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Martinez MX, Alizo Vera V, Ruiz CM, Floresco SB, Mahler SV. Adolescent THC impacts on mPFC dopamine-mediated cognitive processes in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06676-9. [PMID: 39190156 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Adolescent cannabis use is linked to later-life changes in cognition, learning, and memory. Rodent experimental studies suggest Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) influences development of circuits underlying these processes, especially in the prefrontal cortex, which matures during adolescence. OBJECTIVE We determined how 14 daily THC injections (5 mg/kg) during adolescence persistently impacts medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dopamine-dependent cognition. METHODS In adult Long Evans rats treated as adolescents with THC (AdoTHC), we quantify performance on two mPFC dopamine-dependent reward-based tasks-strategy set shifting and probabilistic discounting. We also determined how acute dopamine augmentation with amphetamine (0, 0.25, 0.5 mg/kg), or specific chemogenetic stimulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons and their projections to mPFC impact probabilistic discounting. RESULTS AdoTHC sex-dependently impacts acquisition of cue-guided instrumental reward seeking, but has minimal effects on set-shifting or probabilistic discounting in either sex. When we challenged dopamine circuits acutely with amphetamine during probabilistic discounting, we found reduced discounting of improbable reward options, with AdoTHC rats being more sensitive to these effects than controls. In contrast, neither acute chemogenetic stimulation of VTA dopamine neurons nor pathway-specific chemogenetic stimulation of their projection to mPFC impacted probabilistic discounting in control rats, although stimulation of this cortical dopamine projection slightly disrupted choices in AdoTHC rats. CONCLUSIONS These studies confirm a marked specificity in the cognitive processes impacted by AdoTHC exposure. They also suggest that some persistent AdoTHC effects may alter amphetamine-induced cognitive changes in a manner independent of VTA dopamine neurons or their projections to mPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricela X Martinez
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Vanessa Alizo Vera
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Christina M Ruiz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Stan B Floresco
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, 1132 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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2
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Martinez MX, Alizo Vera V, Ruiz CM, Floresco SB, Mahler SV. Adolescent THC impacts on mPFC dopamine-mediated cognitive processes in male and female rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.12.588937. [PMID: 38826339 PMCID: PMC11142049 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.12.588937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Rationale Adolescent cannabis use is linked to later-life changes in cognition, learning, and memory. Rodent experimental studies suggest Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) influences development of circuits underlying these processes, especially in the prefrontal cortex, which matures during adolescence. Objective We determined how 14 daily THC injections (5mg/kg) during adolescence persistently impacts medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dopamine-dependent cognition. Methods In adult Long Evans rats treated as adolescents with THC (AdoTHC), we quantify performance on two mPFC dopamine-dependent reward-based tasks-strategy set shifting and probabilistic discounting. We also determined how acute dopamine augmentation with amphetamine (0, 0.25, 0.5 mg/kg), or specific chemogenetic stimulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons and their projections to mPFC impacts probabilistic discounting. Results AdoTHC sex-dependently impacts acquisition of cue-guided instrumental reward seeking, but has minimal effects on set-shifting or probabilistic discounting in either sex. When we challenged dopamine circuits acutely with amphetamine during probabilistic discounting, we found reduced discounting of improbable reward options, with AdoTHC rats being more sensitive to these effects than controls. In contrast, neither acute chemogenetic stimulation of VTA dopamine neurons nor pathway-specific chemogenetic stimulation of their projection to mPFC impacted probabilistic discounting in control rats, although stimulation of this cortical dopamine projection slightly disrupted choices in AdoTHC rats. Conclusions These studies confirm a marked specificity in the cognitive processes impacted by AdoTHC exposure. They also suggest that some persistent AdoTHC effects may alter amphetamine-induced cognitive changes in a manner independent of VTA dopamine neurons or their projections to mPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricela X. Martinez
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine. 2221 McGaugh Hall. Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Vanessa Alizo Vera
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine. 2221 McGaugh Hall. Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Christina M. Ruiz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine. 2221 McGaugh Hall. Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Stan B. Floresco
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Stephen V. Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine. 2221 McGaugh Hall. Irvine, CA 92697
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3
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Freels TG, Westbrook SR, Zamberletti E, Kuyat JR, Wright HR, Malena AN, Melville MW, Brown AM, Glodosky NC, Ginder DE, Klappenbach CM, Delevich KM, Rubino T, McLaughlin RJ. Sex Differences in Response-Contingent Cannabis Vapor Administration During Adolescence Mediate Enduring Effects on Behavioral Flexibility and Prefrontal Microglia Activation in Rats. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:e1184-e1196. [PMID: 38190273 PMCID: PMC11392456 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0014] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis is the most used illicit drug in the United States. With many states passing legislation to permit its recreational use, there is concern that cannabis use among adolescents could increase dramatically in the coming years. Historically, it has been difficult to model real-world cannabis use to investigate the causal relationship between cannabis use in adolescence and behavioral and neurobiological effects in adulthood. Materials and Methods: We used a response-contingent vapor administration model to investigate long-term effects of cannabis use during adolescence on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and mPFC-dependent behaviors in male and female rats. Results: Adolescent (35- to 55-day-old) female rats had significantly higher rates of responding for vaporized Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant cannabis extract (CANTHC) compared with adolescent males. In adulthood (70-110 days old), female, but not male, CANTHC rats also took more trials to reach criterion and made more regressive errors in an automated attentional set-shifting task compared with vehicle rats, thereby indicating sex differences in behavioral flexibility impairments. Notably, sex-treatment interactions were not observed when rats of each sex were exposed to a noncontingent CANTHC vapor dosing regimen that approximated CANTHC vapor deliveries earned by females. No differences were observed in effort-based decision making in either sex. In the mPFC, female (but not male) CANTHC rats displayed more reactive microglia with no changes in myelin basic protein expression or dendritic spine density. Conclusion: Altogether, these data reveal important sex differences in rates of responding for CANTHC vapor in adolescence that may confer enduring alterations to mPFC structure and function and suggest that there may be subtle differences in the effects of response-contingent versus noncontingent cannabis exposure that should be systematically examined in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G. Freels
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Sara R. Westbrook
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| | - Jacqulyn R. Kuyat
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Hayden R. Wright
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Alexandra N. Malena
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Max W. Melville
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Amanda M. Brown
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | | | - Darren E. Ginder
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Courtney M. Klappenbach
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Kristen M. Delevich
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| | - Ryan J. McLaughlin
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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Scott JC. Impact of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Neurocognitive and Brain Development. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:655-676. [PMID: 37879830 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.03.012] [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] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Ertl N, Lawn W, Mokrysz C, Freeman TP, Alnagger N, Borissova A, Fernandez-Vinson N, Lees R, Ofori S, Petrilli K, Trinci K, Viding E, Curran HV, Wall MB. Associations between regular cannabis use and brain resting-state functional connectivity in adolescents and adults. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:904-919. [PMID: 37515469 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231189441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cannabis use is highly prevalent in adolescents; however, little is known about its effects on adolescent brain function. METHOD Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used in matched groups of regular cannabis users (N = 70, 35 adolescents: 16-17 years old, 35 adults: 26-29 years old) and non-regular-using controls (N = 70, 35 adolescents/35 adults). Pre-registered analyses examined the connectivity of seven major cortical and sub-cortical brain networks (default mode network, executive control network (ECN), salience network, hippocampal network and three striatal networks) using seed-based analysis methods with cross-sectional comparisons between user groups and age groups. RESULTS The regular cannabis use group (across both age groups), relative to controls, showed localised increases in connectivity only in the ECN analysis. All networks showed localised connectivity differences based on age group, with the adolescents generally showing weaker connectivity than adults, consistent with the developmental effects. Mean connectivity across entire network regions of interest (ROIs) was also significantly decreased in the ECN in adolescents. However, there were no significant interactions found between age group and user group in any of the seed-based or ROI analyses. There were also no associations found between cannabis use frequency and any of the derived connectivity measures. CONCLUSION Regular cannabis use is associated with changes in connectivity of the ECN, which may reflect allostatic or compensatory changes in response to regular cannabis intoxication. However, these associations were not significantly different in adolescents compared to adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Ertl
- Invicro London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Will Lawn
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Mokrysz
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tom P Freeman
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Naji Alnagger
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Borissova
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Rachel Lees
- Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Shelan Ofori
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kat Petrilli
- Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Katie Trinci
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Essi Viding
- Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology Research Department, University College London, London, UK
| | - H Valerie Curran
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew B Wall
- Invicro London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
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Cairns EA, Benson MJ, Bedoya-Pérez MA, Macphail SL, Mohan A, Cohen R, Sachdev PS, McGregor IS. Medicinal cannabis for psychiatry-related conditions: an overview of current Australian prescribing. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1142680. [PMID: 37346297 PMCID: PMC10279775 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1142680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Evidence is accumulating that components of the Cannabis sativa plant may have therapeutic potential in treating psychiatric disorders. Medicinal cannabis (MC) products are legally available for prescription in Australia, primarily through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme B (SAS-B). Here we investigated recent prescribing practices for psychiatric indications under SAS-B by Australian doctors. Methods: The dataset, obtained from the TGA, included information on MC applications made by doctors through the SAS-B process between 1st November 2016 and 30th September 2022 inclusive. Details included the primary conditions treated, patient demographics, prescriber location, product type (e.g., oil, flower or capsule) and the general cannabinoid content of products. The conditions treated were categorized according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR). Trends in prescribing for conditions over time were analyzed via polynomial regression, and relationships between categorical variables determined via correspondence analyses. Results: Approximately 300,000 SAS-B approvals to prescribe MC had been issued in the time period under investigation. This included approvals for 38 different DSM-5-TR defined psychiatric conditions (33.9% of total approvals). The majority of approvals were for anxiety disorders (66.7% of psychiatry-related prescribing), sleep-wake disorders (18.2%), trauma- and stressor-related disorders (5.8%), and neurodevelopmental disorders (4.4%). Oil products were most prescribed (53.0%), followed by flower (31.2%) and other inhaled products (12.4%). CBD-dominant products comprised around 20% of total prescribing and were particularly prevalent in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder. The largest proportion of approvals was for patients aged 25-39 years (46.2% of approvals). Recent dramatic increases in prescribing for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were identified. Conclusion: A significant proportion of MC prescribing in Australia is for psychiatry-related indications. This prescribing often appears somewhat "experimental", given it involves conditions (e.g., ADHD, depression) for which definitive clinical evidence of MC efficacy is lacking. The high prevalence of THC-containing products being prescribed is of possible concern given the psychiatric problems associated with this drug. Evidence-based clinical guidance around the use of MC products in psychiatry is lacking and would clearly be of benefit to prescribers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa J. Benson
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Miguel A. Bedoya-Pérez
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara L. Macphail
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adith Mohan
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Rhys Cohen
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Perminder S. Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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7
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Vassall M, Chakraborty S, Feng Y, Faheem M, Wang X, Bhandari RK. Transcriptional Alterations Induced by Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in the Brain and Gonads of Adult Medaka. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:237-251. [PMID: 37367494 DOI: 10.3390/jox13020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
With the legalization of marijuana smoking in several states of the United States and many other countries for medicinal and recreational use, the possibility of its release into the environment cannot be overruled. Currently, the environmental levels of marijuana metabolites are not monitored on a regular basis, and their stability in the environment is not well understood. Laboratory studies have linked delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) exposure with behavioral abnormalities in some fish species; however, their effects on endocrine organs are less understood. To understand the effects of THC on the brain and gonads, we exposed adult medaka (Oryzias latipes, Hd-rR strain, both male and female) to 50 ug/L THC for 21 days spanning their complete spermatogenic and oogenic cycles. We examined transcriptional responses of the brain and gonads (testis and ovary) to Δ9-THC, particularly molecular pathways associated with behavioral and reproductive functions. The Δ9-THC effects were more profound in males than females. The Δ9-THC-induced differential expression pattern of genes in the brain of the male fish suggested pathways to neurodegenerative diseases and pathways to reproductive impairment in the testis. The present results provide insights into endocrine disruption in aquatic organisms due to environmental cannabinoid compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlee Vassall
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Sourav Chakraborty
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Yashi Feng
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Mehwish Faheem
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Xuegeng Wang
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering, College of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
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8
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Halbout B, Hutson C, Hua L, Inshishian V, Mahler SV, Ostlund SB. Long-term effects of THC exposure on reward learning and motivated behavior in adolescent and adult male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1151-1167. [PMID: 36933028 PMCID: PMC10102061 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endocannabinoid system makes critical contributions to reward processing, motivation, and behavioral control. Repeated exposure to THC or other cannabinoid drugs can cause persistent adaptions in the endocannabinoid system and associated neural circuitry. It remains unclear how such treatments affect the way rewards are processed and pursued. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We examined if repeated THC exposure (5 mg/kg/day for 14 days) during adolescence or adulthood led to long-term changes in rats' capacity to flexibly encode and use action-outcome associations for goal-directed decision making. Effects on hedonic feeding and progressive ratio responding were also assessed. RESULTS THC exposure had no effect on rats' ability to flexibly select actions following reward devaluation. However, instrumental contingency degradation learning, which involves avoiding an action that is unnecessary for reward delivery, was augmented in rats with a history of adult but not adolescent THC exposure. THC-exposed rats also displayed more vigorous instrumental behavior in this study, suggesting a motivational enhancement. A separate experiment found that while THC exposure had no effect on hedonic feeding behavior, it increased rats' willingness to work for food on a progressive ratio schedule, an effect that was more pronounced when THC was administered to adults. Adolescent and adult THC exposure had opposing effects on the CB1 receptor dependence of progressive ratio performance, decreasing and increasing sensitivity to rimonabant-induced behavioral suppression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that exposure to a translationally relevant THC exposure regimen induces long-lasting, age-dependent alterations in cognitive and motivational processes that regulate the pursuit of rewards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briac Halbout
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Collin Hutson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Leann Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Victoria Inshishian
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Sean B Ostlund
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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9
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Karlsgodt KH. Cannabis Use in Adolescence: Vulnerability to Cognitive and Psychological Effects. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:167-168. [PMID: 37124353 PMCID: PMC10140390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine H. Karlsgodt
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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10
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Pintori N, Caria F, De Luca MA, Miliano C. THC and CBD: Villain versus Hero? Insights into Adolescent Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065251. [PMID: 36982327 PMCID: PMC10048857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used drug of abuse worldwide. It is well established that the most abundant phytocannabinoids in this plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two compounds have remarkably similar chemical structures yet vastly different effects in the brain. By binding to the same receptors, THC is psychoactive, while CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Lately, a variety of hemp-based products, including CBD and THC, have become widely available in the food and health industry, and medical and recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in many states/countries. As a result, people, including youths, are consuming CBD because it is considered “safe”. An extensive literature exists evaluating the harmful effects of THC in both adults and adolescents, but little is known about the long-term effects of CBD exposure, especially in adolescence. The aim of this review is to collect preclinical and clinical evidence about the effects of cannabidiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758633
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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11
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Abdelmoneim WM, Bakr MH, Ghandour NM, Mohammed MK, Fawzy M, Ramadan AG, Abdellah NZ. Cytotoxicity associated with acute and chronic administration of synthetic cannabinoids “Strox” in the brain, liver, heart, and testes of male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-023-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances that invaded Egypt’s drug abuse market over the past few years.
Aim
Randomized controlled trial study to demonstrate the effects of acute and chronic toxicity by synthetic cannabinoid (Strox) on the brain, liver, heart, and testes in adult male albino rats through histopathological examination by light microscope and immunohistochemistry.
Methods
Total number of fifty male albino rats were divided into five different groups, two control and three treated groups. Negative and positive control groups received distilled water and dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, acute group received LD50 (lethal dose 50) once and observed for 14 days, chronic group received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months, and finally chronic withdrawal groups received 1/10 LD50 for 3 months and then left 2 weeks without the substance to observe the withdrawal manifestations.
Results
The current study revealed various histopathological changes in all organs with increased expression of cannabinoid receptor 1. The most important findings observed by light microscope examination were shrinkage and degenerative changes in Purkinje cells in brain sections, abnormalities in blood sinusoids and architecture in liver section, disruption in cardiac muscle fiber in heart sections, and finally testes showed irregularities in seminiferous tubules and germinal cells. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 in the brain, liver, and heart showed weak-positive reaction in acute group and a strong reaction with chronic groups. Additionally, increase in collagen fiber was observed in sections of the liver and heart of chronic group.
Conclusions
Synthetic cannabinoid sample (Strox) toxicity caused adverse effects on the brain, liver, heart, and testes as shown by increasing cannabinoid receptor 1 and caspase-3 expression.
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12
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Scheyer AF, Laviolette SR, Pelissier AL, Manzoni OJ. Cannabis in Adolescence: Lasting Cognitive Alterations and Underlying Mechanisms. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:12-23. [PMID: 36301550 PMCID: PMC9940816 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis consumption during adolescence is an area of particular concern, owing to changes in the social and political perception of the drug, and presents a scientific, medical, and economic challenge. Major social and economic interests continue to push toward cannabis legalization as well as pharmaceutical development. As a result, shifting perceptions of both legal and illicit cannabis use across the population have changed the collective evaluation of the potential dangers of the product. The wave of cannabis legalization therefore comes with new responsibility to educate the public on potential risks and known dangers associated with both recreational and medical cannabis. Among these is the risk of long-term cognitive and psychological consequences, particularly following early-life initiation of use, compounded by high-potency and/or synthetic cannabis, and heavy/frequent use of the drug. Underlying these cognitive and psychiatric consequences are lasting aberrations in the development of synaptic function, often secondary to epigenetic changes. Additional factors such as genetic risk and environmental influences or nondrug toxic insults during development are also profound contributors to these long-term functional alterations following adolescent cannabis use. Preclinical studies indicate that exposure to cannabinoids during specific windows of vulnerability (e.g., adolescence) impacts neurodevelopmental processes and behavior by durably changing dendritic structure and synaptic functions, including those normally mediated by endogenous cannabinoids and neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F. Scheyer
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Steven R. Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne-Laure Pelissier
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- APHM, CHU Timone Adultes, Service de Médecine Légale, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier J.J. Manzoni
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Address correspondence to: Olivier J.J. Manzoni, PhD, INMED, INSERM U1249, Parc Scientifique de Luminy - BP 13 - 13273 MARSEILLE Cedex 09, France,
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13
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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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14
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Freels TG, Westbrook SR, Wright HR, Kuyat JR, Zamberletti E, Malena AM, Melville MW, Brown AM, Glodosky NC, Ginder DE, Klappenbach CM, Delevich KM, Rubino T, McLaughlin RJ. Sex differences in adolescent cannabis vapor self-administration mediate enduring effects on behavioral flexibility and prefrontal microglia activation in rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.21.524468. [PMID: 36711651 PMCID: PMC9882275 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.21.524468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug in the United States. With many states passing legislation to permit its recreational use, there is concern that cannabis use among adolescents could increase dramatically in the coming years. Historically, it has been difficult to model real-world cannabis use to investigate the causal relationship between cannabis use in adolescence and behavioral and neurobiological effects in adulthood. To this end, we used a novel volitional vapor administration model to investigate long-term effects of cannabis use during adolescence on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and mPFC-dependent behaviors in male and female rats. Adolescent (35-55 day old) female rats had significantly higher rates of responding for vaporized Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant cannabis extract (CANTHC) compared to adolescent males. In adulthood (70-110 day old), female, but not male, CANTHC rats also took more trials to reach criterion and made more regressive errors in an automated attentional set-shifting task compared to vehicle rats. Similar set-shifting deficits were observed in males when they were exposed to a non-contingent CANTHC vapor dosing regimen that approximated CANTHC self-administration rates in females. No differences were observed in effort-based decision making in either sex. In the mPFC, female (but not male) CANTHC rats displayed more reactive microglia with no significant changes in myelin basic protein expression or dendritic spine density. Together, these data reveal important sex differences in rates of cannabis vapor self-administration in adolescence that confer enduring alterations to mPFC structure and function. Importantly, female-specific deficits in behavioral flexibility appear to be driven by elevated rates of CANTHC self-administration as opposed to a sex difference in the effects of CANTHC vapor per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G. Freels
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Sara R. Westbrook
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Hayden R. Wright
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jacqulyn R. Kuyat
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| | - Alexandra M. Malena
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Max W. Melville
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Amanda M. Brown
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | - Darren E. Ginder
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Courtney M. Klappenbach
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Kristen M. Delevich
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| | - Ryan J. McLaughlin
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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15
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Abstract
Research examining associations between frequent cannabis use in adolescence and brain-behavior outcomes has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. This review attempts to synthesize the state of evidence in this area of research while acknowledging challenges in interpretation. Although there is converging evidence that ongoing, frequent cannabis use in adolescence is associated with small reductions in cognitive functioning, there is still significant debate regarding the persistence of reductions after a period of abstinence. Similarly, there is controversy regarding the replicability of structural and functional neuroimaging findings related to frequent cannabis use in adolescence. Larger studies with informative designs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Hamilton Walk, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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16
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Lookfong NA, Raup-Konsavage WM, Silberman Y. Potential Utility of Cannabidiol in Stress-Related Disorders. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 8:230-240. [PMID: 36409719 PMCID: PMC10061337 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays an important role in homeostatic regulation of anxiety and stress responses; however, the eCB system can be disrupted following traumatic stressors. Additionally, traumatic or chronic stressors that occur during adulthood or early life can cause long-lasting disturbances in the eCB system. These alterations interfere with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function and may be involved in lifelong increased fear and anxiety behaviors as well as increased risk for development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: This review focuses on the implications of trauma and significant stressors on eCB functionality and neural pathways, both in adolescence and into adulthood, as well as the current state of testing for CBD efficacy in treating pediatric and adult patients suffering from stress-induced eCB dysregulation. Articles were searched via Pubmed and included studies examining eCB modulation of stress-related disorders in both clinical settings and preclinical models. Conclusion: Given the potential for lifelong alterations in eCB signaling that can mediate stress responsiveness, consideration of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical agents that impact eCB targets may improve clinical outcomes in stress-related disorders. However, caution may be warranted in utilization of medicinal cannabinoid products that contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol due to pronounced euphorigenic effects and potential to exacerbate stress-related behaviors. Other cannabinoid products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have shown promise in reducing stress-related behaviors in pre-clinical models. Overall, pre-clinical evidence supports CBD as a potential treatment for stress or anxiety disorders resulting from previously stressful events, particularly by reducing fearful behavior and promoting extinction of contextual fear memories, which are hallmarks of PTSD. However, very limited clinical research has been conducted examining the potential effectiveness of CBD in this regard and should be examined further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Lookfong
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Yuval Silberman
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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17
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Cannabis smoking increases the risk of suicide ideation and suicide attempt in young individuals of 11-21 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 153:90-98. [PMID: 35810604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most frequently consumed drug around the world. Its use has been associated with increased suicide behaviors; nonetheless, the association of cannabis smoking and suicide behaviors in adolescents has not yet been established. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the risk of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation or suicide planning in individuals of 11-21 years of age who smoke cannabis. METHODS We performed an online searched using PubMed, EBSCO and Science Direct databases, up to July 2021. We calculated odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association between suicide attempt, suicidal ideation or suicide planning and cannabis smoking in individuals of 11-21 years of age. RESULTS Twenty studies reported suicide attempts in 34,859 young individuals, suicidal ideation in 26, 937 individuals, and suicide planning in 9054 young individuals. We found an increased risk of suicide attempt in cannabis smokers than in non-cannabis users (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.78-3.05; Z p value; <0.0001; I2 = 97.12%), as well as a significant association between cannabis smoking and suicidal ideation (OR: 2.04; 95%CI: 1.64-2.53; Z p value: <0.001; I2: 94.88) and suicide planning (OR: 1.674; 95% CI: 1.554-1.804; Z p value: 0.000; I2: 92.609). Subgroup analyses showed that American teens have an increased risk of suicidal ideation; the meta-regression analysis revealed that age was negatively associated with the risk of suicide attempt. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis shows that cannabis smoking increased the risk of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation and suicide planning in young individuals of 11-21 years of age. The high risk of suicide behaviors could vary depending on the population studied; therefore, more studies are necessary to corroborate the risk of presenting suicide behaviors in individuals of 11-21 years of age who smoke cannabis.
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18
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Effects of endocannabinoid system modulation on social behaviour: A systematic review of animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104680. [PMID: 35513169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
There is a clear link between psychiatric disorders and social behaviour, and evidence suggests the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). A systematic review of preclinical literature was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) and PsychINFO databases to examine whether pharmacological and/or genetic manipulations of the ECS alter social behaviours in wildtype (WT) animals or models of social impairment (SIM). Eighty studies were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using SYRCLE's RoB tool. While some variability was evident, studies most consistently found that direct cannabinoid receptor (CBR) agonism decreased social behaviours in WT animals, while indirect CBR activation via enzyme inhibition or gene-knockout increased social behaviours. Direct and, more consistently, indirect CBR activation reversed social deficits in SIM. These CBR-mediated effects were often sex- and developmental-phase-dependent and blocked by CBR antagonism. Overall, ECS enzyme inhibition may improve social behaviour in SIM, suggesting the potential usefulness of ECS enzyme inhibition as a therapeutic approach for social deficits. Future research should endeavour to elucidate ECS status in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social deficits.
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19
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Murray CH, Huang Z, Lee R, de Wit H. Adolescents are more sensitive than adults to acute behavioral and cognitive effects of THC. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1331-1338. [PMID: 35110688 PMCID: PMC9117219 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01281-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Increased cannabis availability has contributed to increased use with concomitant incidence of adverse effects. One risk factor for adverse drug reactions may be age. There is preclinical evidence that acute effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active constituent of cannabis, are greater during adolescence, but this has not been fully studied in humans. The present study sought to determine whether adolescent men and women are more sensitive than adults to acute THC. Adolescents aged 18-20 (N = 12) and adults aged 30-40 (N = 12), with less than 20 total lifetime uses of THC-containing products, received capsules of THC (7.5, 15 mg) and placebo across three study sessions in randomized order under double blind conditions. During each session, subjective, cardiovascular, behavioral, and EEG measures were obtained. Behavioral measures included Simple Reaction Time, Stop Task, Time Production and N-back and EEG measures included P300 amplitudes during an auditory oddball task and eyes-closed resting state. THC affected subjective state and heart rate similarly in both age groups. However, adolescents were more sensitive to performance impairing effects, exhibiting dose-dependent impairments on reaction time, response accuracy, and time perception. On EEG measures, THC dose-dependently decreased P300 amplitude in adolescents but not adults. Adolescents were more sensitive to behavioral and cognitive effects of THC, but not to cardiovascular effects or subjective measures. Thus, at doses that produce comparable ratings of intoxication, adolescents may exhibit greater cognitive impairment and alterations in brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor H. Murray
- grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Zhengyi Huang
- grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Royce Lee
- grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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20
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Lawn W, Fernandez-Vinson N, Mokrysz C, Hogg G, Lees R, Trinci K, Petrilli K, Borissova A, Ofori S, Waters S, Michór P, Wall MB, Freeman TP, Curran HV. The CannTeen study: verbal episodic memory, spatial working memory, and response inhibition in adolescent and adult cannabis users and age-matched controls. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1629-1641. [PMID: 35486121 PMCID: PMC9110435 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06143-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical and human studies suggest that adolescent cannabis use may be associated with worse cognitive outcomes than adult cannabis use. We investigated the associations between chronic cannabis use and cognitive function in adolescent and adult cannabis users and controls. We hypothesised user-status would be negatively associated with cognitive function and this relationship would be stronger in adolescents than adults. METHODS As part of the 'CannTeen' project, this cross-sectional study assessed cognitive performance in adolescent cannabis users (n = 76; 16-17-year-olds), adolescent controls (n = 63), adult cannabis users (n = 71; 26-29-year-olds) and adult controls (n = 64). Users used cannabis 1-7 days/week. Adolescent and adult cannabis users were matched on cannabis use frequency (4 days/week) and time since last use (2.5 days). Verbal episodic memory (VEM) was assessed using the prose recall task, spatial working memory (SWM) was assessed using the spatial n-back task, and response inhibition was assessed with the stop-signal task. Primary outcome variables were: delayed recall, 3-back discriminability, and stop signal reaction time, respectively. RESULTS Users had worse VEM than controls (F(1,268) = 7.423, p = 0.007). There were no significant differences between user-groups on SWM or response inhibition. Null differences were supported by Bayesian analyses. No significant interactions between age-group and user-group were found for VEM, SWM, or response inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with previous research, there was an association between chronic cannabis use and poorer VEM, but chronic cannabis use was not associated with SWM or response inhibition. We did not find evidence for heightened adolescent vulnerability to cannabis-related cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Lawn
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK.
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - N Fernandez-Vinson
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - C Mokrysz
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - G Hogg
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - R Lees
- Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - K Trinci
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - K Petrilli
- Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - A Borissova
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | - S Ofori
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - S Waters
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - P Michór
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - M B Wall
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Invicro London, Hammersmith Hospital, Burlington Danes Building, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - T P Freeman
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - H V Curran
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
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21
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Coleman JR, Madularu D, Ortiz RJ, Athanassiou M, Knudsen A, Alkislar I, Cai X, Kulkarni PP, Cushing BS, Ferris CF. Changes in brain structure and function following chronic exposure to inhaled vaporised cannabis during periadolescence in female and male mice: A multimodal MRI study. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13169. [PMID: 35470553 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Social norms and legality surrounding the use of medical and recreational cannabis are changing rapidly. The prevalence of cannabis use in adolescence is increasing. The aim of this study was to assess any sex-based neurobiological effects of chronically inhaled, vaporised cannabis on adolescent female and male mice. METHODS Female and male mice were exposed daily to vaporised cannabis (10.3% Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] and 0.05% cannabidiol [CBD]) or placebo from postnatal day 23 to day 51. Following cessation of treatment, mice were examined for changes in brain structure and function using noninvasive multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data from voxel-based morphometry, diffusion weighted imaging and rest state functional connectivity were registered to and analysed with a 3D mouse atlas with 139 brain areas. Following imaging, mice were tested for their preference for a novel object. RESULTS The effects were sexually dimorphic with females showing a unique distribution and inverse correlation between measures of fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient localised to the forebrain and hindbrain. In contrast males displayed significant increased functional coupling with the thalamus, hypothalamus and brainstem reticular activating system as compared with controls. Cannabis males also presented with altered hippocampal coupling and deficits in cognitive function. CONCLUSION Chronic exposure to inhaled vaporised cannabis had significant effects on brain structure and function in early adulthood corroborating much of the literature. Females presented with changes in grey matter microarchitecture, while males showed altered functional connectivity in hippocampal circuitry and deficits in object recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Coleman
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Dan Madularu
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Richard J. Ortiz
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Texas at El Paso El Paso Texas USA
| | - Maria Athanassiou
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal Montreal Québec Canada
| | - Alexa Knudsen
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Ilayda Alkislar
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Xuezhu Cai
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Praveen P. Kulkarni
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Bruce S. Cushing
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Texas at El Paso El Paso Texas USA
| | - Craig F. Ferris
- Center for Translational NeuroImaging Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts USA
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22
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Asth L, Santos AC, Moreira FA. The endocannabinoid system and drug-associated contextual memories. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:90-104. [PMID: 33491992 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Drug abuse and addiction can be initiated and reinstated by contextual stimuli previously paired with the drug use. The influence exerted by the context on drug-seeking behaviour can be modelled in experimental animals with place-conditioning protocols. Here, we review the effects of cannabinoids in place conditioning and the therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system for interfering with drug-related memories. The phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) tends to induce conditioned place preference (CPP) at low doses and conditioned place aversion at high doses; cannabidiol is devoid of any effect, yet it inhibits CPP induced by some drugs. Synthetic CB1 receptor agonists tend to recapitulate the biphasic profile observed with THC, whereas selective antagonists/inverse agonists inhibit CPP induced by cocaine, nicotine, alcohol and opioids. However, their therapeutic use is limited by potential psychiatric side effects. The CB2 receptor has also attracted attention, because selective CB2 receptor agonists inhibit cocaine-induced CPP. Inhibitors of endocannabinoid membrane transport and hydrolysis yield mixed results. In targeting the endocannabinoid system for developing new treatments for drug addiction, future research should focus on 'neutral' CB1 receptor antagonists and CB2 receptor agonists. Such compounds may offer a well-tolerated pharmacological profile and curb addiction by preventing drug-seeking triggered by conditioned contextual cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Asth
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Sim HI, Kim DH, Kim M. Cellular messenger molecules mediating addictive drug-induced cognitive impairment: cannabinoids, ketamine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-022-00408-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cognitive impairment is a commonly reported symptom with increasing life spans. Numerous studies have focused on identifying precise targets to relieve or reduce cognitive impairment; however, its underlying mechanism remains elusive. Most patients or animals exposed to addictive drugs exhibit cognitive impairment. Accordingly, the present review discusses the molecular changes induced by addictive drugs to clarify potential mechanisms that mediate cognitive impairments.
Main body
We investigated changes in cognitive function using four drugs: cannabinoids, ketamine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Chronic administration of most addictive drugs reduces overall cognitive functions, such as working, spatial, and long-term recognition memories. Levels of several transcription factors involved in neuronal differentiation, as well as functional components of neurotransmitter receptors in neuronal cells, are reportedly altered. In addition, inflammatory factors showed a generally increasing trend. These impairments could be mediated by neuroinflammation, synaptic activity, and neuronal plasticity.
Conclusion
This review outlines the effects of acute or chronic drug use and potential molecular alterations in the central nervous system. In the central nervous system, addictive drug-induced changes in molecular pathways associated with cognitive function might play a pivotal role in elucidating the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment.
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Fearby N, Penman S, Thanos P. Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) on Obesity at Different Stages of Life: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063174. [PMID: 35328862 PMCID: PMC8951828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Cannabis sativa plant has historically been used for both recreational and medical purposes. With the recent surge in recreational use of cannabis among adolescents and adults in particular, there is an increased obligation to determine the short- and long-term effects that consuming this plant may have on several aspects of the human psyche and body. The goal of this article was to examine the negative effects of obesity, and how the use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) can impact rates of this global pandemic at different timepoints of life. Conflicting studies have been reported between adult and adolescents, as there are reports of THC use leading to increased weight due to elevated appetite and consumption of food, while others observed a decrease in overall body weight due to the regulation of omega-6/omega-3 endocannabinoid precursors and a decrease in energy expenditure. Studies supported a positive correlation between prenatal cannabis use and obesity rates in the children as they matured. The data did not indicate a direct connection between prenatal THC levels in cannabis and obesity rates, but that this development may occur due to prenatal THC consumption leading to low birthweight, and subsequent obesity. There are few studies using animal models that directly measure the effects that prenatal THC administration on obesity risks among offspring. Thus, this is a critical area for future studies using a developmental framework to examine potential changes in risk across development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Fearby
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
| | - Samantha Penman
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
| | - Panayotis Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(716)-881-7520
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25
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Anxiety and cognitive-related effects of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are differentially mediated through distinct GSK-3 vs. Akt-mTOR pathways in the nucleus accumbens of male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:509-524. [PMID: 34860284 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06029-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for cannabis-related neuropsychiatric side effects, including abnormal affective processing, cognitive and sensory filtering deficits and memory impairments. A critical neural region linked to the psychotropic effects of THC is the nucleus accumbens shell (NASh), an integrative mesocorticolimbic structure that sends and receives inputs from multiple brain areas known to be dysregulated in various disorders, including schizophrenia and anxiety-related disorders. Considerable evidence demonstrates functional differences between posterior vs. anterior NASh sub-regions in the processing of affective and cognitive behaviours influenced by THC. Nevertheless, the neuroanatomical regions and local molecular pathways responsible for these psychotropic effects are not currently understood. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to characterize the effects of intra-accumbens THC in the anterior vs. posterior regions of the NASh during emotional memory formation, sensorimotor gating and anxiety-related behaviours. METHODS We performed an integrative series of translational behavioural pharmacological studies examining anxiety, sensorimotor gating and fear-related associative memory formation combined with regionally specific molecular signalling analyses in male Sprague Dawley rats. RESULTS We report that THC in the posterior NASh causes distortions in emotional salience attribution, impaired sensory filtering and memory retention and heightened anxiety, through a glycogen-synthase-kinase-3 (GSK-3)-β-catenin dependent signalling pathway. In contrast, THC in the anterior NASh produces anxiolytic effects via modulation of protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation states. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal critical new insights into the neuroanatomical and molecular mechanisms associated with the differential neuropsychiatric side effects of THC in dissociable nucleus accumbens sub-regions.
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Kohut SJ, Cao L, Mintzopolous D, Jiang S, Nikas SP, Makriyannis A, Zou CS, Jensen JE, Frederick BB, Bergman J, Kangas BD. Effects of cannabinoid exposure on short-term memory and medial orbitofrontal cortex function and chemistry in adolescent female rhesus macaques. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:998351. [PMID: 36248648 PMCID: PMC9561444 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.998351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim There is increasing concern that cannabinoid exposure during adolescence may disturb brain maturation and produce long-term cognitive deficits. However, studies in human subjects have provided limited evidence for such causality. The present study utilized behavioral and neuroimaging endpoints in female non-human primates to examine the effects of acute and chronic exposure during adolescence to the cannabinoid receptor full agonist, AM2389, on cognitive processing and brain function and chemistry. Materials and methods Adolescent female rhesus macaques were trained on a titrating-delay matching-to-sample (TDMTS) touchscreen task that assays working memory. TDMTS performance was assessed before and during chronic exposure to AM2389, following antagonist (rimonabant) administration, and after discontinuation of the chronic regimen. Resting-state fMRI connectivity and magnetic resonance spectroscopy data were acquired prior to drug treatment, during chronic exposure, and following its discontinuation. Voxels were placed in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), a region involved in memory processing that undergoes maturation during adolescence. Results TDMTS performance was dose-dependently disrupted by acute AM2389; however, chronic treatment resulted in tolerance to these effects. TDMTS performance also was disrupted by discontinuation of the chronic regimen but surprisingly, not by rimonabant administration during chronic AM2389 treatment. mOFC N-acetylaspartate/creatine ratio decreased after acute and chronic administration but returned to baseline values following discontinuation of chronic treatment. Finally, intra-network functional connectivity (mOFC) increased during the chronic regimen and returned to baseline values following its discontinuation. Conclusion Neural effects of a cannabinergic drug may persist during chronic exposure, notwithstanding the development of tolerance to behavioral effects. However, such effects dissipate upon discontinuation, reflecting the restorative capacity of affected brain processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Kohut
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Stephen J. Kohut,
| | - Lei Cao
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Dionyssios Mintzopolous
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Shan Jiang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Spyros P. Nikas
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Chun S. Zou
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - J. Eric Jensen
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Blaise B. Frederick
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Jack Bergman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
| | - Brian D. Kangas
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States
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Mabou Tagne A, Fotio Y, Alan Springs Z, Su S, Piomelli D. Frequent Δ 9- tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during adolescence impairs sociability in adult mice exposed to an aversive painful stimulus. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 53:19-24. [PMID: 34358818 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Early-life exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the intoxicating constituent of cannabis, may produce enduring neurochemical changes in brain structures involved in the regulation of sociality but it is still unclear how such changes influence social behavior later in life. In the present study, we exposed male mice to moderate daily doses of Δ9-THC (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) during adolescence (postnatal day, PND, 30 to 43) and, when animals reached adulthood (PND70), we assessed their performance in the three-chamber social interaction task before and 3 weeks after injection of the chemical irritant formalin (1 % vol, intraplantar), which produces both immediate and persistent pain-related behaviors in mice. Prior Δ9-THC treatment did not alter social interaction in control adult mice but disrupted it in animals that developed lasting sensory abnormalities following formalin injection. The findings suggest that frequent exposure to Δ9-THC during adolescence causes in male mice a dormant dysfunction in social behavior which can be unmasked in adulthood when the animals experience an aversive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Mabou Tagne
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States.
| | - Yannick Fotio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States.
| | - Zachary Alan Springs
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States.
| | - Shiqi Su
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States.
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, United States.
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28
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Stark T, Di Martino S, Drago F, Wotjak CT, Micale V. Phytocannabinoids and schizophrenia: Focus on adolescence as a critical window of enhanced vulnerability and opportunity for treatment. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105938. [PMID: 34655773 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The recent shift in socio-political debates and growing liberalization of Cannabis use across the globe has raised concern regarding its impact on vulnerable populations such as adolescents. Concurrent with declining perception of Cannabis harms, more adolescents are using it daily in several countries and consuming marijuana strains with high content of psychotropic delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These dual, related trends seem to facilitate the development of compromised social and cognitive performance at adulthood, which are described in preclinical and human studies. Cannabis exerts its effects via altering signalling within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which modulates the stress circuitry during the neurodevelopment. In this context early interventions appear to circumvent the emergence of adult neurodevelopmental deficits. Accordingly, Cannabis sativa second-most abundant compound, cannabidiol (CBD), emerges as a potential therapeutic agent to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. We first focus on human and preclinical studies on the long-term effects induced by adolescent THC exposure as a "critical window" of enhanced neurophysiological vulnerability, which could be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and related primary psychotic disorders. Then, we focus on adolescence as a "window of opportunity" for early pharmacological treatment, as novel risk reduction strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, we review current preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of CBD in terms of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms treatment, safety profile, and molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Department of Stress Neurobiology & Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Central Nervous System Diseases Research (CNSDR), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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29
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Abyadeh M, Gupta V, Paulo JA, Gupta V, Chitranshi N, Godinez A, Saks D, Hasan M, Amirkhani A, McKay M, Salekdeh GH, Haynes PA, Graham SL, Mirzaei M. A Proteomic View of Cellular and Molecular Effects of Cannabis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1411. [PMID: 34680044 PMCID: PMC8533448 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa), popularly known as marijuana, is the most commonly used psychoactive substance and is considered illicit in most countries worldwide. However, a growing body of research has provided evidence of the therapeutic properties of chemical components of cannabis known as cannabinoids against several diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and glaucoma; these have prompted changes in medicinal cannabis legislation. The relaxation of legal restrictions and increased socio-cultural acceptance has led to its increase in both medicinal and recreational usage. Several biochemically active components of cannabis have a range of effects on the biological system. There is an urgent need for more research to better understand the molecular and biochemical effects of cannabis at a cellular level, to understand fully its implications as a pharmaceutical drug. Proteomics technology is an efficient tool to rigorously elucidate the mechanistic effects of cannabis on the human body in a cell and tissue-specific manner, drawing conclusions associated with its toxicity as well as therapeutic benefits, safety and efficacy profiles. This review provides a comprehensive overview of both in vitro and in vivo proteomic studies involving the cellular and molecular effects of cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Abyadeh
- ProGene Technologies Pty Ltd., Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW 2113, Australia;
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (N.C.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Joao A. Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 2600, Australia;
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (N.C.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Angela Godinez
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (N.C.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Danit Saks
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (N.C.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Mafruha Hasan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Ardeshir Amirkhani
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - Matthew McKay
- Bowel Cancer and Biomarker Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Ghasem H. Salekdeh
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (G.H.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Paul A. Haynes
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (G.H.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (N.C.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (N.C.); (A.G.); (D.S.); (S.L.G.)
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BIDWELL LCINNAMON, MARTIN-WILLETT RENÉE, KAROLY HOLLISC. Advancing the science on cannabis concentrates and behavioural health. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 40:900-913. [PMID: 33783029 PMCID: PMC9878551 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
ISSUES The Cannabis sativa L. plant contains hundreds of phytocannabinoids, but putatively of highest importance to public health risk is the psychoactive cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is associated with risk for cannabis use disorder, affective disturbance, cognitive harm and psychomotor impairment. Recently, there has been an increase in the use and availability of concentrated cannabis products (or 'concentrates') that are made by extracting cannabinoids from the plant to form a product with THC concentrations as high as 90-95%. These products are increasingly popular nationwide. The literature on these widely available high potency concentrates is limited and there are many unknowns about their potential harms. APPROACH This review covers the state of the research on cannabis concentrates and behavioural health-related outcomes and makes recommendations for advancing the science with studies focused on accurately testing the risks in relation to critical public and behavioural health questions. KEY FINDINGS Data point to unique behavioural health implications of concentrate use. However, causal, controlled and representative research on the effects of cannabis concentrates is currently limited. IMPLICATIONS Future research is needed to explore chronic, acute and developmental effects of concentrates, as well as effects on pulmonary function. We also highlight the need to explore these relationships in diverse populations. CONCLUSION While the literature hints at the potential for these highly potent products to increase cannabis-related behavioural health harms, it is important to carefully design studies that more comprehensively evaluate the impact of concentrates on THC exposure and short- and long-term effects across user groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. CINNAMON BIDWELL
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA
| | - RENÉE MARTIN-WILLETT
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA
| | - HOLLIS C. KAROLY
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, USA,Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
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31
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Ginder DE, Wright HR, McLaughlin RJ. The stoned age: Sex differences in the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on prefrontal cortex structure and function in animal models. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 161:121-145. [PMID: 34801167 PMCID: PMC11290470 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used drug during adolescence, which is a period of enhanced cortical plasticity and synaptic remodeling that supports behavioral, cognitive, and emotional maturity. In this chapter, we review preclinical studies indicating that adolescent exposure to cannabinoids has lasting effects on the morphology and synaptic organization of the prefrontal cortex and associated circuitry, which may lead to cognitive dysfunction later in life. Additionally, we reviewed sex differences in the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure with a focus on brain systems that support cognitive functioning. The body of evidence indicates enduring sex-specific effects in behavior and organization of corticolimbic circuitry, which appears to be influenced by species, strain, drug, route of administration, and window/pattern of drug exposure. Caution should be exercised when extrapolating these results to humans. Adopting models that more closely resemble human cannabis use will provide more translationally relevant data concerning the long-term effects of cannabis use on the adolescent brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Ginder
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - H R Wright
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - R J McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.
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32
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Hernandez CM, Orsini CA, Blaes SL, Bizon JL, Febo M, Bruijnzeel AW, Setlow B. Effects of repeated adolescent exposure to cannabis smoke on cognitive outcomes in adulthood. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:848-863. [PMID: 33295231 PMCID: PMC8187454 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120965931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis (marijuana) is the most widely used illicit drug in the USA, and consumption among adolescents is rising. Some animal studies show that adolescent exposure to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol or synthetic cannabinoid receptor 1 agonists causes alterations in affect and cognition that can persist into adulthood. It is less clear, however, whether similar alterations result from exposure to cannabis via smoke inhalation, which remains the most frequent route of administration in humans. AIMS To begin to address these questions, a rat model was used to determine how cannabis smoke exposure during adolescence affects behavioral and cognitive outcomes in adulthood. METHODS Adolescent male Long-Evans rats were assigned to clean air, placebo smoke, or cannabis smoke groups. Clean air or smoke exposure sessions were conducted daily during adolescence (from P29-P49 days of age ) for a total of 21 days, and behavioral testing began on P70. RESULTS Compared to clean air and placebo smoke conditions, cannabis smoke significantly attenuated the normal developmental increase in body weight, but had no effects on several measures of either affect/motivation (open field activity, elevated plus maze, instrumental responding under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement) or cognition (set shifting, reversal learning, intertemporal choice). Surprisingly, however, in comparison to clean air controls rats exposed to either cannabis or placebo smoke in adolescence exhibited enhanced performance on a delayed response working memory task. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with a growing body of evidence for limited long-term adverse cognitive and affective consequences of adolescent exposure to relatively low levels of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caesar M Hernandez
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Caitlin A Orsini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Shelby L Blaes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Adriaan W Bruijnzeel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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33
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Blest-Hopley G, O'Neill A, Wilson R, Giampietro V, Bhattacharyya S. Disrupted parahippocampal and midbrain function underlie slower verbal learning in adolescent-onset regular cannabis use. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1315-1331. [PMID: 31814047 PMCID: PMC8062355 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Prolonged use of cannabis, the most widely used illicit drug worldwide, has been consistently associated with impairment in memory and verbal learning. Although the neurophysiological underpinnings of these impairments have been investigated previously using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), while performing memory tasks, the results of these studies have been inconsistent and no clear picture has emerged yet. Furthermore, no previous studies have investigated trial-by-trial learning. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the neural underpinnings of impaired verbal learning in cannabis users as estimated over repeated learning trials. METHODS We studied 21 adolescent-onset regular cannabis users and 21 non-users using fMRI performed at least 12 h after last cannabis use, while they performed a paired associate verbal learning task that allowed us to examine trial-by-trial learning. Brain activation during repeated verbal encoding and recall conditions of the task was indexed using the blood oxygen level-dependent haemodynamic response fMRI signal. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in recall score over repeated trials indicating learning occurring across the two groups of participants. However, learning was significantly slower in cannabis users compared to non-users (p = 0.032, partial eta-squared = 0.108). While learning verbal stimuli over repeated encoding blocks, non-users displayed progressive increase in recruitment of the midbrain, parahippocampal gyrus and thalamus (p = 0.00939, partial eta-squared = 0.180). In contrast, cannabis users displayed a greater but disrupted activation pattern in these regions, which showed a stronger correlation with new word-pairs learnt over the same blocks in cannabis users than in non-users. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that disrupted medial temporal and midbrain function underlie slower learning in adolescent-onset cannabis users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Blest-Hopley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Aisling O'Neill
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Robin Wilson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Vincent Giampietro
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, London, UK.
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Morie KP, Potenza MN. A Mini-Review of Relationships Between Cannabis Use and Neural Foundations of Reward Processing, Inhibitory Control and Working Memory. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:657371. [PMID: 33967859 PMCID: PMC8100188 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.657371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is commonly used, and use may be increasing in the setting of increasing legalization and social acceptance. The scope of the effects of cannabis products, including varieties with higher or lower levels of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), on domains related to addictive behavior deserves attention, particularly as legalization continues. Cannabis use may impact neural underpinnings of cognitive functions linked to propensities to engage in addictive behaviors. Here we consider these neurocognitive processes within the framework of the dual-process model of addictions. In this mini-review, we describe data on the relationships between two main constituents of cannabis (THC and CBD) and neural correlates of reward processing, inhibitory control and working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P. Morie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Ruiz CM, Torrens A, Castillo E, Perrone CR, Cevallos J, Inshishian VC, Harder EV, Justeson DN, Huestis MA, Swarup V, Piomelli D, Mahler SV. Pharmacokinetic, behavioral, and brain activity effects of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in adolescent male and female rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:959-969. [PMID: 32927465 PMCID: PMC8115040 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00839-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the intoxicating constituent of cannabis and is responsible for the drug's reinforcing effects. Retrospective human studies suggest that cannabis use during adolescence is linked to long-term negative psychological outcomes, but in such studies it is difficult to distinguish the effects of THC from those of coexisting factors. Therefore, translationally relevant animal models are required to properly investigate THC effects in adolescents. However, though the relevance of these studies depends upon human-relevant dosing, surprisingly little is known about THC pharmacology and its effects on behavior and brain activity in adolescent rodents-especially in females. Here, we conducted a systematic investigation of THC pharmacokinetics, metabolism and distribution in blood and brain, and of THC effects upon behavior and neural activity in adolescent Long Evans rats of both sexes. We administered THC during an early-middle adolescent window (postnatal days 27-45) in which the brain may be particularly sensitive to developmental perturbation by THC. We determined the pharmacokinetic profile of THC and its main first-pass metabolites (11-hydroxy-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC) in blood and brain following acute injection (0.5 or 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). We also evaluated THC effects on behavioral assays of anxiety, locomotion, and place conditioning, as well as c-Fos expression in 14 brain regions. Confirming previous work, we find marked sex differences in THC metabolism, including a female-specific elevation in the bioactive metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC. Furthermore, we find dose-dependent and sex-dependent effects on behavior, neural activity, and functional connectivity across multiple nodes of brain stress and reward networks. Our findings are relevant for interpreting results of rat adolescent THC exposure studies, and may lend new insights into how THC impacts the brain in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Ruiz
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Alexa Torrens
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Erik Castillo
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Christina R. Perrone
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA ,grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Jenny Cevallos
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Victoria C. Inshishian
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA ,grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Eden V. Harder
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Drew N. Justeson
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Marilyn A. Huestis
- grid.265008.90000 0001 2166 5843Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
| | - Vivek Swarup
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA. .,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Stephen V. Mahler
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
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Bielawski T, Albrechet-Souza L, Frydecka D. Endocannabinoid system in trauma and psychosis: distant guardian of mental stability. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:707-722. [PMID: 33656307 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Central endocannabinoid system (eCBS) is a neuromodulatory system that inhibits potentially harmful, excessive synaptic activation. Endocannabinoid receptors are abundant among brain structures pivotal in different mental disorders development (for example, hippocampus, amygdala, medial-prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus). Here, we review eCBS function in etiology of psychosis, emphasizing its role in dealing with environmental pressures such as traumatic life events. Moreover, we explore eCBS as a guard against hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis over-activation, and discuss its possible role in etiology of different psychopathologies. Additionally, we review eCBS function in creating adaptive behavioral patterns, as we explore its involvement in the memory formation process, extinction learning and emotional response. We discuss eCBS in the context of possible biomarkers of trauma, and in preclinical psychiatric conditions, such as at-risk mental states and clinical high risk states for psychosis. Finally, we describe the role of eCBS in the cannabinoid self-medication-theory and extinction learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Bielawski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367Wroclaw, Poland.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Lucas Albrechet-Souza
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA.,Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367Wroclaw, Poland
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Chen H, Wang B, Li G, Steele JR, Stayte S, Vissel B, Chan YL, Yi C, Saad S, Machaalani R, Oliver BG. Brain health is independently impaired by E-vaping and high-fat diet. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 92:57-66. [PMID: 33221488 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco smoking and high-fat diet (HFD) independently impair short-term memory. E-cigarettes produce e-vapour containing flavourings and nicotine. Here, we investigated whether e-vapour inhalation interacts with HFD to affect short-term memory and neural integrity. Balb/c mice (7 weeks, male) were fed a HFD (43% fat, 20 kJ/g) for 16 weeks. In the last 6 weeks, half of the mice were exposed to tobacco-flavoured e-vapour from nicotine-containing (18 mg/L) or nicotine-free (0 mg/L) e-fluids twice daily. Short-term memory function was measured in week 15. HFD alone did not impair memory function, but increased brain phosphorylated (p)-Tau and astrogliosis marker, while neuron and microglia levels were decreased. E-vapour exposure significantly impaired short-term memory function independent of diet and nicotine. Nicotine free e-vapour induced greater changes compared to the nicotine e-vapour and included, increased systemic cytokines, increased brain p-Tau and decreased postsynaptic density protein (PSD)-95 levels in chow-fed mice, and decreased astrogliosis marker, increased microglia and increased glycogen synthase kinase levels in HFD-fed mice. Increased hippocampal apoptosis was also differentially observed in chow and HFD mice. In conclusion, E-vapour exposure impaired short-term memory independent of diet and nicotine, and was correlated to increased systemic inflammation, reduced PSD-95 level and increased astrogliosis in chow-fed mice, but decreased gliosis and increased microglia in HFD-fed mice, indicating the inflammatory nature of e-vapour leading to short term memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Baoming Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, NSW 2037, Australia
| | - Gerard Li
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Joel R Steele
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Sandy Stayte
- Centre for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Health Network Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Bryce Vissel
- Centre for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Health Network Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Yik Lung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, NSW 2037, Australia
| | - Chenju Yi
- Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Sonia Saad
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Rita Machaalani
- SIDS and Sleep Apnea Laboratory, Sydney Medical School (Central), University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Brian G Oliver
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, NSW 2037, Australia.
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Bouet V, Percelay S, Leroux E, Diarra B, Léger M, Delcroix N, Andrieux A, Dollfus S, Freret T, Boulouard M. A new 3-hit mouse model of schizophrenia built on genetic, early and late factors. Schizophr Res 2021; 228:519-528. [PMID: 33298334 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Whether the etiology of schizophrenia remains unknown, its multifactorial aspect is conversely now well admitted. However, most preclinical models of the disease still rely on a mono-factorial construction and do not allow discover unequivocal treatments, particularly for negative and cognitive symptoms. The main interaction factors that have been implicated in schizophrenia are a genetic predisposition and unfavorable environmental factors. Here we propose a new animal model combining a genetic predisposition (1st hit: partial deletion of MAP-6 (microtubule-associated protein)) with an early postnatal stress (2nd hit: 24 h maternal separation at post-natal day 9), and a late cannabinoid exposure during adolescence (3rd hit: tetrahydrocannabinol THC from post-natal day 32 to 52; 8 mg/kg/day). The 2-hit mice displayed spatial memory deficits, decreased cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy of callosal fibers. The 3-hit mice were more severely affected as attested by supplementary deficits such a decrease in spontaneous activity, sociability-related behavior, working memory performances, an increase in anxiety-like behavior, a decrease in hippocampus volume together with impaired integrity of corpus callosum fibers (less axons, less myelin). Taken together, these results show that the new 3-hit model displays several landmarks mimicking negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, conferring a high relevance for research of new treatments. Moreover, this 3-hit model possesses a strong construct validity, which fits with gene x environment interactions hypothesis of schizophrenia. The 2-hit model, which associates maternal separation with THC exposure in wild-type mice gives a less severe phenotype, and could be useful for research on other forms of psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Bouet
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France.
| | - Solenn Percelay
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Elise Leroux
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, EA 7466 ISTS, GIP Cyceron, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Boubacar Diarra
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Marianne Léger
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Nicolas Delcroix
- CNRS, UMS 3408, GIP CYCERON, Bd Henri Becquerel, BP5229, 14074 Caen cedex, France
| | - Annie Andrieux
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sonia Dollfus
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, EA 7466 ISTS, GIP Cyceron, 14000 Caen, France; CHU de Caen, Service de Psychiatrie Adulte, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Thomas Freret
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Michel Boulouard
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
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De Felice M, Renard J, Hudson R, Szkudlarek HJ, Pereira BJ, Schmid S, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. l-Theanine Prevents Long-Term Affective and Cognitive Side Effects of Adolescent Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure and Blocks Associated Molecular and Neuronal Abnormalities in the Mesocorticolimbic Circuitry. J Neurosci 2021; 41:739-750. [PMID: 33268546 PMCID: PMC7842745 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1050-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic adolescent exposure to Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is linked to elevated neuropsychiatric risk and induces neuronal, molecular and behavioral abnormalities resembling neuropsychiatric endophenotypes. Previous evidence has revealed that the mesocorticolimbic circuitry, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and mesolimbic dopamine (DA) pathway are particularly susceptible to THC-induced pathologic alterations, including dysregulation of DAergic activity states, loss of PFC GABAergic inhibitory control and affective and cognitive abnormalities. There are currently limited pharmacological intervention strategies capable of preventing THC-induced neuropathological adaptations. l-Theanine is an amino acid analog of l-glutamate and l-glutamine derived from various plant sources, including green tea leaves. l-Theanine has previously been shown to modulate levels of GABA, DA, and glutamate in various neural regions and to possess neuroprotective properties. Using a preclinical model of adolescent THC exposure in male rats, we report that l-theanine pretreatment before adolescent THC exposure is capable of preventing long-term, THC-induced dysregulation of both PFC and VTA DAergic activity states, a neuroprotective effect that persists into adulthood. In addition, pretreatment with l-theanine blocked THC-induced downregulation of local GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3) and Akt signaling pathways directly in the PFC, two biomarkers previously associated with cannabis-related psychiatric risk and subcortical DAergic dysregulation. Finally, l-theanine powerfully blocked the development of both affective and cognitive abnormalities commonly associated with adolescent THC exposure, further demonstrating functional and long-term neuroprotective effects of l-theanine in the mesocorticolimbic system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT With the increasing trend of cannabis legalization and consumption during adolescence, it is essential to expand knowledge on the potential effects of adolescent cannabis exposure on brain development and identify potential pharmacological strategies to minimize Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced neuropathology. Previous evidence demonstrates that adolescent THC exposure induces long-lasting affective and cognitive abnormalities, mesocorticolimbic dysregulation, and schizophrenia-like molecular biomarkers that persist into adulthood. We demonstrate for the first time that l-theanine, an amino acid analog of l-glutamate and l-glutamine, is capable of preventing long-term THC side effects. l-Theanine prevented the development of THC-induced behavioral aberrations, blocked cortical downregulation of local GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3) and Akt signaling pathways, and normalized dysregulation of both PFC and VTA DAergic activity, demonstrating powerful and functional neuroprotective effects against THC-induced developmental neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Justine Renard
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Brian J Pereira
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
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40
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Stringfield SJ, Torregrossa MM. Disentangling the lasting effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110067. [PMID: 32791165 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance among adolescents, and adolescent cannabis use is associated with various neurocognitive deficits that can extend into adulthood. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that adolescence encompasses a vulnerable period of development where exposure to exogenous cannabinoids can alter the normative trajectory of brain maturation. In this review, we present an overview of studies of human and rodent models that examine lasting effects of adolescent exposure. We include evidence from meta-analyses, longitudinal, or cross-sectional studies in humans that consider age of onset as a factor that contributes to the behavioral dysregulation and altered structural or functional development in cannabis users. We also discuss evidence from preclinical rodent models utilizing well-characterized or innovative routes of exposure, investigating the effects of dose and timing to produce behavioral deficits or alterations on a neuronal and behavioral level. Multiple studies from both humans and animals provide contrasting results regarding the magnitude of residual effects. Combined evidence suggests that exposure to psychoactive cannabinoids during adolescence has the potential to produce subtle, but lasting, alterations in neurobiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra J Stringfield
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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41
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Stringfield SJ, Torregrossa MM. Intravenous self-administration of delta-9-THC in adolescent rats produces long-lasting alterations in behavior and receptor protein expression. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:305-319. [PMID: 33111197 PMCID: PMC7796919 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05684-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Initial exposure to cannabinoids, including Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), often occurs during adolescence. Considerable neurodevelopmental alterations occur throughout adolescence, and the environmental insult posed by exogenous cannabinoid exposure may alter natural developmental trajectories. Multiple studies suggest that long-lasting deficits in cognitive function occur as a result of adolescent cannabis use, but considerable variability exists in the magnitude of these effects. OBJECTIVES We sought to establish a novel procedure for achieving intravenous THC self-administration in adolescent rats in order to determine if volitional THC intake in adolescence produced indices of addiction-related behavior, altered working memory performance in adulthood, or altered the expression of proteins associated with these behaviors across several brain regions. METHODS Male and female adolescent rats learned to operantly self-administer escalating doses of THC intravenously from PD 32-51. Upon reaching adulthood they were tested in abstinence for cued reinstatement of THC-seeking and working memory performance on a delayed-match-to-sample task. In a separate cohort, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and cannabinoid receptor protein expression was measured in multiple brain regions. RESULTS Both male and female adolescents self-administered THC and exhibited cue-induced lever pressing throughout abstinence. THC-exposed males exhibited slightly enhanced working memory performance in adulthood, and better performance positively correlated with total THC self-administered during adolescence. Adolescent THC-exposed rats exhibited reductions in CB1, GABA, and glutamate receptor protein, primarily in the prefrontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus, and ventral tegmental area. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that THC exposure at self-administered doses can produce moderate behavioral and molecular alterations, including sex-dependent effects on working memory performance in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra J Stringfield
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Suite 223, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Suite 223, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Kallianpur KJ, Birn R, Ndhlovu LC, Souza SA, Mitchell B, Paul R, Chow DC, Kohorn L, Shikuma CM. Impact of Cannabis Use on Brain Structure and Function in Suppressed HIV Infection. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCE 2020; 10:344-370. [PMID: 32968547 DOI: 10.4236/jbbs.2020.108022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain atrophy and cognitive deficits persist among individuals with suppressed HIV disease. The impact of cannabis use is unknown. METHODS HIV+ and HIV- participants underwent cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological testing. Lifetime frequency, duration (years), and recency of cannabis use were self-reported. Relationships of cannabis use to resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and to 9 regional brain volumes were assessed with corrections for multiple comparisons. Peripheral blood cytokines and monocyte subsets were measured in the HIV+ group and examined in relation to cannabis exposure. RESULTS We evaluated 52 HIV+ [50.8 ± 7.1 years old; 100% on antiretroviral therapy ≥ 3 months; 83% with plasma viral load < 50 copies/mL] and 55 HIV- [54.0 ± 7.5 years old] individuals. Among HIV+ participants, recent cannabis use (within 12 months) was associated with diminished RSFC, including of occipital cortex, controlling for age. Duration of use correlated negatively with volumes of all regions (most strikingly the nucleus accumbens) independently of recent use and intracranial volume. Recent use was associated with larger caudate and white matter volumes and lower soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations. Duration of use correlated positively with psychomotor speed. Use > 10 times/lifetime was linked to more somatic symptoms, better executive function, and lower CD14+CD16++ monocyte count. CONCLUSION HIV+ individuals demonstrated opposing associations with cannabis. Recent use may weaken RSFC and prolonged consumption may exacerbate atrophy of the accumbens and other brain regions. More frequent or recent cannabis use may reduce the inflammation and CD14+CD16++ monocytes that facilitate HIV neuroinvasion. HIV-specific cannabis studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana J Kallianpur
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Center for Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Rasmus Birn
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lishomwa C Ndhlovu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott A Souza
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
- The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Brooks Mitchell
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Robert Paul
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dominic C Chow
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Lindsay Kohorn
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Cecilia M Shikuma
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Soriano D, Vacotto M, Brusco A, Caltana L. Neuronal and synaptic morphological alterations in the hippocampus of cannabinoid receptor type 1 knockout mice. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:2245-2262. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Delia Soriano
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. 1° Unidad Académica del Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética. Buenos Aires. Argentina. Buenos Aires Argentina
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia Prof. E. De Robertis (IBCN) CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Marina Vacotto
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia Prof. E. De Robertis (IBCN) CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Alicia Brusco
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. 1° Unidad Académica del Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética. Buenos Aires. Argentina. Buenos Aires Argentina
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia Prof. E. De Robertis (IBCN) CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Laura Caltana
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. 1° Unidad Académica del Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética. Buenos Aires. Argentina. Buenos Aires Argentina
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia Prof. E. De Robertis (IBCN) CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina
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De Gregorio D, Dean Conway J, Canul ML, Posa L, Bambico FR, Gobbi G. Effects of chronic exposure to low doses of Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol in adolescence and adulthood on serotonin/norepinephrine neurotransmission and emotional behaviors. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:pyaa058. [PMID: 32725198 PMCID: PMC7745253 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic exposure to the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main cannabis pharmacological component, during adolescence has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidality in humans. AIMS Little is known about the impact of the long-term effects of chronic exposure to low doses of THC in adolescent compared to adult rodents. METHODS THC (1mg/kg i.p., once a day) or vehicle was administered for 20 days in both adolescent (post-natal day, PND 30-50) and young adult rats (PND 50-70). After a long washout period (20 days), several behavioral paradigms and electrophysiological recordings of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) neurons were carried out. RESULTS Adolescent THC exposure resulted in depressive lbehaviors: a significant decrease in latency to first immobility in the forced swim test, increased anhedonia in the sucrose preference test. Decrease entries in the open arm were observed in the elevated plus maze after adolescent and adult exposure, indicating anxiousphenotype. A significant reduction in dorsal raphe serotonergic neural activity without changing locus coeruleus noradrenergic neural activity was found in THC adolescent and adult exposure. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these findings suggest that low doses of chronic THC exposure during the developmental period and adulthood could result in increased vulnerability of the 5-HT system and anxiety symptoms; however, depressive phenotypes occur only after adolescent, but not adult exposure, underscoring the higher vulnerability of young ages to the mental effects of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joshua Dean Conway
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Martha-Lopez Canul
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Francis Rodriguez Bambico
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
- Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Hempel BJ, Melkumyan M, Crissman ME, Winston CA, Madar J, Riley AL. Pre-conception exposure to THC fails to impact nicotine reward in adult offspring. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 197:173001. [PMID: 32710886 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental stimuli in one generation can produce altered behavioral and neurobiological phenotypes in descendants. Recent work has shown that parental exposure to cannabinoids alters the rewarding properties of other abused drugs in the subsequent generation. However, whether preconception Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration modifies the affective properties of nicotine in offspring is unknown. To address this question, male and female rats (F0) received THC (0 or 1.5 mg/kg) throughout the adolescent window and were bred on PND 65. In Experiment 1, adult F1-THC and F1-Veh progeny (males and females) underwent nicotine locomotor sensitization procedures during which nicotine (0 or 0.4 mg/kg) was administered every other day for five exposures, and locomotor activity was recorded on each exposure followed by a final nicotine challenge. There was no cross-generational effect of THC on nicotine locomotor sensitization, although acute exposure to nicotine produced greater activity in females relative to males independent of THC history. In Experiment 2, adult F1-THC and F1-Veh progeny (males and females) were implanted with jugular catheters and trained to self-administer nicotine (0.03 mg/kg/infusion). Following acquisition, all subjects were allowed to self-administer nicotine on a number of reinforcement schedules, e.g., FR2, FR5 and PR, followed by dose response and extinction procedures. Across all indices, F1-THC and F1-Veh subjects displayed similar IVSA of nicotine with no sex differences. The fact that there was no evidence of cross-generational effects of THC on nicotine suggests that such effects are drug-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana J Hempel
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
| | - Mariam Melkumyan
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Madeline E Crissman
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Chloe A Winston
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Jacob Madar
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
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Chye Y, Kirkham R, Lorenzetti V, McTavish E, Solowij N, Yücel M. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Brain Morphology: A Review of the Evidence. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 6:627-635. [PMID: 32948510 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis and cannabinoid-based products are increasingly being accepted and commodified globally. Yet there is currently limited understanding of the effect of the varied cannabinoid compounds on the brain. Exogenous cannabinoids interact with the endogenous cannabinoid system that underpins vital functions in the brain and body, and they are thought to perturb key brain and cognitive function. However, much neuroimaging research has been confined to observational studies of cannabis users, without examining the specific role of the various cannabinoids (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, etc.). This review summarizes the brain structural imaging evidence to date associated with cannabis use, its major cannabinoids (e.g., Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol), and synthetic cannabinoid products that have emerged as recreational drugs. In doing so, we seek to highlight some of the key issues to consider in understanding cannabinoid-related brain effects, emphasizing the dual neurotoxic and neuroprotective role of cannabinoids, and the need to consider the distinct role of the varied cannabinoids in establishing their effect on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Chye
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Kirkham
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eugene McTavish
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia; Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Gibula-Tarlowska E, Wydra K, Kotlinska JH. Deleterious Effects of Ethanol, Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Their Combination on the Spatial Memory and Cognitive Flexibility in Adolescent and Adult Male Rats in the Barnes Maze Task. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070654. [PMID: 32660138 PMCID: PMC7407502 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Research demonstrates that adolescents differ from adults in their response to drugs of abuse. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of ethanol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol hydrochloride (THC), and a combination of these drugs given during adolescence on spatial memory in adolescent and adult rats. Thus, adolescent rats (postnatal day (PND) 30) were subjected to the following groups: 0.9% NaCl; 1.5 g/kg ethanol; 1.0 mg/kg THC; 1.5 g/kg ethanol + 1.0 mg/kg THC. Rats received drug injection four times at three-day intervals. One day after the last injection, half of the treated animals were tested in the Barnes maze task, whereas the remaining animals were tested on PND 70. Results show that there was a significant age effect on spatial memory in the Barnes maze task after these drug administrations. Adolescent animals demonstrated more potent deficits in the spatial learning and memory (probe trial) and in cognitive flexibility (reversal learning) than did adults. However, in adult rats that received these drugs in adolescence, memory decline was observed only after ethanol and ethanol + THC administration. Thus, our results are important in understanding the deleterious impact of THC and/or ethanol abuse during adolescence on memory function across the lifespan (adolescent versus adult).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Gibula-Tarlowska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Karolina Wydra
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Jolanta H. Kotlinska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
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Dunn AL, Michie PT, Hodgson DM, Harms L. Adolescent cannabinoid exposure interacts with other risk factors in schizophrenia: A review of the evidence from animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:202-220. [PMID: 32610181 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many factors and their interaction are linked to the aetiology of schizophrenia, leading to the development of animal models of multiple risk factors and adverse exposures. Differentiating between separate and combined effects for each factor could better elucidate schizophrenia pathology, and drive development of preventative strategies for high-load risk factors. An epidemiologically valid risk factor commonly associated with schizophrenia is adolescent cannabis use. The aim of this review is to evaluate how early-life adversity from various origins, in combination with adolescent cannabinoid exposure interact, and whether these interactions confer main, synergistic or protective effects in animal models of schizophrenia-like behavioural, cognitive and morphological alterations. Patterns emerge regarding which models show consistent synergistic or protective effects, particularly those models incorporating early-life exposure to maternal deprivation and maternal immune activation, and sex-specific effects are observed. It is evident that more research needs to be conducted to better understand the risks and alterations of interacting factors, with particular interest in sex differences, to better understand the translatability of these preclinical models to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel L Dunn
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Priority Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Patricia T Michie
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Priority Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Deborah M Hodgson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Priority Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Lauren Harms
- Priority Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
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Molla HM, Tseng KY. Neural substrates underlying the negative impact of cannabinoid exposure during adolescence. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 195:172965. [PMID: 32526217 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172965] [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: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
As cannabinoid use among the adolescent population becomes widespread with recent legalizations, understanding more about its effects on the developing brain becomes increasingly important. Adolescent cannabinoid use has been shown to elicit both short and long lasting effects on cortical function, in part due to its impact on maturing brain regions including the prefrontal cortex and associated inputs. This paper provides an overview of current state of knowledge on the lasting impact of repeated cannabinoid exposure on behavior and associated neural circuits in adolescents compared to other age groups. Data obtained from human and rodent literature are integrated to discuss potential neural mechanisms underpinning the enduring negative impact of cannabinoid exposure during this sensitive period of brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Molla
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kuei Y Tseng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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50
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Weinstein G, Sznitman SR. The implications of late-life cannabis use on brain health: A mapping review and implications for future research. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 59:101041. [PMID: 32109605 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While medical and recreational cannabis use is becoming more frequent among older adults, the neurocognitive consequences of cannabis use in this age group are unclear. The aim of this literature review was to synthesize and evaluate the current knowledge on the association of cannabis use during older-adulthood with cognitive function and brain aging. We reviewed the literature from old animal models and human studies, focusing on the link between use of cannabis in middle- and old-age and cognition. The report highlights the gap in knowledge on cannabis use in late-life and cognitive health, and discusses the limited findings in the context of substantial changes in attitudes and policies. Furthermore, we outline possible theoretical mechanisms and propose recommendations for future research. The limited evidence on this important topic suggests that use in older ages may not be linked with poorer cognitive performance, thus detrimental effects of early-life cannabis use may not translate to use in older ages. Rather, use in old ages may be associated with improved brain health, in accordance with the known neuroprotective properties of several cannabinoids. Yet, firm conclusions cannot be drawn from the current evidence-base due to lack of research with strong methodological designs.
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