts focused on pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase to elevate levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, more recent efforts have focused on inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) to enhance signaling of the most abundant and efficacious endocannabinoid ligand, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). We review the biochemistry and physiology of 2-AG signaling and preclinical evidence supporting a role for this system in the regulation of anxiety-related outcomes and stress adaptation. We review preclinical evidence supporting MAGL inhibition for the treatment of affective, trauma-related, and stress-related disorders; describe the current state of MAGL inhibitor drug development; and discuss biological factors that could affect MAGL inhibitor efficacy. Issues related to the clinical advancement of MAGL inhibitors are also discussed. We are cautiously optimistic, as the field of MAGL inhibitor development transitions from preclinical to clinical and theoretical to practical, that pharmacological 2-AG augmentation could represent a mechanistically novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of affective and stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Bedse
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mathew N Hill
- Department of Cell Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Center for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Center for Mental Health Research and Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
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16
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Ivy D, Palese F, Vozella V, Fotio Y, Yalcin A, Ramirez G, Mears D, Wynn G, Piomelli D. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptors mediate the anxiolytic-like effects of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition in a rat model of predator-induced fear. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1330-1338. [PMID: 32375160 PMCID: PMC7298057 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0696-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is a key regulator of the response to psychological stress. Inhibitors of monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), the enzyme that deactivates the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG), exert anxiolytic-like effects in rodent models via 2-AG-dependent activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors. In the present study, we examined whether the MGL inhibitor JZL184 might modulate persistent predator-induced fear in rats, a model that captures features of human post-traumatic stress disorder. Exposure to 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), a volatile chemical that is innately aversive to some rodent species, produced in male rats a long-lasting anxiety-like state that was measured 7 days later in the elevated plus maze test. Systemic administration of JZL184 [4, 8 and 16 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP)] 4 h before testing caused dose-dependent inhibition of MGL activity and elevation of 2-AG content in brain tissue. Concomitantly, the inhibitor suppressed TMT-induced fear behaviors with a median effective dose (ED50) of 4 mg/kg. A similar behavioral response was observed with another MGL inhibitor, KML29 (4 and 16 mg/kg, IP). Surprisingly, the effect of JZL184 was prevented by co-administration of the CB2 inverse agonist AM630 (5 mg/kg, IP), but not the CB1 inverse agonist rimonabant (1 mg/kg, IP). Supporting mediation of the response by CB2 receptors, the CB2 agonist JWH133 (0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg, IP) also produced anxiolytic-like effects in TMT-stressed rats, which were suppressed by AM630. Notably, (i) JWH133 was behaviorally ineffective in animals that had no prior experience with TMT; and (ii) CB2 mRNA levels in rat prefrontal cortex were elevated 7 days after exposure to the aversive odorant. The results suggest that JZL184 attenuates the behavioral consequences of predator stress through a mechanism that requires 2-AG-mediated activation of CB2 receptors, whose transcription may be induced by the stress itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Ivy
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Francesca Palese
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Valentina Vozella
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Yannick Fotio
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Aylin Yalcin
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - Gina Ramirez
- 0000 0001 0668 7243grid.266093.8Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4625 USA
| | - David Mears
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA ,0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Gary Wynn
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3103 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA. .,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA, USA.
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17
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Sbarski B, Akirav I. Cannabinoids as therapeutics for PTSD. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 211:107551. [PMID: 32311373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder that involves dysregulation of multiple neurobiological systems. The traumatic stressor plays a causal role in producing psychological dysfunction and the pattern of findings suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is instrumental for stress adaptation, is critically dysfunctional in PTSD. Given the lack of understanding of the basic mechanisms and underlying pathways that cause the disorder and its heterogeneity, PTSD poses challenges for treatment. Targeting the endocannabinoid (ECB) system to treat mental disorders, and PTSD in particular, has been the focus of research and interest in recent years. The ECB system modulates multiple functions, and drugs enhancing ECB signaling have shown promise as potential therapeutic agents in stress effects and other psychiatric and medical conditions. In this review, we focus on the interaction between the ECB-HPA systems in animal models for PTSD and in patients with PTSD. We summarize evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids in preventing and treating PTSD in preclinical and clinical studies. As the HPA system plays a key role in the mediation of the stress response and the pathophysiology of PTSD, we describe preclinical studies suggesting that enhancing ECB signaling is consistent with decreasing PTSD symptoms and dysfunction of the HPA axis. Overall, we suggest that a pharmacological treatment targeted at one system (e.g., HPA) may not be very effective because of the heterogeneity of the disorder. There are abnormalities across different neurotransmitter systems in the pathophysiology of PTSD and none of these systems function uniformly among all patients with PTSD. Hence, conceptually, enhancing ECB signaling may be a more effective avenue for pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Sbarski
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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18
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Wang T, Niu K, Fan A, Bi N, Tao H, Chen XT, Wang HL. Dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids alleviates cognition deficits and depression-like behaviour via cannabinoid system in sleep deprivation rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 384:112545. [PMID: 32035867 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sleep deprivation (SD) is a common feature in modern society. Prolonged sleep deprivation causes cognition deficits and depression-like behavior in the model of animal experiments. Endocannabinoid system are key modulators of synaptic function, which were related to memory and mood. Although the underlying mechanism remains unknown, several studies indicated the benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, linolenic acid, 39.7 %; linoleic acid, 28 %; and oleic acid, 22 %) on brain function through the endocannabinoid system. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary PUFAs on cognition deficits induced by sleep deprivation in Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were sleep deprivation continuously for 7 days and fed with PUFAs at three different dosages (2, 4 and 8 μl/g body weight) at the meantime. The effect of PUFAs on cognition was investigated by object recognition test while depressive-like behavior were detected using sucrose preference test and forced swim test. The mechanism of PUFAs was elucidated by hippocampal synaptic transmission analyses. The resluts revealed that SD led to the disorder of cognition and mood which was improved by the supplement of PUFAs. SD significantly increased the mEPSC frequency, and decreased the protein level of cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1R). These changes were restored by supplement of PUFAs, which showed a similar level to the control group. Behaviour tests showed that the positive effects on repairing cognition and anxiety disorders were almost completely abolished when the CB1R receptor antagonist rimonabant was applied to the SD rats. These findings indicated that PUFAs are a factor regulating cognition deficits and depression induced by SD via cannabinoid type-1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiandong Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China; School of Food Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China
| | - Kang Niu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China
| | - Anni Fan
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China
| | - Nanxi Bi
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China
| | - Han Tao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China
| | - Xiang-Tao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230031, PR China.
| | - Hui-Li Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China; School of Food Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China.
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19
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Wang Q, Liu Y, Zhang J, Wang W. Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptors in the Locus Coeruleus Modulate the Enhancement of Active Coping Behaviors Induced by Chronic Predator Odor Inoculation in Mice. Front Psychol 2020; 10:3028. [PMID: 31998206 PMCID: PMC6965494 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.03028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress inoculation has been proved to induce active coping behaviors to subsequent stress. However, the specific neural mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. In this study, a chronic and mild predator odor exposure model was established to investigate the effect of predator odor stress inoculation on behaviors in novel predator odor exposure, open field test and forced swimming test (FST), and on the expression of CRF receptors in locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN). The results showed that predator odor stress inoculation increased the active coping of mice under the severe stress environment without changing the stress response to a new predator odor. Meanwhile, in LC, the CRFR1 expression was increased by predator odor stress inoculation. These results suggested that predator odor stress inoculation can be used as an effective training method to improve active response to later severe stress and the function of CRFR1 in LC might be a potential underlying biological mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- School of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingjuan Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China
| | - Jianxu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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Grillo A, Chemi G, Brogi S, Brindisi M, Relitti N, Fezza F, Fazio D, Castelletti L, Perdona E, Wong A, Lamponi S, Pecorelli A, Benedusi M, Fantacci M, Valoti M, Valacchi G, Micheli F, Novellino E, Campiani G, Butini S, Maccarrone M, Gemma S. Development of novel multipotent compounds modulating endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111674. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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21
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A new stress model by predatory sound produces persistent anxiety-like behaviours in male SD rats but not ICR mice. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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22
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Bedse G, Centanni SW, Winder DG, Patel S. Endocannabinoid Signaling in the Central Amygdala and Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis: Implications for the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:2014-2027. [PMID: 31373708 PMCID: PMC6779484 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
High rates of relapse are a chronic and debilitating obstacle to effective treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD); however, no effective treatments are available to treat symptoms induced by protracted abstinence. In the first part of this 2-part review series, we examine the literature supporting the effects of alcohol exposure within the extended amygdala (EA) neural circuitry. In Part 2, we focus on a potential way to combat negative affect associated with AUD, by exploring the therapeutic potential of the endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) system. The eCB system is a potent modulator of neural activity in the brain, and its ability to mitigate stress and negative affect has long been an area of interest for developing novel therapeutics. This review details the recent advances in our understanding of eCB signaling in 2 key regions of the EA, the central nucleus of the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and their role in regulating negative affect. Despite an established role for EA eCB signaling in reducing negative affect, few studies have examined the potential for eCB-based therapies to treat AUD-associated negative affect. In this review, we present an overview of studies focusing on eCB signaling in EA and cannabinoid modulation on EA synaptic activity. We further discuss studies suggesting dysregulation of eCB signaling in models of AUD and propose that pharmacological augmentation of eCB could be a novel approach to treat aspects of AUD. Lastly, future directions are proposed to advance our understanding of the relationship between AUD-associated negative affect and the EA eCB system that could yield new pharmacotherapies targeting negative affective symptoms associated with AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Bedse
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samuel W. Centanni
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
- Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, the, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danny G. Winder
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
- Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, the, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
- Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, the, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt J.F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
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23
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Bassir Nia A, Bender R, Harpaz-Rotem I. Endocannabinoid System Alterations in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of Developmental and Accumulative Effects of Trauma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3. [PMID: 31660473 PMCID: PMC6816276 DOI: 10.1177/2470547019864096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The role of the endocannabinoid system in stress-related psychiatric symptoms has
been investigated in many animal and human studies. Although most of these
studies consistently report long-lasting effects of prolonged stress and trauma
on the endocannabinoid system, the nature and direction of these changes are
controversial. We reviewed the available preclinical and clinical studies
investigating the endocannabinoid system alterations long after chronic stress
and trauma. We propose that the effects of prolonged stress or trauma on the
endocannabinoid system are different based on the developmental age of subjects
at the time of experiencing the trauma and its repetitiveness and accumulative
effects. The current literature consistently demonstrates decreased levels of
endocannabinoid ligands and receptors if the trauma occurs in childhood, whereas
decreased levels of endocannabinoid ligands and increased levels of cannabinoid
receptors are reported when trauma has happened in adulthood. It is important to
note that these changes are region-specific in the brain and also there are
important sex differences, which are beyond the scope of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricci Bender
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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24
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Endocannabinoid interactions in the regulation of acquisition of contextual conditioned fear. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 90:84-91. [PMID: 30458201 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were shown to be involved in the basis of trauma-induced behavioral changes, particularly contextual conditioned fear, however, their ligand-specific effects and possible interactions are poorly understood. Here we assessed specific eCB effects and interactions on acquisition of contextual conditioned fear employing electric footshocks in a rat model. We selectively increased eCB levels by pharmacological blockade of the degrading enzymes of AEA by URB597 and 2-AG by JZL184 before traumatization either systemically or locally in relevant brain areas, the prelimbic cortex (PrL), ventral hippocampus (vHC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Following traumatization, a series of contextual reminders were conducted during which conditioned fear was assessed. While systemic URB597-treatment during traumatization only slightly enhanced the acquisition of contextual conditioned fear, administration of the compound in the PrL and vHC led to the acquisition of stable, lasting conditioned fear, resistant to extinction. These effects of URB597 were blocked by simultaneous administration of JZL184. Similar treatment effects did not occur in the BLA. Treatment effects were not secondary to alterations in locomotor activity or nociception. Our findings suggest that AEA and 2-AG functionally interact in the regulation of acquisition of contextual conditioned fear. AEA signaling in the PrL and vHC is a crucial promoter of fear acquisition while 2-AG potentially modulates this effect. The lack of eCB effects in the BLA suggests functional specificity of eCBs at distinct brain sites.
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25
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Hemisphere-dependent endocannabinoid system activity in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the Flinders Sensitive Line rodent model of depression. Neurochem Int 2019; 125:7-15. [PMID: 30716357 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Altered endocannabinoid (eCB) signalling is suggested as an important contributor to the pathophysiology of depression. To further elucidate this, we conducted a study using a genetic rat model of depression, the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL), and their controls, the Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) rats. Plasma, right and left prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus were isolated from FSL and FRL rats. We analyzed each region for the eCB anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels by liquid chromatography/multiple reaction monitoring (LC/MRM), mRNA and protein levels of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL) by real time qPCR and Western blotting. Content of 2-AG was lower in the left side of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in FSL rats compared to FRL rats. Inversely, levels of AEA were higher in right hippocampus than in left hippocampus. In plasma, AEA levels were increased and 2-AG decreased. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (Cnr1), Faah and Magl mRNA levels were prominently decreased in right prefrontal cortex of FSL rats as compared to FRL rats. Protein expression of CB1R and FAAH were decreased in left hippocampus. In summary, our data suggest a decreased eCB signalling in the FSL rats, which could contribute to the depressive-like behaviour. Interestingly, the altered eCB system activity appear to be hemisphere-specific in the limbic regions. Our study support the existing literature and showed altered eCB system activity in this particular animal model of depression.
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26
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Lisboa SF, Vila-Verde C, Rosa J, Uliana DL, Stern CAJ, Bertoglio LJ, Resstel LB, Guimaraes FS. Tempering aversive/traumatic memories with cannabinoids: a review of evidence from animal and human studies. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:201-226. [PMID: 30604182 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Aversive learning and memory are essential to cope with dangerous and stressful stimuli present in an ever-changing environment. When this process is dysfunctional, however, it is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has been implicated in synaptic plasticity associated with physiological and pathological aversive learning and memory. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS The objective of this study was to review and discuss evidence on how and where in the brain genetic or pharmacological interventions targeting the eCB system would attenuate aversive/traumatic memories through extinction facilitation in laboratory animals and humans. The effect size of the experimental intervention under investigation was also calculated. RESULTS Currently available data indicate that direct or indirect activation of cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor facilitates the extinction of aversive/traumatic memories. Activating CB1 receptors around the formation of aversive/traumatic memories or their reminders can potentiate their subsequent extinction. In most cases, the effect size has been large (Cohen's d ≥ 1.0). The brain areas responsible for the abovementioned effects include the medial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and/or hippocampus. The potential role of cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptors in extinction learning is now under investigation. CONCLUSION Drugs augmenting the brain eCB activity can temper the impact of aversive/traumatic experiences by diverse mechanisms depending on the moment of their administration. Considering the pivotal role the extinction process plays in PTSD, the therapeutic potential of these drugs is evident. The sparse number of clinical trials testing these compounds in stress-related disorders is a gap in the literature that needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina F Lisboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - C Vila-Verde
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - J Rosa
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - D L Uliana
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - C A J Stern
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - L J Bertoglio
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - L B Resstel
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - F S Guimaraes
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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27
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Danandeh A, Vozella V, Lim J, Oveisi F, Ramirez GL, Mears D, Wynn G, Piomelli D. Effects of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 in a rat model of trauma-induced long-term anxiety. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3211-3221. [PMID: 30251159 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5020-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid neurotransmitter, anandamide, has been implicated in the central modulation of stress responses. Previous animal experiments have shown that inhibitors of the anandamide-degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), enhance the ability to cope with acute and chronic stress. OBJECTIVES Here, we investigated the effects of the globally active FAAH inhibitor URB597 in a rat model of predator stress-induced long-term anxiety. RESULTS Rats exposed to 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), a chemical constituent of fox feces, developed a persistent anxiety-like state, which was assessed 7 days after exposure using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Systemic administration of URB597 [0.03-0.1-0.3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (ip)] 2 h before testing suppressed TMT-induced behaviors with a median effective dose (IC50) of 0.075 mg/kg. This effect was strongly correlated with inhibition of brain FAAH activity (r2 = 1.0) and was accompanied by increased brain levels of three FAAH substrates: the endocannabinoid anandamide and the endogenous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonists, oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). The anxiolytic-like effects of URB597 were blocked by co-administration of the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant (1 mg/kg, ip), but not of the PPAR-α antagonist GW6471 (1 mg/kg, ip). Finally, when administered 18 h after TMT exposure (i.e., 6 days before the EPM test), URB597 (0.3 mg/kg, ip) prevented the consolidation of anxiety-like behavior in a CB1-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that anandamide-mediated signaling at CB1 receptors serves an important regulatory function in the stress response, and confirm that FAAH inhibition may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andalib Danandeh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, 3101 Gillespie NRF, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA
| | - Valentina Vozella
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, 3101 Gillespie NRF, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA
| | - James Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, 3101 Gillespie NRF, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA.,Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Fariba Oveisi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, 3101 Gillespie NRF, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA
| | - Gina L Ramirez
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, 3101 Gillespie NRF, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA
| | - David Mears
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gary Wynn
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, 3101 Gillespie NRF, Irvine, CA, 92697-4625, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA. .,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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28
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Janssen APA, van der Vliet D, Bakker AT, Jiang M, Grimm SH, Campiani G, Butini S, van der Stelt M. Development of a Multiplexed Activity-Based Protein Profiling Assay to Evaluate Activity of Endocannabinoid Hydrolase Inhibitors. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2406-2413. [PMID: 30199617 PMCID: PMC6154214 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Endocannabinoids,
an important class of signaling lipids involved
in health and disease, are predominantly synthesized and metabolized
by enzymes of the serine hydrolase superfamily. Activity-based protein
profiling (ABPP) using fluorescent probes, such as fluorophosphonate
(FP)-TAMRA and β-lactone-based MB064, enables drug discovery
activities for serine hydrolases. FP-TAMRA and MB064 have distinct,
albeit partially overlapping, target profiles but cannot be used in
conjunction due to overlapping excitation/emission spectra. We therefore
synthesized a novel FP-probe with a green BODIPY as a fluorescent
tag and studied its labeling profile in mouse proteomes. Surprisingly,
we found that the reporter tag plays an important role in the binding
potency and selectivity of the probe. A multiplexed ABPP assay was
developed in which a probe cocktail of FP-BODIPY and MB064 visualized
most endocannabinoid serine hydrolases in mouse brain proteomes in
a single experiment. The multiplexed ABPP assay was employed to profile
endocannabinoid hydrolase inhibitor activity and selectivity in the
mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daan van der Vliet
- Department of Molecular Physiology, LIC, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander T. Bakker
- Department of Molecular Physiology, LIC, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ming Jiang
- Department of Molecular Physiology, LIC, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian H. Grimm
- Department of Molecular Physiology, LIC, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2022), NatSynDrugs, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2022), NatSynDrugs, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, LIC, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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29
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Role of endocannabinoids in the hippocampus and amygdala in emotional memory and plasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:2017-2027. [PMID: 29977073 PMCID: PMC6098035 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0135-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by the reexperiencing of a traumatic event and is associated with slower extinction of fear responses. Impaired extinction of fearful associations to trauma-related cues may interfere with treatment response, and extinction deficits may be premorbid risk factors for the development of PTSD. We examined the effects of exposure to a severe footshock followed by situational reminders (SRs) on extinction, plasticity, and endocannabinoid (eCB) content and activity in the hippocampal CA1 area and basolateral amygdala (BLA). We also examined whether enhancing eCB signaling before extinction, using the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597, could prevent the shock/SRs-induced effects on fear response and plasticity. URB597 administered systemically (0.3 mg/kg) or locally into the CA1 or BLA (0.1 µg/side) prior to extinction decreased fear retrieval and this effect persisted throughout extinction training and did not recuperate during spontaneous recovery. A low dose of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (0.3 mg/kg i.p. or 0.01 µg/0.5 µl intra-CA1 or intra-BLA) blocked these effects suggesting that the effects of URB597 were CB1 receptor-dependent. Exposure to shock and reminders induced behavioral metaplasticity with opposite effects on long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus (impairment) and the BLA (enhancement). URB597 was found to prevent the opposite shock/SR-induced metaplasticity in hippocampal and BLA-LTP. Exposure to shock and reminders might cause variation in endogenous cannabinoid levels that could affect fear-circuit function. Indeed, exposure to shock and SRs affected eCB content: increased 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA) levels in the CA1, decreased serum and BLA AEA levels while shock exposure increased FAAH activity in the CA1 and BLA. FAAH inhibition before extinction abolished fear and modulated LTP in the hippocampus and amygdala, brain regions pertinent to emotional memory. The findings suggest that targeting the eCB system before extinction may be beneficial in fear memory attenuation and these effects may involve metaplasticity in the CA1 and BLA.
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30
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Brindisi M, Borrelli G, Brogi S, Grillo A, Maramai S, Paolino M, Benedusi M, Pecorelli A, Valacchi G, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Allarà M, Ligresti A, Minetti P, Campiani G, di Marzo V, Butini S, Gemma S. Development of Potent Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Useful for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:2090-2103. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Brindisi
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs); Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2020); University of Siena; Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Giuseppe Borrelli
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs); Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2020); University of Siena; Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs); Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2020); University of Siena; Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Alessandro Grillo
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs); Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2020); University of Siena; Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Samuele Maramai
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs); Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2020); University of Siena; Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Marco Paolino
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs); Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2020); University of Siena; Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Mascia Benedusi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology; University of Ferrara; Via Borsari 46 441212 Ferrara Italy
| | - Alessandra Pecorelli
- Department of Animal Science; North Carolina State University; NC Research Campus, PHHI Building, 600 Laureate Way Kannapolis NC 28081 USA
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology; University of Ferrara; Via Borsari 46 441212 Ferrara Italy
- Department of Animal Science; North Carolina State University; NC Research Campus, PHHI Building, 600 Laureate Way Kannapolis NC 28081 USA
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology; Drug Research and Child Health; Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology (NEUROFARBA); University of Florence; Viale G. Pieraccini, 6 50139 Firenze Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology; Drug Research and Child Health; Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology (NEUROFARBA); University of Florence; Viale G. Pieraccini, 6 50139 Firenze Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- Endocannabinoid Research Group; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry; CNR; Via Campi Flegrei 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli) Italy
- EPITECH Group SpA; Via Egadi 7 20144 Milano Italy
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry; CNR; Via Campi Flegrei 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli) Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Campiani
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs); Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2020); University of Siena; Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Vincenzo di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry; CNR; Via Campi Flegrei 80078 Pozzuoli (Napoli) Italy
- Département de Médecine; Université Laval; 1050, Avenue de la Médecine Québec City QC G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - Stefania Butini
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs); Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2020); University of Siena; Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- European Research Centre for Drug Discovery and Development (NatSynDrugs); Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DoE 2018-2020); University of Siena; Via Aldo Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
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31
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Bedse G, Hartley ND, Neale E, Gaulden A, Patrick T, Kingsley P, Uddin MJ, Plath N, Marnett LJ, Patel S. Functional Redundancy Between Canonical Endocannabinoid Signaling Systems in the Modulation of Anxiety. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:488-499. [PMID: 28438413 PMCID: PMC5585044 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing the available repertoire of effective treatments for mood and anxiety disorders represents a critical unmet need. Pharmacological augmentation of endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) signaling has been suggested to represent a novel approach to the treatment of anxiety disorders; however, the functional interactions between two canonical eCB pathways mediated via anandamide (N-arachidonylethanolamine [AEA]) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the regulation of anxiety are not well understood. METHODS We utilized pharmacological augmentation and depletion combined with behavioral and electrophysiological approaches to probe the role of 2-AG signaling in the modulation of stress-induced anxiety and the functional redundancy between AEA and 2-AG signaling in the modulation of anxiety-like behaviors in mice. RESULTS Selective 2-AG augmentation reduced anxiety in the light/dark box assay and prevented stress-induced increases in anxiety associated with limbic AEA deficiency. In contrast, acute 2-AG depletion increased anxiety-like behaviors, which was normalized by selective pharmacological augmentation of AEA signaling and via direct cannabinoid receptor 1 stimulation with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Electrophysiological studies revealed 2-AG modulation of amygdala glutamatergic transmission as a key synaptic correlate of the anxiolytic effects of 2-AG augmentation. CONCLUSIONS Although AEA and 2-AG likely subserve distinct physiological roles, a pharmacological and functional redundancy between these canonical eCB signaling pathways exists in the modulation of anxiety-like behaviors. These data support development of eCB-based treatment approaches for mood and anxiety disorders and suggest a potentially wider therapeutic overlap between AEA and 2-AG augmentation approaches than was previously appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Bedse
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nolan D. Hartley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emily Neale
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew Gaulden
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Toni Patrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Philip Kingsley
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Pharmacology, A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Md. Jashim Uddin
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Pharmacology, A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Lawrence J. Marnett
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Pharmacology, A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.
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32
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Homiack D, O'Cinneide E, Hajmurad S, Barrileaux B, Stanley M, Kreutz MR, Schrader LA. Predator odor evokes sex-independent stress responses in male and female Wistar rats and reduces phosphorylation of cyclic-adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein in the male, but not the female hippocampus. Hippocampus 2017; 27:1016-1029. [PMID: 28599071 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by memory disturbances following trauma. Acute predator threat has emerged as an ethological model of PTSD, yet the effects of predator odor on signaling cascades associated with long-term memory remain poorly understood. In this study, we exposed male and female Wistar rats to the synthetic predator odor 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) to assess behavioral and physiological responses as well as rapid modulation of signal transduction cascades associated with learning and memory in the male and female hippocampus. During exposure to TMT in the homecage, both male and female animals displayed robust immobility, avoidance, and altered activity as a function of time. Physiologically, TMT exposure increased circulating corticosterone and blood glucose in both male and female rodents, suggesting that TMT evokes sex-independent behavioral and physiological responses. With respect to signal transduction, TMT exposure rapidly reduced phosphorylation of cyclic-adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) in the male, but not the female hippocampus. Furthermore, TMT exposure reduced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and increased nuclear expression of the synapto-nuclear messenger protein Jacob in the male hippocampus, consistent with activation of the CREB shut-off pathway. In a follow-up behavioral experiment, post-training exposure to TMT did not affect spatial water maze performance of male rats. However, male rats re-introduced to the context in which TMT had previously been presented displayed avoidance and hyperactivity, but not freezing behavior or elevated corticosterone responses, suggesting that TMT exposure supports a form of contextual conditioning which is not characterized by immobility. Taken together, our findings suggest that TMT evokes similar behavioral and physiological responses in male and female Wistar rats, but affects distinct signaling cascades in the male and female hippocampus which may contribute to behavioral disruptions associated with predator exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damek Homiack
- Neuroscience Program, Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118
| | - Emma O'Cinneide
- Neuroscience Program, Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118
| | - Sema Hajmurad
- Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118
| | - Brett Barrileaux
- Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118
| | - Mary Stanley
- Neuroscience Program, Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118.,Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142
| | - Michael R Kreutz
- RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Leibniz Group 'Dendritic Organelles and Synaptic Function', Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura A Schrader
- Neuroscience Program, Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118.,Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118
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33
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Bluett RJ, Báldi R, Haymer A, Gaulden AD, Hartley ND, Parrish WP, Baechle J, Marcus DJ, Mardam-Bey R, Shonesy BC, Uddin MJ, Marnett LJ, Mackie K, Colbran RJ, Winder DG, Patel S. Endocannabinoid signalling modulates susceptibility to traumatic stress exposure. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14782. [PMID: 28348378 PMCID: PMC5379055 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is a ubiquitous risk factor for the exacerbation and development of affective disorders including major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms conferring resilience to the adverse consequences of stress could have broad implications for the treatment and prevention of mood and anxiety disorders. We utilize laboratory mice and their innate inter-individual differences in stress-susceptibility to demonstrate a critical role for the endogenous cannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in stress-resilience. Specifically, systemic 2-AG augmentation is associated with a stress-resilient phenotype and enhances resilience in previously susceptible mice, while systemic 2-AG depletion or CB1 receptor blockade increases susceptibility in previously resilient mice. Moreover, stress-resilience is associated with increased phasic 2-AG-mediated synaptic suppression at ventral hippocampal-amygdala glutamatergic synapses and amygdala-specific 2-AG depletion impairs successful adaptation to repeated stress. These data indicate amygdala 2-AG signalling mechanisms promote resilience to adverse effects of acute traumatic stress and facilitate adaptation to repeated stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Bluett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Rita Báldi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Andre Haymer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Andrew D. Gaulden
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Nolan D. Hartley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Walker P. Parrish
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Jordan Baechle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - David J. Marcus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Ramzi Mardam-Bey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Brian C. Shonesy
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Md. Jashim Uddin
- A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Lawrence J. Marnett
- A.B. Hancock Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Roger J. Colbran
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Human Development, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Danny G. Winder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Human Development, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- The Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Human Development, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
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Carnevali L, Rivara S, Nalivaiko E, Thayer JF, Vacondio F, Mor M, Sgoifo A. Pharmacological inhibition of FAAH activity in rodents: A promising pharmacological approach for psychological—cardiac comorbidity? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:444-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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35
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Volkow ND, Hampson AJ, Baler RD. Don't Worry, Be Happy: Endocannabinoids and Cannabis at the Intersection of Stress and Reward. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 57:285-308. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010716-104615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nora D. Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892;
| | - Aidan J. Hampson
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892;
| | - Ruben D. Baler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892;
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Ligresti A, De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V. From Phytocannabinoids to Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological and Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1593-659. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from having been used and misused for at least four millennia for, among others, recreational and medicinal purposes, the cannabis plant and its most peculiar chemical components, the plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), have the merit to have led humanity to discover one of the most intriguing and pleiotropic endogenous signaling systems, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This review article aims to describe and critically discuss, in the most comprehensive possible manner, the multifaceted aspects of 1) the pharmacology and potential impact on mammalian physiology of all major phytocannabinoids, and not only of the most famous one Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and 2) the adaptive pro-homeostatic physiological, or maladaptive pathological, roles of the ECS in mammalian cells, tissues, and organs. In doing so, we have respected the chronological order of the milestones of the millennial route from medicinal/recreational cannabis to the ECS and beyond, as it is now clear that some of the early steps in this long path, which were originally neglected, are becoming important again. The emerging picture is rather complex, but still supports the belief that more important discoveries on human physiology, and new therapies, might come in the future from new knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
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37
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Brindisi M, Brogi S, Maramai S, Grillo A, Borrelli G, Butini S, Novellino E, Allarà M, Ligresti A, Campiani G, Di Marzo V, Gemma S. Harnessing the pyrroloquinoxaline scaffold for FAAH and MAGL interaction: definition of the structural determinants for enzyme inhibition. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra12524g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacogenic pyrroloquinoxaline scaffold has been exploited for developing piperazine and 4-aminopiperidine carboxamides/carbamates as inhibitors of the endocannabinoids’ catabolic enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase.
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