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Aguirre-Rodríguez CA, Delgado A, Alatorre A, Oviedo-Chávez A, Martínez-Escudero JR, Barrientos R, Querejeta E. Local activation of CB1 receptors by synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids dampens burst firing mode of reticular thalamic nucleus neurons in rats under ketamine anesthesia. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:2137-2157. [PMID: 38980339 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) is a thin shell that covers the dorsal thalamus and controls the overall information flow from the thalamus to the cerebral cortex through GABAergic projections that contact thalamo-cortical neurons (TC). RTN neurons receive glutamatergic afferents fibers from neurons of the sixth layer of the cerebral cortex and from TC collaterals. The firing mode of RTN neurons facilitates the generation of sleep-wake cycles; a tonic mode or desynchronized mode occurs during wake and REM sleep and a burst-firing mode or synchronized mode is associated with deep sleep. Despite the presence of cannabinoid receptors CB1 (CB1Rs) and mRNA that encodes these receptors in RTN neurons, there are few works that have analyzed the participation of endocannabinoid-mediated transmission on the electrical activity of RTN. Here, we locally blocked or activated CB1Rs in ketamine anesthetized rats to analyze the spontaneous extracellular spiking activity of RTN neurons. Our results show the presence of a tonic endocannabinoid input, since local infusion of AM 251, an antagonist/inverse agonist, modifies RTN neurons electrical activity; furthermore, local activation of CB1Rs by anandamide or WIN 55212-2 produces heterogeneous effects in the basal spontaneous spiking activity, where the main effect is an increase in the spiking rate accompanied by a decrease in bursting activity in a dose-dependent manner; this effect is inhibited by AM 251. In addition, previous activation of GABA-A receptors suppresses the effects of CB1Rs on reticular neurons. Our results show that local activation of CB1Rs primarily diminishes the burst firing mode of RTn neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Aguirre-Rodríguez
- Sección de Investigación y Posgrado de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México
| | - Alfonso Delgado
- Departamento de Fisiología Experimental, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario Campus II, 31127, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México
| | - Alberto Alatorre
- Academia de Fisiología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México
- Sección de Investigación y Posgrado de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México
| | - Aldo Oviedo-Chávez
- Academia de Fisiología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México
- Sección de Investigación y Posgrado de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México
| | - José R Martínez-Escudero
- Sección de Investigación y Posgrado de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México
| | - Rafael Barrientos
- Academia de Fisiología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México
- Sección de Investigación y Posgrado de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México
| | - Enrique Querejeta
- Academia de Fisiología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México.
- Sección de Investigación y Posgrado de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, 11340, México.
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2
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Zhao S, Gu ZL, Yue YN, Zhang X, Dong Y. Cannabinoids and monoaminergic system: implications for learning and memory. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1425532. [PMID: 39206116 PMCID: PMC11349573 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1425532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) have been intensively studied for their neuroregulatory roles in the central nervous system (CNS), especially in regulating learning and memory. However, many experimental and clinical studies obtained conflicting results indicating a complex network of interaction underlying the regulation of learning and memory by different cannabinoids and the ECS. The ECS influences neuronal synaptic communications, and therefore may exert different regulation via their different impact on other neurotransmitters. The monoaminergic system includes a variety of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which play important roles in regulating mood, cognition, and reward. The interaction among cannabinoids, ECS and the monoaminergic system has drawn particular attention, especially their contributions to learning and memory. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of how cannabinoids, ECS and the monoaminergic system contribute to the process of learning and memory, and discussed the influences of monoaminergic neurotransmission by cannabinoids and ECS during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Zhao
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhao-Liang Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Nan Yue
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuan Dong
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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3
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Iida M, Hitomi S, Hayashi Y, Shibuta I, Tsuboi Y, Ueda K, Iwata K, Shinoda M. Analgesic effect of linalool odor on oral ulcerative mucositis-induced pain in rats. Brain Res Bull 2024; 206:110844. [PMID: 38096923 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Oral ulcerative mucositis (OUM) induces severe pain, leading to a low quality of life. Linalool odor exposure has recently been reported to suppress inflammatory pain in the hind paws. However, the analgesic effect of linalool odor on orofacial pain remains unclear. In this study, we examined the mechanism underlying the analgesic effect of linalool odor on oral pain caused by OUM using nocifensive behavioral and immunohistochemical analyses in rats. OUM was developed by treating the labial fornix region of the inferior incisors with acetic acid. Linalool at 1% was exposed for 5 min at 30 min before nocifensive behavioral measurements. OUM induced spontaneous pain and mechanical allodynia, which were suppressed by the linalool odor. Mechanical allodynia in the hind paw following the injection of complete Freund's adjuvant was also suppressed by linalool odor. Application of lidocaine to the olfactory bulb attenuated the inhibition of spontaneous pain and hyperactivation of trigeminal spinal nucleus caudalis neurons in OUM model rats. Linalool odor exposure-induced neuronal activation in the locus coeruleus (LC) of OUM model rats was decreased by lidocaine application to the olfactory bulb. The decrease in neuronal activation in the LC was attenuated by the administration of orexin 1 receptor (OX-1) antagonist to the LC. These results suggest that linalool odor stimulation through the olfactory pathway activates LC neurons via OX-1 signaling, leading to the suppression of OUM-induced oral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Iida
- Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Suzuro Hitomi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan.
| | - Yoshinori Hayashi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Ikuko Shibuta
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Tsuboi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Koichiro Ueda
- Department of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Koichi Iwata
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Masamichi Shinoda
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
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4
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Sagheddu C, Devoto P, Aroni S, Saba P, Pistis M, Gessa GL. Combined α 2- and D 2-receptor blockade activates noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons, but extracellular dopamine in the prefrontal cortex is determined by uptake and release from noradrenergic terminals. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1238115. [PMID: 37680715 PMCID: PMC10482411 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1238115] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental and clinical evidence indicates a deficit of release and function of dopamine in schizophrenia and suggests that α2-adrenoceptor antagonists rescue dopamine deficit and improve the antipsychotic efficacy of D2-receptor antagonists. In anesthetized male rats, we investigated how the blockade of α2- and D2-receptors by atipamezole and raclopride, respectively, modified the firing of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) and dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). In freely moving rats, we studied how atipamezole and raclopride modified extracellular noradrenaline, dopamine, and DOPAC levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) through microdialysis. When administered alone, atipamezole activated LC noradrenaline but not VTA dopamine cell firing. Combined with raclopride, atipamezole activated dopamine cell firing above the level produced by raclopride. Atipamezole increased extracellular dopamine to the same level, whether administered alone or combined with raclopride. In the presence of the noradrenaline transporter (NET) inhibitor, atipamezole combined with raclopride increased extracellular dopamine beyond the level produced by either compound administered alone. The results suggest that a) the D2-autoreceptor blockade is required for LC noradrenaline to activate VTA cell firing; b) the level of dopamine released from dopaminergic terminals is determined by NET; c) the elevation of extracellular dopamine levels in the mPFC is the resultant of dopamine uptake and release from noradrenergic terminals, independent of dopaminergic cell firing and release; and d) LC noradrenergic neurons are an important target for treatments to improve the prefrontal deficit of dopamine in neuropsychiatric pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Devoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- The Guy Everett Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sonia Aroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Saba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- The Guy Everett Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of CNR, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- The Guy Everett Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of CNR, Cagliari, Italy
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5
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Mendiguren A, Aostri E, Rodilla I, Pujana I, Noskova E, Pineda J. Cannabigerol modulates α 2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT 1A receptor-mediated electrophysiological effects on dorsal raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus neurons and anxiety behavior in rat. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1183019. [PMID: 37305529 PMCID: PMC10249961 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1183019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological profile of cannabigerol (CBG), which acid form constitutes the main precursor of the most abundant cannabinoids, has been scarcely studied. It has been reported to target α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A receptor. The locus coeruleus (LC) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are the main serotonergic (5-HT) and noradrenergic (NA) areas in the rat brain, respectively. We aimed to study the effect of CBG on the firing rate of LC NA cells and DRN 5-HT cells and on α2-adrenergic and 5-HT1A autoreceptors by electrophysiological techniques in male Sprague-Dawley rat brain slices. The effect of CBG on the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT) and the elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and the involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor was also studied. CBG (30 μM, 10 min) slightly changed the firing rate of NA cells but failed to alter the inhibitory effect of NA (1-100 µM). However, in the presence of CBG the inhibitory effect of the selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist UK14304 (10 nM) was decreased. Perfusion with CBG (30 μM, 10 min) did not change the firing rate of DRN 5-HT cells or the inhibitory effect of 5-HT (100 μM, 1 min) but it reduced the inhibitory effect of ipsapirone (100 nM). CBG failed to reverse ipsapirone-induced inhibition whereas perfusion with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (30 nM) completely restored the firing rate of DRN 5-HT cells. In the EPMT, CBG (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased the percentage of time the rats spent on the open arms and the number of head-dipping but it reduced the anxiety index. In the NSFT, CBG decreased the time latency to eat in the novel environment but it did not alter home-cage consumption. The effect of CBG on the reduction of latency to feed was prevented by pretreatment with WAY100635 (1 mg/kg, i.p.). In conclusion, CBG hinders the inhibitory effect produced by selective α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A receptor agonists on the firing rate of NA-LC and 5-HT-DRN neurons by a yet unknown indirect mechanism in rat brain slices and produces anxiolytic-like effects through 5-HT1A receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitziber Mendiguren
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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6
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Nahvi RJ, Tanelian A, Nwokafor C, Godino A, Parise E, Estill M, Shen L, Nestler EJ, Sabban EL. Transcriptome profiles associated with resilience and susceptibility to single prolonged stress in the locus coeruleus and nucleus accumbens in male sprague-dawley rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 439:114162. [PMID: 36257560 PMCID: PMC9812303 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Although most people are subjected to traumatic stress at least once in their lifetime, only a subset develop long-lasting, stress-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders, such as PTSD. Here we examined different transcriptome profiles within the locus coeruleus (LC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) that may contribute to stress susceptibility. Sprague Dawley male rats were exposed to the single prolonged stress (SPS) model for PTSD. Two weeks later they were tested for their anxiety/avoidance behavior on the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and were divided into high and low anxiety-like subgroups. RNA (n = 5 per group) was subsequently isolated from LC and NAc and subjected to RNAseq. Transcriptome analysis was used to identify differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) which differed by at least 50 % with significance of 0.01. The LC had more than six times the number of DEGs than the NAc. Only one DEG was regulated similarly in both locations. Many of the DEGs in the LC were associated with morphological changes, including regulation of actin cytoskeleton, growth factor activity, regulation of cell size, brain development and memory, with KEGG pathway of regulation of actin cytoskeleton. The DEGs in the NAc were primarily related to DNA repair and synthesis, and differential regulation of cytokine production. The analysis identified MTPN (myotrophin) and NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor) as important upstream regulators of stress susceptibility in the LC. Overall the study provides new insight into molecular pathways in the LC and NAc that are associated with anxiety-like behavior triggered by stress susceptibility or resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanna J Nahvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
| | - Arax Tanelian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
| | - Chiso Nwokafor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
| | - Arthur Godino
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Eric Parise
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Molly Estill
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States.
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Shade RD, Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. Targeting the cannabinoid system to counteract the deleterious effects of stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:949361. [PMID: 36268196 PMCID: PMC9577232 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.949361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized histologically in postmortem human brains by the presence of dense protein accumulations known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Plaques and tangles develop over decades of aberrant protein processing, post-translational modification, and misfolding throughout an individual’s lifetime. We present a foundation of evidence from the literature that suggests chronic stress is associated with increased disease severity in Alzheimer’s patient populations. Taken together with preclinical evidence that chronic stress signaling can precipitate cellular distress, we argue that chronic psychological stress renders select circuits more vulnerable to amyloid- and tau- related abnormalities. We discuss the ongoing investigation of systemic and cellular processes that maintain the integrity of protein homeostasis in health and in degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease that have revealed multiple potential therapeutic avenues. For example, the endogenous cannabinoid system traverses the central and peripheral neural systems while simultaneously exerting anti-inflammatory influence over the immune response in the brain and throughout the body. Moreover, the cannabinoid system converges on several stress-integrative neuronal circuits and critical regions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with the capacity to dampen responses to psychological and cellular stress. Targeting the cannabinoid system by influencing endogenous processes or exogenously stimulating cannabinoid receptors with natural or synthetic cannabis compounds has been identified as a promising route for Alzheimer’s Disease intervention. We build on our foundational framework focusing on the significance of chronic psychological and cellular stress on the development of Alzheimer’s neuropathology by integrating literature on cannabinoid function and dysfunction within Alzheimer’s Disease and conclude with remarks on optimal strategies for treatment potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie D. Shade
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jennifer A. Ross,
| | - Elisabeth J. Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Congiu M, Micheli L, Santoni M, Sagheddu C, Muntoni AL, Makriyannis A, Malamas MS, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Pistis M. N-Acylethanolamine Acid Amidase Inhibition Potentiates Morphine Analgesia and Delays the Development of Tolerance. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2722-2736. [PMID: 34553321 PMCID: PMC8804012 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01116-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are essential drugs for pain management, although long-term use is accompanied by tolerance, necessitating dose escalation, and dependence. Pharmacological treatments that enhance opioid analgesic effects and/or attenuate the development of tolerance (with a desirable opioid-sparing effect in treating pain) are actively sought. Among them, N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous lipid neuromodulator with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, was shown to exert anti-hyperalgesic effects and to delay the emergence of morphine tolerance. A selective augmentation in endogenous PEA levels can be achieved by inhibiting N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), one of its primary hydrolyzing enzymes. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that NAAA inhibition, with the novel brain permeable NAAA inhibitor AM11095, modulates morphine's antinociceptive effects and attenuates the development of morphine tolerance in rats. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the pain threshold to noxious mechanical stimuli and, as a neural correlate, we conducted in vivo electrophysiological recordings from pain-sensitive locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons in anesthetized rats. AM11095 dose-dependently (3-30 mg/kg) enhanced the antinociceptive effects of morphine and delayed the development of tolerance to chronic morphine in behaving rats. Consistently, AM11095 enhanced morphine-induced attenuation of the response of LC neurons to foot-shocks and prevented the attenuation of morphine effects following chronic treatment. Behavioral and electrophysiological effects of AM11095 on chronic morphine were paralleled by a decrease in glial activation in the spinal cord, an index of opioid-induced neuroinflammation. NAAA inhibition might represent a potential novel therapeutic approach to increase the analgesic effects of opioids and delay the development of tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Congiu
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - Neurofarba, Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Santoni
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Muntoni
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael S Malamas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - Neurofarba, Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - Neurofarba, Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy.
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9
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Chia JSM, Farouk AAO, Mohamad TAST, Sulaiman MR, Zakaria H, Hassan NI, Perimal EK. Zerumbone Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain Symptoms via Cannabinoid and PPAR Receptors Using In Vivo and In Silico Models. Molecules 2021; 26:3849. [PMID: 34202590 PMCID: PMC8270339 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition persisting past the presence of any noxious stimulus or inflammation. Zerumbone, of the Zingiber zerumbet ginger plant, has exhibited anti-allodynic and antihyperalgesic effects in a neuropathic pain animal model, amongst other pharmacological properties. This study was conducted to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying zerumbone's antineuropathic actions. Research on therapeutic agents involving cannabinoid (CB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) is rising. These receptor systems have shown importance in causing a synergistic effect in suppressing nociceptive processing. Behavioural responses were assessed using the von Frey filament test (mechanical allodynia) and Hargreaves plantar test (thermal hyperalgesia), in chronic constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain mice. Antagonists SR141716 (CB1 receptor), SR144528 (CB2 receptor), GW6471 (PPARα receptor) and GW9662 (PPARγ receptor) were pre-administered before the zerumbone treatment. Our findings indicated the involvement of CB1, PPARα and PPARγ in zerumbone's action against mechanical allodynia, whereas only CB1 and PPARα were involved against thermal hyperalgesia. Molecular docking studies also suggest that zerumbone has a comparable and favourable binding affinity against the respective agonist on the CB and PPAR receptors studied. This finding will contribute to advance our knowledge on zerumbone and its significance in treating neuropathic pain.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred ICR
- Neuralgia/drug therapy
- Neuralgia/metabolism
- Neuralgia/pathology
- PPAR alpha/antagonists & inhibitors
- PPAR alpha/metabolism
- PPAR gamma/antagonists & inhibitors
- PPAR gamma/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Siew Min Chia
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.A.O.F.); (T.A.S.T.M.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Ahmad Akira Omar Farouk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.A.O.F.); (T.A.S.T.M.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Tengku Azam Shah Tengku Mohamad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.A.O.F.); (T.A.S.T.M.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Mohd Roslan Sulaiman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.A.O.F.); (T.A.S.T.M.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Hanis Zakaria
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (H.Z.); (N.I.H.)
| | - Nurul Izzaty Hassan
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (H.Z.); (N.I.H.)
| | - Enoch Kumar Perimal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (A.A.O.F.); (T.A.S.T.M.); (M.R.S.)
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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10
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Sotoyama H, Namba H, Kobayashi Y, Hasegawa T, Watanabe D, Nakatsukasa E, Sakimura K, Furuyashiki T, Nawa H. Resting-state dopaminergic cell firing in the ventral tegmental area negatively regulates affiliative social interactions in a developmental animal model of schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:236. [PMID: 33888687 PMCID: PMC8062445 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperdopaminergic activities are often linked to positive symptoms of schizophrenia, but their neuropathological implications on negative symptoms are rather controversial among reports. Here, we explored the regulatory role of the resting state-neural activity of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) on social interaction using a developmental rat model for schizophrenia. We prepared the model by administering an ammonitic cytokine, epidermal growth factor (EGF), to rat pups, which later exhibit the deficits of social interaction as monitored with same-gender affiliative sniffing. In vivo single-unit recording and microdialysis revealed that the baseline firing frequency of and dopamine release from VTA dopaminergic neurons were chronically increased in EGF model rats, and their social interaction was concomitantly reduced. Subchronic treatment with risperidone ameliorated both the social interaction deficits and higher frequency of dopaminergic cell firing in this model. Sustained suppression of hyperdopaminergic cell firing in EGF model rats by DREADD chemogenetic intervention restored the event-triggered dopamine release and their social behaviors. These observations suggest that the higher resting-state activity of VTA dopaminergic neurons is responsible for the reduced social interaction of this schizophrenia model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Sotoyama
- grid.260975.f0000 0001 0671 5144Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan
| | - Hisaaki Namba
- grid.260975.f0000 0001 0671 5144Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan ,grid.412857.d0000 0004 1763 1087Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 640-8156 Japan
| | - Yutaro Kobayashi
- grid.260975.f0000 0001 0671 5144Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan
| | - Taku Hasegawa
- grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501 Japan
| | - Dai Watanabe
- grid.258799.80000 0004 0372 2033Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501 Japan
| | - Ena Nakatsukasa
- grid.260975.f0000 0001 0671 5144Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- grid.260975.f0000 0001 0671 5144Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Furuyashiki
- grid.31432.370000 0001 1092 3077Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Hyogo, 650-0017 Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nawa
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan. .,Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 640-8156, Japan.
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11
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Warren WG, Papagianni EP, Stevenson CW, Stubbendorff C. In it together? The case for endocannabinoid-noradrenergic interactions in fear extinction. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:952-970. [PMID: 33759226 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety and trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are debilitating mental illnesses with great personal and socioeconomic costs. Examining memory formation and relevant behavioural responding associated with aversive stimuli may improve our understanding of the neurobiology underlying fear memory processing and PTSD treatment. The neurocircuitry underpinning learned fear and its inhibition through extinction is complex, involving synergistic interactions between different neurotransmitter systems in inter-connected brain areas. Endocannabinoid and noradrenergic transmission have both been implicated separately in fear memory processing and PTSD, but potential interactions between these systems in relation to fear extinction have received little attention to date. Their receptors are expressed together in brain areas crucial for fear extinction, which is enhanced by both cannabinoid and noradrenergic receptor activation in these areas. Moreover, cannabinoid signalling modulates the activity of locus coeruleus noradrenaline (NA) neurons and the release of NA in the medial prefrontal cortex, a brain area that is crucial for fear extinction. Interestingly, endocannabinoid-noradrenergic system interactions have been shown to regulate the encoding and retrieval of fear memory. Thus, noradrenergic regulation of fear extinction may also be driven indirectly in part via cannabinoid receptor signalling. In this perspective paper, we collate the available relevant literature and propose a synergistic role for the endocannabinoid and noradrenergic systems in regulating fear extinction, the study of which may further our understanding of the neurobiological substrates of PTSD and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Warren
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | | | - Carl W Stevenson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - Christine Stubbendorff
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK.,Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
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12
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Rinehart L, Spencer S. Which came first: Cannabis use or deficits in impulse control? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110066. [PMID: 32795592 PMCID: PMC7750254 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Impulse control deficits are often found to co-occur with substance use disorders (SUDs). On the one hand, it is well known that chronic intake of drugs of abuse remodels the brain with significant consequences for a range of cognitive behaviors. On the other hand, individual variation in impulse control may contribute to differences in susceptibility to SUDs. Both of these relationships have been described, thus leading to a "chicken or the egg" debate which remains to be fully resolved. Does impulsivity precede drug use or does it manifest as a function of problematic drug usage? The link between impulsivity and SUDs has been most strongly established for cocaine and alcohol use disorders using both preclinical models and clinical data. Much less is known about the potential link between impulsivity and cannabis use disorder (CUD) or the directionality of this relationship. The initiation of cannabis use occurs most often during adolescence prior to the brain's maturation, which is recognized as a critical period of development. The long-term effects of chronic cannabis use on the brain and behavior have started to be explored. In this review we will summarize these observations, especially as they pertain to the relationship between impulsivity and CUD, from both a psychological and biological perspective. We will discuss impulsivity as a multi-dimensional construct and attempt to reconcile the results obtained across modalities. Finally, we will discuss possible avenues for future research with emerging longitudinal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Rinehart
- University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Sade Spencer
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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13
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Rana T, Behl T, Sehgal A, Mehta V, Singh S, Kumar R, Bungau S. Integrating Endocannabinoid Signalling In Depression. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:2022-2034. [PMID: 33471311 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01774-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a common mental disorder and is the leading cause of suicide globally. Because of the significant diversity in mental disorders, accurate diagnosis is difficult. Hence, the investigation of novel biomarkers is a key research perspective in psychotherapy to enable an individually tailored treatment approach. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a vital cortical region whose circuitry has been implicated in the development of depressive disorder. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has garnered increasing attention because of its involvement in several diverse physiological brain processes including regulation of emotional, motivational and cognitive functions. The current review article explores the function of the key elements of the ECS as a biomarker in depressive disorder. The activity of endocannabinoids is thought to be moderated by the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Variations in the concentration of endocannabinoids and the binding affinity of CB1 receptors and their density have been identified in the PFC of persons with depression. Such discoveries support our theory that alteration in endocannabinoid function leads to the pathophysiological features of depressive disorders. Moreover, evidence from animal and human studies has revealed that dysfunction in endocannabinoid signalling can produce depression-like behaviours; therefore, improvement of endocannabinoid signalling may represent a new therapeutic approach for the management of depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarapati Rana
- Government Pharmacy College, Seraj, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Vineet Mehta
- Distt. Shimla, Government College of Pharmacy, Himachal Pradesh, Rohru, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Ravinder Kumar
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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14
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Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in combination cancer therapy. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 79:100774. [PMID: 33422460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Derivatives of the plant Cannabis sativa have been used for centuries for both medical and recreational purposes, as well as industrial. The first proof of its medicinal use comes from ancient China, although there is evidence of its earlier utilization in Europe and Asia. In the 19th century, European practitioners started to employ cannabis extracts to treat tetanus, convulsions, and mental diseases and, in 1851, cannabis made its appearance in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States as an analgesic, hypnotic and anticonvulsant. It was only in 1937 that the Marijuana Tax Act prohibited the use of this drug in the USA. The general term Cannabis is commonly used by the scientific and scholar community to indicate derivatives of the plant Cannabis sativa. The word cannabinoid is a term describing chemical compounds that are either derivate of Cannabis (phytocannabinoids) or artificial analogues (synthetic) or are produced endogenously by the body (endocannabinoids). A more casual term "marijuana" or "weed", a compound derived from dried Cannabis flower tops and leaves, has progressively superseded the term cannabis when referred to its recreational use. The 2018 World health organisation (WHO) data suggest that nearly 2.5% of the global population (147 million) uses marijuana and some countries, such as Canada and Uruguay, have already legalised it. Due to its controversial history, the medicinal use of cannabinoids has always been a centre of debate. The isolation and characterisation of Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of cannabis and the detection of two human cannabinoid receptor (CBRs) molecules renewed interest in the medical use of cannabinoids, boosting research and commercial heed in this sector. Some cannabinoid-based drugs have been approved as medications, mainly as antiemetic, antianorexic, anti-seizure remedies and in cancer and multiple sclerosis patients' palliative care. Nevertheless, due to the stigma commonly associated with these compounds, cannabinoids' potential in the treatment of conditions such as cancer is still largely unknown and therefore underestimated.
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15
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Modulation of Noradrenergic and Serotonergic Systems by Cannabinoids: Electrophysiological, Neurochemical and Behavioral Evidence. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1297:111-132. [PMID: 33537940 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-61663-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The main noradrenergic and serotonergic nuclei in the central nervous system (CNS) are the locus coeruleus (LC) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). These brain areas, located in the brainstem, play a pivotal role in the control of various functions and behaviors that are altered by cannabinoids (i.e., pain, arousal, mood, anxiety, or sleep-wake cycle). Anatomical, neurochemical, and functional data suggest that cannabinoids regulate both central noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Thus, strong evidence has shown that the firing activity of LC and DRN monoamine neurons or the synthesis/release of noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) in the projection areas are all affected by cannabinoid administration. Herein, we propose that interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the noradrenergic-serotonergic systems could account for some of the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids or the disruption of attention/sleep induced by these drugs.
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16
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Gargano A, Beins E, Zimmer A, Bilkei-Gorzo A. Lack of Cannabinoid Receptor Type-1 Leads to Enhanced Age-Related Neuronal Loss in the Locus Coeruleus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010005. [PMID: 33374940 PMCID: PMC7792602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Our laboratory and others have previously shown that cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1r) activity is neuroprotective and a modulator of brain ageing; a genetic disruption of CB1r signaling accelerates brain ageing, whereas the pharmacological stimulation of CB1r activity had the opposite effect. In this study, we have investigated if the lack of CB1r affects noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC), which are vulnerable to age-related changes; their numbers are reduced in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and probably also in healthy aged individuals. Thus, we compared LC neuronal numbers between cannabinoid 1 receptor knockout (Cnr1−/−) mice and their wild-type littermates. Our results reveal that old Cnr1−/− mice have less noradrenergic neurons compared to their age-matched wild-type controls. This result was also confirmed by the analysis of the density of noradrenergic terminals which proved that Cnr1−/− mice had less compared to the wild-type controls. Additionally, we assessed pro-inflammatory glial activity in the LC. Although the density of microglia in Cnr1−/− mice was enhanced, they did not show enhanced inflammatory profile. We hypothesize that CB1r activity is necessary for the protection of noradrenergic neurons, but its anti-inflammatory effect probably only plays a minor role in it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gargano
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (A.G.); (E.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Eva Beins
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (A.G.); (E.B.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (A.G.); (E.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Andras Bilkei-Gorzo
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (A.G.); (E.B.); (A.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-0228-6885-317
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17
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Vaseghi S, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. How do stupendous cannabinoids modulate memory processing via affecting neurotransmitter systems? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 120:173-221. [PMID: 33171142 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we wanted to review the role of cannabinoids in learning and memory in animal models, with respect to their interaction effects with six principal neurotransmitters involved in learning and memory including dopamine, glutamate, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), serotonin, acetylcholine, and noradrenaline. Cannabinoids induce a wide-range of unpredictable effects on cognitive functions, while their mechanisms are not fully understood. Cannabinoids in different brain regions and in interaction with different neurotransmitters, show diverse responses. Previous findings have shown that cannabinoids agonists and antagonists induce various unpredictable effects such as similar effect, paradoxical effect, or dualistic effect. It should not be forgotten that brain neurotransmitter systems can also play unpredictable roles in mediating cognitive functions. Thus, we aimed to review and discuss the effect of cannabinoids in interaction with neurotransmitters on learning and memory. In addition, we mentioned to the type of interactions between cannabinoids and neurotransmitter systems. We suggested that investigating the type of interactions is a critical neuropharmacological issue that should be considered in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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18
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DeVuono MV, La Caprara O, Sullivan MT, Bath A, Petrie GN, Limebeer CL, Rock EM, Hill MN, Parker LA. Role of the stress response and the endocannabinoid system in Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced nausea. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2187-2199. [PMID: 32399633 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system by high doses of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is hypothesized to generate a dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis contributing to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). OBJECTIVES AND METHODS Using the conditioned gaping model of nausea, we aimed to determine if pre-treatments that interfere with stress, or an anti-emetic drug, interfere with THC-induced nausea in male rats. The corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) antagonist, antalarmin, was given to inhibit the HPA axis during conditioning. Since eCBs inhibit stress, MJN110 (which elevates 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG)) and URB597 (which elevates anandamide (AEA)) were also tested. Propranolol (β-adrenergic antagonist) and WAY-100635 (5-HT1A antagonist) attenuate HPA activation by cannabinoids and, therefore, were assessed. In humans, CHS symptoms are not alleviated by anti-emetic drugs, such as ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonist); however, benzodiazepines are effective. Therefore, ondansetron and chlordiazepoxide were tested. To determine if HPA activation by THC is dose-dependent, corticosterone (CORT) was analyzed from serum of rats treated with 0.0, 0.5, or 10 mg/kg THC. RESULTS Antalarmin (10 and 20 mg/kg), MJN110 (10 mg/kg), URB597 (0.3 mg/kg), propranolol (2.5 and 5 mg/kg), WAY-100635 (0.5 mg/kg), and chlordiazepoxide (5 mg/kg) interfered with THC-induced conditioned gaping, but the anti-emetic ondansetron (0.1 and 0.01 mg/kg) did not. THC produced significantly higher CORT levels at 10 mg/kg than at 0.0 and 0.5 mg/kg THC. CONCLUSIONS Treatments that interfere with the stress response also inhibit THC-induced conditioned gaping, but a typical anti-emetic drug does not, supporting the hypothesis that THC-induced nausea, and CHS, is a result of a dysregulated stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieka V DeVuono
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Olivia La Caprara
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Megan T Sullivan
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Alexandra Bath
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Gavin N Petrie
- Departments of Cell Biology and, Anatomy and Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Cheryl L Limebeer
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Erin M Rock
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Departments of Cell Biology and, Anatomy and Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Linda A Parker
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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19
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Croissant M, Glaesmer H, Klucken T, Kirschbaum C, Gao W, Stalder T, Sierau S. Endocannabinoid concentrations in hair and mental health of unaccompanied refugee minors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 116:104683. [PMID: 32353812 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Altered activity of the endocannabinoid (EC) system has been linked to dysregulated stress-reactivity and the development of trauma-related psychopathology. The EC system, with its main components anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and other N-acyl-ethanolamides, is considered to be a buffer system that protects against the negative effects of traumatic experiences on mental health. Recently, the use of hair analyses, a method to gain information on long-term cumulative system activity, has been introduced to the study of ECs. Here, we seek to extend current knowledge on the potential use of hair EC concentrations as a marker of trauma-related psychological symptoms as well as psychological resources. Ninety-one male URM from Syria and Afghanistan (mean age = 17.4 years) living in group homes of the Child Protection Services in Leipzig, Germany, completed assessments on traumatic life events (TLE), PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms as well as on self-efficacy and prosocial behavior. Scalp-near 3 cm hair segments were obtained and EC concentrations quantified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Analyses revealed relatively week and inconsistent associations of hair ECs and psychological symptoms, with only a positive correlation between 2-AG and depression. Concerning prosocial behavior and self-efficacy positive relationships were found with oleoylethanolamide (OEA), stearoylethanolamide (SEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Our findings add data concerning the utility of hair EC analyses for PNE research but on a whole fail to reveal a clear association pattern between hair ECs and mental health in URM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heide Glaesmer
- Department for Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tim Klucken
- Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, Germany
| | | | - Wei Gao
- Biological Psychology, Technical University Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Susan Sierau
- Department for Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Germany
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20
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DeVuono MV, Parker LA. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Review of Potential Mechanisms. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2020; 5:132-144. [PMID: 32656345 PMCID: PMC7347072 DOI: 10.1089/can.2019.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabinoids have long been known for their ability to treat nausea and vomiting. Recent reports, however, have highlighted the paradoxical proemetic effects of cannabinoids. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is characterized by cyclical episodes of nausea and vomiting, accompanied by abdominal pain following prolonged, high-dose cannabis use, which is alleviated by hot baths and showers. Little is known about the cause of this syndrome. Discussion: Cannabinoids produce a biphasic effect on nausea and vomiting, with low doses having an antiemetic effect and high doses producing emesis. Presentation and treatment of CHS are similar to cyclical vomiting syndrome as well as chemotherapy-related anticipatory nausea and vomiting, suggesting that these phenomena may share mechanisms. The prevalence of CHS is not known because of the symptomatic overlap with other disorders and the lack of knowledge of the syndrome by the public and physicians. Treatment with typical antiemetic drugs is ineffective for CHS, but anxiolytic and sedative drugs, along with hot showers, seem to be consistently effective at reducing symptoms. The only known way to permanently end CHS, however, is abstinence from cannabinoids. Case studies and limited pre-clinical data on CHS indicate that prolonged high doses of the main psychotropic compound in cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), result in changes to the endocannabinoid system by acting on the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor. These endocannabinoid system changes can dysregulate stress and anxiety responses, thermoregulation, the transient receptor potential vanilloid system, and several neurotransmitters systems, and are thus potential candidates for mediating the pathophysiology of CHS. Conclusions: Excessive cannabinoid administration disrupts the normal functioning of the endocannabinoid system, which may cause CHS. More clinical and pre-clinical research is needed to fully understand the underlying pathophysiology of this disorder and the negative consequences of prolonged high-dose cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieka V. DeVuono
- Department of Psychology and Collabortive Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Linda A. Parker
- Department of Psychology and Collabortive Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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Ozdemir E. The Role of the Cannabinoid System in Opioid Analgesia and Tolerance. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:875-885. [DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200313120835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Opioid receptor agonist drugs, such as morphine, are very effective for treating chronic and severe pain; but, tolerance can develop with long-term use. Although there is a lot of information about the pathophysiological mechanisms of opioid tolerance, it is still not fully clarified. Suggested mechanisms for opioid tolerance include opioid receptor desensitisation, reduction of sensitivity G-proteins, activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), altered intracellular signaling pathway including nitric oxide, and activation of mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR). One way to reduce opioid tolerance and increase the analgesic potential is to use low doses. Combination of cannabinoids with opioids has been shown to manifest the reduction of the opioid dose. Experimental studies revealed an interaction of the endocannabinoid system and opioid antinociception. Cannabinoid and opioid receptor systems use common pathways in the formation of analgesic effect and demonstrate their activity via G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR). Cannabinoid drugs modulate opioid analgesic activity at a number of distinct levels within the cell, ranging from direct receptor associations to post-receptor interactions through shared signal transduction pathways. This review summarizes the data indicating that with combining cannabinoids and opioids drugs may be able to produce long-term analgesic effects, while preventing the opioid analgesic tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ercan Ozdemir
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Turkey
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22
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Ross JA, Van Bockstaele EJ. The role of catecholamines in modulating responses to stress: Sex-specific patterns, implications, and therapeutic potential for post-traumatic stress disorder and opiate withdrawal. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:2429-2465. [PMID: 32125035 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Emotional arousal is one of several factors that determine the strength of a memory and how efficiently it may be retrieved. The systems at play are multifaceted; on one hand, the dopaminergic mesocorticolimbic system evaluates the rewarding or reinforcing potential of a stimulus, while on the other, the noradrenergic stress response system evaluates the risk of threat, commanding attention, and engaging emotional and physical behavioral responses. Sex-specific patterns in the anatomy and function of the arousal system suggest that sexually divergent therapeutic approaches may be advantageous for neurological disorders involving arousal, learning, and memory. From the lens of the triple network model of psychopathology, we argue that post-traumatic stress disorder and opiate substance use disorder arise from maladaptive learning responses that are perpetuated by hyperarousal of the salience network. We present evidence that catecholamine-modulated learning and stress-responsive circuitry exerts substantial influence over the salience network and its dysfunction in stress-related psychiatric disorders, and between the sexes. We discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting the endogenous cannabinoid system; a ubiquitous neuromodulator that influences learning, memory, and responsivity to stress by influencing catecholamine, excitatory, and inhibitory synaptic transmission. Relevant preclinical data in male and female rodents are integrated with clinical data in men and women in an effort to understand how ideal treatment modalities between the sexes may be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elisabeth J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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23
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Abstract
Given the aging Baby Boomer generation, changes in cannabis legislation, and the growing acknowledgment of cannabis for its therapeutic potential, it is predicted that cannabis use in the older population will escalate. It is, therefore, important to determine the interaction between the effects of cannabis and aging. The aim of this report is to describe the link between cannabis use and the aging brain. Our review of the literature found few and inconsistent empirical studies that directly address the impact of cannabis use on the aging brain. However, research focused on long-term cannabis use points toward cumulative effects on multimodal systems in the brain that are similarly affected during aging. Specifically, the effects of cannabis and aging converge on overlapping networks in the endocannabinoid, opioid, and dopamine systems that may affect functional decline particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are critical areas for memory and executive functioning. To conclude, despite the limited current knowledge on the potential interactive effects between cannabis and aging, evidence from the literature suggests that cannabis and aging effects are concurrently present across several neurotransmitter systems. There is a great need for future research to directly test the interactions between cannabis and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Bin Yoo
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer DiMuzio
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Francesca M Filbey
- Center for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
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24
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Wyrofsky RR, Reyes BAS, Yu D, Kirby LG, Van Bockstaele EJ. Sex differences in the effect of cannabinoid type 1 receptor deletion on locus coeruleus-norepinephrine neurons and corticotropin releasing factor-mediated responses. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 48:2118-2138. [PMID: 30103253 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are capable of modulating mood, arousal, cognition and behavior, in part via their effects on the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC). Dysregulation of LC signaling and norepinephrine (NE) efflux in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) can lead to the development of psychiatric disorders, and CB1r deletion results in alterations of α2- and β1-adrenoceptors in the mPFC, suggestive of increased LC activity. To determine how CB1r deletion alters LC signaling, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology was conducted in LC-NE neurons of male and female wild type (WT) and CB1r-knock out (KO) mice. CB1r deletion caused a significant increase in LC-NE excitability and input resistance in male but not female mice when compared to WT. CB1r deletion also caused adaptations in several indices of noradrenergic function. CB1r/CB2r-KO male mice had a significant increase in cortical NE levels and tyrosine hydroxylase and CRF levels in the LC compared to WT males. CB1r/CB2r-KO female mice showed a significant increase in LC α2-AR levels compared to WT females. To further probe actions of the endocannabinoid system as an anti-stress neuromediator, the effect of CB1r deletion on CRF-induced responses in the LC was investigated. The increase in LC-NE excitability observed in male and female WT mice following CRF (300 nM) bath application was not observed in CB1r-KO mice. These results indicate that cellular adaptations following CB1r deletion cause a disruption in LC-NE signaling in males but not females, suggesting underlying sex differences in compensatory mechanisms in KO mice as well as basal endocannabinoid regulation of LC-NE activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Wyrofsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Beverly A S Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Daohai Yu
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Temple Clinical Research Institute, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lynn G Kirby
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elisabeth J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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25
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Complex Patterns of Cannabinoid Alkyl Side-Chain Inheritance in Cannabis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11421. [PMID: 31388099 PMCID: PMC6684623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47812-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid alkyl side-chain represents an important pharmacophore, where genetic targeting of alkyl homologs has the potential to provide enhanced forms of Cannabis for biopharmaceutical manufacture. Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase genes govern dicyclic (CBDA) and tricyclic (THCA) cannabinoid composition. However, the inheritance of alkyl side-chain length has not been resolved, and few studies have investigated the contributions and interactions between cannabinoid synthesis pathway loci. To examine the inheritance of chemical phenotype (chemotype), THCAS and CBDAS genotypes were scored and alkyl cannabinoid segregation analysed in 210 F2 progeny derived from a cross between two Cannabis chemotypes divergent for alkyl and cyclic cannabinoids. Inheritance patterns of F2 progeny were non-Gaussian and deviated from Mendelian expectations. However, discrete alkyl cannabinoid segregation patterns consistent with digenic as well as epistatic modes of inheritance were observed among F2 THCAS and CBDAS genotypes. These results suggest linkage between cannabinoid pathway loci and highlight the need for further detailed characterisation of cannabinoid inheritance to facilitate metabolic engineering of chemically elite germplasm.
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Urquhart MA, Ross JA, Reyes BAS, Nitikman M, Thomas SA, Mackie K, Van Bockstaele EJ. Noradrenergic depletion causes sex specific alterations in the endocannabinoid system in the Murine prefrontal cortex. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 10:100164. [PMID: 31193575 PMCID: PMC6535650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain endocannabinoids (eCB), acting primarily via the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1r), are involved in the regulation of many physiological processes, including behavioral responses to stress. A significant neural target of eCB action is the stress-responsive norepinephrine (NE) system, whose dysregulation is implicated in myriad psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Using Western blot analysis, the protein expression levels of a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of the eCB 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), diacylglycerol lipase-α (DGL-α), and two eCB degrading enzymes monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) were examined in a mouse model that lacks the NE-synthesizing enzyme, dopamine β-hydroxylase (DβH-knockout, KO) and in rats treated with N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride (DSP-4). In the prefrontal cortex (PFC), DGL-α protein expression was significantly increased in male and female DβH-KO mice (P < 0.05) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. DβH-KO male mice showed significant decreases in FAAH protein expression compared to WT male mice. Consistent with the DβH-KO results, DGL-α protein expression was significantly increased in male DSP-4-treated rats (P < 0.05) when compared to saline-treated controls. MGL and FAAH protein expression levels were significantly increased in male DSP-4 treated rats compared to male saline controls. Finally, we investigated the anatomical distribution of MGL and FAAH in the NE containing axon terminals of the PFC using immunoelectron microscopy. MGL was predominantly within presynaptic terminals while FAAH was localized to postsynaptic sites. These results suggest that the eCB system may be more responsive in males than females under conditions of NE perturbation, thus having potential implications for sex-specific treatment strategies of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Urquhart
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - J A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - B A S Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - M Nitikman
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - S A Thomas
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - K Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405-2204, USA
| | - E J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
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27
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Endocannabinoids, stress signaling, and the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system. Neurobiol Stress 2019; 11:100176. [PMID: 31236436 PMCID: PMC6582240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has been implicated in a variety of physiological functions due to abundant expression of its receptors and endogenous ligands in the central nervous system. Substantial progress has been made in understanding how the eCB system influences the brain norepinephrine (NE) system, an important neurochemical target in the continued development of new therapies for stress-induced psychiatric disorders. We, and others, have characterized the neuroanatomical, biochemical and pharmacological effects of cannabinoid receptor modulation on brain noradrenergic circuitry and defined how molecular elements of the eCB system are positioned to directly impact the locus coeruleus (LC)-prefrontal cortex pathway, a neural circuit well recognized for contributing to symptoms of hyperarousal, a key pathophysiological feature of stress-related disorders. We also described molecular and electrophysiological properties of LC noradrenergic neurons and NE release in the medial prefrontal cortex under conditions of cannabinoid type 1 receptor deletion. Finally, we identified how stress influences cannabinoid modulation of the coeruleo-cortical pathway. A number of significant findings emerged from these studies that will be summarized in the present review and have important implications for clinical studies targeting the eCB system in the treatment of stress-induced psychiatric disorders.
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28
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Cohen K, Weizman A, Weinstein A. Modulatory effects of cannabinoids on brain neurotransmission. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:2322-2345. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koby Cohen
- Department of Behavioral Science Ariel University Science Park 40700 Ariel Israel
| | | | - Aviv Weinstein
- Department of Behavioral Science Ariel University Science Park 40700 Ariel Israel
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29
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Sabban EL, Serova LI, Newman E, Aisenberg N, Akirav I. Changes in Gene Expression in the Locus Coeruleus-Amygdala Circuitry in Inhibitory Avoidance PTSD Model. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 38:273-280. [PMID: 28889197 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-017-0548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC)-amygdala circuit is implicated in playing a key role in responses to emotionally arousing stimuli and in the manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, we examined changes in gene expression of a number of important mediators of the LC-amygdala circuitry in the inhibition avoidance model of PTSD. After testing for basal acoustic startle response (ASR), rats were exposed to a severe footshock (1.5 mA for 10 s) in the inhibitory avoidance apparatus. They were given contextual situational reminders every 5 day for 25 days. Controls were treated identically but with the footshock inactivated. Animals were re-tested on second ASR and decapitated 1 h later. The shock group had enhanced hyperarousal and several changes in gene expression compared to controls. In the LC, mRNA levels of norepinephrine (NE) biosynthetic enzymes (TH, DBH), NE transporter (NET), NPY receptors (Y1R, Y2R), and CB1 receptor of endocannabinoid system were elevated. In the basolateral amygdala (BLA), there were marked reductions in gene expression for CB1, and especially Y1R, with rise for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) system (CRH, CRH receptor 1), and no significant changes in the central amygdala. Our results suggest a fast forward mechanism in the LC-amygdala circuitry in the shock group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Sciences Building, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
| | - Lidia I Serova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Sciences Building, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Elizabeth Newman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Sciences Building, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Nurit Aisenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
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30
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Regulation of noradrenergic and serotonergic systems by cannabinoids: relevance to cannabinoid-induced effects. Life Sci 2018; 192:115-127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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31
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Scarante FF, Vila-Verde C, Detoni VL, Ferreira-Junior NC, Guimarães FS, Campos AC. Cannabinoid Modulation of the Stressed Hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:411. [PMID: 29311804 PMCID: PMC5742214 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to stressful situations is one of the risk factors for the precipitation of several psychiatric disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Schizophrenia. The hippocampal formation is a forebrain structure highly associated with emotional, learning and memory processes; being particularly vulnerable to stress. Exposure to stressful stimuli leads to neuroplastic changes and imbalance between inhibitory/excitatory networks. These changes have been associated with an impaired hippocampal function. Endocannabinoids (eCB) are one of the main systems controlling both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, as well as neuroplasticity within the hippocampus. Cannabinoids receptors are highly expressed in the hippocampus, and several lines of evidence suggest that facilitation of cannabinoid signaling within this brain region prevents stress-induced behavioral changes. Also, chronic stress modulates hippocampal CB1 receptors expression and endocannabinoid levels. Moreover, cannabinoids participate in mechanisms related to synaptic plasticity and adult neurogenesis. Here, we discussed the main findings supporting the involvement of hippocampal cannabinoid neurotransmission in stress-induced behavioral and neuroplastic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele F Scarante
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Vila-Verde
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinícius L Detoni
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilson C Ferreira-Junior
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alline C Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), Cannabinoid Research Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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32
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R Wyrofsky R, Reyes BAS, Van Bockstaele EJ. Co-localization of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor with corticotropin-releasing factor-containing afferents in the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus: implications for the cognitive limb of the stress response. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:3007-3023. [PMID: 28255675 PMCID: PMC8340878 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1381-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The noradrenergic system has been shown to play a key role in the regulation of stress responses, arousal, mood, and emotional states. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a primary mediator of stress-induced activation of noradrenergic neurons in the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC). The endocannabinoid (eCB) system also plays a key role in modulating stress responses, acting as an "anti-stress" neuro-mediator. In the present study, we investigated the cellular sites for interactions between the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1r) and CRF in the LC. Immunofluorescence and high-resolution immunoelectron microscopy showed co-localization of CB1r and CRF in both the core and peri-LC areas. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed that 44% (208/468) of CRF-containing axon terminals in the core and 35% (104/294) in the peri-LC expressed CB1r, while 18% (85/468) of CRF-containing axon terminals in the core and 6.5% (19/294) in the peri-LC were presynaptic to CB1r-containing dendrites. In the LC core, CB1r + CRF axon terminals were more frequently of the symmetric (inhibitory) type; while in the peri-LC, a majority were of the asymmetric (excitatory) type. Triple label immunofluorescence results supported the ultrastructural analysis indicating that CB1r + CRF axon terminals contained either gamma amino butyric acid or glutamate. Finally, anterograde transport from the central nucleus of the amygdala revealed that CRF-amygdalar afferents projecting to the LC contain CB1r. Taken together, these results indicate that the eCB system is poised to directly modulate stress-integrative heterogeneous CRF afferents in the LC, some of which arise from limbic sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Wyrofsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 245 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
| | - Beverly A S Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 245 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Elisabeth J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 245 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
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33
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Chesworth R, Karl T. Molecular Basis of Cannabis-Induced Schizophrenia-Relevant Behaviours: Insights from Animal Models. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-017-0120-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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34
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Reyes BAS, Carvalho AF, Szot P, Kalamarides DJ, Wang Q, Kirby LG, Van Bockstaele EJ. Cortical adrenoceptor expression, function and adaptation under conditions of cannabinoid receptor deletion. Exp Neurol 2017; 292:179-192. [PMID: 28341460 PMCID: PMC5454488 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A neurochemical target at which cannabinoids interact to have global effects on behavior is brain noradrenergic circuitry. Acute and repeated administration of a cannabinoid receptor synthetic agonist is capable of increasing multiple indices of noradrenergic activity. This includes cannabinoid-induced 1) increases in norepinephrine (NE) release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC); 2) desensitization of cortical α2-adrenoceptor-mediated effects; 3) activation of c-Fos in brainstem locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons; and 4) increases in anxiety-like behaviors. In the present study, we sought to examine adaptations in adrenoceptor expression and function under conditions of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1r) deletion using knockout (KO) mice and compare these to wild type (WT) controls. Electrophysiological analysis of α2-adrenoceptor-mediated responses in mPFC slices in WT mice showed a clonidine-induced α2-adrenoceptor-mediated increase in mPFC cell excitability coupled with an increase in input resistance. In contrast, CB1r KO mice showed an α2-adrenoceptor-mediated decrease in mPFC cell excitability. We then examined protein expression levels of α2- and β1-adrenoceptor subtypes in the mPFC as well as TH expression in the locus coeruleus (LC) of mice deficient in CB1r. Both α2- and β1-adrenoceptors exhibited a significant decrease in expression levels in CB1r KO mice when compared to WT in the mPFC, while a significant increase in TH was observed in the LC. To better define whether the same cortical neurons express α2A-adrenoceptor and CB1r in mPFC, we utilized high-resolution immunoelectron microscopy. We localized α2A-adrenoceptors in a knock-in mouse that expressed a hemoagglutinin (HA) tag downstream of the α2A-adrenoceptor promoter. Although the α2A-adrenoceptor was often identified pre-synaptically, we observed co-localization of CB1r with α2-adrenoceptors post-synaptically in the same mPFC neurons. Finally, using receptor binding, we confirmed prior results showing that α2A-adrenoceptor is unchanged in mPFC following acute or chronic exposure to the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN 55,212-2, but is increased, following chronic treatment followed by a period of abstinence. Taken together, these data provide convergent lines of evidence indicating cannabinoid regulation of the cortical adrenergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A S Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States.
| | - A F Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - P Szot
- Northwest Network for Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
| | - D J Kalamarides
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Q Wang
- Department of Cell, Development and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - L G Kirby
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - E J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States
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35
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Ashabi G, Sadat-Shirazi MS, Khalifeh S, Elhampour L, Zarrindast MR. NMDA receptor adjusted co-administration of ecstasy and cannabinoid receptor-1 agonist in the amygdala via stimulation of BDNF/Trk-B/CREB pathway in adult male rats. Brain Res Bull 2017; 130:221-230. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Beiranvand A, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR, Moghaddasi M. Involvement of medial prefrontal cortex alpha-2 adrenoceptors on memory acquisition deficit induced by arachidonylcyclopropylamide, a cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist, in rats; possible involvement of Ca2+ channels. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:945-54. [PMID: 27317021 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116652585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Functional interactions between cannabinoid and alpha-2 adrenergic systems in cognitive control in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) seem possible. The present study evaluated the possible role of alpha-2 adrenoceptors of the prefrontal cortex on effect of arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA), a cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) agonist, in adult male Wistar rats. The animals were bilaterally implanted with chronic cannulae in the mPFC, trained in a step-through task, and tested 24 h after training to measure step-through latency. Results indicate that pre-training microinjection of ACPA (0.05 and 0.5 μg/rat) and clonidine (alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist; 1 and 2 μg/rat) reduce memory acquisition. Pre-training subthreshold dose of clonidine (0.5 µg/rat) restored memory-impairing effect of ACPA (0.05 and 0.5 µg/rat). On the other hand, pre-training administration of the alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine in all doses used (0.5, 1, and 2 μg/rat) did not affect memory acquisition by itself, while a subthreshold dose of yohimbine (2 µg/rat) potentiated memory impairment induced by ACPA (0.005 µg/rat). Finally, a subthreshold dose of SKF96365 (a Ca(2+) channel blocker) blocked clonidine and yohimbine effect of memory responses induced by ACPA. In conclusion, these data indicate that mPFC alpha-2 adrenoceptors play an important role in ACPA-induced amnesia and Ca(2+) channels have a critical role this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran Medical Genomics Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnoush Moghaddasi
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Department of Physiology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Schaich CL, Grabenauer M, Thomas BF, Shaltout HA, Gallagher PE, Howlett AC, Diz DI. Medullary Endocannabinoids Contribute to the Differential Resting Baroreflex Sensitivity in Rats with Altered Brain Renin-Angiotensin System Expression. Front Physiol 2016; 7:207. [PMID: 27375489 PMCID: PMC4899471 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed on vagal afferent fibers and neurons within the solitary tract nucleus (NTS), providing anatomical evidence for their role in arterial baroreflex modulation. To better understand the relationship between the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and endocannabinoid expression within the NTS, we measured dorsal medullary endocannabinoid tissue content and the effects of CB1 receptor blockade at this brain site on cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in ASrAOGEN rats with low glial angiotensinogen, normal Sprague-Dawley rats and (mRen2)27 rats with upregulated brain RAS expression. Mass spectrometry revealed higher levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol in (mRen2)27 compared to ASrAOGEN rats (2.70 ± 0.28 vs. 1.17 ± 0.09 ng/mg tissue; P < 0.01), while Sprague-Dawley rats had intermediate content (1.85 ± 0.27 ng/mg tissue). Microinjection of the CB1receptor antagonist SR141716A (36 pmol) into the NTS did not change cardiac BRS in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats (1.04 ± 0.05 ms/mmHg baseline vs. 1.17 ± 0.11 ms/mmHg after 10 min). However, SR141716A in (mRen2)27 rats dose-dependently improved BRS in this strain: 0.36 pmol of SR141716A increased BRS from 0.43 ± 0.03 to 0.71 ± 0.04 ms/mmHg (P < 0.001), and 36 pmol of SR141716A increased BRS from 0.47 ± 0.02 to 0.94 ± 0.10 ms/mmHg (P < 0.01). In contrast, 0.36 pmol (1.50 ± 0.12 vs. 0.86 ± 0.08 ms/mmHg; P < 0.05) and 36 pmol (1.38 ± 0.16 vs. 0.46 ± 0.003 ms/mmHg; P < 0.01) of SR141716A significantly reduced BRS in ASrAOGEN rats. These observations reveal differential dose-related effects of the brain endocannabinoid system that influence cardiovagal BRS in animals with genetic alterations in the brain RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris L Schaich
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Megan Grabenauer
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA; Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutics, RTI InternationalResearch Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA; Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutics, RTI InternationalResearch Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Hossam A Shaltout
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Patricia E Gallagher
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Debra I Diz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Bambico FR, Duranti A, Nobrega JN, Gobbi G. The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 modulates serotonin-dependent emotional behaviour, and serotonin1A and serotonin2A/C activity in the hippocampus. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:578-90. [PMID: 26747370 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 increases anandamide, resulting in antidepressant/anxiolytic-like activity, likely via CB1 receptor-mediated modulation of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) neurotransmission. However, the relative importance of the 5-HT and NE systems in these effects and on effects of URB597 on postsynaptic 5-HT receptors remain to be determined. Using behavioural and electrophysiological approaches, we assessed the effects of acute-single and repeated URB597 treatment on responses predicting antidepressant/anxiolytic activity, and on hippocampal 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/C receptor sensitivity. Acute-single or serial URB597 treatment, compared to vehicle, reduced immobility in the forced swim test (FST), increased open arm visits in the elevated plus maze and shortened feeding latency in the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT). Repeated URB597 treatment yielded more profound behavioural effects, which were associated with an increase in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The 5-HT synthesis inhibitor para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA), but not the NE neurotoxin N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP4) prevented URB597-mediated antidepressant/anxiolytic-like response in the FST and NSFT, while DSP4 did not further affect URB597-mediated increase in raphe 5-HT neuron firing. Repeated URB597 administration decreased hippocampal pyramidal firing in response to 5-HT2A/C and 5-HT1A stimulation with 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane (DOI) and 8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT), respectively, suggesting plastic adaptation of these receptors. The effects of acute-single and repeated URB597 administration on hippocampal cell firing in response to DOI or 8-OH-DPAT were similar in magnitude and intensity to the positive control citalopram. These data indicate that URB597 acts, either directly or indirectly, on the 5-HT system, increases hippocampal BDNF expression, and modifies 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A/C function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis R Bambico
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, McGill University, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - José N Nobrega
- Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, McGill University, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Hiranita T. (-)-Trans-Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Like Discriminative-Stimulus Effects of Gabapentin in Cannabis Users. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 4. [PMID: 27376100 DOI: 10.4172/2329-6488.1000e129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takato Hiranita
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
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Mohammad-Pour Kargar H, Azizi H, Mirnajafi-Zadeh J, Ali Reza M, Semnanian S. Microinjection of orexin-A into the rat locus coeruleus nucleus induces analgesia via cannabinoid type-1 receptors. Brain Res 2015; 1624:424-432. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Reyes BAS, Heldt NA, Mackie K, Van Bockstaele EJ. Ultrastructural evidence for synaptic contacts between cortical noradrenergic afferents and endocannabinoid-synthesizing post-synaptic neurons. Neuroscience 2015; 303:323-37. [PMID: 26162236 PMCID: PMC4542008 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are involved in a myriad of physiological processes that are mediated through the activation of cannabinoid receptors, which are ubiquitously distributed within the nervous system. One neurochemical target at which cannabinoids interact to have global effects on behavior is brain noradrenergic circuitry. We, and others, have previously shown that CB type 1 receptors (CB1r) are positioned to pre-synaptically modulate norepinephrine (NE) release in the rat frontal cortex (FC). Diacylglycerol lipase (DGL) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). While DGL-α is expressed in the FC in the rat brain, it is not known whether noradrenergic afferents target neurons expressing synthesizing enzymes for the endocannabinoid, 2-AG. In the present study, we employed high-resolution neuroanatomical approaches to better define cellular sites for interactions between noradrenergic afferents and FC neurons expressing DGL-α. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed close appositions between processes containing the norepinephrine transporter (NET) or dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH) and cortical neurons expressing DGL-α-immunoreactivity. Ultrastructural analysis using immunogold-silver labeling for DGL-α and immunoperoxidase labeling for NET or DβH confirmed that NET-labeled axon terminals were directly apposed to FC somata and dendritic processes that exhibited DGL-α-immunoreactivity. Finally, tissue sections were processed for immunohistochemical detection of DGL-α, CB1r and DβH. Triple label immunofluorescence revealed that CB1r and DβH were co-localized in common cellular profiles and these were in close association with DGL-α. Taken together, these data provide anatomical evidence for direct synaptic associations between noradrenergic afferents and cortical neurons exhibiting endocannabinoid synthesizing machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A S Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States.
| | - N A Heldt
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States
| | - K Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - E J Van Bockstaele
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States
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Hofer SC, Ralvenius WT, Gachet MS, Fritschy JM, Zeilhofer HU, Gertsch J. Localization and production of peptide endocannabinoids in the rodent CNS and adrenal medulla. Neuropharmacology 2015; 98:78-89. [PMID: 25839900 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and their endogenous arachidonic acid-derived agonists 2-arachidonoyl glycerol and anandamide, which play important neuromodulatory roles. Recently, a novel class of negative allosteric CB1 receptor peptide ligands, hemopressin-like peptides derived from alpha hemoglobin, has been described, with yet unknown origin and function in the CNS. Using monoclonal antibodies we now identified the localization of RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) and N-terminally extended peptide endocannabinoids (pepcans) in the CNS and determined their neuronal origin. Immunohistochemical analyses in rodents revealed distinctive and specific staining in major groups of noradrenergic neurons, including the locus coeruleus (LC), A1, A5 and A7 neurons, which appear to be major sites of production/release in the CNS. No staining was detected in dopaminergic neurons. Peptidergic axons were seen throughout the brain (notably hippocampus and cerebral cortex) and spinal cord, indicative of anterograde axonal transport of pepcans. Intriguingly, the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla were also strongly stained for pepcans. We found specific co-expression of pepcans with galanin, both in the LC and adrenal gland. Using LC-MS/MS, pepcan-12 was only detected in non-perfused brain (∼ 40 pmol/g), suggesting that in the CNS it is secreted and present in extracellular compartments. In adrenal glands, significantly more pepcan-12 (400-700 pmol/g) was measured in both non-perfused and perfused tissues. Thus, chromaffin cells may be a major production site of pepcan-12 found in blood. These data uncover important areas of peptide endocannabinoid occurrence with exclusive noradrenergic immunohistochemical staining, opening new doors to investigate their potential physiological function in the ECS. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Fluorescent Tools in Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie C Hofer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - William T Ralvenius
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - M Salomé Gachet
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Fritschy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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Wyrofsky R, McGonigle P, Van Bockstaele EJ. Drug discovery strategies that focus on the endocannabinoid signaling system in psychiatric disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 10:17-36. [PMID: 25488672 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.966680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays an important role in the control of mood, and its dysregulation has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders. Targeting the eCB system appears to represent an attractive and novel approach to the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. However, several failed clinical trials have diminished enthusiasm for the continued development of eCB-targeted therapeutics for psychiatric disorders, despite the encouraging preclinical data and promising preliminary results obtained with the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone for treating post-traumatic stress disorder. AREAS COVERED This review describes the eCB system's role in modulating cell signaling within the brain. There is a specific focus on eCB's regulation of monoamine neurotransmission and the stress axis, as well as how dysfunction of this interaction can contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the review provides discussion on compounds and drugs that target this system and might prove to be successful for the treatment of mood-related psychiatric disorders. EXPERT OPINION The discovery of increasingly selective modulators of CB receptors should enable the identification of optimal therapeutic strategies. It should also maximize the likelihood of developing safe and effective treatments for debilitating psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Wyrofsky
- Drexel University, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology , Mail Stop 400, New College Building, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 , USA
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Bedse G, Colangeli R, Lavecchia AM, Romano A, Altieri F, Cifani C, Cassano T, Gaetani S. Role of the basolateral amygdala in mediating the effects of the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 on HPA axis response to stress. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:1511-23. [PMID: 25106694 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is an important regulator of neuroendocrine and behavioral adaptation in stress related disorders thus representing a novel potential therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 on stress mediators of HPA axis and to study the role of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in responses to forced swim stress. Systemic administration of URB597 (0.1 and 0.3mg/kg) reduced the forced swim stress-induced activation of HPA axis. More specifically, URB597 decreased stress-induced corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA expression dose-dependently in pituitary gland without affecting plasma corticosterone levels. URB597 treatment also attenuated stress-induced neuronal activation of the amygdala and PVN, and increased neuronal activation in the locus coeruleus (LC) and nucleus of solitary tract (NTS). Injection of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (1ng/side) in the BLA significantly attenuated URB597-mediated effects in the PVN and completely blocked those induced in the BLA. These results suggest that the BLA is a key structure involved in the anti-stress effects of URB597, and support the evidence that enhancement of endogenous cannabinoid signaling by inhibiting FAAH represents a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Bedse
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Roberto Colangeli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Angelo M Lavecchia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Fabio Altieri
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti - Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy
| | - Tommaso Cassano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia 71100, Italy
| | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy.
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McLaughlin RJ, Hill MN, Gorzalka BB. A critical role for prefrontocortical endocannabinoid signaling in the regulation of stress and emotional behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 42:116-31. [PMID: 24582908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) provides executive control of the brain in humans and rodents, coordinating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to threatening stimuli and subsequent feedback inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The endocannabinoid system has emerged as a fundamental regulator of HPA axis feedback inhibition and an important modulator of emotional behavior. However, the precise role of endocannabinoid signaling within the PFC with respect to stress coping and emotionality has only recently been investigated. This review discusses the current state of knowledge regarding the localization and function of the endocannabinoid system in the PFC, its sensitivity to stress and its role in modulating the neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to aversive stimuli. We propose a model whereby steady-state endocannabinoid signaling in the medial PFC indirectly regulates the outflow of pyramidal neurons by fine-tuning GABAergic inhibition. Local activation of this population of CB1 receptors increases the downstream targets of medial PFC activation, which include inhibitory interneurons in the basolateral amygdala, inhibitory relay neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and monoamine cell bodies such as the dorsal raphe nucleus. This ultimately produces beneficial effects on emotionality (active coping responses to stress and reduced anxiety) and assists in constraining activation of the HPA axis. Under conditions of chronic stress, or in individuals suffering from mood disorders, this system may be uniquely recruited to help maintain appropriate function in the face of adversity, while breakdown of the endocannabinoid system in the medial PFC may be, in and of itself, sufficient to produce neuropsychiatric illness. Thus, we suggest that endocannabinoid signaling in the medial PFC may represent an attractive target for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Department of Psychiatry, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Boris B Gorzalka
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Hillard CJ, Liu QS. Endocannabinoid signaling in the etiology and treatment of major depressive illness. Curr Pharm Des 2014; 20:3795-811. [PMID: 24180398 PMCID: PMC4002665 DOI: 10.2174/13816128113196660735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to examine human and preclinical data that are relevant to the following hypotheses. The first hypothesis is that deficient CB1R-mediated signaling results in symptoms that mimic those seen in depression. The second hypothesis is that activation of CB1R-mediated signaling results in behavioral, endocrine and other effects that are similar to those produced by currently used antidepressants. The third hypothesis is that conventional antidepressant therapies act through enhanced CB1R mediated signaling. Together the available data indicate that activators of CB1R signaling, particularly inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase, should be considered for clinical trials for the treatment of depression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology
- Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/enzymology
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/pathology
- Cannabis
- Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy
- Depressive Disorder, Major/etiology
- Depressive Disorder, Major/genetics
- Depressive Disorder, Major/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endocannabinoids/genetics
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Humans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Neurogenesis/drug effects
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qing-song Liu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226.
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The endocannabinoid system: an emotional buffer in the modulation of memory function. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 112:30-43. [PMID: 24382324 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Extensive evidence indicates that endocannabinoids modulate cognitive processes in animal models and human subjects. However, the results of endocannabinoid system manipulations on cognition have been contradictory. As for anxiety behavior, a duality has indeed emerged with regard to cannabinoid effects on memory for emotional experiences. Here we summarize findings describing cannabinoid effects on memory acquisition, consolidation, retrieval and extinction. Additionally, we review findings showing how the endocannabinoid system modulates memory function differentially, depending on the level of stress and arousal associated with the experimental context. Based on the evidence reviewed here, we propose that the endocannabinoid system is an emotional buffer that moderates the effects of environmental context and stress on cognitive processes.
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Fitzgerald PJ. Elevated Norepinephrine may be a Unifying Etiological Factor in the Abuse of a Broad Range of Substances: Alcohol, Nicotine, Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine, and Caffeine. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2013; 7:171-83. [PMID: 24151426 PMCID: PMC3798293 DOI: 10.4137/sart.s13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of commonly abused drugs have effects on the noradrenergic neurotransmitter system, including alterations during acute intoxication and chronic use of these drugs. It is not established, however, that individual differences in noradrenergic signaling, which may be present prior to use of drugs, predispose certain persons to substance abuse. This paper puts forth the novel hypothesis that elevated noradrenergic signaling, which may be raised largely due to genetics but also due to environmental factors, is an etiological factor in the abuse of a wide range of substances, including alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and caffeine. Data are reviewed for each of these drugs comprising their interaction with norepinephrine during acute intoxication, long-term use, subsequent withdrawal, and stress-induced relapse. In general, the data suggest that these drugs acutely boost noradrenergic signaling, whereas long-term use also affects this neurotransmitter system, possibly suppressing it. During acute withdrawal after chronic drug use, noradrenergic signaling tends to be elevated, consistent with the observation that norepinephrine lowering drugs such as clonidine reduce withdrawal symptoms. Since psychological stress can promote relapse of drug seeking in susceptible individuals and stress produces elevated norepinephrine release, this suggests that these drugs may be suppressing noradrenergic signaling during chronic use or instead elevating it only in reward circuits of the brain. If elevated noradrenergic signaling is an etiological factor in the abuse of a broad range of substances, then chronic use of pharmacological agents that reduce noradrenergic signaling, such as clonidine, guanfacine, lofexidine, propranolol, or prazosin, may help prevent or treat drug abuse in general.
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Cannabinoid and opioid interactions: implications for opiate dependence and withdrawal. Neuroscience 2013; 248:637-54. [PMID: 23624062 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Withdrawal from opiates, such as heroin or oral narcotics, is characterized by a host of aversive physical and emotional symptoms. High rates of relapse and limited treatment success rates for opiate addiction have prompted a search for new approaches. For many opiate addicts, achieving abstinence may be further complicated by poly-drug use and co-morbid mental disorders. Research over the past decade has shed light on the influence of endocannabinoids (ECs) on the opioid system. Evidence from both animal and clinical studies point toward an interaction between these two systems, and suggest that targeting the EC system may provide novel interventions for managing opiate dependence and withdrawal. This review will summarize the literature surrounding the molecular effects of cannabinoids and opioids on the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system, a key circuit implicated in the negative sequelae of opiate addiction. A consideration of the trends and effects of marijuana use in those seeking treatment to abstain from opiates in the clinical setting will also be presented. In summary, the present review details how cannabinoid-opioid interactions may inform novel interventions in the management of opiate dependence and withdrawal.
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Lev-Ran S, Le Foll B, McKenzie K, Rehm J. Cannabis use and mental health-related quality of life among individuals with anxiety disorders. J Anxiety Disord 2012; 26:799-810. [PMID: 23023160 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance in individuals with anxiety disorders. The aim of this study was to assess mental health-related quality of life (QoL) among individuals with anxiety disorders with and without concurrent cannabis use based on a large representative US sample. Mental health-related QoL of regular cannabis users (N = 144), occasional cannabis users (N = 181) and non-users (N = 4427) was assessed using the Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey (SF-12). Among individuals with anxiety disorders, mean SF-12 mental summary scores were significantly lower (indicating a lower QoL) among regular, but not occasional, cannabis users (by 0.8 standard deviations (SDs) and 0.6SD for females and males, respectively) compared to non-users. Adjusting for sociodemographic variables and co-morbid mood disorders, regular, but not occasional, cannabis use was associated with lower mental health summary and subscales scores. Out results highlight the importance of taking into account direct functional and emotional outcomes, as well as frequency of cannabis used, when assessing the impact of cannabis use among individuals with anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaul Lev-Ran
- Social Aetiology of Mental Illness (SAMI) CIHR Training Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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