1
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Sayson LV, Ortiz DM, Lee HJ, Kim M, Custodio RJP, Yun J, Lee CH, Lee YS, Cha HJ, Cheong JH, Kim HJ. Deletion of Cryab increases the vulnerability of mice to the addiction-like effects of the cannabinoid JWH-018 via upregulation of striatal NF-κB expression. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1135929. [PMID: 37007015 PMCID: PMC10060981 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1135929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids have exhibited unpredictable abuse liabilities, especially self-administration (SA) responses in normal rodent models, despite seemingly inducing addiction-like effects in humans. Thus, an efficient pre-clinical model must be developed to determine cannabinoid abuse potential in animals and describe the mechanism that may mediate cannabinoid sensitivity. The Cryab knockout (KO) mice were recently discovered to be potentially sensitive to the addictive effects of psychoactive drugs. Herein, we examined the responses of Cryab KO mice to JWH-018 using SA, conditioned place preference, and electroencephalography. Additionally, the effects of repeated JWH-018 exposure on endocannabinoid- and dopamine-related genes in various addiction-associated brain regions were examined, along with protein expressions involving neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity. Cryab KO mice exhibited greater cannabinoid-induced SA responses and place preference, along with divergent gamma wave alterations, compared to wild-type (WT) mice, implying their higher sensitivity to cannabinoids. Endocannabinoid- or dopamine-related mRNA expressions and accumbal dopamine concentrations after repeated JWH-018 exposure were not significantly different between the WT and Cryab KO mice. Further analyses revealed that repeated JWH-018 administration led to possibly greater neuroinflammation in Cryab KO mice, which may arise from upregulated NF-κB, accompanied by higher expressions of synaptic plasticity markers, which might have contributed to the development of cannabinoid addiction-related behavior in Cryab KO mice. These findings signify that increased neuroinflammation via NF-κB may mediate the enhanced addiction-like responses of Cryab KO mice to cannabinoids. Altogether, Cryab KO mice may be a potential model for cannabinoid abuse susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Val Sayson
- Department of Pharmacy, Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Darlene Mae Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacy, Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Raly James Perez Custodio
- Department of Ergonomics, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors—IfADo, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Hyeon Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Cha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam–do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Institute for New Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jae Hoon Cheong, ; Hee Jin Kim,
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jae Hoon Cheong, ; Hee Jin Kim,
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2
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Dos Santos Barbosa LA, Dutra RC, Moreira ELG, de Carvalho CR. β-caryophyllene, a cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist, decreases the motivational salience and conditioning place preference for palatable food in female mice. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13249. [PMID: 36577722 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a cannabinoid receptor CB2 agonist plant-derived terpenoid found in different essential oil plants, including rosemary, black pepper, copaiba and cannabis. It has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status and is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for food use. BCP displays agonist activity on the CB2 receptor and is a potential therapeutic target in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety and drug addiction. Unlike CB1 receptors, activation of the CB2 receptors is devoid of psychotomimetic and addictive properties. In this regard, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of BCP on incentive salience ("wanting") performance and motivational properties elicited by sweetened palatable foods in female Swiss mice. After 9 days of training for incentive salience performance for a sweet reward (hazelnut cream with chocolate), food-restricted mice received a systemic injection of BCP (50 and 100 mg/kg) before testing over 3 days. Moreover, independent groups of female mice were tested on sweet reward-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) for 22 consecutive days. To evaluate BCP effects on the expression of seeking behaviour for sweetened food, mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of BCP (50 mg/kg) 30 min before testing on the CPP task. BCP significantly decreased the incentive performance for a sweet reward compared with the control group in a CB2 receptor-dependent manner. Also, BCP suppressed the expression of sweet reward-CPP. Altogether, these preclinical data demonstrate the potential role of BCP in treating disorders associated with food addiction-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Cypriano Dutra
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.,Laboratório de Autoimunidade e Imunofarmacologia (LAIF), Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Luiz Gasnhar Moreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Ribeiro de Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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3
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Neutral CB1 Receptor Antagonists as Pharmacotherapies for Substance Use Disorders: Rationale, Evidence, and Challenge. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203262. [PMID: 36291128 PMCID: PMC9600259 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) has been one of the major targets in medication development for treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Early studies indicated that rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist with an inverse agonist profile, was highly promising as a therapeutic for SUDs. However, its adverse side effects, such as depression and suicidality, led to its withdrawal from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Consequently, much research interest shifted to developing neutral CB1R antagonists based on the recognition that rimonabant’s side effects may be related to its inverse agonist profile. In this article, we first review rimonabant’s research background as a potential pharmacotherapy for SUDs. Then, we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying its therapeutic anti-addictive effects versus its adverse effects. Lastly, we discuss the rationale for developing neutral CB1R antagonists as potential treatments for SUDs, the supporting evidence in recent research, and the challenges of this strategy. We conclude that developing neutral CB1R antagonists without inverse agonist profile may represent attractive strategies for the treatment of SUDs.
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4
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Ferranti AS, Foster DJ. Cannabinoid type-2 receptors: An emerging target for regulating schizophrenia-relevant brain circuits. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:925792. [PMID: 36033626 PMCID: PMC9403189 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.925792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2) is highly expressed in the immune system, emerging evidence points to CB2 playing a key role in regulating neuronal function in the central nervous system. Recent anatomical studies, combined with electrophysiological studies, indicate that CB2 receptors are expressed in specific dopaminergic and glutamatergic brain circuits that are hyperactive in schizophrenia patients. The ability of CB2 receptors to inhibit dopaminergic and hippocampal circuits, combined with the anti-inflammatory effects of CB2 receptor activation, make this receptor an intriguing target for treating schizophrenia, a disease where novel interventions that move beyond dopamine receptor antagonists are desperately needed. The development of new CB2-related pharmacological and genetic tools, including the first small molecule positive allosteric modulator of CB2 receptors, has greatly advanced our understanding of this receptor. While more work is needed to further elucidate the translational value of selectively targeting CB2 receptors with respect to schizophrenia, the studies discussed below could suggest that CB2 receptors are anatomically located in schizophrenia-relevant circuits, where the physiological consequence of CB2 receptor activation could correct circuit-based deficits commonly associated with positive and cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S. Ferranti
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Daniel J. Foster
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
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5
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Gorberg V, Borisov V, Greig IR, Pertwee RG, McCaffery P, Anavi-Goffer S. Motor-like Tics are Mediated by CB 2 Cannabinoid Receptor-dependent and Independent Mechanisms Associated with Age and Sex. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5070-5083. [PMID: 35666403 PMCID: PMC9363400 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02884-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) inhibits tics in individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS). Δ9-THC has similar affinities for CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors. However, the effect of HU-308, a selective CB2 receptor agonist, on repetitive behaviors has not been investigated. The effects of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI)-induced motor-like tics and Δ9-THC were studied with gene analysis. The effects of HU-308 on head twitch response (HTR), ear scratch response (ESR), and grooming behavior were compared between wildtype and CB2 receptor knockout (CB2-/-) mice, and in the presence/absence of DOI or SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist. The frequency of DOI-induced repetitive behaviors was higher in CB2-/- than in wildtype mice. HU-308 increased DOI-induced ESR and grooming behavior in adult CB2-/- mice. In juveniles, HU-308 inhibited HTR and ESR in the presence of DOI and SR141716A. HU-308 and beta-caryophyllene significantly increased HTR. In the left prefrontal cortex, DOI increased transcript expression of the CB2 receptor and GPR55, but reduced fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6) expression levels. CB2 receptors are required to reduce 5-HT2A/2C-induced tics in adults. HU-308 has an off-target effect which increases 5-HT2A/2C-induced motor-like tics in adult female mice. The increased HTR in juveniles induced by selective CB2 receptor agonists suggests that stimulation of the CB2 receptor may generate motor tics in children. Sex differences suggest that the CB2 receptor may contribute to the prevalence of TS in boys. The 5-HT2A/2C-induced reduction in endocannabinoid catabolic enzyme expression level may explain the increased endocannabinoids' levels in patients with TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gorberg
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Veronika Borisov
- Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Iain R Greig
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Peter McCaffery
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sharon Anavi-Goffer
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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6
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Therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a novel CB1 receptor neutral antagonist, for cocaine use disorder: evidence from preclinical research. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:286. [PMID: 35851573 PMCID: PMC9293959 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02059-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) have been major targets in medication development for the treatment of substance use disorders. However, clinical trials with rimonabant, a CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, failed due to severe side effects. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a neutral CB1R antagonist lacking an inverse agonist profile, against cocaine's behavioral effects in experimental animals. We found that systemic administration of PIMSR dose-dependently inhibited cocaine self-administration under fixed-ratio (FR5), but not FR1, reinforcement, shifted the cocaine self-administration dose-response curve downward, decreased incentive motivation to seek cocaine under progressive-ratio reinforcement, and reduced cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. PIMSR also inhibited oral sucrose self-administration. Importantly, PIMSR alone is neither rewarding nor aversive as assessed by place conditioning. We then used intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) to explore the possible involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine system in PIMSR's action. We found that PIMSR dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-enhanced ICSS maintained by electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle in rats. PIMSR itself failed to alter electrical ICSS, but dose-dependently inhibited ICSS maintained by optical stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons in transgenic DAT-Cre mice, suggesting the involvement of dopamine-dependent mechanisms. Lastly, we examined the CB1R mechanisms underlying PIMSR's action. We found that PIMSR pretreatment attenuated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)- or ACEA (a selective CB1R agonist)-induced reduction in optical ICSS. Together, our findings suggest that the neutral CB1R antagonist PIMSR deserves further research as a promising pharmacotherapeutic for cocaine use disorder.
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7
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De Sa Nogueira D, Bourdy R, Alcala-Vida R, Filliol D, Andry V, Goumon Y, Zwiller J, Romieu P, Merienne K, Olmstead MC, Befort K. Hippocampal Cannabinoid 1 Receptors Are Modulated Following Cocaine Self-administration in Male Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1896-1911. [PMID: 35032317 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is a complex pathology inducing long-term neuroplastic changes that, in turn, contribute to maladaptive behaviors. This behavioral dysregulation is associated with transcriptional reprogramming in brain reward circuitry, although the mechanisms underlying this modulation remain poorly understood. The endogenous cannabinoid system may play a role in this process in that cannabinoid mechanisms modulate drug reward and contribute to cocaine-induced neural adaptations. In this study, we investigated whether cocaine self-administration induces long-term adaptations, including transcriptional modifications and associated epigenetic processes. We first examined endocannabinoid gene expression in reward-related brain regions of the rat following self-administered (0.33 mg/kg intravenous, FR1, 10 days) cocaine injections. Interestingly, we found increased Cnr1 expression in several structures, including prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, dorsal striatum, hippocampus, habenula, amygdala, lateral hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, and rostromedial tegmental nucleus, with most pronounced effects in the hippocampus. Endocannabinoid levels, measured by mass spectrometry, were also altered in this structure. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by qPCR in the hippocampus revealed that two activating histone marks, H3K4Me3 and H3K27Ac, were enriched at specific endocannabinoid genes following cocaine intake. Targeting CB1 receptors using chromosome conformation capture, we highlighted spatial chromatin re-organization in the hippocampus, as well as in the nucleus accumbens, suggesting that destabilization of the chromatin may contribute to neuronal responses to cocaine. Overall, our results highlight a key role for the hippocampus in cocaine-induced plasticity and broaden the understanding of neuronal alterations associated with endocannabinoid signaling. The latter suggests that epigenetic modifications contribute to maladaptive behaviors associated with chronic drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David De Sa Nogueira
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France.,Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Romain Bourdy
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Rafael Alcala-Vida
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Filliol
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Virginie Andry
- Institut Des Neurosciences Cellulaires Et Intégratives (INCI), UPR 3212, CNRS, 8 Allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yannick Goumon
- Institut Des Neurosciences Cellulaires Et Intégratives (INCI), UPR 3212, CNRS, 8 Allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean Zwiller
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pascal Romieu
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Karine Merienne
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mary C Olmstead
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Katia Befort
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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8
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He XH, Galaj E, Bi GH, He Y, Hempel B, Wang YL, Gardner EL, Xi ZX. β-caryophyllene, an FDA-Approved Food Additive, Inhibits Methamphetamine-Taking and Methamphetamine-Seeking Behaviors Possibly via CB2 and Non-CB2 Receptor Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:722476. [PMID: 34566647 PMCID: PMC8458938 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.722476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research indicates that brain cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in drug reward and addiction. However, it is unclear whether β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural product with a CB2 receptor agonist profile, has therapeutic effects on methamphetamine (METH) abuse and dependence. In this study, we used animal models of self-administration, electrical brain-stimulation reward (BSR) and in vivo microdialysis to explore the effects of BCP on METH-taking and METH-seeking behavior. We found that systemic administration of BCP dose-dependently inhibited METH self-administration under both fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules in rats, indicating that BCP reduces METH reward, METH intake, and incentive motivation to seek and take METH. The attenuating effects of BCP were partially blocked by AM 630, a selective CB2 receptor antagonist. Genetic deletion of CB2 receptors in CB2-knockout (CB2-KO) mice also blocked low dose BCP-induced reduction in METH self-administration, suggesting possible involvement of a CB2 receptor mechanism. However, at high doses, BCP produced a reduction in METH self-administration in CB2-KO mice in a manner similar as in WT mice, suggesting that non-CB2 receptor mechanisms underlie high dose BCP-produced effects. In addition, BCP dose-dependently attenuated METH-enhanced electrical BSR and inhibited METH-primed and cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking in rats. In vivo microdialysis assays indicated that BCP alone did not produce a significant reduction in extracellular dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), while BCP pretreatment significantly reduced METH-induced increases in extracellular NAc DA in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting a DA-dependent mechanism involved in BCP action. Together, the present findings suggest that BCP might be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of METH use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Hu He
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Ewa Galaj
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yi He
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Briana Hempel
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yan-Lin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Eliot L Gardner
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
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9
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Galaj E, Bi GH, Moore A, Chen K, He Y, Gardner E, Xi ZX. Beta-caryophyllene inhibits cocaine addiction-related behavior by activation of PPARα and PPARγ: repurposing a FDA-approved food additive for cocaine use disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:860-870. [PMID: 33069159 PMCID: PMC8026612 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00885-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine abuse continues to be a serious health problem worldwide. Despite intense research, there is still no FDA-approved medication to treat cocaine use disorder (CUD). In this report, we explored the potential utility of beta-caryophyllene (BCP), an FDA-approved food additive for the treatment of CUD. We found that BCP, when administered intraperitoneally or intragastrically, dose-dependently attenuated cocaine self-administration, cocaine-conditioned place preference, and cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug seeking in rats. In contrast, BCP failed to alter food self-administration or cocaine-induced hyperactivity. It also failed to maintain self-administration in a drug substitution test, suggesting that BCP has no abuse potential. BCP was previously reported to be a selective CB2 receptor agonist. Unexpectedly, pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of CB1, CB2, or GPR55 receptors in gene-knockout mice failed to alter BCP's action against cocaine self-administration, suggesting the involvement of non-CB1, non-CB2, and non-GPR55 receptor mechanisms. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of μ opioid receptor or Toll-like receptors complex failed to alter, while blockade of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα, PPARγ) reversed BCP-induced reduction in cocaine self-administration, suggesting the involvement of PPARα and PPARγ in BCP's action. Finally, we used electrical and optogenetic intracranial self-stimulation (eICSS, oICSS) paradigms to study the underlying neural substrate mechanisms. We found that BCP is more effective in attenuation of cocaine-enhanced oICSS than eICSS, the former driven by optical activation of midbrain dopamine neurons in DAT-cre mice. These findings indicate that BCP may be useful for the treatment of CUD, likely by stimulation of PPARα and PPARγ in the mesolimbic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Allamar Moore
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Neuropychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Kai Chen
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA ,grid.413247.7Present Address: Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071 China
| | - Yi He
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Present Address: Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA
| | - Eliot Gardner
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Neuropychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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10
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Vorhees CV, Williams MT, Hawkey AB, Levin ED. Translating Neurobehavioral Toxicity Across Species From Zebrafish to Rats to Humans: Implications for Risk Assessment. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:629229. [PMID: 35295117 PMCID: PMC8915800 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.629229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a spectrum of approaches to neurotoxicological science from high-throughput in vitro cell-based assays, through a variety of experimental animal models to human epidemiological and clinical studies. Each level of analysis has its own advantages and limitations. Experimental animal models give essential information for neurobehavioral toxicology, providing cause-and-effect information regarding risks of neurobehavioral dysfunction caused by toxicant exposure. Human epidemiological and clinical studies give the closest information to characterizing human risk, but without randomized treatment of subjects to different toxicant doses can only give information about association between toxicant exposure and neurobehavioral impairment. In vitro methods give much needed high throughput for many chemicals and mixtures but cannot provide information about toxicant impacts on behavioral function. Crucial to the utility of experimental animal model studies is cross-species translation. This is vital for both risk assessment and mechanistic determination. Interspecies extrapolation is important to characterize from experimental animal models to humans and between different experimental animal models. This article reviews the literature concerning extrapolation of neurobehavioral toxicology from established rat models to humans and from zebrafish a newer experimental model to rats. The functions covered include locomotor activity, emotion, and cognition and the neurotoxicants covered include pesticides, metals, drugs of abuse, flame retardants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. With more complete understanding of the strengths and limitations of interspecies translation, we can better use animal models to protect humans from neurobehavioral toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles V. Vorhees
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Michael T. Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Andrew B. Hawkey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Edward D. Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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11
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Li X, Hempel BJ, Yang HJ, Han X, Bi GH, Gardner EL, Xi ZX. Dissecting the role of CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in cannabinoid reward versus aversion using transgenic CB 1- and CB 2-knockout mice. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 43:38-51. [PMID: 33334652 PMCID: PMC7854511 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids produce both rewarding and aversive effects in humans and experimental animals. However, the mechanisms underlying these conflicting findings are unclear. Here we examined the potential involvement of CB1 and CB2 receptors in cannabinoid action using transgenic CB1-knockout (CB1-KO) and CB2-knockout (CB2-KO) mice. We found that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) induced conditioned place preference at a low dose (1 mg/kg) in WT mice that was attenuated by deletion of the CB1 receptor. At 5 mg/kg, no subjective effects of Δ9-THC were detected in WT mice, but CB1-KO mice exhibited a trend towards place aversion and CB2-KO mice developed significant place preferences. This data suggests that activation of the CB1 receptor is rewarding, while CB2R activation is aversive. We then examined the nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine (DA) response to Δ9-THC using in vivo microdialysis. Unexpectedly, Δ9-THC produced a dose-dependent decrease in extracellular DA in WT mice, that was potentiated in CB1-KO mice. However, in CB2-KO mice Δ9-THC produced a dose-dependent increase in extracellular DA, suggesting that activation of the CB2R inhibits DA release in the NAc. In contrast, Δ9-THC, when administered systemically or locally into the NAc, failed to alter extracellular DA in rats. Lastly, we examined the locomotor response to Δ9-THC. Both CB1 and CB2 receptor mechanisms were shown to underlie Δ9-THC-induced hypolocomotion. These findings indicate that Δ9-THC's variable subjective effects reflect differential activation of cannabinoid receptors. Specifically, the opposing actions of CB1 and CB2 receptors regulate cannabis reward and aversion, with CB2-mediated effects predominant in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Briana J Hempel
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Hong-Ju Yang
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Eliot L Gardner
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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12
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Jordan CJ, Feng ZW, Galaj E, Bi GH, Xue Y, Liang Y, McGuire T, Xie XQ, Xi ZX. Xie2-64, a novel CB 2 receptor inverse agonist, reduces cocaine abuse-related behaviors in rodents. Neuropharmacology 2020; 176:108241. [PMID: 32712273 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine abuse remains a public health threat around the world. There are no pharmacological treatments approved for cocaine use disorder. Cannabis has received growing attention as a treatment for many conditions, including addiction. Most cannabis-based medication development has focused on cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonists (and also inverse agonists) such as rimonabant, but clinical trials with rimonabant have failed due to its significant side-effects. Here we sought to determine whether a novel and selective CB2R inverse agonist, Xie2-64, has similar therapeutic potential for cocaine use disorder. Computational modeling indicated that Xie2-64 binds to CB2R in a way similar to SR144528, another well-characterized but less selective CB2R antagonist/inverse agonist, suggesting that Xie2-64 may also have CB2R antagonist profiles. Unexpectedly, systemic administration of Xie2-64 or SR144528 dose-dependently inhibited intravenous cocaine self-administration and shifted cocaine dose-response curves downward in rats and wild-type, but not in CB2R-knockout, mice. Xie2-64 also dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-enhanced brain-stimulation reward maintained by optical stimulation of ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) neurons in DAT-Cre mice, while Xie2-64 or SR144528 alone inhibited optical brain-stimulation reward. In vivo microdialysis revealed that systemic or local administration of Xie2-64 into the nucleus accumbens reduced extracellular dopamine levels in a dose-dependent manner in rats. Together, these results suggest that Xie2-64 has significant anti-cocaine reward effects likely through a dopamine-dependent mechanism, and therefore, deserves further study as a new pharmacotherapy for cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Jordan
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zhi-Wei Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; NIDA National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ying Xue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; NIDA National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Ying Liang
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Terence McGuire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; NIDA National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Xiang-Qun Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computational Chemical Genomics Screen (CCGS) Center and Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; NIDA National Center of Excellence for Computational Drug Abuse Research (CDAR), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Drug Discovery Institute; Departments of Computational Biology and of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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13
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Iyer V, Slivicki RA, Thomaz AC, Crystal JD, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. The cannabinoid CB 2 receptor agonist LY2828360 synergizes with morphine to suppress neuropathic nociception and attenuates morphine reward and physical dependence. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 886:173544. [PMID: 32896549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The opioid crisis has underscored the urgent need to identify safe and effective therapeutic strategies to overcome opioid-induced liabilities. We recently reported that LY2828360, a slowly signaling G protein-biased cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist, suppresses neuropathic nociception and attenuates the development of tolerance to the opioid analgesic morphine in paclitaxel-treated mice. Whether beneficial effects of LY2828360 are dependent upon the presence of a pathological pain state are unknown and its impact on unwanted opioid-induced side-effects have never been investigated. Here, we asked whether LY2828360 would produce synergistic anti-allodynic effects with morphine in a paclitaxel model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and characterized its impact on opioid-induced reward and other unwanted side-effects associated with chronic opioid administration. Isobolographic analysis revealed that combinations of LY2828360 and morphine produced synergistic anti-allodynic effects in suppressing paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia. In wildtype (WT) mice, LY2828360 blocked morphine-induced reward in a conditioned place preference assay without producing reward or aversion when administered alone. The LY2828360-induced attenuation of morphine-induced reward was absent in CB2 knockout (CB2KO) mice. In the absence of a neuropathic pain state, LY2828360 partially attenuated naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal in morphine-dependent WT mice, and this withdrawal was itself markedly exacerbated in CB2KO mice. Moreover, LY2828360 did not reliably alter morphine-induced slowing of colonic transit or attenuate tolerance to morphine antinociceptive efficacy in the hot plate test of acute nociception. Our results suggest that cannabinoid CB2 receptor activation enhances the therapeutic properties of opioids while attenuating unwanted side-effects such as reward and dependence that occur with sustained opioid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakh Iyer
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Richard A Slivicki
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ana C Thomaz
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Genome, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jonathon D Crystal
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Genome, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Genome, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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14
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Bi GH, Galaj E, He Y, Xi ZX. Cannabidiol inhibits sucrose self-administration by CB1 and CB2 receptor mechanisms in rodents. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12783. [PMID: 31215752 PMCID: PMC6920611 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of studies suggest therapeutic applications of cannabidiol (CBD), a recently U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for epilepsy, in treatment of many other neuropsychological disorders. However, pharmacological action and the mechanisms by which CBD exerts its effects are not fully understood. Here, we examined the effects of CBD on oral sucrose self-administration in rodents and explored the receptor mechanisms underlying CBD-induced behavioral effects using pharmacological and transgenic approaches. Systemic administration of CBD (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, ip) produced a dose-dependent reduction in sucrose self-administration in rats and in wild-type (WT) and CB1-/- mice but not in CB2-/- mice. CBD appeared to be more efficacious in CB1-/- mice than in WT mice. Similarly, pretreatment with AM251, a CB1R antagonist, potentiated, while AM630, a selective CB2R antagonist, blocked CBD-induced reduction in sucrose self-administration, suggesting the involvement of CB1 and CB2 receptors. Furthermore, systemic administration of JWH133, a selective CB2R agonist, also produced a dose-dependent reduction in sucrose self-administration in WT and CB1-/- mice, but not in CB2-/- mice. Pretreatment with AM251 enhanced, while AM630 blocked JWH133-induced reduction in sucrose self-administration in WT mice, suggesting that CBD inhibits sucrose self-administration likely by CB1 receptor antagonism and CB2 receptor agonism. Taken together, the present findings suggest that CBD may have therapeutic potential in reducing binge eating and the development of obesity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Cannabidiol/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Feeding Behavior/drug effects
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Rats
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Self Administration
- Sucrose/administration & dosage
- Sweetening Agents/administration & dosage
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Bi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yi He
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland
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15
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Galaj E, Bi GH, Yang HJ, Xi ZX. Cannabidiol attenuates the rewarding effects of cocaine in rats by CB2, 5-HT 1A and TRPV1 receptor mechanisms. Neuropharmacology 2020; 167:107740. [PMID: 31437433 PMCID: PMC7493134 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine abuse continues to be a serious health problem worldwide. Despite intense research there is currently no FDA-approved medication to treat cocaine use disorder. The recent search has been focused on agents targeting primarily the dopamine system, while limited success has been achieved at the clinical level. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a U.S. FDA-approved cannabinoid for the treatment of epilepsy and recently was reported to have therapeutic potential for other disorders. Here we systemically evaluated its potential utility for the treatment of cocaine use disorder and explored the underlying receptor mechanisms in experimental animals. Systemic administration (10-40 mg/kg) of CBD dose-dependently inhibited cocaine self-administration, shifted a cocaine dose-response curve downward, and lowered break-points for cocaine self-administration under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement. CBD inhibited cocaine self-administration maintained by low, but not high, doses of cocaine. In addition, CBD (3-20 mg/kg) dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-enhanced brain-stimulation reward (BSR) in rats. Strikingly, this reduction in both cocaine self-administration and BSR was blocked by AM630 (a cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist), WAY100135 (a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist), or capsazepine (a TRPV1 channel blocker), but not by AM251 (a CB1 receptor antagonist), CID16020046 (a GPR55 antagonist), or naloxone (an opioid receptor antagonist), suggesting the involvement of CB2, 5-HT1A, and TRPV1 receptors in CBD action. In vivo microdialysis indicated that pretreatment with CBD (10-20 mg/kg) attenuated cocaine-induced increases in extracellular dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens, while CBD alone failed to alter extracellular DA. These findings suggest that CBD may have certain therapeutic utility by blunting the acute rewarding effects of cocaine via a DA-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Hong-Ju Yang
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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16
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D3 dopamine receptors and a missense mutation of fatty acid amide hydrolase linked in mouse and men: implication for addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:745-752. [PMID: 31775159 PMCID: PMC7075906 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0580-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems have independently been implicated in substance use disorder and obesity. We investigated a potential interaction between genetically inherited variation in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH, C385A), which metabolizes the cannabis-like endocannabinoid anandamide, and dopaminergic system, measured by dopamine receptor levels and mRNA. Binding of the dopamine D3 preferring probe [C-11]-(+)-PHNO was measured with positron emission tomography (PET) in 79 human subjects genotyped for the FAAH C385A polymorphism (36/79 AC + AA). Autoradiography with [H-3]-(+)-PHNO and in situ hybridization with a D3-specific S-35 riboprobe were carried out in 30 knock-in mice with the FAAH C385A polymorphism (20/30 AC + AA). We found that the FAAH genetic variant C385A was associated with significantly higher (+)-PHNO binding in both humans and in knock-in mice, and this effect was restricted to D3 selective brain regions (limbic striatum, globus pallidus, and ventral pallidum (9-14%; p < 0.04) in humans and Islands of Calleja (28%; p = 0.036) in mice). In situ hybridization with a D3-specific S-35 riboprobe in FAAH knock-in C385A mice confirmed significantly increased D3 receptor mRNA across examined regions (7-44%; p < 0.02). The association of reduced FAAH function with higher dopamine D3 receptors in human and mouse brain provide a mechanistic link between two brain systems that have been implicated in addiction-risk. This may explain the greater vulnerability for addiction and obesity in individuals with C385A genetic variant and by extension, suggest that a D3 antagonism strategy in substance use disorders should consider FAAH C385A polymorphism.
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17
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Lopes JB, Bastos JR, Costa RB, Aguiar DC, Moreira FA. The roles of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:385-394. [PMID: 31667531 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05370-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cocaine is a psychostimulant drug that facilitates monoaminergic neurotransmission. The endocannabinoid system, comprising the cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), the endocannabinoids, and their metabolizing-enzymes, modulates the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway and represents a potential target for the treatment of addiction. OBJECTIVES Here, we tested the hypothesis that the cannabinoid receptors are implicated in cocaine-induced motor sensitization, conditioned place preference (CPP), and hippocampal activation. METHODS Male Swiss mice received injections of AM251 (CB1R antagonist; 0.3-10 mg/kg) or JWH133 (CB2R agonist; 1-10 mg/kg) before acquisition or expression of cocaine (20 mg/kg)-induced sensitization and CPP. After the CPP test, cFos-staining was employed as a marker of neuronal activation in the hippocampus. RESULTS AM251 inhibited the acquisition (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg) and expression (1 and 3 mg/kg) of sensitization, as well as the acquisition (10 mg/kg) of CPP. JWH133 inhibited the acquisition (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) and expression (1 and 3 mg/kg) of both sensitization and CPP. JWH133 effects were reversed by AM630 (CB2R antagonist; 5 mg/kg). AM251 and JWH133 also prevented neuronal activation (c-Fos expression) in the hippocampus of CPP-exposed animals. CONCLUSIONS CB1R and CB2R have opposite roles in modulating cocaine-induced sensitization and CPP, possibly by preventing neuronal activation in the hippocampus.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Central Nervous System Stimulants/pharmacology
- Cocaine/pharmacology
- Conditioning, Classical/drug effects
- Conditioning, Classical/physiology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/physiology
- Male
- Mice
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/physiology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadna B Lopes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Juliana R Bastos
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rayssa B Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniele C Aguiar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Fabrício A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
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18
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John WS, Martin TJ, Nader MA. Cannabinoid Modulation of Food-Cocaine Choice in Male Rhesus Monkeys. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 373:44-50. [PMID: 31941717 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.263707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Marijuana and other cannabinoid compounds are widely used by cocaine users. Preclinical animal studies suggest that these compounds can increase the reinforcing effects of cocaine under some schedules of cocaine self-administration and reinstatement, but not in all cases. To date, no studies have used a food-cocaine concurrent choice procedure, which allows for assessment of drug effects on response allocation, not just changes in cocaine self-administration. The goal of the present study was to examine the effects of compounds differing in their efficacy at the cannabinoid receptor (CBR) on cocaine self-administration using a food-drug choice procedure in monkeys. Four adult male rhesus monkeys were trained to self-administer cocaine in the context of an alternative food (1.0-g banana-flavored pellets) reinforcer, such that complete cocaine dose-response curves (0, 0.003-0.1 mg/kg per injection) were determined each session. Monkeys were tested acutely with the CBR full agonist CP 55,940 (0.001-0.01 mg/kg); the CBR partial agonist Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 0.03-0.3 mg/kg), which is also the primary active ingredient in marijuana and the CBR antagonist rimonabant (0.3-3.0 mg/kg). Cocaine choice increased in a dose-dependent manner. Acute treatment with CP 55,940 decreased cocaine choice, whereas THC and rimonabant enhanced the reinforcing effects of cocaine. Chronic (7-day) treatment with CP 55,940 resulted in tolerance to the decreases in cocaine choice. These findings with Δ9-THC provide support for a potential mechanism for co-abuse of marijuana and cocaine. Additional research with chronic treatment with full CBR agonists on attenuating the reinforcing strength of cocaine is warranted. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Co-abuse of tetrahydrocannabinol and cocaine is a significant public health problem. The use of animal models allows for the determination of how cannabinoid receptor stimulation or blockade influences the reinforcing strength of cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S John
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology (W.S.J., M.A.N.) and Anesthesiology (T.J.M.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Thomas J Martin
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology (W.S.J., M.A.N.) and Anesthesiology (T.J.M.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Michael A Nader
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology (W.S.J., M.A.N.) and Anesthesiology (T.J.M.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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19
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Cortez IL, Rodrigues da Silva N, Guimarães FS, Gomes FV. Are CB2 Receptors a New Target for Schizophrenia Treatment? Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:587154. [PMID: 33329132 PMCID: PMC7673393 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.587154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that involves several neurotransmitters such as dopamine, glutamate, and GABA. More recently, the endocannabinoid system has also been associated with this disorder. Although initially described as present mostly in the periphery, cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptors are now proposed to play a role in several brain processes related to schizophrenia, such as modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission, microglial activation, and neuroplastic changes induced by stress. Here, we reviewed studies describing the involvement of the CB2 receptor in these processes and their association with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Taken together, these pieces of evidence indicate that CB2 receptor may emerge as a new target for the development of antipsychotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora L Cortez
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Naielly Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Xi Z, Muldoon P, Wang X, Bi G, Damaj MI, Lichtman AH, Pertwee RG, Gardner EL. Δ 8 -Tetrahydrocannabivarin has potent anti-nicotine effects in several rodent models of nicotine dependence. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:4773-4784. [PMID: 31454413 PMCID: PMC6965695 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Both types of cannabinoid receptors-CB1 and CB2 -regulate brain functions relating to addictive drug-induced reward and relapse. CB1 receptor antagonists and CB2 receptor agonists have anti-addiction efficacy, in animal models, against a broad range of addictive drugs. Δ9 -Tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9 -THCV)-a cannabis constituent-acts as a CB1 antagonist and a CB2 agonist. Δ8 -Tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ8 -THCV) is a Δ9 -THCV analogue with similar combined CB1 antagonist/CB2 agonist properties. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We tested Δ8 -THCV in seven different rodent models relevant to nicotine dependence-nicotine self-administration, cue-triggered nicotine-seeking behaviour following forced abstinence, nicotine-triggered reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behaviour, acquisition of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference, anxiety-like behaviour induced by nicotine withdrawal, somatic withdrawal signs induced by nicotine withdrawal, and hyperalgesia induced by nicotine withdrawal. KEY RESULTS Δ8 -THCV significantly attenuated intravenous nicotine self-administration and both cue-induced and nicotine-induced relapse to nicotine-seeking behaviour in rats. Δ8 -THCV also significantly attenuated nicotine-induced conditioned place preference and nicotine withdrawal in mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that Δ8 -THCV may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of nicotine dependence. We also suggest that tetrahydrocannabivarins should be tested for possible anti-addiction efficacy in a broader range of preclinical animal models, against other addictive drugs, and eventually in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng‐Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research ProgramNational Institute on Drug AbuseBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Pretal Muldoon
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyVirginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Xiao‐Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical CountermeasuresBeijing Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyBeijingChina
| | - Guo‐Hua Bi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research ProgramNational Institute on Drug AbuseBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - M. Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | | | - Eliot L. Gardner
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research ProgramNational Institute on Drug AbuseBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health crisis worldwide, and effective treatment options are limited. During the past 2 decades, researchers have investigated the impact of a variety of pharmacological approaches to treat SUD, one of which is the use of medical cannabis or cannabinoids. Significant progress was made with the discovery of rimonabant, a selective CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist (also an inverse agonist), as a promising therapeutic for SUDs and obesity. However, serious adverse effects such as depression and suicidality led to the withdrawal of rimonabant (and almost all other CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists) from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Since then, much research interest has shifted to other cannabinoid-based strategies, such as peripheral CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists, neutral CB1R antagonists, allosteric CB1R modulators, CB2R agonists, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors, fatty acid binding protein (FABP) inhibitors, or nonaddictive phytocannabinoids with CB1R or CB2R-binding profiles, as new therapeutics for SUDs. In this article, we first review recent progress in research regarding the endocannabinoid systems, cannabis reward versus aversion, and the underlying receptor mechanisms. We then review recent progress in cannabinoid-based medication development for the treatment of SUDs. As evidence continues to accumulate, neutral CB1R antagonists (such as AM4113), CB2R agonists (JWH133, Xie2-64), and nonselective phytocannabinoids (cannabidiol, β-caryophyllene, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabivarin) have shown great therapeutic potential for SUDs, as shown in experimental animals. Several cannabinoid-based medications (e.g., dronabinol, nabilone, PF-04457845) that entered clinical trials have shown promising results in reducing withdrawal symptoms in cannabis and opioid users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Spiller KJ, Bi GH, He Y, Galaj E, Gardner EL, Xi ZX. Cannabinoid CB 1 and CB 2 receptor mechanisms underlie cannabis reward and aversion in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:1268-1281. [PMID: 30767215 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endocannabinoids are critically involved in brain reward functions, mediated by activation of CB1 receptors, reflecting their high density in the brain. However, the recent discovery of CB2 receptors in the brain, particularly in the midbrain dopamine neurons, has challenged this view and inspired us to re-examine the roles of both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the effects of cannabis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In the present study, we used the electrical intracranial self-stimulation paradigm to evaluate the effects of various cannabinoid drugs on brain reward in laboratory rats and the roles of CB1 and CB2 receptors activation in brain reward function(s). KEY RESULTS Two mixed CB1 / CB2 receptor agonists, Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC) and WIN55,212-2, produced biphasic effects-mild enhancement of brain-stimulation reward (BSR) at low doses but inhibition at higher doses. Pretreatment with a CB1 receptor antagonist (AM251) attenuated the low dose-enhanced BSR, while a CB2 receptor antagonist (AM630) attenuated high dose-inhibited BSR. To confirm these opposing effects, rats were treated with selective CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists. These compounds produced significant BSR enhancement and inhibition, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS CB1 receptor activation produced reinforcing effects, whereas CB2 receptor activation was aversive. The subjective effects of cannabis depend on the balance of these opposing effects. These findings not only explain previous conflicting results in animal models of addiction but also explain why cannabis can be either rewarding or aversive in humans, as expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors may differ in the brains of different subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista J Spiller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yi He
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ewa Galaj
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eliot L Gardner
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Canseco-Alba A, Schanz N, Sanabria B, Zhao J, Lin Z, Liu QR, Onaivi ES. Behavioral effects of psychostimulants in mutant mice with cell-type specific deletion of CB2 cannabinoid receptors in dopamine neurons. Behav Brain Res 2019; 360:286-297. [PMID: 30508607 PMCID: PMC6327973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the endocannabinoid system modulate dopaminergic pathways that are involved in the effects of psychostimulants including amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine and other drugs of abuse. Genetic deletion or pharmacological activation of CB2 cannabinoid receptor is involved in the modulation of the effects of psychostimulants and their rewarding properties. Here we report on the behavioral effects of psychostimulants in DAT-Cnr2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice with selective deletion of type 2 cannabinoid receptors in dopamine neurons. There was enhanced psychostimulant induced hyperactivity in DAT-Cnr2 cKO mice, but the psychostimulant-induced sensitization was absent in DAT-Cnr2 cKO compared to the WT mice. Intriguingly, lower doses of amphetamine reduced locomotor activity of the DAT-Cnr2 cKO mice. While cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine produced robust conditioned place preference (CPP) in both DAT-Cnr2 cKO and WT mice, nicotine at the dose used induced CPP only in the WT but not in the DAT-Cn2 cKO mice. However, pre-treatment with the CB2R selective agonist JWH133, blocked cocaine and nicotine induced CPP in the WT mice. The deletion of CB2Rs in dopamine neurons modified the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, and reduced the expression of dopamine transporter gene expression in DAT-Cnr2 cKO midbrain region. Taken together, our data suggest that CB2Rs play a role in the modulation of dopamine-related effects of psychostimulants and could be exploited as therapeutic target in psychostimulant addiction and other psychiatric disorders associated with dopamine dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Canseco-Alba
- Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, 07470, USA
| | - Norman Schanz
- Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, 07470, USA
| | - Branden Sanabria
- Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, 07470, USA
| | - Juan Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Psychiatric Neurogenomics, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and Mailman Neuroscience Research Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Zhicheng Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Psychiatric Neurogenomics, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and Mailman Neuroscience Research Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Qing-Rong Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Emmanuel S Onaivi
- Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, 07470, USA.
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Zhang HY, Shen H, Jordan CJ, Liu QR, Gardner EL, Bonci A, Xi ZX. CB 2 receptor antibody signal specificity: correlations with the use of partial CB 2-knockout mice and anti-rat CB 2 receptor antibodies. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:398-409. [PMID: 29967455 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0037-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors are highly expressed in the brain and functionally modulate presynaptic neurotransmitter release, while cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2Rs) were initially identified in the spleen and regarded as peripheral cannabinoid receptors. Recently, growing evidence indicates the presence of functional CB2Rs in the brain. However, this finding is disputed because of the specificity of CB2R antibody signals. We used two strains of currently available partial CB2-knockout (CB2-KO) mice as controls, four anti-rat or anti-mouse CB2R antibodies, and mRNA quantification to further address this issue. Western blot assays using the four antibodies detected a CB2R-like band at ~40 kD in both the brain and spleen. Notably, more bands were detected in the brain than in the spleen, and specific immune peptides blocked band detection. Immunohistochemical assays also detected CB2-like immunostaining in mouse midbrain dopamine neurons. CB2R deletion in CB2-KO mice may reduce or leave CB2R-like immunoreactivity unaltered depending on antibody epitope. Antibodies with epitopes at the receptor-deleted region detected a significant reduction in CB2R band density and immunostaining in N-terminal-deleted Deltagen and C-terminal-deleted Zimmer strain CB2-KO mice. Other antibodies with epitopes at the predicted receptor-undeleted regions detected similar band densities and immunostaining in wild-type and CB2-KO mice. Quantitative RT-PCR assays detected CB2 mRNA expression using probes that targeted upstream or downstream gene sequences but not the probe that targeted the gene-deleted sequence in Deltagen or Zimmer CB2-KO mice. These findings suggest that none of the tested four polyclonal antibodies are highly mouse CB2R-specific. Non-specific binding may be related to the expression of mutant or truncated CB2R-like proteins in partial CB2-KO mice and the use of anti-rat CB2 antibodies because the epitopes are different between rat and mouse CB2Rs.
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Jordan CJ, Xi ZX. Progress in brain cannabinoid CB 2 receptor research: From genes to behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:208-220. [PMID: 30611802 PMCID: PMC6401261 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) was initially regarded as a peripheral cannabinoid receptor. However, recent technological advances in gene detection, alongside the availability of transgenic mouse lines, indicate that CB2Rs are expressed in both neurons and glial cells in the brain under physiological and pathological conditions, and are involved in multiple functions at cellular and behavioral levels. Brain CB2Rs are inducible and neuroprotective via up-regulation in response to various insults, but display species differences in gene and receptor structures, CB2R expression, and receptor responses to various CB2R ligands. CB2R transcripts also differ between the brain and spleen. In the brain, CB2A is the major transcript isoform, while CB2A and CB2B transcripts are present at higher levels in the spleen. These new findings regarding brain versus spleen CB2R isoforms may in part explain why early studies failed to detect brain CB2R gene expression. Here, we review evidence supporting the expression and function of brain CB2R from gene and receptor levels to cellular functioning, neural circuitry, and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Jordan
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Pitsikas N, Georgiadou G, Delis F, Antoniou K. Effects of Anesthetic Ketamine on Anxiety-Like Behaviour in Rats. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:829-838. [PMID: 30656595 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-02715-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There is scarce information regarding the effects of anesthetic doses of the non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine on anxiety. The current study evaluated the acute effects of intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered anesthetic ketamine (100 mg/kg) i.p. on anxiety in rats. For this purpose, the light/dark and the open field tests were utilized. The effects of anesthetic ketamine on motility were also examined using a motility cage. In the light/dark test, anesthetic ketamine, administered 24 h before testing reduced the number of transitions between the light and dark compartments and the time spent in the light compartment in the rats compared with their control cohorts. In addition, ketamine was found to exert a depressive effect on rats' motility. In the open field test, animals treated with anesthetic ketamine 24 h before testing spent essentially no time in the central area of the apparatus, decreased horizontal ambulatory activity, and preserved to a certain extent their exploratory behaviour compared to their control counterparts. The results suggest that, in spite of its hypokinetic effect, a single anesthetic ketamine administration apparently induces an anxiety-like state, while largely preserving exploratory behaviour in the rat. These effects were time-dependent they since they were extinguished when testing was carried out 48 h after anesthetic ketamine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 41500, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Georgia Georgiadou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
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Tai S, Vasiljevik T, Sherwood AM, Eddington S, Wilson CD, Prisinzano TE, Fantegrossi WE. Assessment of rimonabant-like adverse effects of purported CB1R neutral antagonist / CB2R agonist aminoalkylindole derivatives in mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 192:285-293. [PMID: 30300803 PMCID: PMC6475911 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids may be useful in the treatment of CNS disorders including drug abuse and addiction, where both CB1R antagonists / inverse agonists and CB2R agonists have shown preclinical efficacy. TV-5-249 and TV-6-41, two novel aminoalkylindoles with dual action as neutral CB1R antagonists and CB2R agonists, previously attenuated abuse-related effects of ethanol in mice. PURPOSE To further characterize these drugs, TV-5-249 and TV-6-41 were compared with the CB1R antagonist / inverse agonist rimonabant in assays relevant to adverse effects and cannabinoid withdrawal. PROCEDURES AND FINDINGS The cannabinoid tetrad confirmed that TV-5-249 and TV-6-41 were devoid of CB1R agonist effects at behaviorally-relevant doses, and neither of the novel drugs induced rimonabant-like scratching. Generalized aversive effects were assessed, and rimonabant and TV-5-249 induced taste aversion, but TV-6-41 did not. Schedule-controlled responding and observation of somatic signs were used to assess withdrawal-like effects precipitated by rimonabant or TV-6-41 in mice previously treated with the high-efficacy CB1R agonist JWH-018 or vehicle. Rimonabant and TV-6-41 dose-dependently suppressed response rates in all subjects, but TV-6-41 did so more potently in JWH-018-treated mice than in vehicle-treated mice, while rimonabant equally suppressed responding in both groups. Importantly, rimonabant elicited dramatic withdrawal signs, but TV-6-41 did not. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest differences in both direct adverse effects and withdrawal-related effects elicited by rimonabant, TV-5-249, and TV-6-41, which could relate to neutral CB1R antagonism, CB2R agonism, or a combination of both. Both mechanisms should be explored and exploited in future drug design efforts to develop pharmacotherapies for drug dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherrica Tai
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tamara Vasiljevik
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Dr., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Alexander M Sherwood
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Dr., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Sarah Eddington
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Catheryn D Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Dr., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - William E Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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Gobira PH, Oliveira AC, Gomes JS, da Silveira VT, Asth L, Bastos JR, Batista EM, Issy AC, Okine BN, de Oliveira AC, Ribeiro FM, Del Bel EA, Aguiar DC, Finn DP, Moreira FA. Opposing roles of CB 1 and CB 2 cannabinoid receptors in the stimulant and rewarding effects of cocaine. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 176:1541-1551. [PMID: 30101419 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) bind to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain and modulate the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway. This neurocircuitry is engaged by psychostimulant drugs, including cocaine. Although CB1 receptor antagonism and CB2 receptor activation are known to inhibit certain effects of cocaine, they have been investigated separately. Here, we tested the hypothesis that there is a reciprocal interaction between CB1 receptor blockade and CB2 receptor activation in modulating behavioural responses to cocaine. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male Swiss mice received i.p. injections of cannabinoid-related drugs followed by cocaine, and were then tested for cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion, c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens and conditioned place preference. Levels of endocannabinoids after cocaine injections were also analysed. KEY RESULTS The CB1 receptor antagonist, rimonabant, and the CB2 receptor agonist, JWH133, prevented cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion. The same results were obtained by combining sub-effective doses of both compounds. The CB2 receptor antagonist, AM630, reversed the inhibitory effects of rimonabant in cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion and c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens. Selective inhibitors of anandamide and 2-AG hydrolysis (URB597 and JZL184, respectively) failed to modify this response. However, JZL184 prevented cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion when given after a sub-effective dose of rimonabant. Cocaine did not change brain endocannabinoid levels. Finally, CB2 receptor blockade reversed the inhibitory effect of rimonabant in the acquisition of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The present data support the hypothesis that CB1 and CB2 receptors work in concert with opposing functions to modulate certain addiction-related effects of cocaine. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro H Gobira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana C Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Julia S Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vivian T da Silveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Juliana R Bastos
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Edleusa M Batista
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana C Issy
- Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Basic Pathology, Faculty of Odontology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Bright N Okine
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Antonio C de Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabiola M Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Elaine A Del Bel
- Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Basic Pathology, Faculty of Odontology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniele C Aguiar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - David P Finn
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Fabricio A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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29
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Shao X, Tang Y, Long H, Gu H, Zhang J, Deng P, Zhao Y, Cen X. HMG-CoA synthase 2 drives brain metabolic reprogramming in cocaine exposure. Neuropharmacology 2017; 148:377-393. [PMID: 28987936 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The brain is a high energy-consuming organ that typically utilizes glucose as the main energy source for cerebral activity. When glucose becomes scarce under conditions of stress, ketone bodies, such as β-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate and acetone, become extremely important. Alterations in brain energy metabolism have been observed in psychostimulant abusers; however, the mode of brain metabolic programming in cocaine dependence remains largely unknown. Here, we profiled the metabolites and metabolic enzymes from brain nucleus accumbens (NAc) of mice exposed to cocaine. We found that cocaine modified energy metabolism and markedly activated ketogenesis pathway in the NAc. The expression of HMG-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2), a critical rate-limiting ketogenesis enzyme, was markedly up-regulated. After switching metabolic pathways from ketogenesis to glycolysis through activation of glucokinase, cocaine-evoked metabolic reprogramming regained homeostasis, and the cocaine effect was attenuated. Importantly, both the pharmacological and genetic inhibition of HMGCS2 significantly suppressed cocaine-induced ketogenesis and behavior. In conclusion, cocaine induces a remarkable energy reprogramming in the NAc, which is characterized by HMGCS2-driven ketogenesis. Such effect may facilitate adaptations to cocaine-induced energy stress in the brain. Our findings establish an important link between drug-induced energy reprogramming and cocaine effect, and may have implication in the treatment of cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Shao
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yunxuan Tang
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Hailei Long
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Hui Gu
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Pengchi Deng
- Analytical &Testing Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yinglan Zhao
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xiaobo Cen
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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