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Péczely L, Dusa D, Lénárd L, Ollmann T, Kertes E, Gálosi R, Berta B, Szabó Á, László K, Zagoracz O, Karádi Z, Kállai V. The antipsychotic agent sulpiride microinjected into the ventral pallidum restores positive symptom-like habituation disturbance in MAM-E17 schizophrenia model rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12305. [PMID: 38811614 PMCID: PMC11136981 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of subcortical D2-like dopamine receptors (D2Rs) can lead to positive symptoms of schizophrenia, and their analog, the increased locomotor activity in schizophrenia model MAM-E17 rats. The ventral pallidum (VP) is a limbic structure containing D2Rs. The D2R antagonist sulpiride is a widespread antipsychotic drug, which can alleviate positive symptoms in human patients. However, it is still not known how sulpiride can influence positive symptoms via VP D2Rs. We hypothesize that the microinjection of sulpiride into the VP can normalize hyperactivity in MAM-E17 rats. In addition, recently, we showed that the microinjection of sulpirid into the VP induces place preference in neurotypical rats. Thus, we aimed to test whether intra-VP sulpiride can also have a rewarding effect in MAM-E17 rats. Therefore, open field-based conditioned place preference (CPP) test was applied in neurotypical (SAL-E17) and MAM-E17 schizophrenia model rats to test locomotor activity and the potential locomotor-reducing and rewarding effects of sulpiride. Sulpiride was microinjected bilaterally in three different doses into the VP, and the controls received only vehicle. The results of the present study demonstrated that the increased locomotor activity of the MAM-E17 rats was caused by habituation disturbance. Accordingly, larger doses of sulpiride in the VP reduce the positive symptom-analog habituation disturbance of the MAM-E17 animals. Furthermore, we showed that the largest dose of sulpiride administered into the VP induced CPP in the SAL-E17 animals but not in the MAM-E17 animals. These findings revealed that VP D2Rs play an important role in the formation of positive symptom-like habituation disturbances in MAM-E17 rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Péczely
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary.
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Daniella Dusa
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Lénárd
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Ollmann
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Kertes
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Rita Gálosi
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Reinforcement Learning Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Beáta Berta
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Szabó
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kristóf László
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Olga Zagoracz
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Karádi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology and Neurophysiology Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Veronika Kállai
- Learning in Biological and Artificial Systems Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Neuropeptides, Cognition, Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, P.O. Box: 99, 7602, Pécs, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Frescura F, Stark T, Tiziani E, Di Martino S, Ruda-Kucerova J, Drago F, Ferraro L, Micale V, Beggiato S. Prenatal MAM exposure raises kynurenic acid levels in the prefrontal cortex of adult rats. Pharmacol Rep 2024:10.1007/s43440-024-00604-6. [PMID: 38789891 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00604-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated brain levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), a metabolite in the kynurenine pathway, are associated with cognitive dysfunctions, which are nowadays often considered as fundamental characteristics of several psychopathologies; however, the role of KYNA in mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to assess KYNA levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of rats prenatally treated with methylazoxymethanol (MAM) acetate, i.e., a well-validated neurodevelopmental animal model of schizophrenia. The effects of an early pharmacological modulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system were also evaluated. METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with MAM (22 mg/kg, ip) or its vehicle at gestational day 17. Male offspring were treated with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 (0.5 mg/kg/day, ip) or with the typical antipsychotic haloperidol (0.6 mg/kg/day, ip) from postnatal day (PND) 19 to PND39. The locomotor activity and cognitive performance were assessed in the novel object recognition test and the open field test in adulthood. KYNA levels in the PFC of prenatally MAM-treated rats were also assessed. RESULTS A significant cognitive impairment was observed in prenatally MAM-treated rats (p < 0.01), which was associated with enhanced PFC KYNA levels (p < 0.05). The peripubertal AM251, but not haloperidol, treatment ameliorated the cognitive deficit (p < 0.05), by normalizing the PFC KYNA content in MAM rats. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that the cognitive deficit observed in MAM rats may be related to enhanced PFC KYNA levels which could be, in turn, mediated by the activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptor. These results further support the modulation of brain KYNA levels as a potential therapeutic strategy to ameliorate the cognitive dysfunctions in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Frescura
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department Emotion Research, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80807, Munich, Germany
| | - Edoardo Tiziani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
- Psychiatric Department, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Psychiatric Department, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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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 projections to mPFC, or via alterations of non-VTA dopamine neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricela X. Martinez
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine. 1203 McGaugh Hall. Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Vanessa Alizo Vera
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine. 1203 McGaugh Hall. Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Christina M Ruiz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine. 1203 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. 1203 McGaugh Hall. Irvine, CA 92697
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Achterberg EJM, Biemans B, Vanderschuren LJMJ. Neurexin1α knockout in rats causes aberrant social behaviour: relevance for autism and schizophrenia. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06559-z. [PMID: 38418646 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06559-z] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Genetic and environmental factors cause neuropsychiatric disorders through complex interactions that are far from understood. Loss-of-function mutations in synaptic proteins like neurexin1α have been linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), both characterised by problems in social behaviour. Childhood social play behaviour is thought to facilitate social development, and lack of social play may precipitate or exacerbate ASD and SCZ. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that an environmental insult acts on top of genetic vulnerability to precipitate psychiatric-like phenotypes. To that aim, social behaviour in neurexin1α knockout rats was assessed, with or without deprivation of juvenile social play. We also tested drugs prescribed in ASD or SCZ to assess the relevance of this dual-hit model for these disorders. RESULTS Neurexin1α knockout rats showed an aberrant social phenotype, with high amounts of social play, increased motivation to play, age-inappropriate sexual mounting, and an increase in general activity. Play deprivation subtly altered later social behaviour, but did not affect the phenotype of neurexin1α knockout rats. Risperidone and methylphenidate decreased play behaviour in both wild-type and knockout rats. Amphetamine-induced hyperactivity was exaggerated in neurexin1α knockout rats. CONCLUSION Deletion of the neurexin1α gene in rats causes exaggerated social play, which is not modified by social play deprivation. This phenotype therefore resembles disinhibited behaviour rather than the social withdrawal seen in ASD and SCZ. The neurexin1α knockout rat could be a model for inappropriate or disinhibited social behaviour seen in childhood mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Marijke Achterberg
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Barbara Biemans
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Louk J M J Vanderschuren
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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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. [PMID: 38190273 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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
| | - Nicholas C Glodosky
- Department of Psychology, 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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Lamanna-Rama N, Romero-Miguel D, Casquero-Veiga M, MacDowell KS, Santa-Marta C, Torres-Sánchez S, Berrocoso E, Leza JC, Desco M, Soto-Montenegro ML. THC improves behavioural schizophrenia-like deficits that CBD fails to overcome: a comprehensive multilevel approach using the Poly I:C maternal immune activation. Psychiatry Res 2024; 331:115643. [PMID: 38064909 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal infections and cannabis use during adolescence are well-recognized risk factors for schizophrenia. As inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) contribute to this disorder, anti-inflammatory drugs have been proposed as potential therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the association between delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and schizophrenia-like abnormalities in a maternal immune activation (MIA) model. Additionally, we assessed the preventive effect of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic/anti-inflammatory cannabinoid. THC and/or CBD were administered to Saline- and MIA-offspring during periadolescence. At adulthood, THC-exposed MIA-offspring showed significant improvements in sensorimotor gating deficits. Structural and metabolic brain changes were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, revealing cortical shrinkage in Saline- and enlargement in MIA-offspring after THC-exposure. Additionally, MIA-offspring displayed enlarged ventricles and decreased hippocampus, which were partially reverted by both cannabinoids. CBD prevented THC-induced reduction in the corpus callosum, despite affecting white matter structure. Post-mortem studies revealed detrimental effects of THC, including increased inflammation and oxidative stress. CBD partially reverted these pro-inflammatory alterations and modulated THC's effects on the endocannabinoid system. In conclusion, contrary to expectations, THC exhibited greater behavioural and morphometric benefits, despite promoting a pro-inflammatory state that CBD partially reverted. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved in the observed benefits of THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Lamanna-Rama
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.; Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés (Madrid) 28911, Spain
| | | | | | - Karina S MacDowell
- CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense (UCM), IIS Imas12, IUIN, 28040 - Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sonia Torres-Sánchez
- CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Juan C Leza
- CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense (UCM), IIS Imas12, IUIN, 28040 - Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.; Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés (Madrid) 28911, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Luisa Soto-Montenegro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.; CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System (NeuGut-URJC), URJC, Alcorcón, Spain.
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Santoni M, Sagheddu C, Serra V, Mostallino R, Castelli MP, Pisano F, Scherma M, Fadda P, Muntoni AL, Zamberletti E, Rubino T, Melis M, Pistis M. Maternal immune activation impairs endocannabinoid signaling in the mesolimbic system of adolescent male offspring. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 109:271-284. [PMID: 36746342 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal infections can increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia in the offspring, especially when combined with other postnatal insults. Here, we tested, in a rat model of prenatal immune challenge by the viral mimic polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid, whether maternal immune activation (MIA) affects the endocannabinoid system and endocannabinoid-mediated modulation of dopamine functions. Experiments were performed during adolescence to assess i) the behavioral endophenotype (locomotor activity, plus maze, prepulse inhibition of startle reflex); ii) the locomotor activity in response to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and iii) the properties of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons in vivo and their response to THC; iv) endocannabinoid-mediated synaptic plasticity in VTA dopamine neurons; v) the expression of cannabinoid receptors and enzymes involved in endocannabinoid synthesis and catabolism in mesolimbic structures and vi) MIA-induced neuroinflammatory scenario evaluated by measurements of levels of cytokine and neuroinflammation markers. We revealed that MIA offspring displayed an altered locomotor activity in response to THC, a higher bursting activity of VTA dopamine neurons and a lack of response to cumulative doses of THC. Consistently, MIA adolescence offspring showed an enhanced 2-arachidonoylglycerol-mediated synaptic plasticity and decreased monoacylglycerol lipase activity in mesolimbic structures. Moreover, they displayed a higher expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1), associated with latent inflammation and persistent microglia activity. In conclusion, we unveiled neurobiological mechanisms whereby inflammation caused by MIA influences the proper development of endocannabinoid signaling that negatively impacts the dopamine system, eventually leading to psychotic-like symptoms in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Santoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Muntoni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Cagliari, Italy.
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Di Bartolomeo M, Stark T, Di Martino S, Iannotti FA, Ruda-Kucerova J, Romano GL, Kuchar M, Laudani S, Palivec P, Piscitelli F, Wotjak CT, Bucolo C, Drago F, Di Marzo V, D’Addario C, Micale V. The Effects of Peripubertal THC Exposure in Neurodevelopmental Rat Models of Psychopathology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043907. [PMID: 36835313 PMCID: PMC9962163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescent exposure to cannabinoids as a postnatal environmental insult may increase the risk of psychosis in subjects exposed to perinatal insult, as suggested by the two-hit hypothesis of schizophrenia. Here, we hypothesized that peripubertal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (aTHC) may affect the impact of prenatal methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) or perinatal THC (pTHC) exposure in adult rats. We found that MAM and pTHC-exposed rats, when compared to the control group (CNT), were characterized by adult phenotype relevant to schizophrenia, including social withdrawal and cognitive impairment, as revealed by social interaction test and novel object recognition test, respectively. At the molecular level, we observed an increase in cannabinoid CB1 receptor (Cnr1) and/or dopamine D2/D3 receptor (Drd2, Drd3) gene expression in the prefrontal cortex of adult MAM or pTHC-exposed rats, which we attributed to changes in DNA methylation at key regulatory gene regions. Interestingly, aTHC treatment significantly impaired social behavior, but not cognitive performance in CNT groups. In pTHC rats, aTHC did not exacerbate the altered phenotype nor dopaminergic signaling, while it reversed cognitive deficit in MAM rats by modulating Drd2 and Drd3 gene expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that the effects of peripubertal THC exposure may depend on individual differences related to dopaminergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Scientific Core Unit Neuroimaging, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 25067 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Samuele Laudani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Petr Palivec
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Carsten T. Wotjak
- Central Nervous System Diseases Research (CNSDR), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Faculty of Medicine, Agricultural and Food Sciences, CRIUCPQ, INAF and Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Claudio D’Addario
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-095-4781199
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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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10
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Guma E, Cupo L, Ma W, Gallino D, Moquin L, Gratton A, Devenyi GA, Chakravarty MM. Investigating the "two-hit hypothesis": Effects of prenatal maternal immune activation and adolescent cannabis use on neurodevelopment in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 120:110642. [PMID: 36150422 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) and chronic adolescent cannabis use are both risk factors for neuropsychiatric disorders. However, exposure to a single risk factor may not result in major mental illness, indicating that multiple exposures may be required for illness onset. Here, we examine whether combined exposure to prenatal MIA and adolescent delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, lead to enduring neuroanatomical and behavioural changes in adulthood. Mice were prenatally exposed to viral mimetic, poly I:C (5 mg/kg), or vehicle at gestational day (GD) 9, and postnatally exposed to chronic THC (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) or vehicle during adolescence (postnatal day [PND]28-45). Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed pre-treatment, PND 25, post-treatment, PND 50, and in adulthood, PND85, followed by behavioural tests for anxiety-like, social, and sensorimotor gating. Post-mortem assessment of cannabinoid (CB)1 and 2 receptor expressing cells was performed in altered regions identified by MRI (anterior cingulate and somatosensory cortices, striatum, and hippocampus). Subtle deviations in neurodevelopmental trajectory and subthreshold anxiety-like behaviours were observed in mice exposed to both risk factors. Sex-dependent effects were observed in patterns of shared brain-behaviour covariation, indicative of potential sex differences in response to MIA and THC. Density of CB1 and CB2 receptor positive cells was significantly decreased in all mice exposed to MIA, THC, or both. These findings suggest that there may be a cumulative effect of risk factor exposure on gross neuroanatomical development, and that the endocannabinoid system may be sensitive to both prenatal MIA, adolescent THC, or the combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Guma
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Developmental Neurogenomics Unit, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Lani Cupo
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Weiya Ma
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Gallino
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luc Moquin
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alain Gratton
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gabriel A Devenyi
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - M Mallar Chakravarty
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory, Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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11
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Adult stress exposure blunts dopamine system hyperresponsivity in a neurodevelopmental rodent model of schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA 2022; 8:30. [PMID: 35338155 PMCID: PMC8956652 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00235-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a major risk factor for the development of both schizophrenia and depression, and comorbidity between the two is common in schizoaffective disorders. However, the effects of stress exposure (i.e. chronic mild stress-CMS) on depression-related phenotypes in a neurodevelopmental model relevant to schizophrenia (i.e. methylazoxymethanol acetate—MAM) have yet to be explored and could provide insight into shared mechanisms of disease. To this end, we combined the prenatal MAM model with adult CMS exposure and explored the resultant pathophysiology using the social approach test (SAT), immobility in the forced swim test (FST) and amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion (AIH) as depression- and schizophrenia-related endophenotypes and performed extracellular recordings of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons. MAM rats exhibited a reduction in social approach and increased VTA DA neuron activity compared to SAL rats or CMS groups. Separate cohorts of MAM animals were subjected to FST and AIH testing (counterbalanced order) or FST only. CMS groups exhibited increased FST immobility. Post-FST, both MAM groups (MAM-CON, MAM-CMS) exhibited blunted locomotor response to amphetamine compared with their SAL counterparts exposed to the same tests. Post-FST, MAM rats exhibited comparable VTA population activity to SAL rats, and CMS groups exhibited attenuated VTA population activity. Apomorphine administration results were consistent with the model suggesting that reductions in VTA DA neuron activity in MAM rats following FST exposure resulted from over-excitation, or depolarization block. These data suggest stress-induced DA downregulation in MAM rats, as FST exposure was sufficient to block the DA hyperresponsivity phenotype.
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12
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Lopes-Rocha A, Bezerra TO, Zanotto R, Lages Nascimento I, Rodrigues A, Salum C. The Antioxidant N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Restores the Behavioral Deficits in a Neurodevelopmental Model of Schizophrenia Through a Mechanism That Involves Nitric Oxide. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:924955. [PMID: 35903343 PMCID: PMC9315304 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.924955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The disruption of neurodevelopment is a hypothesis for the emergence of schizophrenia. Some evidence supports the hypothesis that a redox imbalance could account for the developmental impairments associated with schizophrenia. Additionally, there is a deficit in glutathione (GSH), a main antioxidant, in this disorder. The injection of metilazoximetanol acetate (MAM) on the 17th day of gestation in Wistar rats recapitulates the neurodevelopmental and oxidative stress hypothesis of schizophrenia. The offspring of rats exposed to MAM treatment present in early adulthood behavioral and neurochemical deficits consistent with those seen in schizophrenia. The present study investigated if the acute and chronic (250 mg/kg) treatment during adulthood with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a GSH precursor, can revert the behavioral deficits [hyperlocomotion, prepulse inhibition (PPI), and social interaction (SI)] in MAM rats and if the NAC-chronic-effects could be canceled by L-arginine (250 mg/kg, i.p, for 5 days), nitric oxide precursor. Analyses of markers involved in the inflammatory response, such as astrocytes (glial fibrillary acid protein, GFAP) and microglia (binding adapter molecule 1, Iba1), and parvalbumin (PV) positive GABAergic, were conducted in the prefrontal cortex [PFC, medial orbital cortex (MO) and prelimbic cortex (PrL)] and dorsal and ventral hippocampus [CA1, CA2, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG)] in rats under chronic treatment with NAC. MAM rats showed decreased time of SI and increased locomotion, and both acute and chronic NAC treatments were able to recover these behavioral deficits. L-arginine blocked NAC behavioral effects. MAM rats presented increases in GFAP density at PFC and Iba1 at PFC and CA1. NAC increased the density of Iba1 cells at PFC and of PV cells at MO and CA1 of the ventral hippocampus. The results indicate that NAC recovered the behavioral deficits observed in MAM rats through a mechanism involving nitric oxide. Our data suggest an ongoing inflammatory process in MAM rats and support a potential antipsychotic effect of NAC.
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13
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Ruiz CM, Torrens A, Lallai V, Castillo E, Manca L, Martinez MX, Justeson DN, Fowler CD, Piomelli D, Mahler SV. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of aerosolized ("vaped") THC in adolescent male and female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3595-3605. [PMID: 34495367 PMCID: PMC8665923 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05976-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Adolescent exposure to ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychotropic constituent of cannabis, might affect brain development, and in rodent models leads to long-term behavioral and physiological alterations. Yet, the basic pharmacology of this drug in adolescent rodents, especially when ingested via ecologically relevant routes like aerosol inhalation, commonly referred to as "vaping," is still poorly characterized. Moreover, sex differences exist in THC metabolism, kinetics, and behavioral effects, but these have not been rigorously examined after vapor dosing in adolescents. OBJECTIVES We investigated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of aerosolized THC (30 min inhalation exposure, 25 or 100 mg/ml) in adolescent Wistar rats of both sexes. METHODS Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of THC and its major metabolites was conducted on blood plasma and brain tissue at 5, 30, 60, and 120 min following a 30-min aerosol dosing session. Effects on activity in a novel environment for 120 min after aerosol, and temperature, were measured in separate rats. RESULTS We found sex-dependent differences in the pharmacokinetics of THC and its active (11-OH-THC) and inactive (11-COOH-THC) metabolites in the blood and brain, along with dose- and sex-dependent effects on anxiety-like and exploratory behaviors; namely, greater 11-OH-THC levels accompanied by greater behavioral effects in females at the low dose but similar hypothermic effects in both sexes at the high dose. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a benchmark for dosing adolescent rats with aerosolized (or "vaped") THC, which could facilitate adoption by other labs of this potentially human-relevant THC exposure model to understand cannabis effects on the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Ruiz
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, 2205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - A Torrens
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, 1244 Gillespie Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - V Lallai
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, 2205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - E Castillo
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, 2205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - L Manca
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, 2205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - M X Martinez
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, 2205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - D N Justeson
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, 2205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - C D Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, 2205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - D Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, 1244 Gillespie Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - S V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, 2205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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14
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Reyes-Cuapio E, Coronado-Álvarez A, Quiroga C, Alcaraz-Silva J, Ruíz-Ruíz JC, Imperatori C, Murillo-Rodríguez E. Juvenile cannabidiol chronic treatments produce robust changes in metabolic markers in adult male Wistar rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174463. [PMID: 34478689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychotropic compound derived from Cannabis sativa, for therapeutic purposes is growing exponentially by targeting the management of multiple medical disorders, including metabolic-related diseases. Nevertheless, substantial questions have emerged in concerning the potential metabolic disturbances in adulthood as consequence of the long-term uses of CBD during early years of life. Therefore, we studied whether chronic CBD injections (5, 10 or 30 mg/kg; i.p.) given to juvenile rats (from post-natal day [PND] 30) for 14 days might influence in adulthood the activity of metabolic markers, such as glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides as well as activity of antioxidants (DPPH) from plasma, white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), liver, and hypothalamus. Our results showed that adult rats treated during juvenile ages with CBD (5, 10 or 30 mg/kg) for two weeks increased the contents of glucose whereas with no changes on total cholesterol in adulthood were observed. Additionally, a significant decrease in the levels of triglycerides were found in plasma, WAT, BAT, and liver in adult rats treated with chronic injections of CBD during the adolescence. However, unexpectedly, the contents of triglycerides in hypothalamus were found enhanced. Finally, the DPPH assay showed a significant enhancement in triglycerides analyzed from WAT and liver whereas opposite findings were observed in BAT and no significant changes were found in hypothalamus in adult rats that received during the adolescence chronic injections of CBD. In conclusion, repeated CBD administration to juvenile rats induced significant alterations in multiple metabolic markers analyzed in the adulthood. Our findings highlight the relevance of chronic CBD treatment in disturbed metabolic activity and remark the need for studying the underlying mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Reyes-Cuapio
- Escuela de Nutrición, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac Mayab Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Laboratorio de Neurociencias Moleculares e Integrativas, Escuela de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Anáhuac Mayab Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mexico
| | - Astrid Coronado-Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Moleculares e Integrativas, Escuela de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Anáhuac Mayab Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mexico
| | - Carla Quiroga
- Escuela de Nutrición, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac Mayab Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Laboratorio de Neurociencias Moleculares e Integrativas, Escuela de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Anáhuac Mayab Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mexico
| | - Jocelyne Alcaraz-Silva
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Moleculares e Integrativas, Escuela de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Anáhuac Mayab Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mexico
| | - Jorge Carlos Ruíz-Ruíz
- Escuela de Nutrición, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac Mayab Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mexico; Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eric Murillo-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Moleculares e Integrativas, Escuela de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Anáhuac Mayab Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mexico.
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15
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Effects of Cannabinoid Exposure during Neurodevelopment on Future Effects of Drugs of Abuse: A Preclinical Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189989. [PMID: 34576153 PMCID: PMC8472179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays a central role in the earliest stages of embryonic, postnatal and adolescent neurodevelopment. Aberrant activity of this system at key developmental phases has been shown to affect neural development. The aim of this review is to synthesise and analyse preclinical insights within rodent populations, focusing on the effects that perinatal (embryonic, gestational and early postnatal developmental stages) and adolescent (postnatal day 21–60) cannabinoid exposure impose across time on the subsequent activity of various drugs of abuse. Results in rodents show that exposure to cannabinoids during the perinatal and adolescent period can lead to multifaceted behavioural and molecular changes. In the perinatal period, significant effects of Δ9-THC exposure on subsequent opiate and amphetamine reward-related behaviours were observed primarily in male rodents. These effects were not extended to include cocaine or alcohol. In adolescence, various cannabinoid agonists were used experimentally. This array of cannabinoids demonstrated consistent effects on opioids across sex. In contrast, no significant effects were observed regarding the future activity of amphetamines and cocaine. However, these studies focused primarily on male rodents. In conclusion, numerous gaps and limitations are apparent in the current body of research. The sparsity of studies analysing the perinatal period must be addressed. Future research within both periods must also focus on delineating sex-specific effects, moving away from a male-centric focus. Studies should also aim to utilise more clinically relevant cannabinoid treatments.
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16
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Oleson EB, Hamilton LR, Gomez DM. Cannabinoid Modulation of Dopamine Release During Motivation, Periodic Reinforcement, Exploratory Behavior, Habit Formation, and Attention. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:660218. [PMID: 34177546 PMCID: PMC8222827 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.660218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Motivational and attentional processes energize action sequences to facilitate evolutionary competition and promote behavioral fitness. Decades of neuropharmacology, electrophysiology and electrochemistry research indicate that the mesocorticolimbic DA pathway modulates both motivation and attention. More recently, it was realized that mesocorticolimbic DA function is tightly regulated by the brain's endocannabinoid system and greatly influenced by exogenous cannabinoids-which have been harnessed by humanity for medicinal, ritualistic, and recreational uses for 12,000 years. Exogenous cannabinoids, like the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, produce their effects by acting at binding sites for naturally occurring endocannabinoids. The brain's endocannabinoid system consists of two G-protein coupled receptors, endogenous lipid ligands for these receptor targets, and several synthetic and metabolic enzymes involved in their production and degradation. Emerging evidence indicates that the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol is necessary to observe concurrent increases in DA release and motivated behavior. And the historical pharmacology literature indicates a role for cannabinoid signaling in both motivational and attentional processes. While both types of behaviors have been scrutinized under manipulation by either DA or cannabinoid agents, there is considerably less insight into prospective interactions between these two important signaling systems. This review attempts to summate the relevance of cannabinoid modulation of DA release during operant tasks designed to investigate either motivational or attentional control of behavior. We first describe how cannabinoids influence DA release and goal-directed action under a variety of reinforcement contingencies. Then we consider the role that endocannabinoids might play in switching an animal's motivation from a goal-directed action to the search for an alternative outcome, in addition to the formation of long-term habits. Finally, dissociable features of attentional behavior using both the 5-choice serial reaction time task and the attentional set-shifting task are discussed along with their distinct influences by DA and cannabinoids. We end with discussing potential targets for further research regarding DA-cannabinoid interactions within key substrates involved in motivation and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik B. Oleson
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Lindsey R. Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Devan M. Gomez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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17
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An D, Peigneur S, Tytgat J. WIN55,212-2, a Dual Modulator of Cannabinoid Receptors and G Protein-Coupled Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels. Biomedicines 2021; 9:484. [PMID: 33924979 PMCID: PMC8146939 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The coupling of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, to G protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium channels, GIRK1 and GIRK2, modulates neuronal excitability in the human brain. The present study established and validated the functional expression in a Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system of CB1 and CB2 receptors, interacting with heteromeric GIRK1/2 channels and a regulator of G protein signaling, RGS4. This ex vivo system enables the discovery of a wide range of ligands interacting orthosterically or allosterically with CB1 and/or CB2 receptors. WIN55,212-2, a non-selective agonist of CB1 and CB2, was used to explore the CB1- or CB2-GIRK1/2-RGS4 signaling cascade. We show that WIN55,212-2 activates CB1 and CB2 at low concentrations whereas at higher concentrations it exerts a direct block of GIRK1/2. This illustrates a dual modulatory function, a feature not described before, which helps to explain the adverse effects induced by WIN55,212-2 in vivo. When comparing the effects with other typical cannabinoids such as Δ9-THC, CBD, CP55,940, and rimonabant, only WIN55,212-2 can significantly block GIRK1/2. Interestingly, the inward rectifier potassium channel, IRK1, a non-G protein-coupled potassium channel important for setting the resting membrane voltage and highly similar to GIRK1 and GIRK2, is not sensitive to WIN55,212-2, Δ9-THC, CBD, CP55,940, or rimonabant. From this, it is concluded that WIN55,212-2 selectively blocks GIRK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O & N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, O & N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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18
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Duffy SS, Hayes JP, Fiore NT, Moalem-Taylor G. The cannabinoid system and microglia in health and disease. Neuropharmacology 2021; 190:108555. [PMID: 33845074 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have yielded significant advances in our understanding of microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are key players in CNS development, immune surveillance, and the maintenance of proper neuronal function throughout life. In the healthy brain, homeostatic microglia have a unique molecular signature. In neurological diseases, microglia become activated and adopt distinct transcriptomic signatures, including disease-associated microglia (DAM) implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. Homeostatic microglia synthesise the endogenous cannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide and express the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 at constitutively low levels. Upon activation, microglia significantly increase their synthesis of endocannabinoids and upregulate their expression of CB2 receptors, which promote a protective microglial phenotype by enhancing their production of neuroprotective factors and reducing their production of pro-inflammatory factors. Here, we summarise the effects of the microglial cannabinoid system in the CNS demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis, the neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. We discuss the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in regulating microglial activity and highlight the need to further investigate their specific microglia-dependent immunomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Duffy
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jessica P Hayes
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nathan T Fiore
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Gila Moalem-Taylor
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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19
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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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20
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Poulia N, Delis F, Brakatselos C, Polissidis A, Koutmani Y, Kokras N, Dalla C, Politis PK, Antoniou K. Detrimental effects of adolescent escalating low-dose Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol leads to a specific bio-behavioural profile in adult male rats. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1722-1736. [PMID: 33496341 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Adolescent cannabis use is associated with adult psychopathology. When Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), mainly in high doses, is administered to adolescence rats there are also long lasting effects in adults. This study aims to determine the specific adult bio-behavioural profile after adolescent low-dose THC, which better mirrors adolescent recreational cannabis use. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with escalating low-dose of THC. In adulthood, they were evaluated for their spontaneous locomotion, sensorimotor gating, higher order and spatial cognitive functions. Dopaminergic activity and cannabinoid receptor expression were measured in distinct brain regions. Hippocampal neurogenic activity of neural stem cells was determined and protein levels of neuroplasticity-related biomarkers were quantified. Adolescent low-dose THC exposure increased spontaneous open-field activity, without affecting prepulse inhibition and attentional set-shifting performance. Region-specific dopaminergic alterations and CB1 receptor up-regulation in the prefrontal cortex were observed. Impaired spatial memory, as assessed with the object location task and Morris water maze test, was associated with significantly decreased proliferative activity (SOX2-positive cells), neurogenic potential (decreased doublecortin-positive cells) in the adult hippocampus and defective neuroplasticity, including reduced BDNF expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. KEY RESULTS Our findings reveal the adverse impact of adolescent low-dose THC on the psychomotor profile, dopaminergic neurotransmission, compensatory cannabinoid receptor response, cognition-related neurobiological and behavioural functions. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our adolescent low-dose THC animal model does not induce tangible psychotic-like effects, such as those reported in high-dose THC studies, but it impairs cognitive functions and points to hippocampal vulnerability and disrupted neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafsika Poulia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Brakatselos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexia Polissidis
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Yassemi Koutmani
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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21
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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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22
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Vecchini Rodríguez CM, Escalona Meléndez Y, Flores-Otero J. Cannabinoid Receptors and Ligands: Lessons from CNS Disorders and the Quest for Novel Treatment Venues. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1297:43-64. [PMID: 33537936 PMCID: PMC8502072 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-61663-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The potential use of cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes is at the forefront of cannabinoid research which aims to develop innovative strategies to prevent, manage and treat a broad spectrum of human diseases. This chapter briefly reviews the pivotal role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating the central nervous system and its roles on neurodegenerative diseases and brain disorders. Ligand-induced modulation of cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors to modulate immune response, decrease neurodegeneration and pain are aspects that are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara M Vecchini Rodríguez
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA
| | | | - Jacqueline Flores-Otero
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
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23
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Abboussi O, Andaloussi ZIL, Chris AD, Taghzouti K. Chronic Exposure to WIN55,212-2 During Adolescence Alters Prefrontal Dopamine Turnover and Induces Sensorimotor Deficits in Adult Rats. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:682-690. [PMID: 32757167 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00266-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that chronic exposure to cannabinoids during adolescence may increase the risk of schizophrenia. Studies of the disorder have identified altered cortical dopaminergic neurotransmission. In this study, we hypothesised that heightened endocannabinoid system activation via chronic exposure to a highly potent cannabinoid receptors agonist in adolescent rats would cause long-lasting neurobiological changes that may dramatically alter expression and functions of dopamine metabolising enzymes, comethyl-o-transferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidases MAO-A and MAO-B. To test this hypothesis, adult male rats (70 PND) undergoing chronic treatment of the highly potent and non-selective CB agonist WIN55,212-2 (1.2 mg/kg) during adolescence (PND 30-50) were subjected after 20 days washout period to prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle test (PPI) to confirm cannabinoid-induced sensorimotor-gating impairments and afterwards examined for COMT, MAO-A and MAO-B expression and activity in the prefrontal cortex. Chronic WIN55,212-2 exposure during adolescence caused disruption of PPI, increased cortical dopamine level, decreased COMT mRNA expression and decreased MAO-A and MAO-B enzymatic activities. These results indicate that chronic exposure to cannabinoids during adolescence induces sensorimotor-gating alterations which likely result from changes in the prefrontal cortex dopaminergic signalling. This has important implications for developing methods of targeting dopamine metabolising enzymes and/or sequelae of its dysregulation in cannabinoid-induced schizoaffective-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oualid Abboussi
- Division of Neuroscience, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | - Zineb Ibn Lahmar Andaloussi
- Physiology and Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Genomic of Human Pathologies Research Centre, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Ajonijebu Duyilemi Chris
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Khalid Taghzouti
- Physiology and Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Genomic of Human Pathologies Research Centre, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
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24
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Millie LA, Boehm SL, Grahame NJ. Attentional set shifting in HAP3, LAP3, and cHAP mice is unaffected by either genetic differences in alcohol preference or an alcohol drinking history. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2020; 28:379-387. [PMID: 32150428 PMCID: PMC7390659 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000359] [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: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption may precede, or result from, behavioral inflexibility and contribute to individuals' difficulties ceasing drinking. Attentional set shifting tasks are an animal analog to a human behavioral flexibility task requiring recognition of a previous strategy as inappropriate, and the formation and maintenance of a novel strategy (Floresco, Block, & Tse, 2008). Abstinent individuals with alcohol use disorder, nonalcoholic individuals with a family history of alcoholism, and mice exposed to chronic-intermittent alcohol vapor show impaired behavioral flexibility (Gierski et al., 2013; Hu, Morris, Carrasco, & Kroener, 2015; Oscar-Berman et al., 2009). Behavioral flexibility deficits can be linked to frontal cortical regions connected to the striatum (Ragozzino, 2007), and alterations to the endocannabinoid system, implicated in drug seeking and consumption (Economidou et al., 2006; Serrano & Parsons, 2011), may affect these behaviors. Alcohol-preferring and nonpreferring rodents exhibit differences in CB1 receptor expression (CB1R; Hansson et al., 2007; Hungund & Basavarajappa, 2000), but whether dorsal striatal CB1Rs are important for other alcohol-related behaviors such as attentional set shifting tasks remains unclear. This study assesses whether selectively bred high (HAP) versus low alcohol-preferring mice differ in an operant attentional set shifting task or CB1R levels in the dorsal striatum and whether a history of voluntary alcohol consumption in crossed HAP mice exacerbates inflexibility. Contrary to our hypothesis, neither genetic differences in alcohol preference nor drinking affected set shifting. However, high alcohol-preferring mice-3 mice showed reduced levels of dorsal striatal CB1R compared with low alcohol-preferring-3 mice, suggesting that genetic differences in alcohol consumption may be mediated in part by striatal CB1R. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Millie
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
| | - Stephen L Boehm
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
| | - Nicholas J Grahame
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
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25
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Pérez-Valenzuela EJ, Andrés Coke ME, Grace AA, Fuentealba Evans JA. Adolescent Exposure to WIN 55212-2 Render the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Pathway Activated During Adulthood. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:626-637. [PMID: 32710782 PMCID: PMC7710918 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During adolescence, neuronal circuits exhibit plasticity in response to physiological changes and to adapt to environmental events. Nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways are in constant flux during development. Evidence suggests a relationship between early use of cannabinoids and psychiatric disorders characterized by altered dopaminergic systems, such as schizophrenia and addiction. However, the impact of adolescent exposure to cannabinoids on nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways in adulthood remains unclear. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of repeated activation of cannabinoid receptors during adolescence on dopaminergic activity of nigrostriatal pathways and the mechanisms underlying this impact during adulthood. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 1.2 mg/kg WIN 55212-2 daily from postnatal day 40 to 65. Then no-net flux microdialysis of dopamine in the dorsolateral striatum, electrophysiological recording of dopaminergic neuronal activity, and microdialysis measures of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in substantia nigra par compacta were carried out during adulthood (postnatal days 72-78). RESULTS Repeated activation of cannabinoid receptors during adolescence increased the release of dopamine in dorsolateral striatum accompanied by increased population activity of dopamine neurons and decreased extracellular GABA levels in substantia nigra par compacta in adulthood. Furthermore, perfusion of bicuculline, a GABAa antagonist, into the ventral pallidum reversed the increased dopamine neuron population activity in substantia nigra par compacta induced by adolescent cannabinoid exposure. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that adolescent exposure to cannabinoid agonists produces disinhibition of nigrostriatal dopamine transmission during adulthood mediated by decreased GABAergic input from the ventral pallidum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Javier Pérez-Valenzuela
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile,Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - María Estela Andrés Coke
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anthony A Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - José Antonio Fuentealba Evans
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile,Correspondence: José Antonio Fuentealba, PhD, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile ()
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26
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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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27
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Potasiewicz A, Holuj M, Litwa E, Gzielo K, Socha L, Popik P, Nikiforuk A. Social dysfunction in the neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia in male and female rats: Behavioural and biochemical studies. Neuropharmacology 2020; 170:108040. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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28
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Daniju Y, Bossong MG, Brandt K, Allen P. Do the effects of cannabis on the hippocampus and striatum increase risk for psychosis? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:324-335. [PMID: 32057817 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of psychotic symptoms and in a small number of cases it can lead to psychoses. This review examines the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate the link between cannabis use and psychosis risk. We use an established preclinical model of psychosis, the methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) rodent model, as a framework to examine if psychosis risk in some cannabis users is mediated by the effects of cannabis on the hippocampus, and this region's role in the regulation of mesolimbic dopamine. We also examine how cannabis affects excitatory neurotransmission known to regulate hippocampal neural activity and output. Whilst there is clear evidence that cannabis/cannabinoids can affect hippocampal and medial temporal lobe function and structure, the evidence that cannabis/cannabinoids increase striatal dopamine function is less robust. There is limited evidence that cannabis use affects cortical and striatal glutamate levels, but there are currently too few studies to draw firm conclusions. Future work is needed to test the MAM model in relation to cannabis using multimodal neuroimaging approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Daniju
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - M G Bossong
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - K Brandt
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - P Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, USA.
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29
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Baskaran R, Lai C, Li W, Tuan L, Wang C, Lee LJ, Liu C, Hwu H, Lee L. Characterization of striatal phenotypes in heterozygous
Disc1
mutant mice, a model of haploinsufficiency. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:1157-1172. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rathinasamy Baskaran
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
| | - Chuan‐Ching Lai
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
| | - Wai‐Yu Li
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
| | - Li‐Heng Tuan
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
| | - Chia‐Chuan Wang
- School of MedicineFu Jen Catholic University New Taipei Taiwan ROC
| | - Lukas J.‐H. Lee
- Division of Environmental Health and Occupational MedicineNational Health Research Institutes Miaoli Taiwan ROC
| | - Chih‐Min Liu
- Department of PsychiatryNational Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine Taipei Taiwan ROC
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science CenterNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
| | - Hai‐Gwo Hwu
- Department of PsychiatryNational Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine Taipei Taiwan ROC
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science CenterNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
- Institute of Brain and Mind SciencesNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
| | - Li‐Jen Lee
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
- Department of PsychiatryNational Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine Taipei Taiwan ROC
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science CenterNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
- Institute of Brain and Mind SciencesNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan ROC
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Lecca S, Luchicchi A, Scherma M, Fadda P, Muntoni AL, Pistis M. Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol During Adolescence Attenuates Disruption of Dopamine Function Induced in Rats by Maternal Immune Activation. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:202. [PMID: 31551729 PMCID: PMC6743372 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of prenatal, such as maternal infections, and postnatal environmental insults (e.g., adolescent drug abuse) increases risks for psychosis, as predicted by the two-hit hypothesis of schizophrenia. Cannabis abuse during adolescence is widespread and is associated with increased risk of psychoses later in life. Here, we hypothesized that adolescent Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) worsens the impact of prenatal maternal immune activation (MIA) on ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine cells in rat offspring. Additionally, since substance abuse disorder is particularly prevalent among schizophrenia patients, we also tested how VTA dopamine neurons in MIA offspring respond to acute nicotine and cocaine administration. We used a model of neurodevelopmental disruption based on prenatal administration of the polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid [poly (I:C)] in rats, which activates the maternal immune system by mimicking a viral infection and induces behavioral abnormalities and disruption of dopamine transmission relevant to psychiatric disorders in the offspring. Male offspring were administered THC (or vehicle) during adolescence (PND 45–55). Once adult (PND 70–90), we recorded the spontaneous activity of dopamine neurons in the VTA and their responses to nicotine and cocaine. MIA male offspring displayed reduced number, firing rate and altered activity pattern of VTA dopamine cells. Adolescent THC attenuated several MIA-induced effects. Both prenatal [poly (I:C)] and postnatal (THC) treatments affected the response to nicotine but not to cocaine. Contrary to our expectations, adolescent THC did not worsen MIA-induced deficits. Results indicate that the impact of cannabinoids in psychosis models is complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Lecca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Antonio Luchicchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.,Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Monserrato, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Muntoni
- Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Monserrato, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.,Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Monserrato, Italy
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Adolescent cannabinoid exposure induces irritability-like behavior and cocaine cross-sensitization without affecting the escalation of cocaine self-administration in adulthood. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13893. [PMID: 30224774 PMCID: PMC6141462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use is typically initiated during adolescence and is a significant risk factor for the development of cocaine use in adulthood. However, no preclinical studies have examined the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on cocaine dependence in adulthood using the escalation model of cocaine self-administration and the assessment of negative emotional states. In the present study, we found that exposure to the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) in adolescence produced irritability-like behavior and psychomotor cross-sensitization to cocaine in adolescence. In adulthood, rats were allowed to self-administer cocaine. The acquisition of cocaine self-administration was lower in rats with adolescent WIN exposure compared with controls. However, both WIN-exposed and control rats escalated their cocaine intake at the same rate, had similar responding under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement, and had similar psychomotor responses to cocaine. Interestingly, the increase in irritability-like behavior that was previously observed in adolescence after WIN exposure persisted into adulthood. Whether the persisting increase in irritability-like behavior after WIN exposure has translational relevance remains to be studied. In summary, these results suggest that psychoactive cannabinoid exposure during adolescence is unlikely to have a major effect on the escalation of cocaine intake or the development of compulsive-like responding per se in adulthood in a rat model of cocaine self-administration. However, whether the persisting irritability-like behavior may predispose an individual to mood-related impairments in adulthood or predict such impairments warrants further investigation.
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Bortz DM, Grace AA. Medial septum activation produces opposite effects on dopamine neuron activity in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra in MAM vs. normal rats. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2018; 4:17. [PMID: 30177811 PMCID: PMC6120917 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-018-0059-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The medial septum (MS) differentially impacts midbrain dopamine (DA) neuron activity via the ventral hippocampus, a region implicated in DA-related disorders. However, whether MS regulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) is disrupted in a developmental disruption model of schizophrenia is unknown. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed at gestational day 17 to methylazoxymethanol (MAM) or saline. As adults, NMDA (0.75 µg/0.2 µL) was infused into the MS, and either DA neuron activity in the VTA and SNc (7-9 anesthetized rats per group) or amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion (AIH, 11-13 rats per group) was measured. MS activation produced a 58% increase in the number of spontaneously active DA neurons in VTA and a 37% decrease in SNc in saline rats. However, MS activation produced opposite effects on DA population activity in MAM rats, decreasing VTA DA activity by 51% and increasing SNc DA activity by 47%. MS activation also increased AIH by 113% in MAM rats, opposite of what is seen in intact rats. The effect in behavioral output may be due to disrupted GABAergic regulation of SNc as bicuculline infusion into vSub, which selectively prevented the MS activation-induced decrease in SNc DA activity in intact rats, prevented the increase in AIH and SNc DA activity in MAM rats. These findings demonstrate that the regulation of midbrain DA neurons by the MS is disrupted in this well-validated animal model, suggesting that it could be a potential locus for pharmacological intervention in disorders such as schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Bortz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Anthony A Grace
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
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Mooney-Leber SM, Gould TJ. The long-term cognitive consequences of adolescent exposure to recreational drugs of abuse. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:481-491. [PMID: 30115770 PMCID: PMC6097759 DOI: 10.1101/lm.046672.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
During adolescence, the brain continues to undergo vital developmental processes. In turn, complex behavioral and cognitive skills emerge. Unfortunately, neurobiological development during adolescence can be influenced by environmental factors such as drug exposure. Engaging in drug use during adolescence has been a long-standing health concern, especially how it predicts or relates to drug using behavior later in life. However, recent findings suggest that other behavioral domains, such as learning and memory, are also vulnerable to adolescent drug use. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly apparent that deficits in learning and memory following adolescent drug use endure into adulthood, well after drug exposure has subsided. Although persistent effects suggest an interaction between drug exposure and ongoing development during adolescence, the exact acute and long-term consequences of adolescent drug exposure on substrates of learning and memory are not fully understood. Thus, this review will summarize human and animal findings on the enduring cognitive deficits due to adolescent drug exposure. Moreover, due to the fact that adolescents are more likely to consume drugs of abuse legally available to adults, this review will focus on alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana. Further, given the critical role of the frontal cortex and hippocampus in various learning and memory domains, the impact adolescent use of the previous listed drugs on the neurobiology within these regions will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Mooney-Leber
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Thomas J Gould
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
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Gill KM, Miller SA, Grace AA. Impaired contextual fear-conditioning in MAM rodent model of schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2018; 195:343-352. [PMID: 28927551 PMCID: PMC5854517 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.08.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) rodent neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia exhibits aberrant dopamine system activation attributed to hippocampal dysfunction. Context discrimination is a component of numerous behavioral and cognitive functions and relies on intact hippocampal processing. The present study explored context processing behaviors, along with dopamine system activation, during fear learning in the MAM model. Male offspring of dams treated with MAM (20mg/kg, i.p.) or saline on gestational day 17 were used for electrophysiological and behavioral experiments. Animals were tested on the immediate shock fear conditioning paradigm, with either different pre-conditioning contexts or varying amounts of context pre-exposure (0-10 sessions). Amphetamine-induced locomotor activity and dopamine neural activity was measured 1-week after fear conditioning. Saline, but not MAM animals, demonstrated enhanced fear responses following a single context pre-exposure in the conditioning context. One week following fear learning, saline rats with 2 or 7min of context pre-exposure prior to fear conditioning also demonstrated enhanced amphetamine-induced locomotor response relative to MAM animals. Dopamine neuron recordings showed fear learning-induced reductions in spontaneous dopamine neural activity in MAM rats that was further reduced by amphetamine. Apomorphine administration confirmed that reductions in dopamine neuron activity in MAM animals resulted from over excitation, or depolarization block. These data show a behavioral insensitivity to contextual stimuli in MAM rats that coincide with a less dynamic dopamine response after fear learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Gill
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, USA.
| | - Sarah A Miller
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, USA
| | - Anthony A Grace
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, USA
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Cohen K, Weinstein A. The Effects of Cannabinoids on Executive Functions: Evidence from Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids-A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8030040. [PMID: 29495540 PMCID: PMC5870358 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8030040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background—Cannabis is the most popular illicit drug in the Western world. Repeated cannabis use has been associated with short and long-term range of adverse effects. Recently, new types of designer-drugs containing synthetic cannabinoids have been widespread. These synthetic cannabinoid drugs are associated with undesired adverse effects similar to those seen with cannabis use, yet, in more severe and long-lasting forms. Method—A literature search was conducted using electronic bibliographic databases up to 31 December 2017. Specific search strategies were employed using multiple keywords (e.g., “synthetic cannabinoids AND cognition,” “cannabis AND cognition” and “cannabinoids AND cognition”). Results—The search has yielded 160 eligible studies including 37 preclinical studies (5 attention, 25 short-term memory, 7 cognitive flexibility) and 44 human studies (16 attention, 15 working memory, 13 cognitive flexibility). Both pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrated an association between synthetic cannabinoids and executive-function impairment either after acute or repeated consumptions. These deficits differ in severity depending on several factors including the type of drug, dose of use, quantity, age of onset and duration of use. Conclusions—Understanding the nature of the impaired executive function following consumption of synthetic cannabinoids is crucial in view of the increasing use of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koby Cohen
- Department of Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel.
| | - Aviv Weinstein
- Department of Behavioral Science, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel.
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Aguilar DD, Giuffrida A, Lodge DJ. Adolescent Synthetic Cannabinoid Exposure Produces Enduring Changes in Dopamine Neuron Activity in a Rodent Model of Schizophrenia Susceptibility. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:393-403. [PMID: 29329382 PMCID: PMC5887672 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies recognize cannabis intake as a risk factor for schizophrenia, yet the majority of adolescents who use marijuana do not develop psychosis. Similarly, the abuse of synthetic cannabinoids poses a risk for psychosis. For these reasons, it is imperative to understand the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure in susceptible individuals. METHODS We recently developed a novel rodent model of schizophrenia susceptibility, the F2 methylazoxymethanol acetate rat, where only a proportion (~40%) of rats display a schizophrenia-like phenotype. Using this model, we examined the effects of adolescent synthetic cannabinoid exposure (0.2 mg/kg WIN55, 212-2, i.p.) or adolescent endocannabinoid upregulation (0.3 mg/kg URB597, i.p.) on dopamine neuron activity and amphetamine sensitivity in adulthood. RESULTS Adolescent synthetic cannabinoid exposure significantly increased the proportion of susceptible rats displaying a schizophrenia-like hyperdopaminergic phenotype after puberty without producing any observable alterations in control rats. Furthermore, this acquired phenotype appears to correspond with alterations in parvalbumin interneuron function within the hippocampus. Endocannabinoid upregulation during adolescence also increased the proportion of susceptible rats developing an increase in dopamine neuron activity; however, it did not alter the behavioral response to amphetamine, further emphasizing differences between exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these studies provide experimental evidence that adolescent synthetic cannabinoid exposure may contribute to psychosis in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas,Correspondence: David D. Aguilar, PhD, Boston VA Medical Center, West Roxbury Research, Bldg 3, 2A115 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA, 02132 ()
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas
| | - Daniel J Lodge
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas
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Adolescent cannabinoid exposure effects on natural reward seeking and learning in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:121-134. [PMID: 29022083 PMCID: PMC5790819 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Adolescence is characterized by endocannabinoid (ECB)-dependent refinement of neural circuits underlying emotion, learning, and motivation. As a result, adolescent cannabinoid receptor stimulation (ACRS) with phytocannabinoids or synthetic agonists like "Spice" cause robust and persistent changes in both behavior and circuit architecture in rodents, including in reward-related regions like medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens (NAc). OBJECTIVES AND METHODS Here, we examine persistent effects of ACRS with the cannabinoid receptor 1/2 specific agonist WIN55-212,2 (WIN; 1.2 mg/kg/day, postnatal day (PD) 30-43), on natural reward-seeking behaviors and ECB system function in adult male Long Evans rats (PD 60+). RESULTS WIN ACRS increased palatable food intake, and altered attribution of incentive salience to food cues in a sign-/goal-tracking paradigm. ACRS also blunted hunger-induced sucrose intake, and resulted in increased anandamide and oleoylethanolamide levels in NAc after acute food restriction not seen in controls. ACRS did not affect food neophobia or locomotor response to a novel environment, but did increase preference for exploring a novel environment. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that ACRS causes long-term increases in natural reward-seeking behaviors and ECB system function that persist into adulthood, potentially increasing liability to excessive natural reward seeking later in life.
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Chesworth R, Karl T. Molecular Basis of Cannabis-Induced Schizophrenia-Relevant Behaviours: Insights from Animal Models. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-017-0120-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Rodríguez G, Neugebauer NM, Yao KL, Meltzer HY, Csernansky JG, Dong H. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) administration after neonatal exposure to phencyclidine potentiates schizophrenia-related behavioral phenotypes in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017. [PMID: 28648819 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The clinical onset of schizophrenia often coincides with cannabis use in adolescents and young adults. However, the neurobiological consequences of this co-morbidity are not well understood. In this study, we examined the effects of Δ9-THC exposure during early adulthood on schizophrenia-related behaviors using a developmental mouse model of schizophrenia. Phencyclidine (PCP) or saline was administered once in neonatal mice (at P7; 10mg/kg). In turn, Δ9-THC or saline was administered sub-acutely later in life to cohorts of animals who had received either PCP or saline (P55-80, 5mg/kg). Mice who were administered PCP alone displayed behavioral changes in the Morris water waze (MWM) and pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) task paradigm that were consistent with schizophrenia-related phenotypes, but not in the locomotor activity or novel object recognition (NOR) task paradigms. Mice who were administered PCP and then received Δ9-THC later in life displayed behavioral changes in the locomotor activity paradigm (p<0.001) that was consistent with a schizophrenia-related phenotype, as well as potentiated changes in the NOR (p<0.01) and MWM (p<0.05) paradigms as compared to mice that received PCP alone. Decreased cortical receptor expression of NMDA receptor 1 subunit (NR1) was observed in mice that received PCP and PCP+Δ9-THC, while mice that received Δ9-THC and PCP+Δ9-THC displayed decreases in CB1 receptor expression. These findings suggest that administration of Δ9-THC during the early adulthood can potentiate the development of schizophrenia-related behavioral phenotypes induced by neonatal exposure to PCP in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Rodríguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nichole M Neugebauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Katherine Lan Yao
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Herbert Y Meltzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - John G Csernansky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Hongxin Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Adolescent Exposure to the Synthetic Cannabinoid WIN 55212-2 Modifies Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms in Adult Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2017. [PMID: 28635664 PMCID: PMC5486147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic cannabinoid consumption is an increasingly common behavior among teenagers and has been shown to cause long-lasting neurobehavioral alterations. Besides, it has been demonstrated that cocaine addiction in adulthood is highly correlated with cannabis abuse during adolescence. Cocaine consumption and subsequent abstinence from it can cause psychiatric symptoms, such as psychosis, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. The aim of the present research was to study the consequences of adolescent exposure to cannabis on the psychiatric-like effects promoted by cocaine withdrawal in adult mice. We pre-treated juvenile mice with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN 55212-2 (WIN) and then subjected them to a chronic cocaine treatment during adulthood. Following these treatments, animals were tested under cocaine withdrawal in the following paradigms: pre-pulse inhibition, object recognition, elevated plus maze, and tail suspension. The long-term psychotic-like actions induced by WIN were not modified after cocaine cessation. Moreover, the memory impairments induced by cocaine withdrawal were not altered by previous adolescent WIN intake. However, WIN pre-treatment prevented the anxiogenic effects observed after cocaine abstinence, and led to greater depressive-like symptoms following cocaine removal in adulthood. This study is the first to show the long-lasting behavioral consequences of juvenile exposure to WIN on cocaine withdrawal in adult mice.
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Ruggiero RN, Rossignoli MT, De Ross JB, Hallak JEC, Leite JP, Bueno-Junior LS. Cannabinoids and Vanilloids in Schizophrenia: Neurophysiological Evidence and Directions for Basic Research. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:399. [PMID: 28680405 PMCID: PMC5478733 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of our knowledge of the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia comes from behavioral measures in rodents, like prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle and open-field locomotion, which are commonly used along with neurochemical approaches or drug challenge designs. Such methods continue to map fundamental mechanisms of sensorimotor gating, hyperlocomotion, social interaction, and underlying monoaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic disturbances. These strategies will require, however, a greater use of neurophysiological tools to better inform clinical research. In this sense, electrophysiology and viral vector-based circuit dissection, like optogenetics, can further elucidate how exogenous cannabinoids worsen (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) or ameliorate (e.g., cannabidiol, CBD) schizophrenia symptoms, like hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive deficits. Also, recent studies point to a complex endocannabinoid-endovanilloid interplay, including the influence of anandamide (endogenous CB1 and TRPV1 agonist) on cognitive variables, such as aversive memory extinction. In fact, growing interest has been devoted to TRPV1 receptors as promising therapeutic targets. Here, these issues are reviewed with an emphasis on the neurophysiological evidence. First, we contextualize imaging and electrographic findings in humans. Then, we present a comprehensive review on rodent electrophysiology. Finally, we discuss how basic research will benefit from further combining psychopharmacological and neurophysiological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael N Ruggiero
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus T Rossignoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jana B De Ross
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Joao P Leite
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lezio S Bueno-Junior
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
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Gomes FV, Rincón-Cortés M, Grace AA. Adolescence as a period of vulnerability and intervention in schizophrenia: Insights from the MAM model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 70:260-270. [PMID: 27235082 PMCID: PMC5074867 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of extensive neuroanatomical, functional and chemical reorganization of the brain, which parallels substantial maturational changes in behavior and cognition. Environmental factors that impinge on the timing of these developmental factors, including stress and drug exposure, increase the risk for psychiatric disorders. Indeed, antecedents to affective and psychotic disorders, which have clinical and pathophysiological overlap, are commonly associated with risk factors during adolescence that predispose to these disorders. In the context of schizophrenia, psychosis typically begins in late adolescence/early adulthood, which has been replicated by animal models. Rats exposed during gestational day (GD) 17 to the mitotoxin methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) exhibit behavioral, pharmacological, and anatomical characteristics consistent with an animal model of schizophrenia. Here we provide an overview of adolescent changes within the dopamine system and the PFC and review recent findings regarding the effects of stress and cannabis exposure during the peripubertal period as risk factors for the emergence of schizophrenia-like deficits. Finally, we discuss peripubertal interventions appearing to circumvent the emergence of adult schizophrenia-like deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe V Gomes
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, United States
| | | | - Anthony A Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, United States.
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Renard J, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. What Can Rats Tell Us about Adolescent Cannabis Exposure? Insights from Preclinical Research. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2016; 61:328-34. [PMID: 27254841 PMCID: PMC4872245 DOI: 10.1177/0706743716645288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Marijuana is the most widely used drug of abuse among adolescents. Adolescence is a vulnerable period for brain development, during which time various neurotransmitter systems such as the glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and endocannabinoid systems undergo extensive reorganization to support the maturation of the central nervous system (CNS). ▵-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, acts as a partial agonist of CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs). CB1Rs are abundant in the CNS and are central components of the neurodevelopmental changes that occur during adolescence. Thus, overactivation of CB1Rs by cannabinoid exposure during adolescence has the ability to dramatically alter brain maturation, leading to persistent and enduring changes in adult cerebral function. Increasing preclinical evidence lends support to clinical evidence suggesting that chronic adolescent marijuana exposure may be associated with a higher risk for neuropsychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia. In this review, we present a broad overview of current neurobiological evidence regarding the long-term consequences of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on adult neuropsychiatric-like disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Renard
- Addiction Research Group, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Psychiatry, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Department of Psychiatry, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
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Sigurdsson T. Neural circuit dysfunction in schizophrenia: Insights from animal models. Neuroscience 2016; 321:42-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Lisboa SF, Gomes FV, Guimaraes FS, Campos AC. Microglial Cells as a Link between Cannabinoids and the Immune Hypothesis of Psychiatric Disorders. Front Neurol 2016; 7:5. [PMID: 26858686 PMCID: PMC4729885 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Although several therapeutic options are available, the exact mechanisms responsible for the genesis of these disorders remain to be fully elucidated. In the last decade, a body of evidence has supported the involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of these conditions. Microglial cells play a significant role in maintaining brain homeostasis and surveillance. Dysregulation of microglial functions has been associated with several psychiatric conditions. Cannabinoids regulate the brain–immune axis and inhibit microglial cell activation. Here, we summarized evidence supporting the hypothesis that microglial cells could be a target for cannabinoid influence on psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina F Lisboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Center of Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA , USA
| | - Francisco S Guimaraes
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Center of Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alline C Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Center of Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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