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Blanton H, Reddy PH, Benamar K. Chronic pain in Alzheimer's disease: Endocannabinoid system. Exp Neurol 2023; 360:114287. [PMID: 36455638 PMCID: PMC9789196 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, has been linked to restrictions in mobility and daily activities, dependence on opioids, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and reduced quality of life. Alzheimer's disease (AD), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder (characterized by a progressive impairment of cognitive functions) in the elderly, is often co-morbid with chronic pain. AD is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders in the aged population. The reported prevalence of chronic pain is 45.8% of the 50 million people with AD. As the population ages, the number of older people who experience AD and chronic pain will also increase. The current treatment options for chronic pain are limited, often ineffective, and have associated side effects. This review summarizes the role of the endocannabinoid system in pain, its potential role in chronic pain in AD, and addresses gaps and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Blanton
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Internal Medicine Department, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Khalid Benamar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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2
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De Felice M, Chen C, Rodríguez-Ruiz M, Szkudlarek HJ, Lam M, Sert S, Whitehead SN, Yeung KKC, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. Adolescent Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure induces differential acute and long-term neuronal and molecular disturbances in dorsal vs. ventral hippocampal subregions. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:540-551. [PMID: 36402837 PMCID: PMC9852235 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01496-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during adolescence is associated with long-lasting cognitive impairments and enhanced susceptibility to anxiety and mood disorders. Previous evidence has revealed functional and anatomical dissociations between the posterior vs. anterior portions of the hippocampal formation, which are classified as the dorsal and ventral regions in rodents, respectively. Notably, the dorsal hippocampus is critical for cognitive and contextual processing, whereas the ventral region is critical for affective and emotional processing. While adolescent THC exposure can induce significant morphological disturbances and glutamatergic signaling abnormalities in the hippocampus, it is not currently understood how the dorsal vs. ventral hippocampal regions are affected by THC during neurodevelopment. In the present study, we used an integrative combination of behavioral, molecular, and neural assays in a neurodevelopmental rodent model of adolescent THC exposure. We report that adolescent THC exposure induces long-lasting memory deficits and anxiety like-behaviors concomitant with a wide range of differential molecular and neuronal abnormalities in dorsal vs. ventral hippocampal regions. In addition, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS), we show for the first time that adolescent THC exposure induces significant and enduring dysregulation of GABA and glutamate levels in dorsal vs. ventral hippocampus. Finally, adolescent THC exposure induced dissociable dysregulations of hippocampal glutamatergic signaling, characterized by differential glutamatergic receptor expression markers, profound alterations in pyramidal neuronal activity and associated oscillatory patterns in dorsal vs. ventral hippocampal subregions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Chaochao Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A3K7, Canada
| | - Mar Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Michael Lam
- Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A3K7, Canada
| | - Selvi Sert
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Shawn N Whitehead
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Ken K-C Yeung
- Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A3K7, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada.
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3
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Wu M, Di Y, Diao Z, Yan C, Cheng Q, Huang H, Liu Y, Wei C, Zheng Q, Fan J, Han J, Liu Z, Tian Y, Duan H, Ren W, Sun Z. Acute cannabinoids impair association learning via selectively enhancing synaptic transmission in striatonigral neurons. BMC Biol 2022; 20:108. [PMID: 35550070 PMCID: PMC9102575 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01307-1] [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: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabinoids and their derivatives attract strong interest due to the tremendous potential of their psychoactive effects for treating psychiatric disorders and symptoms. However, their clinical application is restricted by various side-effects such as impaired coordination, anxiety, and learning and memory disability. Adverse impact on dorsal striatum-dependent learning is an important side-effect of cannabinoids. As one of the most important forms of learning mediated by the dorsal striatum, reinforcement learning is characterized by an initial association learning phase, followed by habit learning. While the effects of cannabinoids on habit learning have been well-studied, little is known about how cannabinoids influence the initial phase of reinforcement learning. Results We found that acute activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) by the synthetic cannabinoid HU210 induced dose-dependent impairment of association learning, which could be alleviated by intra-dorsomedial striatum (DMS) injection of CB1R antagonist. Moreover, acute exposure to HU210 elicited enhanced synaptic transmission in striatonigral “direct” pathway medium spiny neurons (MSNs) but not indirect pathway neurons in DMS. Intriguingly, enhancement of synaptic transmission that is also observed after learning was abolished by HU210, indicating cannabinoid system might disrupt reinforcement learning by confounding synaptic plasticity normally required for learning. Remarkably, the impaired response-reinforcer learning was also induced by selectively enhancing the D1-MSN (MSN that selectively expresses the dopamine receptor type 1) activity by virally expressing excitatory hM3Dq DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug), which could be rescued by specifically silencing the D1-MSN activity via hM4Di DREADD. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate dose-dependent deleterious effects of cannabinoids on association learning by disrupting plasticity change required for learning associated with the striatal direct pathway, which furthers our understanding of the side-effects of cannabinoids and the underlying mechanisms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01307-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Yuanyuan Di
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Zhijun Diao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Chuanting Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Qiangqiang Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Huan Huang
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Yingxun Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Chunling Wei
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Qiaohua Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Juan Fan
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Jing Han
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Yingfang Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Haijun Duan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Wei Ren
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China. .,School of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China.
| | - Zongpeng Sun
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China.
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4
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Bukke VN, Archana M, Villani R, Serviddio G, Cassano T. Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects of Phytocannabinoids and Recreational Synthetic Cannabinoids: Increasing Risk of Public Health. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14100965. [PMID: 34681189 PMCID: PMC8541640 DOI: 10.3390/ph14100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic Cannabinoids (CBs) are a novel class of psychoactive substances that have rapidly evolved around the world with the addition of diverse structural modifications to existing molecules which produce new structural analogues that can be associated with serious adverse health effects. Synthetic CBs represent the largest class of drugs detected by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) with a total of 207 substances identified from 2008 to October 2020, and 9 compounds being reported for the first time. Synthetic CBs are sprayed on natural harmless herbs with an aim to mimic the euphoric effect of Cannabis. They are sold under different brand names including Black mamba, spice, K2, Bombay Blue, etc. As these synthetic CBs act as full agonists at the CB receptors, they are much more potent than natural Cannabis and have been increasingly associated with acute to chronic intoxications and death. Due to their potential toxicity and abuse, the US government has listed some synthetic CBs under schedule 1 classification. The present review aims to provide a focused overview of the literature concerning the development of synthetic CBs, their abuse, and potential toxicological effects including renal toxicity, respiratory depression, hyperemesis syndrome, cardiovascular effects, and a range of effects on brain function.
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5
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Potential and Limits of Cannabinoids in Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060542. [PMID: 34204237 PMCID: PMC8234911 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary This review was aimed at exploring the potentiality of drugging the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic option for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent discoveries have demonstrated how the modulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and receptor 2 (CB2) can exert neuroprotective effects without the recreational and pharmacological properties of Cannabis sativa. Thus, this review explores the potential of cannabinoids in AD, also highlighting their limitations in perspective to point out the need for further research on cannabinoids in AD therapy. Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a detrimental brain disorder characterized by a gradual cognitive decline and neuronal deterioration. To date, the treatments available are effective only in the early stage of the disease. The AD etiology has not been completely revealed, and investigating new pathological mechanisms is essential for developing effective and safe drugs. The recreational and pharmacological properties of marijuana are known for centuries, but only recently the scientific community started to investigate the potential use of cannabinoids in AD therapy—sometimes with contradictory outcomes. Since the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is highly expressed in the hippocampus and cortex, cannabis use/abuse has often been associated with memory and learning dysfunction in vulnerable individuals. However, the latest findings in AD rodent models have shown promising effects of cannabinoids in reducing amyloid plaque deposition and stimulating hippocampal neurogenesis. Beneficial effects on several dementia-related symptoms have also been reported in clinical trials after cannabinoid treatments. Accordingly, future studies should address identifying the correct therapeutic dosage and timing of treatment from the perspective of using cannabinoids in AD therapy. The present paper aims to summarize the potential and limitations of cannabinoids as therapeutics for AD, focusing on recent pre-clinical and clinical evidence.
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6
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Ortega-Mora EI, Caballero-Sánchez U, Román-López TV, Rosas-Escobar CB, González-Barrios JA, Romero-Hidalgo S, Méndez-Díaz M, Prospéro-García OE, Ruiz-Contreras AE. Allele-dosage genetic polymorphisms of cannabinoid receptor 1 predict attention, but not working memory performance in humans. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2021; 216:103299. [PMID: 33799104 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention and working memory (WM) are under high genetic regulation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CNR1 gene, that encode for CB1R, have previously been shown to be related with individual differences in attentional control and WM. However, it remains unclear whether there is an allele-dosage or a dominant contribution of polymorphisms of CNR1 affecting attention and WM performance. This study evaluated the associations between attention and WM performance and three SNPs of CNR1: rs1406977, rs2180619, and rs1049353, previously associated with both processes. Healthy volunteers (n = 127) were asked to perform the Attention Network Task (ANT) to evaluate their overall attention and alerting, orienting, and executive systems, and the n-back task for evaluating their WM. All subjects were genotyped using qPCR with TaqMan assays; and dominant and additive models were assessed using the risk alleles of each SNP as the predictor variable. Results showed an individual association of the three SNPs with attention performance, but the composite genotype by the three alleles had the greatest contribution. Moreover, the additive-dosage model showed that for each G-allele added to the genotypic configuration, there was an increase in the percentage of correct responses respect to carriers who have no risk alleles in their genotypic configuration. The number of risk alleles in the genotypic configurations did not predict efficiency in any of the attention systems, nor in WM performance. Our model showed a contribution of three single nucleotide polymorphisms of the CNR1 gene to explain 9% of the variance of attention in an additive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Ivett Ortega-Mora
- Lab. Neurogenómica Cognitiva, Coord. Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Fac. Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Ulises Caballero-Sánchez
- Lab. Neurogenómica Cognitiva, Coord. Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Fac. Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Talía V Román-López
- Lab. Neurogenómica Cognitiva, Coord. Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Fac. Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Cintia B Rosas-Escobar
- Lab. Neurogenómica Cognitiva, Coord. Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Fac. Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Juan Antonio González-Barrios
- Lab. Medicina Genómica, Hospital Regional 1o de Octubre, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico
| | - Sandra Romero-Hidalgo
- Departamento de Genómica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico
| | | | | | - Alejandra E Ruiz-Contreras
- Lab. Neurogenómica Cognitiva, Coord. Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Fac. Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico.
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7
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Ferreira C, Couceiro J, Família C, Jardim C, Antas P, Santos CN, Outeiro TF, Tenreiro S, Quintas A. The synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 modulates Saccharomyces cerevisiae energetic metabolism. FEMS Yeast Res 2020; 19:5521208. [PMID: 31329229 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foz042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids are a group of novel psychoactive substances with similar properties to Δ9-THC. Among the vast number of synthetic cannabinoids, designed to be tested in clinical trials, JWH-018 was the first novel psychoactive substance found in the recreational drug marketplace. The consumption of JWH-018 shows typical effects of CB1 agonists including sedation, cognitive dysfunction, tachycardia, postural hypotension, dry mouth, ataxia and psychotropic effects, but appeared to be more potent than Δ9-THC. However, studies on human cells have shown that JWH-018 toxicity depends on the cellular line used. Despite these studies, the underlying molecular mechanisms to JWH-018 action has not been clarified yet. To understand the impact of JWH-018 at molecular and cellular level, we used Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model. The results showed an increase in yeast growth rate in the presence of this synthetic cannabinoid due to an enhancement in the glycolytic flux at expense of a decrease in pentose phosphate pathway, judging by 2D-Gel proteomic analysis, qRT-PCR experiments and ATP measurements. Overall, our results provide insights into molecular mechanisms of JWH-018 action, also indicating that Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a good model to study synthetic cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreira
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal.,Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário - Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, P-4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Couceiro
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal.,Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário - Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carlos Família
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal.,Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário - Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carolina Jardim
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, P-2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, P-2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Pedro Antas
- CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, P-1150-082 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia N Santos
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, P-2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, P-2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.,CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, P-1150-082 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, P-1150-082 Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 33. Göttingen P37073, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne P-NE1 7RU, UK.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Hermann Rein Street 3. P-37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, P-1150-082 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Quintas
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal.,Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário - Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
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8
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Alves VL, Gonçalves JL, Aguiar J, Teixeira HM, Câmara JS. The synthetic cannabinoids phenomenon: from structure to toxicological properties. A review. Crit Rev Toxicol 2020; 50:359-382. [PMID: 32530350 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2020.1762539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The word "cannabinoid" refers to every chemical substance, regardless of structure or origin, that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain and that have similar effects to those produced by the Cannabis plant and based on their source of production, cannabinoids can be classified into endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids represent the largest class of drugs detected through the EU Early Warning System with a total of 190 substances notified from 2008 to 2018 and about 280 have been reported worldwide to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Sprayed on natural herb mixtures with the aim to mimic the euphoria effect of cannabis and sold as "herbal smoking blends" or "herbal incense" under brand names like "Spice" or "K2", synthetic cannabinoids are available from websites for the combination with herbal materials or more recently, for the use in e-cigarettes. Currently labeled as "not for human consumption" to circumvent legislation, their legal status varies by country with many government institutions currently pushing for their control. However, due to the emergence of new substances, it requires a constant update of the list of controlled drugs. Little is known about how these substances work and their toxic effects in humans and the same product could vary not only in the amount and in the type of substance added. In the last years, synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with deaths and acute intoxications in Europe and, despite a range of new measures introduced in this area, continue to represent a challenge to current drug policy models. These synthetic substances are much more potent than natural cannabis, as well as displayed greater efficacy, acting as full agonists at the cannabinoid receptors. It is possible that, along with being highly potent, some may also have long half-lives, potentially leading to a prolonged psychoactive effect. The present work provides a review on existing literature about the development of synthetic cannabinoids as substances of abuse, current patterns of abuse and their legal status, chemical classification, and some pharmacological and toxicological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera L Alves
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - João L Gonçalves
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Joselin Aguiar
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Helena M Teixeira
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra, Portugal.,Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José S Câmara
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências Exactas e da Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
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9
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Horton KKA, Goonawardena AV, Sesay J, Howlett AC, Hampson RE. Systemic Blockade of the CB 1 Receptor Augments Hippocampal Gene Expression Involved in Synaptic Plasticity but Perturbs Hippocampus-Dependent Learning Task. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2019; 4:33-41. [PMID: 31032421 DOI: 10.1089/can.2018.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic and acute agonism as well as acute antagonism of CB1 receptors reveal modulation of learning and memory during stable performance of a delayed-nonmatch-to-sample (DNMS) memory task. However, it remains unclear how chronic blockade of the CB1 receptor alters acquisition of the behavioral task. We examined the effects of chronic rimonabant exposure during DNMS task acquisition to determine if blockade of the CB1 receptor with the antagonist rimonabant enhanced acquisition of operant task. Long-Evans rats, trained in the DNMS task before imposition of the trial delay, were surgically implanted with osmotic mini pumps to administer rimonabant (1.0 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide/Tween-80/Saline). Following surgical recovery, DNMS training was resumed with the imposition of gradually longer delays (1-30 sec). The number of days required to achieve stable performance with either increasing length of delay or reversal of task contingency was compared between vehicle and rimonabant-treated rats. Following the completion of DNMS training, animals were euthanized, and both hippocampi were harvested for gene expression assay analysis. Rimonabant treatment animals required more time to achieve stable DNMS performance than vehicle-treated controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the expressions of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and synapsin 1 (Syn1) were significantly increased. These results are consistent with rimonabant increasing mRNAs for proteins associated with hippocampal synapse remodeling, but that those alterations did not necessarily accelerate the acquisition of an operant behavioral task that required learning new contingencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofi-Kermit A Horton
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Anushka V Goonawardena
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, California
| | - John Sesay
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Robert E Hampson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Cengel HY, Bozkurt M, Evren C, Umut G, Keskinkilic C, Agachanli R. Evaluation of cognitive functions in individuals with synthetic cannabinoid use disorder and comparison to individuals with cannabis use disorder. Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:46-54. [PMID: 29407568 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The use of synthetic cannabinoid has been increasing throughout the world and has become a major public health problem. The present study aims to investigate the attention, memory, visuospatial and executive functions in individuals with synthetic cannabinoid use disorder and compare the results with findings obtained from individuals with cannabis use disorder and healthy volunteers with no substance use. Fifty-two patients with synthetic cannabinoid use disorder, 45 patients with cannabis use disorder and 48 healthy control group males were included in the study. The neuropsychological test battery was designed to involve ten studies evaluating a large series of cognitive functions. Impairments in attention, memory, executive and visuospatial functions were identified in individuals with synthetic cannabinoid use disorder and these impairments were found to be significantly greater than in individuals with cannabis use disorder and healthy controls. In line with the data obtained from this study; the evaluation of each cognitive function with more comprehensive test batteries and supporting these evaluations with sensitive brain imaging studies are important topics for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanife Yilmaz Cengel
- Research, Treatment and Training Center for Alcohol and Substance Dependence (AMATEM), Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Muge Bozkurt
- Research, Treatment and Training Center for Alcohol and Substance Dependence (AMATEM), Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cuneyt Evren
- Research, Treatment and Training Center for Alcohol and Substance Dependence (AMATEM), Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Umut
- Research, Treatment and Training Center for Alcohol and Substance Dependence (AMATEM), Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cahit Keskinkilic
- Department of Neuropsychology, Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ruken Agachanli
- Research, Treatment and Training Center for Alcohol and Substance Dependence (AMATEM), Bakirkoy Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
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The effects of synthetic cannabinoids on executive function. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1121-1134. [PMID: 28160034 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is a growing use of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) including synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoid products have effects similar to those of natural cannabis but the new synthetic cannabinoids are more potent and dangerous and their use has resulted in various adverse effects. The purpose of the study was to assess whether persistent use of synthetic cannabinoids is associating with impairments of executive function in chronic users. METHODS A total of 38 synthetic cannabinoids users, 43 recreational cannabis users, and 41 non-user subjects were studied in two centers in Hungary and Israel. Computerized cognitive function tests, the classical Stroop word-color task, n-back task, and a free-recall memory task were used. RESULTS Synthetic cannabinoid users performed significantly worse than both recreational and non-cannabis users on the n-back task (less accuracy), the Stroop task (overall slow responses and less accuracy), and the long-term memory task (less word recall). Additionally, they have also shown higher ratings of depression and anxiety compared with both recreational and non-users groups. DISCUSSION This study showed impairment of executive function in synthetic cannabinoid users compared with recreational users of cannabis and non-users. This may have major implications for our understanding of the long-term consequences of synthetic cannabinoid based drugs.
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Ouyang W, Yan Q, Zhang Y, Fan Z. Moderate injury in motor-sensory cortex causes behavioral deficits accompanied by electrophysiological changes in mice adulthood. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171976. [PMID: 28196142 PMCID: PMC5308857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children often happen when there’s a sudden blow to the frontal bone, end with long unconscious which can last for hours and progressive cognitive deficits. However, with regard to the influences of moderate TBI during children adulthood, injury-induced alterations of locomotive ability, long-term memory performance, and hippocampal electrophysiological firing changes have not yet been fully identified. In this study, lateral fluid percussion (LFP) method was used to fabricate moderate TBI in motor and somatosensory cortex of the 6-weeks-old mice. The motor function, learning and memory function, extracellular CA1 neural spikes were assessed during acute and subacute phase. Moreover, histopathology was performed on day post injury (DPI) 16 to evaluate the effect of TBI on tissue and cell morphological changes in cortical and hippocampal CA1 subregions. After moderate LFP injury, the 6-weeks-old mice showed severe motor deficits at the early stage in acute phase but gradually recovered later during adulthood. At the time points in acute and subacute phase after TBI, novel object recognition (NOR) ability and spatial memory functions were consistently impaired in TBI mice; hippocampal firing frequency and burst probability were hampered. Analysis of the altered burst firing shows a clear hippocampal theta rhythm drop. These electrophysiological impacts were associated with substantially lowered NOR preference as compared to the sham group during adulthood. These results suggest that moderate TBI introduced at motorsenory cortex in 6-weeks-old mice causes obvious motor and cognitive deficits during their adulthood. While the locomotive ability progressively recovers, the cognitive deficits persisted while the mice mature as adult mice. The cognitive deficits may be attributed to the general suppressing of whole neural network, which could be labeled by marked reduction of excitability in hippocampal CA1 subregion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ouyang
- College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Qichao Yan
- College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhiheng Fan
- College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
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13
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Zorlu N, Angelique Di Biase M, Kalaycı ÇÇ, Zalesky A, Bağcı B, Oğuz N, Gelal F, Beşiroğlu L, Gülseren Ş, Sarıçiçek A, Bora E, Pantelis C. Abnormal white matter integrity in synthetic cannabinoid users. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:1818-1825. [PMID: 27617779 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids have become increasingly popular in the last few years especially among adolescents and young adults. However, no previous studies have assessed the effects of synthetic cannabinoids on the structure of the human brain. Understanding the harms of synthetic cannabinoid use on brain structure is therefore crucial given its increasing use. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed in 22 patients who used synthetic cannabinoids more than five times a week for at least 1 year and 18 healthy controls. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was significantly reduced in the cannabinoid group compared to controls in a cluster of white matter voxels spanning the left temporal lobe, subcortical structures and brainstem. This cluster was predominantly traversed by the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, fornix, cingulum-hippocampus and corticospinal tracts. Long-term use of synthetic cannabinoids is associated with white matter abnormalities in adolescents and young adults. Disturbed brain connectivity in synthetic cannabinoid users may underlie cognitive impairment and vulnerability to psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabi Zorlu
- Department of Psychiatry, Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Maria Angelique Di Biase
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
| | - Çiğdem Çolak Kalaycı
- Department of Psychiatry, Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Andrew Zalesky
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
| | - Başak Bağcı
- Department of Psychiatry, Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nihan Oğuz
- Department of Psychiatry, Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fazıl Gelal
- Department of Radiodiagnostics, Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Lütfullah Beşiroğlu
- Department of Psychiatry, Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Şeref Gülseren
- Department of Psychiatry, Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aybala Sarıçiçek
- Department of Psychiatry, Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Emre Bora
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
| | - Christos Pantelis
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia; Centre for Neural Engineering (CfNE), Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Carlton South, VIC, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience & Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Barbieri M, Ossato A, Canazza I, Trapella C, Borelli AC, Beggiato S, Rimondo C, Serpelloni G, Ferraro L, Marti M. Synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 and its halogenated derivatives JWH-018-Cl and JWH-018-Br impair Novel Object Recognition in mice: Behavioral, electrophysiological and neurochemical evidence. Neuropharmacology 2016; 109:254-269. [PMID: 27346209 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that an impairment of learning and memory function is one of the major physiological effects caused by natural or synthetic cannabinoid consumption in rodents, nonhuman primates and in humans. JWH-018 and its halogenated derivatives (JWH-018-Cl and JWH-018-Br) are synthetic CB1/CB2 cannabinoid agonists, illegally marketed as "Spice" and "herbal blend" for their Cannabis-like psychoactive effects. In the present study the effects of acute exposure to JWH-018, JWH-018-Cl, JWH-018-Br (JWH-018-R compounds) and Δ(9)-THC (for comparison) on Novel Object Recognition test (NOR) has been investigated in mice. Moreover, to better characterize the effects of JWH-018-R compounds on memory function, in vitro electrophysiological and neurochemical studies in hippocampal preparations have been performed. JWH-018, JWH-018-Cl and JWH-018-Br dose-dependently impaired both short- and long-memory retention in mice (respectively 2 and 24 h after training session). Their effects resulted more potent respect to that evoked by Δ(9)-THC. Moreover, in vitro studies showed as JWH-018-R compounds negatively affected electrically evoked synaptic transmission, LTP and aminoacid (glutamate and GABA) release in hippocampal slices. Behavioral, electrophysiological and neurochemical effects were fully prevented by CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 pretreatment, suggesting a CB1 receptor involvement. These data support the hypothesis that synthetic JWH-018-R compounds, as Δ(9)-THC, impair cognitive function in mice by interfering with hippocampal synaptic transmission and memory mechanisms. This data outline the danger that the use and/or abuse of these synthetic cannabinoids may represent for the cognitive process in human consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barbieri
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - A Ossato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - I Canazza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - A C Borelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - S Beggiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Rimondo
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Verona, Italy
| | - G Serpelloni
- U.R.I.To.N., Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Marti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy; Center for Neuroscience and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, Italy.
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Koss DJ, Robinson L, Mietelska-Porowska A, Gasiorowska A, Sepčić K, Turk T, Jaspars M, Niewiadomska G, Scott RH, Platt B, Riedel G. Polymeric alkylpyridinium salts permit intracellular delivery of human Tau in rat hippocampal neurons: requirement of Tau phosphorylation for functional deficits. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4613-32. [PMID: 26070304 PMCID: PMC11113860 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1949-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Patients suffering from tauopathies including frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) present with intra-neuronal aggregation of microtubule-associated protein Tau. During the disease process, Tau undergoes excessive phosphorylation, dissociates from microtubules and aggregates into insoluble neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), accumulating in the soma. While many aspects of the disease pathology have been replicated in transgenic mouse models, a region-specific non-transgenic expression model is missing. Complementing existing models, we here report a novel region-specific approach to modelling Tau pathology. Local co-administration of the pore-former polymeric 1,3-alkylpyridinium salts (Poly-APS) extracted from marine sponges, and synthetic full-length 4R recombinant human Tau (hTau) was performed in vitro and in vivo. At low doses, Poly-APS was non-toxic and cultured cells exposed to Poly-APS (0.5 µg/ml) and hTau (1 µg/ml; ~22 µM) had normal input resistance, resting-state membrane potentials and Ca(2+) transients induced either by glutamate or KCl, as did cells exposed to a low concentration of the phosphatase inhibitor Okadaic acid (OA; 1 nM, 24 h). Combined hTau loading and phosphatase inhibition resulted in a collapse of the membrane potential, suppressed excitation and diminished glutamate and KCl-stimulated Ca(2+) transients. Stereotaxic infusions of Poly-APS (0.005 µg/ml) and hTau (1 µg/ml) bilaterally into the dorsal hippocampus at multiple sites resulted in hTau loading of neurons in rats. A separate cohort received an additional 7-day minipump infusion of OA (1.2 nM) intrahippocampally. When tested 2 weeks after surgery, rats treated with Poly-APS+hTau+OA presented with subtle learning deficits, but were also impaired in cognitive flexibility and recall. Hippocampal plasticity recorded from slices ex vivo was diminished in Poly-APS+hTau+OA subjects, but not in other treatment groups. Histological sections confirmed the intracellular accumulation of hTau in CA1 pyramidal cells and along their processes; phosphorylated Tau was present only within somata. This study demonstrates that cognitive, physiological and pathological symptoms reminiscent of tauopathies can be induced following non-mutant hTau delivery into CA1 in rats, but functional consequences hinge on increased Tau phosphorylation. Collectively, these data validate a novel model of locally infused recombinant hTau protein as an inducer of Tau pathology in the hippocampus of normal rats; future studies will provide insights into the pathological spread and maturation of Tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave J Koss
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Lianne Robinson
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, UK
- Behavioural Neuroscience Core Facility, Division of Neuroscience, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Anna Gasiorowska
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kristina Sepčić
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tom Turk
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marcel Jaspars
- Department of Chemistry, Marine Biodiscovery Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Grazyna Niewiadomska
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Roderick H Scott
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Bettina Platt
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, UK.
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16
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Rasekhi K, Oryan S, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. Involvement of the nucleus accumbens shell glutamatergic system in ACPA-induced impairment of inhibitory avoidance memory consolidation. Behav Brain Res 2014; 269:28-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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17
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Decreased bursting and novel object-specific cell firing in the hippocampus after mild traumatic brain injury. Brain Res 2014; 1582:220-6. [PMID: 25086204 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can produce lasting memory deficits even in the absence of cell loss. We investigated changes in hippocampal firing patterns during exploration and during a novel object recognition (NOR) task. METHODS six male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to mTBI via fluid percussion injury and were compared with sham-operated rats. Microelectrodes were implanted into CA1 and CA3 and multiple units were recorded from the pyramidal cell layer. Spontaneous "burst" characteristics were analyzed and temporal firing patterns were correlated with object encounters to establish object-specific firing patterns. RESULTS mTBI was associated with significantly less hippocampal bursting (p<0.05) with a trend toward longer bursts and lower interburst spike frequency. mTBI was also associated with no preference for a novel object at 12h (p<0.05). During the NOR task, a subset of pyramidal cells were identified which consistently demonstrated a transiently increased firing rate upon encounter of a specific object ("object-specific" cell). Across both groups, there was a significant (p<0.05) correlation between preference for object novelty and the difference between the total number of novel object-specific cells and familiar object-specific cells. The proportion of object-specific cells that responded to the unexpected (novel) object compared to those responding to the familiar object was significantly smaller in rats that had been exposed to mTBI (p<0.05). CONCLUSION memory deficits after mTBI are associated with decreased intrinsic burst activity and impaired context-specific firing patterns in the hippocampus during object exploration.
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18
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Basavarajappa BS, Nagre NN, Xie S, Subbanna S. Elevation of endogenous anandamide impairs LTP, learning, and memory through CB1 receptor signaling in mice. Hippocampus 2014; 24:808-18. [PMID: 24648181 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In rodents, many exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG), have been shown to play an important role in certain hippocampal memory processes. However, the mechanisms by which endogenous AEA regulate this processes are not well understood. Here the effects of AEA on long-term potentiation (LTP), hippocampal-dependent learning and memory tasks, pERK1/2, pCaMKIV, and pCREB signaling events in both cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice were assessed following administration of URB597, an inhibitor of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Acute administration of URB597 enhanced AEA levels without affecting the levels of 2-AG or CB1R in the hippocampus and neocortex as compared to vehicle. In hippocampal slices, URB597 impaired LTP in CB1R WT but not in KO littermates. URB597 impaired object recognition, spontaneous alternation and spatial memory in the Y-maze test in CB1R WT mice but not in KO mice. Furthermore, URB597 enhanced ERK phosphorylation in WT without affecting total ERK levels in WT or KO mice. URB597 impaired CaMKIV and CREB phosphorylation in WT but not in KO mice. CB1R KO mice have a lower pCaMKIV/CaMKIV ratio and higher pCREB/CREB ratio as compared to WT littermates. Our results indicate that pharmacologically elevated AEA impair LTP, learning and memory and inhibit CaMKIV and CREB phosphorylation, via the activation of CB1Rs. Collectively, these findings also suggest that pharmacological elevation of AEA beyond normal concentrations is also detrimental for the underlying physiological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S Basavarajappa
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York; New York State Psychiatric Institute, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Navakkode S, Korte M. Pharmacological activation of CB1 receptor modulates long term potentiation by interfering with protein synthesis. Neuropharmacology 2014; 79:525-33. [PMID: 24412673 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is one of the most important side effects associated with cannabis drug abuse, as well as the serious issue concerning the therapeutic use of cannabinoids. Cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric symptoms are caused by early synaptic dysfunctions, such as loss of synaptic connections in different brain structures including the hippocampus, a region that is believed to play an important role in certain forms of learning and memory. We report here that metaplastic priming of synapses with a cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1 receptor) agonist, WIN55,212-2 (WIN55), significantly impaired long-term potentiation in the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Interestingly, the CB1 receptor exerts its effect by altering the balance of protein synthesis machinery towards higher protein production. Therefore the activation of CB1 receptor, prior to strong tetanization, increased the propensity to produce new proteins. In addition, WIN55 priming resulted in the expression of late-LTP in a synaptic input that would have normally expressed early-LTP, thus confirming that WIN55 priming of LTP induces new synthesis of plasticity-related proteins. Furthermore, in addition to the effects on protein translation, WIN55 also induced synaptic deficits due to the ability of CB1 receptors to inhibit the release of acetylcholine, mediated by both muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Taken together this supports the notion that the modulation of cholinergic activity by CB1 receptor activation is one mechanism that regulates the synthesis of plasticity-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeja Navakkode
- Zoology Institute, Division of Cellular Neurobiology, TU, Braunschweig D-38106 Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Zoology Institute, Division of Cellular Neurobiology, TU, Braunschweig D-38106 Germany.
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Abstract
Investigating the effects of cannabis use on memory function appears challenging. While early observational investigations aimed to elucidate the longer-term effects of cannabis use on memory function in humans, findings remained equivocal and pointed to a pattern of interacting factors impacting on the relationship between cannabis use and memory function, rather than a simple direct effect of cannabis. Only recently, a clearer picture of the chronic and acute effects of cannabis use on memory function has emerged once studies have controlled for potential confounding factors and started to investigate the acute effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the main ingredients in the extract of the cannabis plant in pharmacological challenge experiments. Relatively consistent findings have been reported regarding the acute impairments induced by a single dose of Δ9-THC on verbal and working memory. It is unclear whether they may persist beyond the intoxication state. In the long-term, these impairments seem particularly likely to manifest and may also persist following abstinence if regular and heavy use of cannabis strains high in Δ9-THC is started at an early age. Although still at an early stage, studies that employed advanced neuroimaging techniques have started to model the neural underpinnings of the effects of cannabis use and implicate a network of functional and morphological alterations that may moderate the effects of cannabis on memory function. Future experimental and epidemiological studies that take into consideration individual differences, particularly previous cannabis history and demographic characteristics, but also the precise mixture of the ingredients of the consumed cannabis are necessary to clarify the magnitude and the mechanisms by which cannabis-induced memory impairments occur and to elucidate underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea Schoeler
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
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Han J, Kesner P, Metna-Laurent M, Duan T, Xu L, Georges F, Koehl M, Abrous DN, Mendizabal-Zubiaga J, Grandes P, Liu Q, Bai G, Wang W, Xiong L, Ren W, Marsicano G, Zhang X. Acute cannabinoids impair working memory through astroglial CB1 receptor modulation of hippocampal LTD. Cell 2012; 148:1039-50. [PMID: 22385967 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2012.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Revised: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Impairment of working memory is one of the most important deleterious effects of marijuana intoxication in humans, but its underlying mechanisms are presently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the impairment of spatial working memory (SWM) and in vivo long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic strength at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses, induced by an acute exposure of exogenous cannabinoids, is fully abolished in conditional mutant mice lacking type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB(1)R) in brain astroglial cells but is conserved in mice lacking CB(1)R in glutamatergic or GABAergic neurons. Blockade of neuronal glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) and of synaptic trafficking of glutamate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPAR) also abolishes cannabinoid effects on SWM and LTD induction and expression. We conclude that the impairment of working memory by marijuana and cannabinoids is due to the activation of astroglial CB(1)R and is associated with astroglia-dependent hippocampal LTD in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Han
- College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
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M Lewis SE, Paro R, Borriello L, Simon L, Robinson L, Dincer Z, Riedel G, Battista N, Maccarrone M. Long-term use of HU210 adversely affects spermatogenesis in rats by modulating the endocannabinoid system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 35:731-40. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2012.01259.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Campolongo P, Ratano P, Manduca A, Scattoni ML, Palmery M, Trezza V, Cuomo V. The endocannabinoid transport inhibitor AM404 differentially modulates recognition memory in rats depending on environmental aversiveness. Front Behav Neurosci 2012; 6:11. [PMID: 22454620 PMCID: PMC3308193 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2012.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid compounds may influence both emotional and cognitive processes depending on the level of environmental aversiveness at the time of drug administration. However, the mechanisms responsible for these responses remain to be elucidated. The present experiments investigated the effects induced by the endocannabinoid transport inhibitor AM404 (0.5-5 mg/kg, i.p.) on both emotional and cognitive performances of rats tested in a Spatial Open Field task and subjected to different experimental settings, named High Arousal (HA) and Low Arousal (LA) conditions. The two different experimental conditions influenced emotional reactivity independently of drug administration. Indeed, vehicle-treated rats exposed to the LA condition spent more time in the center of the arena than vehicle-treated rats exposed to the HA context. Conversely, the different arousal conditions did not affect the cognitive performances of vehicle-treated animals such as the capability to discriminate a spatial displacement of the objects or an object substitution. AM404 administration did not alter locomotor activity or emotional behavior of animals exposed to both environmental conditions. Interestingly, AM404 administration influenced the cognitive parameters depending on the level of emotional arousal: it impaired the capability of rats exposed to the HA condition to recognize a novel object while it did not induce any impairing effect in rats exposed to the LA condition. These findings suggest that drugs enhancing endocannabinoid signaling induce different effects on recognition memory performance depending on the level of emotional arousal induced by the environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
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Fattore L, Fratta W. Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:60. [PMID: 22007163 PMCID: PMC3187647 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids are functionally similar to delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive principle of cannabis, and bind to the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain and peripheral organs. From 2008, synthetic cannabinoids were detected in herbal smoking mixtures sold on websites and in "head shops" under the brand name of Spice Gold, Yucatan Fire, Aroma, and others. Although these products (also known as "Spice drugs" or "legal highs") do not contain tobacco or cannabis, when smoked they produce effects similar to THC. Intoxication, withdrawal, psychosis, and death have been recently reported after consumption, posing difficult social, political, and health challenges. More than 140 different Spice products have been identified to date. The ability to induce strong cannabis-like psychoactive effects, along with the fact that they are readily available on the Internet, still legal in many countries, marketed as natural safe substances, and undetectable by conventional drug screening tests, has rendered these drugs very popular and particularly appealing to young and drug-naïve individuals seeking new experiences. An escalating number of compounds with cannabinoid receptor activity are currently being found as ingredients of Spice, of which almost nothing is known in terms of pharmacology, toxicology, and safety. Since legislation started to control the synthetic cannabinoids identified in these herbal mixtures, many new analogs have appeared on the market. New cannabimimetic compounds are likely to be synthesized in the near future to replace banned synthetic cannabinoids, leading to a "dog chasing its tail" situation. Spice smokers are exposed to drugs that are extremely variable in composition and potency, and are at risk of serious, if not lethal, outcomes. Social and health professionals should maintain a high degree of alertness for Spice use and its possible psychiatric effects in vulnerable people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience – Cagliari National Research Council of Italy, @ Department of Neuroscience, Cittadella Universitaria di MonserratoCagliari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence “Neurobiology of Dependence,” Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Centre of Excellence “Neurobiology of Dependence,” Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
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Abstract
The myriad pain pathophysiology has intrigued and challenged humanity for centuries. In this regard, the traditional pain therapies such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been highly successful in treating acute and chronic pain. However, their drawback includes adverse events such as psychotropic effects, addiction potential, and gastrointestinal toxicities, to mention a few. These factors combined with the likelihood of an increase in chronic pain conditions due to an aging population calls for the development of novel mechanism-based or "site-specific" agents to target novel pain pathways. In this regard, rapid progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of novel pain targets such as cannabinoid receptors, fatty acid hydrolase, voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels such as P2 receptors, transient receptor potential channels and glial cell modulators. Accordingly, preclinical studies indicate that the site-specific/selective agents exhibit sufficient efficacy and reduced side effects such as lack of psychotropic effects indicating their clinical potential. This review provides a brief summary of some "at-site" pain targets and their role in the pain pathophysiology, and describes the efforts in developing some small molecules as novel pain therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Pn Rao
- School of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Hippocampal endocannabinoids play an important role in induction of long-term potentiation and regulation of contextual fear memory formation. Brain Res Bull 2011; 86:139-45. [PMID: 21801815 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Revised: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies show contradictory results regarding the contribution of endocannabinoids in fear memory formation and long-term synaptic plasticity. In this study, we investigated the effects of both cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 receptor) antagonist AM281 and anandamide reuptake inhibitor AM404 on the formation of contextual fear memory in adult mice. Both i.p. and intra-hippocampal injections of AM281 promoted contextual fear memory while a high dose of AM404 inhibited it. These findings demonstrate that CB1 receptor-mediated signaling negatively contributes to contextual fear memory formation. We further investigated the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 pyramidal neurons of hippocampal slices and found that AM281 impaired the induction of LTP. Additionally, the blockade of LTP by AM281 was completely prevented by bath application of picrotoxin, a selective antagonist of GABA(A) receptor. Taken together, these results indicate that activation of CB1 receptor contributes to induction of LTP via a GABA(A) receptor-mediated mechanism.
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Goonawardena AV, Riedel G, Hampson RE. Cannabinoids alter spontaneous firing, bursting, and cell synchrony of hippocampal principal cells. Hippocampus 2011; 21:520-31. [PMID: 20101600 PMCID: PMC3126104 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Both natural and synthetic cannabinoid receptor (e.g., CB1) agonists such as Δ(9)-THC, WIN 55,212-2 (WIN-2), and HU-210 disrupt spatial cognition presumably through the inhibition of synchrony of hippocampal ensemble firing to task-related events. Although the CB1 receptor agonist CP 55,940 also disrupts the synchronous firing of hippocampal neurons, it does not seem to affect the average firing rate. This difference is not readily explained by the chemical structure and pharmacology of the different compounds thus warranting a more detailed examination into (i) how other cannabinoids affect the spontaneous firing, bursting, and cell synchrony of hippocampal principal cells located in CA3 and CA1 subfields, and (ii) whether these effects are indeed mediated through CB1 receptors, which will be explored by the selective antagonist AM-251. Male Long-Evans rats surgically implanted with multielectrode arrays to hippocampal CA3 and CA1 were anesthetized and principal cells discharging at 0.25-6.0 Hz were isolated and "tracked" following the systemic administration of Tween-80, Δ(9)-THC (1 or 3 mg/kg) or WIN-2 (1 mg/kg) or HU-210 (100 μg/kg), and 1.5 mg/kg AM-281. All cannabinoids except for 1 mg/kg Δ(9) -THC reliably reduced average firing rates and altered "burst" characteristics, which were reversible with AM-281 for Δ(9)-THC and WIN-2 but not for HU-210. In addition, all cannabinoids disrupted intrasubfield and intersubfield ensemble synchrony of pyramidal cells, which is an effect insensitive to AM-281 and thus unlikely to be CB1 mediated. We consider these cannabinoid effects on spike timing and firing/bursting of principal hippocampal neurons carried by CB1 and non-CB1 receptors to be physiological underpinnings of the cognitive impairments inherent to cannabinoid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka V Goonawardena
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Gernot Riedel
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E Hampson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Song D, Bandsma RHJ, Xiao C, Xi L, Shao W, Jin T, Lewis GF. Acute cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) modulation influences insulin sensitivity by an effect outside the central nervous system in mice. Diabetologia 2011; 54:1181-9. [PMID: 21340622 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-011-2082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Modulation of central nervous system (CNS) and extra-CNS cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) affects metabolic conditions, independently of weight loss. Here we examined the relative contributions of acute CNS and extra-CNS CB1R modulation on insulin sensitivity using pharmacological gain- and loss-of-function of CB1R in mice. METHODS We assessed the effects of acute modulation of CB1R on insulin sensitivity and tissue glucose uptake by administering a CB1R agonist (HU210) and antagonist (AM251) (vs vehicle) i.v. in wild-type mice. In addition, we administered a CB1R agonist (vs vehicle) systemically (i.v.) to Cb1r (also known as Cnr1) knockout (Cb1r (-/-)) mice or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) in wild-type mice to elucidate the peripheral vs CNS-mediated regulatory effect of CB1R on insulin sensitivity. RESULTS HU210 induced significant insulin resistance in wild-type mice with a reduction of whole-body glucose disappearance rate and muscle Akt phosphorylation, as well as of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, but not by adipose tissue, changes that were prevented by pretreatment with AM251. HU210 did not affect insulin sensitivity in Cb1r (-/-) mice, suggesting that the observed effects were mediated through CB1R. HU210 administered i.c.v. did not induce insulin resistance, suggesting that acute stimulation of CNS CB1R was not required for this effect. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity is affected by acute CB1R modulation. These changes are mediated by extra-CNS CB1R, probably by the receptors in skeletal muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Song
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Acheson SK, Moore NLT, Kuhn CM, Wilson WA, Swartzwelder HS. The synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55212-2 differentially modulates thigmotaxis but not spatial learning in adolescent and adult animals. Neurosci Lett 2010; 487:411-4. [PMID: 21055447 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.10.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Unlike Δ(9)-THC, the synthetic compound WIN 55212-2 (WIN) is a full agonist of endogenous cannabinoid receptors. Previous work has shown Δ(9)-THC to affect adolescent and adult animals differently on numerous behavioral measures of spatial memory, anxiety, and locomotor activity. However, far less is known about the developmental and neurobehavioral effects of WIN. To address this, we assessed the effect of WIN (1mg/kg) on spatial learning in adolescent and adult rats using the Morris water maze. While all animals demonstrated decreased swim distance across days, WIN affected adolescents and adults differently. It improved performance in adolescents and resulted in a nearly significant performance decrement in adults. However, these effects were significantly related to thigmotaxis, which declined across days in the water maze testing protocol. WIN reduced thigmotaxis on days 1 and 2 (but not days 3-5) only in adolescents. The effect of age, treatment, and the age×treatment interaction was eliminated after controlling for thigmotaxis. These results indicate that WIN affects thigmotaxis rather than spatial reference memory. More importantly, these findings indicate a dissociation between the developmental effects of THC and the synthetic CB1 receptor agonist, WIN 55212-2. We suggest that the role of thigmotaxis be carefully evaluated in future neurodevelopmental studies of spatial learning, especially those investigating the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn K Acheson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, United States.
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30
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Goonawardena AV, Robinson L, Hampson RE, Riedel G. Cannabinoid and cholinergic systems interact during performance of a short-term memory task in the rat. Learn Mem 2010; 17:502-11. [PMID: 20876271 DOI: 10.1101/lm.1893710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It is now well established that cannabinoid agonists such as Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), anandamide, and WIN 55,212-2 (WIN-2) produce potent and specific deficits in working memory (WM)/short-term memory (STM) tasks in rodents. Although mediated through activation of CB1 receptors located in memory-related brain regions such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, these may, in part, be due to a reduction in acetylcholine release (i.e., cholinergic hypofunction). To determine the interaction between cannabinoid and cholinergic systems, we exposed rats treated with WIN-2 or cholinergic drugs to a hippocampal-dependent delayed nonmatch to sample (DNMS) task to study STM, and recorded hippocampal single-unit activity in vivo. WIN-2 induced significant deficits in DNMS performance and reduced the average firing and bursting rates of hippocampal principal cells through a CB1 receptor-mediated mechanism. Rivastigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, reversed these STM deficits and normalized hippocampal discharge rates. Effects were specific to 1 mg/kg WIN-2 as rivastigmine failed to reverse the behavioral and physiological deficits that were observed in the presence of MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist. This supports the notion that cannabinoid-modulated cholinergic activity is a mechanism underlying the performance deficits in DNMS. Whether deficits are due to reduced nicotinic or muscarinic receptor activation, or both, awaits further analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka V Goonawardena
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1083, USA
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31
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Goonawardena AV, Robinson L, Riedel G, Hampson RE. Recruitment of hippocampal neurons to encode behavioral events in the rat: alterations in cognitive demand and cannabinoid exposure. Hippocampus 2010; 20:1083-94. [PMID: 19771586 PMCID: PMC2891278 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Successful performance by rats of a delayed-nonmatch-to-sample (DNMS) task is hippocampal dependent. We have shown that neurons in hippocampus differentially encode task-relevant events. These responses are critical for correct DNMS performance and are diminished by exogenous cannabinoids. We therefore reasoned that hippocampal neural correlates of behavior are likely shaped during learning; however, to date, no work has examined these correlates during DNMS acquisition training. Consequently, the present study assessed the emergence of hippocampal neural encoding when (i) cognitive task demands were increased through prolongation of delay intervals between sample and nonmatch phase and (ii) when animals are under cannabinoid treatment and performance is compromised. Adult, male Long-Evans rats were trained to perform the DNMS task without delay and then implanted with multielectrode recording arrays directed to CA3 and CA1 subfields of the hippocampus. Following recovery, single units were isolated and animals divided into two treatment groups: vehicle or WIN 55,212-2 (WIN-2, 0.35 mg/kg). Ensemble firing was monitored during retraining in DNMS task at 0 s, and subsequently delay intervals were progressively increased to 1-10 s, 11-20 s, and 21-30 s when animals met criterion (80% correct) at each respective interval. Hippocampal CA3 and CA1 principal cells were isolated and recorded throughout treatment. Extension of the delay led to an increase in the number of task-correlated neurons in controls. This recruitment of novel cells was reduced/prevented in the presence of WIN-2 and was paralleled by impairment in acquisition learning at longer delay intervals. Moreover, WIN-2 suppressed hippocampal ensemble firing during the sample (encoding) but not nonmatch phase of the DNMS task across all delays. These cannabinoid-induced alterations in hippocampal neuronal activity may explain the observed deficits in DNMS performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka V Goonawardena
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem North Carolina, United States
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lianne Robinson
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem North Carolina, United States
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E Hampson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem North Carolina, United States
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Barkus E, Murray RM. Substance use in adolescence and psychosis: clarifying the relationship. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2010; 6:365-89. [PMID: 20192802 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.121208.131220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of exploration of the self, and this exploration may involve the use of alcohol and drugs. Sadly, for some, adolescence also marks the first signs of a psychosis. The temporal proximity between the onset of substance use and of psychosis has been the cause of much debate. Here we review the association of alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and other drugs with psychosis, and we conclude that the use of cannabis and the amphetamines significantly contributes to the risk of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, SE58A4 London, United Kingdom.
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33
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Nasehi M, Piri M, Jamali-Raeufy N, Zarrindast MR. Influence of intracerebral administration of NO agents in dorsal hippocampus (CA1) on cannabinoid state-dependent memory in the step-down passive avoidance test. Physiol Behav 2010; 100:297-304. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2008] [Revised: 05/02/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Harte LC, Dow-Edwards D. Sexually dimorphic alterations in locomotion and reversal learning after adolescent tetrahydrocannabinol exposure in the rat. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2010; 32:515-24. [PMID: 20460150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2010.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2009] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that use and abuse of marijuana can be especially harmful if it occurs during adolescence, a period of vast developmental changes throughout the brain. We examined the effects of 2mg/kg (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administered daily via intra-peritoneal injections during juvenile/early adolescence (postnatal day 22-40) or late adolescence (postnatal day 41-60) on locomotor activity, development of tolerance, and acquisition/retention of spatial avoidance in adulthood. THC caused locomotor depression in both male and female animals dosed during early adolescence but only in female animals dosed during late adolescence. Evidence of reverse tolerance to THC was seen in early adolescent animals only. In the active place avoidance test (APA), male and female animals administered THC during early adolescence made more errors on the reversal trial requiring flexibility in learning, but in animals dosed during late adolescence there were no significant sex or treatment differences. The results of the locomotor activity study indicate that females may be more sensitive to the effects of THC than males, while results of both locomotor activity and APA studies suggest that early adolescents appear to be more vulnerable to these effects than late adolescents/young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Harte
- Department of Physiology/Pharmacology, Program in Neural and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
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Zarrindast MR, Dorrani M, Lachinani R, Rezayof A. Blockade of dorsal hippocampal dopamine receptors inhibits state-dependent learning induced by cannabinoid receptor agonist in mice. Neurosci Res 2010; 67:25-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2010.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2009] [Revised: 01/28/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abstract
OBJETIVO: Evidências de que o uso de cannabis prejudica funções cognitivas em humanos têm-se acumulado nas décadas recentes. O propósito desta revisão é o de atualizar o conhecimento nesta área com novos achados a partir da literatura mais recente. MÉTODO: As buscas na literatura foram realizadas utilizando-se o banco de dados Web of Science até fevereiro de 2010. Foram buscados os termos "cannabi*" ou "marijuana" e "cogniti*" ou "memory" ou "attention" ou "executive function", e os estudos em humanos foram revisados preferencialmente em relação aos estudos em animais. DISCUSSÃO: O uso de cannabis prejudica a memória, a atenção, o controle inibitório, as funções executivas e a tomada de decisões, tanto durante como após o período de intoxicação aguda, persistindo por horas, dias, semanas ou mais após o último uso. Os estudos de desafio farmacológico em humanos estão elucidando a natureza e os substratos neurais das alterações cognitivas associadas a vários canabinoides. O uso pesado ou de longo prazo de cannabis parece resultar em anormalidades cognitivas mais duradouras e possivelmente em alterações cerebrais estruturais. Efeitos cognitivos adversos maiores estão associados ao uso de cannabis quando este começa no início da adolescência. CONCLUSÃO: O sistema canabinoide endógeno está envolvido nos mecanismos de regulação neural que modulam os processos subjacentes a uma gama de funções cognitivas que estão prejudicadas pela cannabis. Os déficits em usuários humanos muito provavelmente refletem, portanto, neuroadaptações e o funcionamento alterado do sistema canabinoide endógeno.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Solowij
- University of Wollongong, Austrália; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Austrália
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37
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Robinson L, Goonawardena AV, Pertwee R, Hampson RE, Platt B, Riedel G. WIN55,212-2 induced deficits in spatial learning are mediated by cholinergic hypofunction. Behav Brain Res 2010; 208:584-92. [PMID: 20079375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2009] [Revised: 01/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids acting on CB(1) receptors induce learning and memory impairments. However, the identification of novel non-CB(1) receptors which are insensitive to the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) but sensitive to synthetic cannabinoids such as WIN55,212-2 (WIN-2) or endocannabinoids like anandamide lead us to question whether WIN-2 induced learning and memory deficits are indeed mediated by CB(1) receptor activation. Given the relative paucity of receptor subtype specific antagonists, a way forward would be to determine the transmitter systems, which are modulated by the respective cannabinoids. This study set out to evaluate this proposition by determination of the effects of WIN-2 on acquisition of spatial reference memory using the water maze in rats. Particular weight was given to performance in trial 1 of each daily session as an index of between-session long-term memory, and in trial 4 as an index of within-session short-term memory. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of WIN-2 (1 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg) prior to training impaired long-term, but not short-term memory. This deficit was not reversed by the CB(1) antagonists/inverse agonists Rimonabant (3mg/kg i.p.) and AM281 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), but recovered in the presence of the cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine (1 mg/kg). Reversal by rivastigmine was specific to WIN-2, as it failed to reverse MK801 (0.08 mg/kg) induced learning impairments. Collectively, these data suggest that in this spatial reference memory task WIN-2 causes a reduction in cholinergic activation, possibly through a non-CB(1)-like mechanism, which affects long-term but not short-term spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Robinson
- School of Medical Sciences, College of Life Science and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
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38
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Effects of cannabinoids infused into the dorsal hippocampus upon memory formation in 3-days apomorphine-treated rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2009; 92:391-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2008] [Revised: 05/10/2009] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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39
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Pattij T, Wiskerke J, Schoffelmeer ANM. Cannabinoid modulation of executive functions. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 585:458-63. [PMID: 18423599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.02.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2008] [Revised: 01/25/2008] [Accepted: 02/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Executive functions are higher-order cognitive processes such as attention, behavioural flexibility, decision-making, inhibitory control, planning, time estimation and working memory that exert top-down control over behaviour. In addition to the role of cannabinoid signaling in other cognitive functions such as mnemonic processes, interest in its involvement in executive functions has arisen more recently. Here, we will briefly review some of the recent findings indicating a modulatory role of cannabinoid action on executive functioning. In addition, a growing body of evidence suggests that in particular adolescents are more vulnerable for the deleterious effects of drugs of abuse such as cannabis on cognitive functioning. Therefore, in this paper we will also briefly discuss some recent developments in this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Pattij
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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