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Emons B, Arning L, Makulla VE, Suchy MT, Tsikas D, Lücke T, Epplen JT, Juckel G, Roser P. Endocannabinergic modulation of central serotonergic activity in healthy human volunteers. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2023; 22:11. [PMID: 36932421 PMCID: PMC10024405 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-023-00437-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonergic and the endocannabinoid system are involved in the etiology of depression. Depressive patients exhibit low serotonergic activity and decreased level of the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2AG). Since the cannabinoid (CB) 1 receptor is activated by endogenous ligands such as AEA and 2AG, whose concentration are controlled by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase, respectively, we investigated the effects on serotonergic utilization. In this study, we investigated the impact of the rs1049353 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene, which codes the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor, and the rs324420 SNP of the FAAH gene on the serotonergic and endocannabinoid system in 59 healthy volunteers. METHODS Serotonergic activity was measured by loudness dependence of auditory-evoked potentials (LDAEP). Plasma concentrations of AEA, 2AG and its inactive isomer 1AG were determined by mass spectrometry. Genotyping of two SNPs (rs1049353, rs344420) was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and differential enzymatic analysis with the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS Genotype distributions by serotonergic activity or endocannabinoid concentration showed no differences. However, after detailed consideration of the CNR1-A-allele-carriers, a reduced AEA (A-allele-carrier M = 0.66, SD = 0.24; GG genotype M = 0.72, SD = 0.24) and 2AG (A-allele-carriers M = 0.70, SD = 0.33; GG genotype M = 1.03, SD = 0.83) plasma concentration and an association between the serotonergic activity and the concentrations of AEA and 2AG has been observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that carriers of the CNR1-A allele may be more susceptible to developing depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Emons
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Larissa Arning
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Vera-Estelle Makulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Dimitrios Tsikas
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Lücke
- Department of Neuropediatrics, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jörg T Epplen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Georg Juckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - Patrik Roser
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Alexandrinenstr. 1-3, 44791, Bochum, Germany
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The Effects of Chronic Marijuana Administration on 6-OHDA-Induced Learning & Memory Impairment and Hippocampal Dopamine and Cannabinoid Receptors Interaction in Male Rats. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:2220-2229. [PMID: 36894794 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03899-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
There are general inhibitory effects of exo-cannabinoids on dopamine-mediated behaviors. Many studies suggested the interaction between cannabinoid receptors and dopamine receptors in the brain that affect cognition behaviors. In this paper, we investigate the effects of marijuana on 6-OHDA-induced cognitive impairments and the expression of dopamine and cannabinoid receptors in the hippocampus of male rats. 42 rats were divided into six groups. 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA) was administrated into the substantia nigra. Marijuana (60 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered 28 days, one week after the 6-OHDA injection. Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition tests were performed. The hippocampal expression levels of cannabinoid receptors and D1 and D2 dopamine receptors evaluate by real-time PCR. The results showed marijuana improved the spatial learning and memory disorders caused by 6-OHDA in the MVM task and novel object recognition test. Additionally, the level of both D1 and D2 mRNA was decreased in 6-OHDA-treated animals and marijuana consumption only increased the hippocampal level of D1 mRNA. Moreover, the level of hippocampal CB1 mRNA in 6-OHDA- treated rats was higher than in control rats. However, the hippocampal level of CB2 mRNA was decreased in 6-OHDA- treated rats. Marijuana consumption caused a significant decrease in CB1 mRNA level and an increase in CB2 mRNA level in 6-OHDA + marijuana group. Therefore, marijuana may be helpful for learning & memory disorders, D1, and D2 dopamine receptors, and cannabinoid receptor alteration in patients with Parkinson's disease.
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Soti M, Ranjbar H, Kohlmeier KA, Razavinasab M, Masoumi-Ardakani Y, Shabani M. Probable role of the hyperpolarization-activated current in the dual effects of CB1R antagonism on behaviors in a Parkinsonism mouse model. Brain Res Bull 2022; 191:78-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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4
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Soti M, Ranjbar H, Kohlmeier KA, Shabani M. Parkinson's disease related alterations in cannabinoid transmission. Brain Res Bull 2021; 178:82-96. [PMID: 34808322 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) by neurodegeneration. Recent findings in animal models of PD propose tonic inhibition of the remaining DA neurons through GABA release from reactive glial cells. Movement dysfunctions could be ameliorated by promotion of activity in dormant DA cells. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is extensively present in basal ganglia (BG) and is known as an indirect modulator of DAergic neurotransmission, thus drugs designed to target this system have shown promising therapeutic potential in PD patients. Interestingly, down/up-regulation of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) varies across the different stages of PD, suggesting that some of the motor/ non-motor deficits may be related to changes in CBRs. Determination of the profile of changes of these receptors across the different stages of PD as well as their neural distribution within the BG could improve understanding of PD and identify pathways important in disease pathobiology. In this review, we focus on temporal and spatial alterations of CBRs during PD in the BG. At present, as inconclusive, but suggestive results have been obtained, future investigations should be conducted to extend preclinical studies examining CBRs changes within each stage in controlled clinical trials in order to determine the potential of targeting CBRs in management of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monavareh Soti
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hoda Ranjbar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Kristi A Kohlmeier
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Röpke J, Ferreira-Vieira TH, Iglesias LP, Asth L, Ribeiro FM, Moreira FA. Protective role of endocannabinoid signaling in an animal model of haloperidol-induced tardive dyskinesia. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 206:173193. [PMID: 33933537 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a side effect associated with the long-term use of certain antipsychotics. Considering the modulatory role of the endocannabinoid system upon dopaminergic neurotransmission, the present study tested the hypothesis that increasing endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) levels attenuates haloperidol-induced TD (vacuous chewing movements, VCMs) in male Wistar rats. The animals received administration of chronic haloperidol (38 mg/kg; 29 days) followed by acute FAAH (URB597, 0.1-0.5 mg/kg) or MAGL (JZL184, 1-10 mg/kg) inhibitors before VCM quantification. The underlying mechanisms were evaluated by pre-treatments with a CB1 receptor antagonist (AM251, 1 mg/kg) or a TRPV1 channel blocker (SB366791, 1 mg/kg). Moreover, CB1 receptor expression was evaluated in the striatum of high-VCM animals. As expected, haloperidol induced VCMs only in a subset of rats. Either FAAH or MAGL inhibition reduced VCMs. These effects were prevented by CB1 receptor antagonism, but not by TRPV1 blockage. Remarkably, CB1 receptor expression was increased high-VCM rats, with a positive correlation between the levels of CB1 expression and the number of VCMs. In conclusion, increasing endocannabinoid levels results in CB1 receptor-mediated protection against haloperidol-induced TD in rats. The increased CB1 receptor expression after chronic haloperidol treatment suggests a counter-regulatory protective mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jivago Röpke
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Talita H Ferreira-Vieira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lia P Iglesias
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabíola M Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabrício A Moreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Labib AY, Ammar RM, El-Naga RN, El-Bahy AAZ, Tadros MG, Michel HE. Mechanistic insights into the protective effect of paracetamol against rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats: Possible role of endocannabinoid system modulation. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 94:107431. [PMID: 33578261 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a disabling progressive neurodegenerative disease. So far, PD's treatment remains symptomatic with no curative effects. Aside from its blatant analgesic and antipyretic efficacy, recent studies highlighted the endowed neuroprotective potentials of paracetamol (PCM). To this end: the present study investigated: (1) Possible protective role of PCM against rotenone-induced PD-like neurotoxicity in rats, and (2) the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective actions including cannabinoid receptors' modulation. A dose-response study was conducted using three doses of PCM (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and their effects on body weight changes, spontaneous locomotor activity, rotarod test, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and α-synuclein expression, and striatal dopamine (DA) content were evaluated. Results revealed that PCM (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) halted PD motor impairment, prevented rotenone-induced weight loss, restored normal histological tissue structure, reversed rotenone-induced reduction in TH expression and striatal DA content, and markedly decreased midbrain and striatal α-synuclein expression in rotenone-treated rats. Accordingly, PCM (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was selected for further mechanistic investigations, where it ameliorated rotenone-induced oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, apoptosis, and disturbed cannabinoid receptors' expression. In conclusion, our findings imply a multi-target neuroprotective effect of PCM in PD which could be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities, in addition to cannabinoid receptors' modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Yassin Labib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ramy M Ammar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Reem N El-Naga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alshaymaa Amin Zaki El-Bahy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative City, Egypt
| | - Mariane G Tadros
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Haidy E Michel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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7
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Leija-Salazar M, Bermúdez de León M, González-Horta A, González-Hernández B. Arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a synthetic agonist of cannabinoid receptor, increases CB 1R gene expression and reduces dyskinesias in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 194:172950. [PMID: 32413434 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
l-Dopa is the most effective drug used for Parkinson's disease (PD), but after long-term treatment, the vast majority of PD patients develop abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) termed l-Dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). Cannabinoid receptors in the basal ganglia can modulate motor functions, but their role in the treatment of LID is controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the motor behavior and mRNA expression of the cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1R), encoded by the Cnr1 gene, in the striatum and globus pallidus of a 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of PD. The evaluated rats had 6-hydroxydopamine-induced injury, LID, and LID treated with arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a cannabinoid receptor agonist. Contralateral turns and AIMs were recorded to assess motor behavior. Gene expression was quantified by reverse transcription coupled with quantitative polymerase chain reaction using TaqMan probes. Behavioral evaluations demonstrated that dyskinetic rats treated with ACEA had a significant reduction in AIMs compared to the dyskinetic group. The expression of CB1R mRNA was significantly decreased in the 6-hydroxydopamine-injured and dyskinetic rats, compared to intact rats. The striata of dyskinetic rats treated with ACEA exhibited highly significant increases in CB1R mRNA expression. Contrary to results in the striatum, a lower CB1R expression was observed in globus pallidus from dyskinetic ACEA-treated group. In summary, significant differences in mRNA expression of CB1R were found between the evaluated groups of rats, suggesting the occurrence of compensatory mechanisms that may result in the ACEA-mediated reduction of dyskinesias in a rat model of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Leija-Salazar
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Av. Universidad s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 66451 San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| | - Mario Bermúdez de León
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, 2 de abril 501, Col. Independencia, 64720 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| | - Azucena González-Horta
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Av. Universidad s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 66451 San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| | - Brenda González-Hernández
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, UANL, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Av. Universidad s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 66451 San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico.
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8
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Dang DK, Shin EJ, Mai AT, Jang CG, Nah SY, Jeong JH, Ledent C, Yamamoto T, Nabeshima T, Onaivi ES, Kim HC. Genetic or pharmacological depletion of cannabinoid CB1 receptor protects against dopaminergic neurotoxicity induced by methamphetamine in mice. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 108:204-224. [PMID: 28363605 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that cannabinoid ligands play delicate roles in cell survival and apoptosis decisions, and that cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) modulate dopaminergic function. However, the role of CB1R in methamphetamine (MA)-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in vivo remains elusive. Multiple high doses of MA increased phospho-ERK and CB1R mRNA expressions in the striatum of CB1R (+/+) mice. These increases were attenuated by CB1R antagonists (i.e., AM251 and rimonabant), an ERK inhibitor (U0126), or dopamine D2R antagonist (sulpiride). In addition, treatment with MA resulted in dopaminergic impairments, which were attenuated by CB1R knockout or CB1R antagonists (i.e., AM251 and rimonabant). Consistently, MA-induced oxidative stresses (i.e., protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species) and pro-apoptotic changes (i.e., increases in Bax, cleaved PKCδ- and cleaved caspase 3-expression and decrease in Bcl-2 expression) were observed in the striatum of CB1R (+/+) mice. These toxic effects were attenuated by CB1R knockout or CB1R antagonists. Consistently, treatment with four high doses of CB1R agonists (i.e., WIN 55,212-2 36mg/kg and ACEA 16mg/kg) also resulted in significant oxidative stresses, pro-apoptotic changes, and dopaminergic impairments. Since CB1R co-immunoprecipitates PKCδ in the presence of MA or CB1R agonists, we applied PKCδ knockout mice to clarify the role of PKCδ in the neurotoxicity elicited by CB1Rs. CB1R agonist-induced toxic effects were significantly attenuated by CB1R knockout, CB1R antagonists or PKCδ knockout. Therefore, our results suggest that interaction between D2R, ERK and CB1R is critical for MA-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity and that PKCδ mediates dopaminergic damage induced by high-doses of CB1R agonist.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Butadienes/pharmacology
- Cells, Cultured
- Corpus Striatum/metabolism
- Corpus Striatum/pathology
- Dopamine/metabolism
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/pharmacology
- Methamphetamine/administration & dosage
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neurotoxicity Syndromes/genetics
- Neurotoxicity Syndromes/metabolism
- Nitriles/pharmacology
- Oxidative Stress
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase C-delta/genetics
- Protein Kinase C-delta/metabolism
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
- Rimonabant
- Sulpiride/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy-Khanh Dang
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chunchon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Joo Shin
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chunchon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Anh-Thu Mai
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chunchon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yeol Nah
- Ginsentology Research Laboratory and Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Tsuneyuki Yamamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, Nagasaki 859-3298, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Nabeshima Laboratory, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8503, Japan
| | - Emmanuel S Onaivi
- Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
| | - Hyoung-Chun Kim
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chunchon 24341, Republic of Korea.
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Stampanoni Bassi M, Sancesario A, Morace R, Centonze D, Iezzi E. Cannabinoids in Parkinson's Disease. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2017; 2:21-29. [PMID: 28861502 PMCID: PMC5436333 DOI: 10.1089/can.2017.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays a regulatory role in a number of physiological processes and has been found altered in different pathological conditions, including movement disorders. The interactions between cannabinoids and dopamine in the basal ganglia are remarkably complex and involve both the modulation of other neurotransmitters (γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, opioids, peptides) and the activation of different receptors subtypes (cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2). In the last years, experimental studies contributed to enrich this scenario reporting interactions between cannabinoids and other receptor systems (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 cation channel, adenosine receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors). The improved knowledge, adding new interpretation on the biochemical interaction between cannabinoids and other signaling pathways, may contribute to develop new pharmacological strategies. A number of preclinical studies in different experimental Parkinson's disease (PD) models demonstrated that modulating the cannabinoid system may be useful to treat some motor symptoms. Despite new cannabinoid-based medicines have been proposed for motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD, so far, results from clinical studies are controversial and inconclusive. Further clinical studies involving larger samples of patients, appropriate molecular targets, and specific clinical outcome measures are needed to clarify the effectiveness of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Stampanoni Bassi
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sancesario
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Roberta Morace
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ennio Iezzi
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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Chase KA, Feiner B, Rosen C, Gavin DP, Sharma RP. Characterization of peripheral cannabinoid receptor expression and clinical correlates in schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2016; 245:346-353. [PMID: 27591408 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between cannabinoid receptor signaling and psychosis vulnerability requires further exploration. The endocannabinoid signaling system is extensive, with receptors exerting regulatory functions in both immune and central nervous systems. In the brain, cannabinoid receptors (CBR) directly modulate neurotransmitter systems. In the peripheral lymphocyte, CBRs mediate cytokine release, with dysregulated cytokine levels demonstrated in schizophrenia. mRNA levels of CBRs were measured in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from 70 participants (35 non-clinical controls, 35 participants with schizophrenia), who were recruited for the absence of marijuana use/abuse by self-report. Changes in mRNA expression were measured using qRT-PCR. Clinical measurements collected included the MATRICS Cognitive Battery and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Levels of CB1R and CB2R mRNA in PBMCs were significantly higher in participants with schizophrenia compared to the non-clinical controls. Additionally, CB1R and CB2R mRNA levels correlated with impairments in cognitive processing and clinical symptom severity in multiple domains. These results continue to support dysregulation of particular aspects of the endocannabinoid signaling system in participants with schizophrenia selected for the self-reported absence of marijuana abuse/dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla A Chase
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of California, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 8505, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Benjamin Feiner
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Cherise Rosen
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - David P Gavin
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 820 South Damen Avenue (M/C 151), Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Rajiv P Sharma
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 820 South Damen Avenue (M/C 151), Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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11
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Iannotti FA, Di Marzo V, Petrosino S. Endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-related mediators: Targets, metabolism and role in neurological disorders. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 62:107-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Bowers M, Boutros N, D’Souza DC, Madonick S. Substance Abuse as a Risk Factor for Schizophrenia and Related Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00207411.2001.11449509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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García C, Palomo-Garo C, Gómez-Gálvez Y, Fernández-Ruiz J. Cannabinoid-dopamine interactions in the physiology and physiopathology of the basal ganglia. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:2069-79. [PMID: 26059564 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Endocannabinoids and their receptors play a modulatory role in the control of dopamine transmission in the basal ganglia. However, this influence is generally indirect and exerted through the modulation of GABA and glutamate inputs received by nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, which lack cannabinoid CB1 receptors although they may produce endocannabinoids. Additional evidence suggests that CB2 receptors may be located in nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, and that certain eicosanoid-related cannabinoids may directly activate TRPV1 receptors, which have been found in nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, thus allowing in both cases a direct regulation of dopamine transmission by specific cannabinoids. In addition, CB1 receptors form heteromers with dopaminergic receptors which provide another pathway to direct interactions between both systems, in this case at the postsynaptic level. Through these direct mechanisms or through indirect mechanisms involving GABA or glutamate neurons, cannabinoids may interact with dopaminergic transmission in the basal ganglia and this is likely to have important effects on dopamine-related functions in these structures (i.e. control of movement) and, particularly, on different pathologies affecting these processes, in particular, Parkinson's disease, but also dyskinesia, dystonia and other pathological conditions. The present review will address the current literature supporting these cannabinoid-dopamine interactions at the basal ganglia, with emphasis on aspects dealing with the physiopathological consequences of these interactions. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Updating Neuropathology and Neuropharmacology of Monoaminergic Systems. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.13/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concepción García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Palomo-Garo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Gómez-Gálvez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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Kluger B, Triolo P, Jones W, Jankovic J. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for movement disorders. Mov Disord 2015; 30:313-27. [PMID: 25649017 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of marijuana (cannabis) and cannabinoid-based chemicals within the medical community and, particularly, for neurological conditions. This interest is driven both by changes in the legal status of cannabis in many areas and increasing research into the roles of endocannabinoids within the central nervous system and their potential as symptomatic and/or neuroprotective therapies. We review basic science as well as preclinical and clinical studies on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids specifically as it relates to movement disorders. The pharmacology of cannabis is complex, with over 60 neuroactive chemicals identified to date. The endocannabinoid system modulates neurotransmission involved in motor function, particularly within the basal ganglia. Preclinical research in animal models of several movement disorders have shown variable evidence for symptomatic benefits, but more consistently suggest potential neuroprotective effects in several animal models of Parkinson's (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). Clinical observations and clinical trials of cannabinoid-based therapies suggests a possible benefit of cannabinoids for tics and probably no benefit for tremor in multiple sclerosis or dyskinesias or motor symptoms in PD. Data are insufficient to draw conclusions regarding HD, dystonia, or ataxia and nonexistent for myoclonus or RLS. Despite the widespread publicity about the medical benefits of cannabinoids, further preclinical and clinical research is needed to better characterize the pharmacological, physiological, and therapeutic effects of this class of drugs in movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benzi Kluger
- Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Fanarioti E, Mavrikaki M, Panagis G, Mitsacos A, Nomikos GG, Giompres P. Behavioral and neurochemical changes in mesostriatal dopaminergic regions of the rat after chronic administration of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 18:pyu097. [PMID: 25522428 PMCID: PMC4438542 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyu097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system interacts extensively with other neurotransmitter systems and has been implicated in a variety of functions, including regulation of basal ganglia circuits and motor behavior. The present study examined the effects of repeated administration of the nonselective cannabinoid receptor 1 agonist WIN55,212-2 on locomotor activity and on binding and mRNA levels of dopamine receptors and transporters and GABAA receptors in mesostriatal dopaminergic regions of the rat. METHODS Rats received systemic injections of WIN55,212-2 (0, 0.1, 0.3, or 1mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for 20 consecutive days. Locomotor activity was measured on days 1, 10, and 20. Following the last measurement, rats were euthanized and prepared for in vitro binding and in situ hybridization experiments. RESULTS Acutely, 0.3 and 1mg/kg of WIN55,212-2 produced hypolocomotion, which was sustained for the next 2 measurements, compared to vehicle. Repeated administration of WIN55,212-2 decreased the mRNA levels of the D2 autoreceptors in substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area and increased D1 receptor mRNA and binding in nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, both dopamine receptor and transporter binding and mRNA levels were decreased in substantia nigra. Moreover, repeated administration of WIN55,212-2 decreased GABAA receptor binding levels in dorsal striatum and substantia nigra. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that chronic WIN55,212-2 administration results in sustained effects on locomotor activity, similar to those observed after acute administration, and modulates the dopaminergic and GABAergic systems in a region-, dose-, and neurotransmitter-selective manner.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Basal Ganglia/drug effects
- Basal Ganglia/metabolism
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Benzoxazines/administration & dosage
- Benzoxazines/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/administration & dosage
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics
- Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism
- Dopaminergic Neurons/drug effects
- Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Male
- Morpholines/administration & dosage
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Naphthalenes/administration & dosage
- Naphthalenes/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/genetics
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/genetics
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
- Receptors, GABA-A/genetics
- Receptors, GABA-A/metabolism
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Fanarioti
- University of Patras, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Patras, Greece (Drs Fanarioti and Giompres); University of Crete, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Rethymno, Crete, Greece (Drs Mavrikaki and Panagis); University of Patras, Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Physiology, Patras (Dr Mitsacos); Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., Deerfield, IL (Dr Nomikos)
| | - Maria Mavrikaki
- University of Patras, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Patras, Greece (Drs Fanarioti and Giompres); University of Crete, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Rethymno, Crete, Greece (Drs Mavrikaki and Panagis); University of Patras, Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Physiology, Patras (Dr Mitsacos); Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., Deerfield, IL (Dr Nomikos)
| | - George Panagis
- University of Patras, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Patras, Greece (Drs Fanarioti and Giompres); University of Crete, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Rethymno, Crete, Greece (Drs Mavrikaki and Panagis); University of Patras, Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Physiology, Patras (Dr Mitsacos); Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., Deerfield, IL (Dr Nomikos)
| | - Ada Mitsacos
- University of Patras, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Patras, Greece (Drs Fanarioti and Giompres); University of Crete, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Rethymno, Crete, Greece (Drs Mavrikaki and Panagis); University of Patras, Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Physiology, Patras (Dr Mitsacos); Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., Deerfield, IL (Dr Nomikos)
| | - George G Nomikos
- University of Patras, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Patras, Greece (Drs Fanarioti and Giompres); University of Crete, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Rethymno, Crete, Greece (Drs Mavrikaki and Panagis); University of Patras, Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Physiology, Patras (Dr Mitsacos); Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., Deerfield, IL (Dr Nomikos)
| | - Panagiotis Giompres
- University of Patras, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Patras, Greece (Drs Fanarioti and Giompres); University of Crete, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Rethymno, Crete, Greece (Drs Mavrikaki and Panagis); University of Patras, Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Physiology, Patras (Dr Mitsacos); Takeda Development Center Americas Inc., Deerfield, IL (Dr Nomikos).
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Detection of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 within basal ganglia output neurons in macaques: changes following experimental parkinsonism. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 220:2721-38. [PMID: 24972960 PMCID: PMC4549378 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0823-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs) are expressed abundantly throughout the brain, the presence of type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2Rs) in neurons is still somewhat controversial. Taking advantage of newly designed CB1R and CB2R mRNA riboprobes, we demonstrate by PCR and in situ hybridization that transcripts for both cannabinoid receptors are present within labeled pallidothalamic-projecting neurons of control and MPTP-treated macaques, whereas the expression is markedly reduced in dyskinetic animals. Moreover, an in situ proximity ligation assay was used to qualitatively assess the presence of CB1Rs and CB2Rs, as well as CB1R–CB2R heteromers within basal ganglia output neurons in all animal groups (control, parkinsonian and dyskinetic macaques). A marked reduction in the number of CB1Rs, CB2Rs and CB1R–CB2R heteromers was found in dyskinetic animals, mimicking the observed reduction in CB1R and CB2R mRNA expression levels. The fact that chronic levodopa treatment disrupted CB1R–CB2R heteromeric complexes should be taken into consideration when designing new drugs acting on cannabinoid receptor heteromers.
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Chronic cannabinoid exposure reduces phencyclidine-induced schizophrenia-like positive symptoms in adult rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 225:531-42. [PMID: 22903392 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2839-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Chronic cannabis use can induce psychotic states that resemble schizophrenia. Yet, schizophrenic patients often smoke cannabis as a form of self-medication to counter the aversive symptoms of schizophrenia. We recently demonstrated an ameliorating effect of cannabinoid self-administration (SA) on negative and cognitive schizophrenia-like symptoms induced experimentally by the non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist phencyclidine (PCP). Whether cannabinoid SA alleviates or exacerbates schizophrenia-like positive symptoms is still unclear. OBJECTIVES This follow-up study aimed to evaluate the effect of self-administered cannabinoid on PCP-induced schizotypic positive symptoms in adult rats. METHODS Male rats were trained to self-administer either the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN; 12.5 μg/kg/infusion) or its vehicle (Veh) intravenously. The effects of acute and chronic intermittent intraperitoneal administration of PCP (2.5 mg/kg) on motor parameters were then tested in Veh-SA and WIN-SA. RESULTS Cannabinoid SA significantly attenuated the psychotomimetic effects of PCP exposure observed in control rats. Following acute PCP administration, WIN-SA animals displayed more frequent rearing and lower anxiety-like profile than Veh-SA rats. WIN-SA rats also exhibited lower behavioural sensitisation to chronic PCP treatment as demonstrated by reduced hyperlocomotion in response to an acute PCP challenge. In addition, parallel experiments performed in experimenter-administered rats that received WIN at comparable SA doses confirmed the ameliorating effects of cannabinoid exposure on PCP-induced schizotypic behaviours, indicating that motivational effects were not responsible for the ameliorative effects of cannabinoids. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that cannabis may exert protective effects on positive schizotypic symptoms in adult animals such as hypermotility and anxiety state.
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Ginovart N, Tournier BB, Moulin-Sallanon M, Steimer T, Ibanez V, Millet P. Chronic Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure induces a sensitization of dopamine D₂/₃ receptors in the mesoaccumbens and nigrostriatal systems. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:2355-67. [PMID: 22692568 PMCID: PMC3442351 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), through its action on cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB₁R), is known to activate dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. Functional evidence of a direct antagonistic interaction between CB₁R and DA D₂-receptors (D₂R) suggests that D₂R may be an important target for the modulation of DA neurotransmission by THC. The current study evaluated, in rodents, the effects of chronic exposure to THC (1 mg/kg/day; 21 days) on D₂R and D₃R availabilities using the D₂R-prefering antagonist and the D₃R-preferring agonist radiotracers [¹⁸F]fallypride and [³H]-(+)-PHNO, respectively. At 24 h after the last THC dose, D₂R and D₃R densities were significantly increased in midbrain. In caudate/putamen (CPu), THC exposure was associated with increased densities of D₂R with no change in D₂R mRNA expression, whereas in nucleus accumbens (NAcc) both D₃R binding and mRNA levels were upregulated. These receptor changes, which were completely reversed in CPu but only partially reversed in NAcc and midbrain at 1 week after THC cessation, correlated with an increased functionality of D₂/₃R in vivo, based on findings of increased locomotor suppressive effect of a presynaptic dose and enhanced locomotor activation produced by a postsynaptic dose of quinpirole. Concomitantly, the observations of a decreased gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in midbrain together with a blunted psychomotor response to amphetamine concurred to indicate a diminished presynaptic DA function following THC. These findings indicate that the early period following THC treatment cessation is associated with altered presynaptic D₂/₃R controlling DA synthesis and release in midbrain, with the concurrent development of postsynaptic D₂/₃R supersensitivity in NAcc and CPu. Such D₂/₃R neuroadaptations may contribute to the reinforcing and habit-forming properties of THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Ginovart
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Benjamin B Tournier
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland,Clinical Neurophysiology and Neuroimaging Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marcelle Moulin-Sallanon
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Neuroimaging Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland,INSERM Unit 1039, J Fourier University, La Tronche, France
| | - Thierry Steimer
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vicente Ibanez
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Neuroimaging Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Millet
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Neuroimaging Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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19
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Nguyen VH, Wang H, Verdurand M, Zavitsanou K. Differential treatment regimen-related effects of HU210 on CB(1) and D(2)-like receptor functionality in the rat basal ganglia. Pharmacology 2012; 89:64-73. [PMID: 22301450 DOI: 10.1159/000335368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Functional linkages between the cannabinoid CB(1) and the dopaminergic systems have been reported although the observations and the mechanisms hypothesizing their interactions at the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) functionality level are conflicting. METHODS Administration of a potent cannabinoid agonist, HU210, at various doses (25-100 μg/kg) and treatment regimens (1- to 14-day treatment) in rats was carried out to investigate the effect of HU210 treatment on the CB(1) and D(2)-like agonist-mediated GPCR activation. RESULTS The desensitizations (reduced coupling) of both D(2) agonist- and CB(1) agonist-mediated GPCR activation was found to be treatment duration dependent and region specific, suggesting implication of receptor tolerance and adaptation due to the cannabinoid treatment. The effect of HU210 on the CB(1) agonist-mediated GPCR desensitization in all treatment groups was not dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS The desensitization of D(2)-like receptors found after a cannabinoid treatment in this study strengthens the evidence that the two neurotransmitter systems interact at the intercellular level; this interaction might occur via multiple mechanisms, which also vary according to region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu H Nguyen
- LifeSciences Division, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, N.S.W., Australia.
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20
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García C, Palomo-Garo C, García-Arencibia M, Ramos J, Pertwee R, Fernández-Ruiz J. Symptom-relieving and neuroprotective effects of the phytocannabinoid Δ⁹-THCV in animal models of Parkinson's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1495-506. [PMID: 21323909 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous findings have indicated that a cannabinoid, such as Δ(9)-THCV, which has antioxidant properties and the ability to activate CB(2) receptors but to block CB(1) , might be a promising therapy for alleviating symptoms and delaying neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The ability of Δ(9)-THCV to reduce motor inhibition and provide neuroprotection was investigated in rats lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine and in mice lesioned with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). KEY RESULTS Acute administration of Δ(9)-THCV attenuated the motor inhibition caused by 6-hydroxydopamine, presumably through changes in glutamatergic transmission. Moreover, chronic administration of Δ(9)-THCV attenuated the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurones caused by 6-hydroxydopamine in the substantia nigra, through an effect related to its antioxidant properties (it was reproduced by cannabidiol -enriched botanical extract). In addition, CB(2) receptor-deficient mice responded to 6-hydroxydopamine in a similar manner to wild-type animals, and CB(2) receptors were poorly up-regulated in the rat substantia nigra in response to 6-hydroxydopamine. By contrast, the substantia nigra of mice that had been injected with LPS exhibited a greater up-regulation of CB(2) receptors. In these animals, Δ(9)-THCV also caused preservation of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurones. This effect probably involved CB(2) receptors as it was also elicited by the selective CB(2) receptor agonist, HU-308, and CB(2) receptor-deficient mice were more vulnerable to LPS lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB(2) but to block CB(1) receptors, Δ(9)-THCV has a promising pharmacological profile for delaying disease progression in PD and also for ameliorating parkinsonian symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Stadelmann AM, Juckel G, Arning L, Gallinat J, Epplen JT, Roser P. Association between a cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) polymorphism and cannabinoid-induced alterations of the auditory event-related P300 potential. Neurosci Lett 2011; 496:60-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Abstract
Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a chronic disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics and a variety of associated behaviour disorders. Because current therapy is often unsatisfactory, there is expanding interest in new therapeutic strategies that are more effective, cause less side effects and ameliorate not only tics but also behavioural problems. From anecdotal reports and preliminary controlled studies it is suggested that - at least in a subgroup of patients - cannabinoids are effective in the treatment of TS. While most patients report beneficial effects when smoking marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.), available clinical trials have been performed using oral Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In otherwise treatment-resistant TS patients, therefore, therapy with THC should not be left unattempted. To date, it is unknown whether other drugs that interact with the endocannabinoid receptor system might be more effective in the treatment of TS than smoked marijuana or pure THC. Since it has been suggested that abnormalities within the endocannabinoid receptor system might underlie TS pathophysiology, it would be of interest to investigate the effect of substances that for example bind more selectively to the central cannabinoid receptor or inhibit the uptake or the degradation of different endocannabinoids.
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Thanos PK, Gopez V, Delis F, Michaelides M, Grandy DK, Wang GJ, Kunos G, Volkow ND. Upregulation of cannabinoid type 1 receptors in dopamine D2 receptor knockout mice is reversed by chronic forced ethanol consumption. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 35:19-27. [PMID: 20958329 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01318.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anatomical proximity of the cannabinoid type 1 (CNR1/CB1R) and the dopamine D2 receptors (DRD2), their ability to form CB1R-DRD2 heteromers, their opposing roles in locomotion, and their involvement in ethanol's reinforcing and addictive properties prompted us to study the levels and distribution of CB1R after chronic ethanol intake, in the presence and absence of DRD2. METHODS We monitored the drinking patterns and locomotor activity of Drd2+/+ and Drd2-/- mice consuming either water or a 20% (v/v) ethanol solution (forced ethanol intake) for 6 months and used the selective CB1 receptor antagonist [³H]SR141716A to quantify CB1R levels in different brain regions with in vitro receptor autoradiography. RESULTS We found that the lack of DRD2 leads to a marked upregulation (approximately 2-fold increase) of CB1R in the cerebral cortex, the caudate-putamen, and the nucleus accumbens, which was reversed by chronic ethanol intake. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that DRD2-mediated dopaminergic neurotransmission and chronic ethanol intake exert an inhibitory effect on cannabinoid receptor expression in cortical and striatal regions implicated in the reinforcing and addictive properties of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayotis K Thanos
- Department of Health and Human Services, Laboratory of Neuroimaging, NIAAA, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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Abstract
The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachydonoylglycerol (2-AG) are lipids naturally derived from membrane precursors which bind cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2). This endocannabinoid system is disturbed in schizophrenia. Indeed, there seems to be an association between schizophrenia and polymorphisms of the CB1 receptor gene. Moreover, CB1 receptors are found in higher density in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and basal ganglia of patients with schizophrenia. Similarly, anandamide levels are increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in the serum of schizophrenia patients, including during the prodromal state, suggesting that they may play a protective role in psychosis homeostasis. Future studies are needed to further explore the role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stéphane Potvin
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-514-251-4015; Fax: +1-514-251-2617
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Moghaddam HF, Khodayar MJ, Abarghouei SMZ, Ardestani MS. Evaluation of the role of striatal cannabinoid CB1 receptors on movement activity of parkinsonian rats induced by reserpine. Saudi Pharm J 2010; 18:207-15. [PMID: 23960729 PMCID: PMC3730975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been observed cannabinoid CB1 receptor signalling and the levels of endocannabinoid ligands significantly increased in the basal ganglia and cerebrospinal fluids of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. These evidences suggest that the blocking of cannabinoid CB1 receptors might be beneficial to improve movement disorders as a sign of PD. In this study, a dose-response study of the effects of intrastriatal injection of a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, AM251 and agonist, ACPA, on movement activity was performed by measuring the catalepsy of reserpinized and non-PD (normal) rats with bar test. Also the effect of co-administration the most effective dose of AM251 and several doses of ACPA were assessed. AM251 decreases the reserpine induced catalepsy in dose dependent manner and ACPA causes catalepsy in normal rats in dose dependant manner as well. AM251 significantly reverse the cataleptic effect in all three groups (1, 10, 100 ng/rat) that received ACPA. These results support this theory that cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists might be useful to alleviate movement disorder in PD. Also continuance of ACPA induced catalepsy in rats after AM251 injection can indicate that other neurotransmitters or receptors interfere in ACPA induced catalepsy. Based on the present finding there is an incomplete overlapping between cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist and antagonist effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Fathi Moghaddam
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine & Physiology Research Center, Ahvaz Jondishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Khodayar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jondishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Shafiee Ardestani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research & Development Division and Hepatitis B Department, Production & Research Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Bortolato M, Frau R, Bini V, Luesu W, Loriga R, Collu M, Gessa GL, Ennas MG, Castelli MP. Methamphetamine neurotoxicity increases brain expression and alters behavioral functions of CB₁ cannabinoid receptors. J Psychiatr Res 2010; 44:944-55. [PMID: 20378129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Revised: 02/14/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most common secondary illicit substance in methamphetamine (METH) users, yet the outcomes of the concurrent consumption of both substances remain elusive. Capitalizing on recent findings on the implication of CB₁ cannabinoid receptors in the behavioral effects of METH, we hypothesized that METH-induced neurotoxicity may alter the brain expression of CB₁, thereby affecting its role in behavioral functions. To test this possibility, we subjected rats to a well-characterized model of METH neurotoxicity (4 mg/kg, subcutaneous × 4 injections, 2 h apart), and analyzed their CB₁ receptor brain expression three weeks later. METH exposure resulted in significant enhancements of CB₁ receptor expression across several brain regions, including prefrontal cortex, caudate-putamen, basolateral amygdala, CA1 hippocampal region and perirhinal cortex. In parallel, a different group of METH-exposed rats was used to explore the responsiveness to the potent cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) (0.5-1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), within several paradigms for the assessment of emotional and cognitive functions, such as open field, object exploration and recognition, and startle reflex. WIN induced anxiolytic-like effects in METH-exposed rats and anxiogenic-like effects in saline-treated controls. Furthermore, METH-exposed animals exhibited a significantly lower impact of WIN on the attenuation of exploratory behaviors and short-term (90 min) recognition memory. Conversely, METH neurotoxicity did not significantly affect WIN-induced reductions in locomotor activity, exploration time and acoustic startle. These results suggest that METH neurotoxicity may alter the vulnerability to select behavioral effects of cannabis, by inducing distinct regional variations in the expression of CB₁ receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles (CA), USA.
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Melis M, Pistis M. Endocannabinoid signaling in midbrain dopamine neurons: more than physiology? Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 5:268-77. [PMID: 19305743 PMCID: PMC2644494 DOI: 10.2174/157015907782793612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2006] [Revised: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 04/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Different classes of neurons in the CNS utilize endogenous cannabinoids as retrograde messengers to shape afferent activity in a short- and long-lasting fashion. Transient suppression of excitation and inhibition as well as long-term depression or potentiation in many brain regions require endocannabinoids to be released by the postsynaptic neurons and activate presynaptic CB1 receptors. Memory consolidation and/or extinction and habit forming have been suggested as the potential behavioral consequences of endocannabinoid-mediated synaptic modulation. HOWEVER, ENDOCANNABINOIDS HAVE A DUAL ROLE: beyond a physiological modulation of synaptic functions, they have been demonstrated to participate in the mechanisms of neuronal protection under circumstances involving excessive excitatory drive, glutamate excitotoxicity, hypoxia-ischemia, which are key features of several neurodegenerative disorders. In this framework, the recent discovery that the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol is released by midbrain dopaminergic neurons, under both physiological synaptic activity to modulate afferent inputs and pathological conditions such as ischemia, is particularly interesting for the possible implication of these molecules in brain functions and dysfunctions. Since dopamine dysfunctions underlie diverse neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, psychoses, and drug addiction, the importance of better understanding the correlation between an unbalanced endocannabinoid signal and the dopamine system is even greater. Additionally, we will review the evidence of the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, where neuroprotective actions of cannabinoid-acting compounds may prove beneficial.The modulation of the endocannabinoid system by pharmacological agents is a valuable target in protection of dopamine neurons against functional abnormalities as well as against their neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Melis
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience and Center of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042, Italy
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Cannabinoid-dopamine interaction in the pathophysiology and treatment of CNS disorders. CNS Neurosci Ther 2010; 16:e72-91. [PMID: 20406253 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00144.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids and their receptors, mainly the CB(1) receptor type, function as a retrograde signaling system in many synapses within the CNS, particularly in GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses. They also play a modulatory function on dopamine (DA) transmission, although CB(1) receptors do not appear to be located in dopaminergic terminals, at least in the major brain regions receiving dopaminergic innervation, e.g., the caudate-putamen and the nucleus accumbens/prefrontal cortex. Therefore, the effects of cannabinoids on DA transmission and DA-related behaviors are generally indirect and exerted through the modulation of GABA and glutamate inputs received by dopaminergic neurons. Recent evidence suggest, however, that certain eicosanoid-derived cannabinoids may directly activate TRPV(1) receptors, which have been found in some dopaminergic pathways, thus allowing a direct regulation of DA function. Through this direct mechanism or through indirect mechanisms involving GABA or glutamate neurons, cannabinoids may interact with DA transmission in the CNS and this has an important influence in various DA-related neurobiological processes (e.g., control of movement, motivation/reward) and, particularly, on different pathologies affecting these processes like basal ganglia disorders, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. The present review will address the current literature supporting these cannabinoid-DA interactions, with emphasis in aspects dealing with the neurochemical, physiological, and pharmacological/therapeutic bases of these interactions.
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Walsh S, Mnich K, Mackie K, Gorman AM, Finn DP, Dowd E. Loss of cannabinoid CB1 receptor expression in the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced nigrostriatal terminal lesion model of Parkinson's disease in the rat. Brain Res Bull 2010; 81:543-8. [PMID: 20097273 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2010.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is emerging as a potential alternative to the dopaminergic system for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Like all emerging targets, validation of this system's potential for treating human Parkinsonism necessitates testing in animal models of the condition. However, if components of the endocannabinoid system are altered by the induction of a Parkinsonian state in animal models, this could have an impact on the interpretation of such preclinical experiments. This study sought to determine if expression of the CB(1) subtype of cannabinoid receptor is altered in the two most commonly used rat models of Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonian lesions were induced by stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the axons (medial forebrain bundle) or terminals (striatum) of the nigrostriatal pathway. On days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 post-lesion, rats were sacrificed and brains were processed for tyrosine hydroxylase and CB(1) receptor immunohistochemistry. The CB(1) receptor was expressed strongly in the substantia nigra pars reticulata, minimally overlapping with tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the pars compacta. Interestingly, while there was little change in CB(1) receptor expression following axonal lesion, expression of the receptor was significantly reduced following terminal lesion. Loss of CB(1) receptor expression in the pars reticulata correlated significantly with the loss of striatal and nigral volume after terminal lesion indicating this may have been due to 6-hydroxydopamine-induced non-specific damage of striatonigral neurons which are known to express CB(1) receptors. Thus, this result has implications for the choice of model and interpretation of studies used to investigate potential cannabinoid-based therapies for Parkinson's disease as well as striatonigral diseases such as Huntington's disease and Multiple Systems Atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Walsh
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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In vivo type 1 cannabinoid receptor mapping in the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease. Brain Res 2009; 1316:153-62. [PMID: 20026090 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors are expressed in high concentrations in the central nervous system, including the basal ganglia, and could have direct or indirect effects on motor behavior through modulation of dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABA-ergic neurotransmission. Using the CB1 receptor radioligand [(18)F]MK-9470 and small-animal PET, we investigated for the first time in vivo cerebral changes in [(18)F]MK-9470 binding in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD), parallel to dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining, and behavioral measurements. In the 6-OHDA model, relative [(18)F]MK-9470 PET binding decreased in the contralateral cerebellum (-9%, p<0.0004) and caudate-putamen bilaterally (ipsilateral -8%, contralateral -7%; p=0.001 and p<0.0003, respectively). The number of TH(+) neurons in the substantia nigra was inversely correlated to CB1 receptor binding in the ipsilateral cerebellum (p=1.10(-6)). The behavioral outcome was positively related to regional CB1 receptor binding in the contralateral somatosensory cortex (p=4.10(-6)). In vivo [(18)F]MK-9470 PET imaging points to changes in endocannabinoid transmission, specifically for CB1 receptors in the 6-OHDA model of PD, with mainly involvement of the caudate-putamen, but also distant regions of the motor circuitry, including the cerebellum and somatosensory cortex.
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Kelsey JE, Harris O, Cassin J. The CB(1) antagonist rimonabant is adjunctively therapeutic as well as monotherapeutic in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Behav Brain Res 2009; 203:304-7. [PMID: 19414037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2009] [Revised: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute injections of 8mg/kg of 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (l-DOPA) or 0.05mg/kg rimonabant equally improved contralateral forepaw stepping in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions, and their combination improved stepping more than either drug alone. However, 0.05mg/kg rimonabant did not alter the changes in stepping produced by acute injections of a dyskinesic dose of 35mg/kg l-DOPA. Thus, not only is a cannabinoid antagonist monotherapeutic in this animal model of Parkinson's disease, but it also enhances the therapeutic effect of a moderate, but not a high, dose of l-DOPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Kelsey
- Program in Neuroscience, Bates College, Lewiston, ME 04240, United States.
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García-Arencibia M, García C, Kurz A, Rodríguez-Navarro JA, Gispert-Sáchez S, Mena MA, Auburger G, de Yébenes JG, Fernández-Ruiz J. Cannabinoid CB1 receptors are early downregulated followed by a further upregulation in the basal ganglia of mice with deletion of specific park genes. JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION. SUPPLEMENTUM 2009:269-75. [PMID: 20411785 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-211-92660-4_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the type of changes experienced by the CB1 receptor, a key element of the cannabinoid signaling system, in the basal ganglia of different mouse mutants generated by deletion of specific genes associated with the development of Parkinson's disease in humans [PARK1 (alpha-synuclein), PARK2 (parkin) or PARK6 (PINK1)]. We observed that CB1 receptor-mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the caudate-putamen in the three models under examination when animals were analyzed at early phases (< or = 12 months of age). This decrease was, in general, associated with a reduction in CB1 receptor binding in the substantia nigra and the globus pallidus, particularly in the case of alpha-synuclein-deficient mice. By contrast, both parameters, mRNA levels and binding for the CB1 receptor, showed an elevation in the same areas when animals were analyzed at older ages, mainly in the case of the CB1 receptor binding in the substantia nigra. In summary, our data revealed the existence of a biphasic response for CB1 receptors, with losses at early phases, when dopaminergic dysfunction is possibly the major event that takes place, followed by upregulatory responses at advanced phases characterized by the occurrence of evident nigrostriatal pathology including neuronal death in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés García-Arencibia
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Müller-Vahl KR, Emrich HM. Cannabis and schizophrenia: towards a cannabinoid hypothesis of schizophrenia. Expert Rev Neurother 2008; 8:1037-48. [PMID: 18590475 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.8.7.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Highlighting the association between schizophrenia and Cannabis sativa and the endogenous cannabinoid receptor system, respectively, two opposite aspects are of major relevance. On the one hand, cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug. There is substantial evidence that cannabis has to be classified as an independent risk factor for psychosis that may lead to a worse outcome of the disease. This risk seems to be increased in genetically predisposed people and may depend on the amount of cannabis used. On the other hand, during the last few years, an endogenous cannabinoid receptor system (including two known cannabinoid [CB(1) and CB(2)] receptors and five endogenous ligands) has been discovered. There are several lines of evidence suggesting that, at least in a subgroup of patients, alterations in the endocannabinoid system may contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (e.g., increased density of CB(1) receptor binding and increased levels of cerebrospinal fluid endocannabinoid anandamide). Accordingly, beside the 'dopamine hypothesis' of schizophrenia, a 'cannabinoid hypothesis' has been suggested. Interestingly, there is a complex interaction between the dopaminergic and the endocannabinoid receptor system. Thus, agents that interact with the cannabinoid receptor system, such as the nonpsychoactive cannabidiol, might be beneficial in the treatment of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R Müller-Vahl
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry & Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
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The effects of antipsychotics on the density of cannabinoid receptors in the dorsal vagal complex of rats: implications for olanzapine-induced weight gain. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2008; 11:827-35. [PMID: 18257959 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145708008560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Some atypical antipsychotics clinically used to treat schizophrenia induce weight gain by unknown mechanisms. The dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the brainstem and the endogenous cannabinoid system are implicated in the regulation of appetite signalling and food intake. We investigated whether antipsychotic drugs alter cannabinoid receptor-binding density in the DVC. Female Spraguewk (short-term) or 120.83, p=0.01). In addition, only chronic olanzapine treatment increased food intake. These results show that olanzapine, an antipsychotic with a high risk of weight gain as a side-effect, significantly decreased cannabinoid receptor binding in the DVC, whilst aripiprazole and haloperidol, antipsychotics with a low risk of weight gain had little or no effect on binding. These results suggest that a mechanism for antipsychotic-induced weight gain may be through the modulation of cannabinoid receptors in the DVC.
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Gerald TM, Howlett AC, Ward GR, Ho C, Franklin SO. Gene expression of opioid and dopamine systems in mouse striatum: effects of CB1 receptors, age and sex. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 198:497-508. [PMID: 18438728 PMCID: PMC3708653 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1141-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2007] [Accepted: 03/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Endocannabinoid, opioid, and dopamine systems interact to exhibit cannabinoid receptor neuromodulation of opioid peptides and D(4) dopamine receptor gene expression in CB(1)-cannabinoid-deficient mouse striatum. OBJECTIVE Using CB(1)-transgenic mice, we examine primary age-sex influences and interactions on opioid and dopamine system members' gene expression in striatum. MATERIALS AND METHODS Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze gene expression of opioid peptides [preproenkephalin (PPENK); preprodynorphin (PPDYN)], opioid receptors [delta-opioid receptor (delta-OR); mu-opioid receptor (micro-OR)] and dopamine receptor subtypes (D(1) through D(5)) in male/female CB(1)(+/+)/CB(1)(-/-) mice striata at two adult ages [young (60-90 days); old (140-300 days)]. RESULTS (1) Increased PPENK and PPDYN, owing to genotype [CB(1)(+/+) vs. CB(1)(-/-)], depended on sex. When genotype-independent, they depended on sex (PPENK) or age (PPDYN). (2) delta-OR was age-dependent (higher in old). (3) micro-OR, owing to genotype, was age-dependent [higher in old CB(1)(-/-) males]. When genotype-independent, it depended on sex (higher in females). (4) Female D(1) was genotype-independent and age-dependent, while male D(1) was higher in old over young CB(1)(+/+) mice. (5) D(5), owing to genotype, was sex-dependent [higher in young female CB(1)(-/-) mice]. (6) D(2), genotype-independent, was higher in old over young male mice. (7) Young female D(3) was higher in CB(1)(-/-) over CB(1)(+/+) mice. Male D(3) was age-dependent (higher in old mice). (8) D(4), owing to genotype, was sex-dependent [higher in CB(1)(-/-) over CB(1)(+/+) females]. Genotype-independent D(4) was sex-dependent in young mice (higher in females) and age-dependent in males (higher in old). CONCLUSIONS Greater striatal expression is genotype-dependent in females (opioid-peptides, D(3), D(4), D(5)) and genotype-independent in both females (PPENK, mu-OR, D(4)) and old males (PPDYN, delta-OR, D(2), D(3), D(4)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonya M. Gerald
- Chemistry Department, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA. Neuroscience/Drug Abuse Research Program JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Allyn C. Howlett
- Neuroscience/Drug Abuse Research Program JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Gregg R. Ward
- Neuroscience/Drug Abuse Research Program JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA. Department of Life Sciences, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC 27110, USA
| | - Cheryl Ho
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Steven O. Franklin
- Chemistry Department, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA. Neuroscience/Drug Abuse Research Program JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, One Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27156, USA
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García-Arencibia M, Ferraro L, Tanganelli S, Fernández-Ruiz J. Enhanced striatal glutamate release after the administration of rimonabant to 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats. Neurosci Lett 2008; 438:10-3. [PMID: 18457923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2008] [Accepted: 04/12/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
While recent studies have shown that the blockade of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors might be beneficial to alleviate the motor inhibition typical of Parkinson's disease (PD), the neurochemical substrates for this effect remain elusive. Here we have carried out microdialysis experiments to determine whether the effects of rimonabant, a selective antagonist of CB(1) receptors, might be associated with changes in striatal glutamate release in a rat model of PD generated by intracerebroventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. Our data demonstrate that the treatment with rimonabant slightly increased striatal glutamate release in control rats, although this effect was only evident with the highest dose of rimonabant tested (1mg/kg). However, the increase in glutamate release was much more marked in the parkinsonian rats where similar changes were observed at a dose of 1 and 0.1mg/kg, exactly the same dose that relieved motor inhibition in previous behavioral studies. In summary, the potential of rimonabant to act as a possible antihypokinetic agent in parkinsonian rats seems to be related to enhanced glutamate release from excitatory afferents to the striatum. This observation is of potential clinical interest, particularly for those parkinsonian patients that exhibit a poor response to classic levodopa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés García-Arencibia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Cheng MC, Liao DL, Hsiung CA, Chen CY, Liao YC, Chen CH. Chronic treatment with aripiprazole induces differential gene expression in the rat frontal cortex. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2008; 11:207-16. [PMID: 17868501 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145707008048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic treatment of antipsychotic drugs can modulate gene expression in the brain, which may underscore their clinical efficacy. Aripiprazole is the first approved antipsychotic drug of the class of dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist, which has been shown to have similar efficacy and favourable side-effects profile compared to other antipsychotic drugs. This study aimed to identify differential gene expression induced by chronic treatment of aripiprazole. We used microarray-based gene expression profiling technology, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis to identify differentially expressed genes in the frontal cortex of rats under 4 wk treatment of aripiprazole (10 mg/kg). We were able to detect ten up-regulated genes, including early growth response gene 1, 2, 4 (Egr1, Egr2, Egr4), chromobox homolog 7 (Cbx7), cannabinoid receptor (Cnr1), catechol-O-methyltransferase (Comt), protein phosphatase 2c, magnesium dependent (Ppm2c), tachykinin receptor 3 (Tacr3), Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome-like gene (Wasl) and DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a). Our data indicate that chronic administration of aripiprazole can induce differential expression of genes involved in transcriptional regulation and chromatin remodelling and genes implicated in the pathogenesis of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Chih Cheng
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien City, Taiwan
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38
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Kalbasi Anaraki D, Sianati S, Sadeghi M, Ghasemi M, Paydar MJ, Javadi P, Ejtemaei Mehr S, Dehpour AR. Modulation by female sex hormones of the cannabinoid-induced catalepsy and analgesia in ovariectomized mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 586:189-96. [PMID: 18371951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2007] [Revised: 01/23/2008] [Accepted: 02/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are psychoactive compounds with many pharmacological properties such as analgesia, sedation and catalepsy most of which are mediated by cannabinoid CB1 receptors. In the present study, we evaluated whether the ovarian sex hormones are involved in the cannabinoid-induced catalepsy and analgesia in ovariectomized female mice. Female NMRI mice (weighing 25-30 g) were divided into 3 main groups: unoperated, sham-operated and ovariectomized. Both the catalepsy and analgesia induced by different doses of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 (2 and 4 mg/kg, i.p.) were examined in the groups in the presence or absence of the cannabinoid CB1 antagonist AM251 (0.5 mg/kg). We also evaluated effects of estradiol valerate (10 mg/kg) and progesterone (25 mg/kg) on catalepsy and analgesia induced by WIN 55,212-2 in ovariectomized mice. The antinociceptive effect of WIN 55,212-2 was significantly (P<0.01) enhanced in ovariectomized mice, which was prevented by pretreatment with estradiol but not by progesterone. There was no significant difference in the cannabinoid-induced catalepsy between control and ovariectomized mice. However, pretreatment with progesterone but not estradiol potentiated the cataleptic effect of low dose of WIN 55,212-2 (2 mg/kg) in ovariectomized mice (P<0.01). The present data demonstrated for the first time that ovarian sex steroids could modulate both cannabinoid-induced catalepsy and analgesia in female ovariectomized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Kalbasi Anaraki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, P.O. Box: 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
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Davis MP. Oral nabilone capsules in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and pain. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2007; 17:85-95. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.17.1.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Xie S, Furjanic MA, Ferrara JJ, McAndrew NR, Ardino EL, Ngondara A, Bernstein Y, Thomas KJ, Kim E, Walker JM, Nagar S, Ward SJ, Raffa RB. The endocannabinoid system and rimonabant: a new drug with a novel mechanism of action involving cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonism--or inverse agonism--as potential obesity treatment and other therapeutic use. J Clin Pharm Ther 2007; 32:209-31. [PMID: 17489873 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2007.00817.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable evidence that the endocannabinoid (endogenous cannabinoid) system plays a significant role in appetitive drive and associated behaviours. It is therefore reasonable to hypothesize that the attenuation of the activity of this system would have therapeutic benefit in treating disorders that might have a component of excess appetitive drive or over-activity of the endocannabinoid system, such as obesity, ethanol and other drug abuse, and a variety of central nervous system and other disorders. Towards this end, antagonists of cannabinoid receptors have been designed through rational drug discovery efforts. Devoid of the abuse concerns that confound and impede the use of cannabinoid receptor agonists for legitimate medical purposes, investigation of the use of cannabinoid receptor antagonists as possible pharmacotherapeutic agents is currently being actively investigated. The compound furthest along this pathway is rimonabant, a selective CB(1) (cannabinoid receptor subtype 1) antagonist, or inverse agonist, approved in the European Union and under regulatory review in the United States for the treatment of obesity. This article summarizes the basic science of the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid receptor antagonists, with emphasis on the treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Xie
- Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Cao X, Liang L, Hadcock JR, Iredale PA, Griffith DA, Menniti FS, Factor S, Greenamyre JT, Papa SM. Blockade of cannabinoid type 1 receptors augments the antiparkinsonian action of levodopa without affecting dyskinesias in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated rhesus monkeys. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 323:318-26. [PMID: 17630359 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.107.125666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs acting at cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1) have modulatory effects on glutamate and GABA neurotransmission in basal ganglia; thus, they potentially affect motor behavior in the parkinsonian setting. Preclinical trials with diverse cannabinoid agents have shown varied results, and the precise effects of blocking cannabinoid CB1 receptors remain uncertain. We tested behavioral effects of the selective antagonist 1-[7-(2-chlorophenyl)-8-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrazolo[1,5-a]-[1,3,5]triazin-4-yl]-3-ethylaminoazetidine-3-carboxylic acid amide benzenesulfonate (CE) as monotherapy and in combination with l-DOPA in treatment-naive and L-DOPA-primed 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated rhesus monkeys with moderate and severe parkinsonism. Motor disability and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias were scored with a standardized scale after subcutaneous drug administration, and plasma levels of L-DOPA were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrochemical detection. CE doses ranged from 0.03 to 1 mg/kg, and L-DOPA methyl ester doses were selected as optimal and suboptimal doses (maximal and 50% of maximal responses, respectively). CE had no intrinsic effects on motor behavior regardless of the degree of parkinsonism (moderate or severe groups) or previous drug exposure ("de novo" or after L-DOPA priming). Initial CE administration did not affect development of L-DOPA antiparkinsonian responses. In coadministration trials, CE, in a dose-dependent manner, increased responses to L-DOPA (suboptimal doses). These effects were seen in both moderate and severely parkinsonian monkeys as a 30% increase of, predominantly, response duration with no effects on L-DOPA pharmacokinetics. CE did not modify levodopa-induced dyskinesias. These results suggest that selective cannabinoid CB1 antagonists may enhance the antiparkinsonian action of dopaminomimetics and possibly facilitate the use of lower doses, thereby reducing side effects.
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MESH Headings
- 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
- Animals
- Antiparkinson Agents/adverse effects
- Antiparkinson Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Antiparkinson Agents/therapeutic use
- Azetidines/adverse effects
- Azetidines/pharmacokinetics
- Azetidines/therapeutic use
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced/etiology
- Female
- Levodopa/adverse effects
- Levodopa/pharmacokinetics
- Levodopa/therapeutic use
- Macaca mulatta
- Male
- Molecular Structure
- Parkinson Disease/drug therapy
- Parkinson Disease/metabolism
- Parkinson Disease/physiopathology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Triazines/adverse effects
- Triazines/pharmacokinetics
- Triazines/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebing Cao
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, 6000 WMRB, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Kyrou I, Valsamakis G, Tsigos C. The Endocannabinoid System as a Target for the Treatment of Visceral Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1083:270-305. [PMID: 17148745 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1367.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid system is a novel, remarkably elaborate physiological signaling system, comprising the recently identified endogenous cannabinoid ligands, their corresponding selective receptors, and the machinery of proteins and enzymes that is involved in their biosynthesis, release, transport, and degradation. This system extends widely in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the periphery and exhibits a variety of actions implicated in vital functions (e.g., behavioral, antinociceptive, neuroprotective, immunosuppressive, cardiovascular, and metabolic). Particular interest has been focused on the apparent participation of endocannabinoids in metabolic homeostasis by modulating the activity of CNS circuits that control food intake and energy expenditure, the neuroendocrine response of the stress system, and the metabolic functions of crucial peripheral tissues, such as the adipose tissue, the gastrointestinal tract, the liver, and the skeletal muscles. These effects are predominantly CB(1) receptor mediated and, thus, selective antagonists of this receptor subtype are being vigorously investigated as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of various metabolic derangements (e.g., obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome). The first selective CB(1) receptor antagonist, rimonabant, has already successfully completed phase III clinical trials as adjunctive obesity treatment, with significant improvements in several associated metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors that led to the recent approval of its clinical use by the Food and Drug Administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Kyrou
- Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes Unit, Evgenidion Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens 115 28, Greece
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43
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Pacher P, Bátkai S, Kunos G. The endocannabinoid system as an emerging target of pharmacotherapy. Pharmacol Rev 2006; 58:389-462. [PMID: 16968947 PMCID: PMC2241751 DOI: 10.1124/pr.58.3.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1473] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent identification of cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous lipid ligands has triggered an exponential growth of studies exploring the endocannabinoid system and its regulatory functions in health and disease. Such studies have been greatly facilitated by the introduction of selective cannabinoid receptor antagonists and inhibitors of endocannabinoid metabolism and transport, as well as mice deficient in cannabinoid receptors or the endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme fatty acid amidohydrolase. In the past decade, the endocannabinoid system has been implicated in a growing number of physiological functions, both in the central and peripheral nervous systems and in peripheral organs. More importantly, modulating the activity of the endocannabinoid system turned out to hold therapeutic promise in a wide range of disparate diseases and pathological conditions, ranging from mood and anxiety disorders, movement disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury, to cancer, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension, glaucoma, obesity/metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis, to name just a few. An impediment to the development of cannabinoid medications has been the socially unacceptable psychoactive properties of plant-derived or synthetic agonists, mediated by CB(1) receptors. However, this problem does not arise when the therapeutic aim is achieved by treatment with a CB(1) receptor antagonist, such as in obesity, and may also be absent when the action of endocannabinoids is enhanced indirectly through blocking their metabolism or transport. The use of selective CB(2) receptor agonists, which lack psychoactive properties, could represent another promising avenue for certain conditions. The abuse potential of plant-derived cannabinoids may also be limited through the use of preparations with controlled composition and the careful selection of dose and route of administration. The growing number of preclinical studies and clinical trials with compounds that modulate the endocannabinoid system will probably result in novel therapeutic approaches in a number of diseases for which current treatments do not fully address the patients' need. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the current state of knowledge of the endocannabinoid system as a target of pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pál Pacher
- Laboratory of Physiological Studies, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Room 2S-24, Bethesda, MD 20892-9413, USA
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Andersson M, Terasmaa A, Fuxe K, Strömberg I. Subchronic haloperidol increases CB(1) receptor binding and G protein coupling in discrete regions of the basal ganglia. J Neurosci Res 2006; 82:264-72. [PMID: 16175569 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to test whether chronic neuroleptic treatment, which is known to alter both expression and density of dopamine D(2) receptors in striatal regions, has effects upon function and binding level of the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor in the basal ganglia by using receptor autoradiography. As predicted, subchronic haloperidol treatment resulted in increased binding of (3)H-raclopride and quinpirole-induced guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-[(35)S]thio)triphosphate ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) in the striatum when compared to that measured in control animals. This increased D(2) receptor binding and function after 3 days washout was normalized after a 2-week washout period. Effect of haloperidol treatment was studied for CB(1) receptor binding and CP55,940-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS in the striatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra. (3)[H]CP55,940 binding levels were found in rank order from highest to lowest in substantia nigra > globus pallidus > striatum. Furthermore, subchronic haloperidol treatment resulted in elevated binding levels of (3)[H]CP55,940 in the striatum and the substantia nigra and CB(1) receptor-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS bindings in the substantia nigra after 3 days washout. These increased binding levels were normalized at 1-4 weeks after termination of haloperidol treatment. Haloperidol treatment had no significant effect on CB(1) receptor or [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding levels in globus pallidus. The results help to elucidate the underlying biochemical mechanism of CB(1) receptor supersensitivity after haloperidol treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics/metabolism
- Animals
- Basal Ganglia/drug effects
- Basal Ganglia/metabolism
- Binding, Competitive/drug effects
- Binding, Competitive/physiology
- Cyclohexanols/metabolism
- Dopamine Antagonists/pharmacology
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Drug Interactions/physiology
- Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate)/metabolism
- Haloperidol/pharmacology
- Male
- Raclopride/metabolism
- Radioligand Assay
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/drug effects
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/drug effects
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Up-Regulation/drug effects
- Up-Regulation/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Andersson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section for Histology and Cell Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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González S, Scorticati C, García-Arencibia M, de Miguel R, Ramos JA, Fernández-Ruiz J. Effects of rimonabant, a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Brain Res 2006; 1073-1074:209-19. [PMID: 16412990 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2005] [Revised: 12/06/2005] [Accepted: 12/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggest that the blockade of cannabinoid CB1 receptors might be beneficial to alleviate motor inhibition typical of Parkinson's disease (PD). In the present study, we have explored the motor effects of rimonabant, a selective antagonist of CB1 receptors, in a rat model of PD generated by an intracerebroventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. Compared with rats subjected to unilateral injection of this toxin in the medial forebrain bundle, this model allows nigral dopaminergic neurons be symmetrically affected. Dose-response studies with 6-hydroxydopamine revealed that the application of 200 microg per animal caused hypokinetic signs (decreased ambulatory activity, increased inactivity, and reduced motor coordination), which paralleled several signs of degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons (dopamine depletion in the caudate-putamen, and decreased mRNA levels for tyrosine hydroxylase and superoxide dismutase-1 and -2 in the substantia nigra). In these conditions, the degree of hypokinesia and dopaminergic degeneration may be considered moderate, comparable to the disturbances occurring in early and middle stages of PD in humans, a period that might be appropriate to test the effects of rimonabant. There is also degeneration of other dopaminergic pathways out of the basal ganglia, but this does not appear to interfere significantly with the hypokinetic profile of these rats. Higher doses of 6-hydroxydopamine elevated significantly animal mortality and lower doses failed in general to reproduce motor inhibition. Like other animal models of PD, these rats exhibited an increase in the density of CB(1) receptors in the substantia nigra, which is indicative of the expected overactivity of the cannabinoid transmission in this disease and supports the potential of CB1 receptor blockade to attenuate hypokinesia associated with nigral cell death. Thus, the injection of 0.1 mg/kg of rimonabant partially attenuated the hypokinesia shown by these animals with no effects in control rats, whereas higher doses (0.5-1.0 mg/kg) were not effective. We also found that the antihypokinetic effects of low doses of rimonabant did not influence the dopamine deficits of these animals, as well as it did not modify GABA or glutamate transmission in the caudate-putamen. In summary, rimonabant may have potential antihypokinetic activity in moderate parkinsonism at low doses, but this effect is not related to changes in dopaminergic, GABAergic, or glutamatergic transmission in the striatum. Therefore, the elucidation of the neurochemical substrate involved in this effect remains a major challenge for the future.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenergic Agents/toxicity
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Autoradiography/methods
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/pathology
- Brain/physiopathology
- Brain Chemistry/drug effects
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dopamine/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Interactions
- Electrochemistry/methods
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Glutamic Acid/metabolism
- In Situ Hybridization/methods
- Injections, Intraventricular/methods
- Male
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Oxidopamine/toxicity
- Parkinson Disease/drug therapy
- Parkinson Disease/etiology
- Piperidines/therapeutic use
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- Pyrazoles/therapeutic use
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Reaction Time/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Rimonabant
- Rotarod Performance Test/methods
- Superoxide Dismutase/genetics
- Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism
- Superoxide Dismutase-1
- Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/genetics
- Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism
- gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara González
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, 28040-Madrid, Spain
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Ballon N, Leroy S, Roy C, Bourdel MC, Charles-Nicolas A, Krebs MO, Poirier MF. (AAT)n repeat in the cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1): association with cocaine addiction in an African-Caribbean population. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2005; 6:126-30. [PMID: 16314880 DOI: 10.1038/sj.tpj.6500352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Owing to their agonist action on dopaminergic systems, cannabinoids may play a major role in substance dependency and schizophrenia. We examined the (AAT)n triplet repeat polymorphism nearby the CNR1 gene, which encodes human cannabinoid (CB1) receptor, in a male Afro-Caribbean population. The allelic and genotypic distributions were significantly different in non-schizophrenic cocaine dependents (n = 97), schizophrenic cocaine dependents (n = 45) and matched controls (n = 88) (P < 10(-4)). The frequency of the (AAT)12 repeat allele was increased in non-schizophrenic cocaine dependents and schizophrenic cocaine dependents vs controls (25.3 and 26.7 vs 5.7%) (P < 10(-4)). Our results support that the (AAT)n polymorphism nearby the CNR1 gene could be associated with predisposition to cocaine dependency.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ballon
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Fort de France, Fort de France, Martinique, French West Indies.
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47
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Pertwee RG. The therapeutic potential of drugs that target cannabinoid receptors or modulate the tissue levels or actions of endocannabinoids. AAPS J 2005; 7:E625-54. [PMID: 16353941 PMCID: PMC2751266 DOI: 10.1208/aapsj070364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2005] [Accepted: 07/21/2005] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are at least 2 types of cannabinoid receptor, CB(1) and CB(2), both G protein coupled. CB(1) receptors are expressed predominantly at nerve terminals and mediate inhibition of transmitter release, whereas CB(2) receptors are found mainly on immune cells, their roles including the modulation of cytokine release and of immune cell migration. Endogenous agonists for cannabinoid receptors also exist. These "endocannabinoids" are synthesized on demand and removed from their sites of action by cellular uptake and intracellular enzymic hydrolysis. Endocannabinoids and their receptors together constitute the endocannabinoid system. This review summarizes evidence that there are certain central and peripheral disorders in which increases take place in the release of endocannabinoids onto their receptors and/or in the density or coupling efficiency of these receptors and that this upregulation is protective in some disorders but can have undesirable consequences in others. It also considers therapeutic strategies by which this upregulation might be modulated to clinical advantage. These strategies include the administration of (1) a CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist or antagonist that does or does not readily cross the blood brain barrier; (2) a CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist intrathecally or directly to some other site outside the brain; (3) a partial CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist rather than a full agonist; (4) a CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist together with a noncannabinoid, for example, morphine or codeine; (5) an inhibitor or activator of endocannabinoid biosynthesis, cellular uptake, or metabolism; (6) an allosteric modulator of the CB(1) receptor; and (7) a CB(2) receptor inverse agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
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Moreno M, Lopez-Moreno JA, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Navarro M. Behavioural effects of quinpirole following withdrawal of chronic treatment with the CB1 agonist, HU-210, in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2005; 16:441-6. [PMID: 16148449 DOI: 10.1097/00008877-200509000-00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated spontaneous and quinpirole-induced motor responses of in rats, following withdrawal from chronic treatment with the potent cannabinoid agonist HU-210. Withdrawal from chronic HU-210 (20 microg/kg daily, 14 days) produced a decrease in spontaneous activity at 1 and 2 days and enhanced the hyperactivity induced by acute administration of the dopamine D2 agonist quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg) at 4 days after the end of HU-210 treatment. Administration of quinpirole on day 4 of withdrawal from chronic HU-210 enhanced stereotyped responses and induced jumping behaviour. These results suggest that withdrawal from chronic exposure to cannabinoid agonists could induce a time-dependent alteration in dopamine D2 psychomotor function, leading to a behavioural disorganization, comparable to acute psychotic episodes after continuous cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Moreno
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Facultad de Psicologia, Instituto Universitario de Drogodependencias, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.
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Lastres-Becker I, Molina-Holgado F, Ramos JA, Mechoulam R, Fernández-Ruiz J. Cannabinoids provide neuroprotection against 6-hydroxydopamine toxicity in vivo and in vitro: relevance to Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2005; 19:96-107. [PMID: 15837565 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2004.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2004] [Revised: 11/19/2004] [Accepted: 11/22/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have been reported to provide neuroprotection in acute and chronic neurodegeneration. In this study, we examined whether they are also effective against the toxicity caused by 6-hydroxydopamine, both in vivo and in vitro, which may be relevant to Parkinson's disease (PD). First, we evaluated whether the administration of cannabinoids in vivo reduces the neurodegeneration produced by a unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the medial forebrain bundle. As expected, 2 weeks after the application of this toxin, a significant depletion of dopamine contents and a reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the lesioned striatum were noted, and were accompanied by a reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase-mRNA levels in the substantia nigra. None of these events occurred in the contralateral structures. Daily administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) during these 2 weeks produced a significant waning in the magnitude of these reductions, whereas it failed to affect dopaminergic parameters in the contralateral structures. This effect of delta9-THC appeared to be irreversible since interruption of the daily administration of this cannabinoid after the 2-week period did not lead to the re-initiation of the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurodegeneration. In addition, the fact that the same neuroprotective effect was also produced by cannabidiol (CBD), another plant-derived cannabinoid with negligible affinity for cannabinoid CB1 receptors, suggests that the antioxidant properties of both compounds, which are cannabinoid receptor-independent, might be involved in these in vivo effects, although an alternative might be that the neuroprotection exerted by both compounds might be due to their anti-inflammatory potential. As a second objective, we examined whether cannabinoids also provide neuroprotection against the in vitro toxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine. We found that the non-selective cannabinoid agonist HU-210 increased cell survival in cultures of mouse cerebellar granule cells exposed to this toxin. However, this effect was significantly lesser when the cannabinoid was directly added to neuronal cultures than when these cultures were exposed to conditioned medium obtained from mixed glial cell cultures treated with HU-210, suggesting that the cannabinoid exerted its major protective effect by regulating glial influence to neurons. In summary, our results support the view of a potential neuroprotective action of cannabinoids against the in vivo and in vitro toxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine, which might be relevant for PD. Our data indicated that these neuroprotective effects might be due, among others, to the antioxidant properties of certain plant-derived cannabinoids, or exerted through the capability of cannabinoid agonists to modulate glial function, or produced by a combination of both mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Lastres-Becker
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040-Madrid, Spain
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50
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Sundram S, Copolov D, Dean B. Clozapine decreases [3H] CP 55940 binding to the cannabinoid1 receptor in the rat nucleus accumbens. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2005; 371:428-33. [PMID: 15995876 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-005-1074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2004] [Accepted: 05/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotic drugs are effective in the treatment of cannabis-induced psychosis, but only clozapine appears effective in the treatment of comorbid schizophrenia and cannabis use. The unique effects of clozapine on cannabis use could, therefore, be due to an as yet unidentified interaction between clozapine and the endogenous cannabinoid system. To address this hypothesis, we used in situ radioligand binding and quantitative autoradiography with the selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist, (-)-cis-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]-trans-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexanol (side chain-2,3,4(N)-3H) ([3H]CP 55940) to measure the density of the CB1 receptor in frontal cortex, hippocampus, nucleus accumbens and striatum from rats treated with a variety of antipsychotic drugs. Clozapine significantly decreased [3H]CP 55940 binding in the nucleus accumbens compared with vehicle after 1 (35.0+/-14.0 vs. 71.2+/-8.5 fmol/mg estimated tissue equivalent (ete); P = 0.03) and 3 months (42.3+/-4.0 vs. 71.1+/-16.3 fmol/mg ete; P < 0.04) of treatment, an effect not observed with haloperidol, chlorpromazine or olanzapine. In rats treated with clozapine for 3 months and then left for 1 month without treatment, [3H]CP 55940 binding was not different in the nucleus accumbens (100.5+/-22.2 vs. 100.9+/-25.4 fmol/mg ete; P > 0.10). By contrast, there were significant increases in accumbal [3H]CP 55940 binding in rats treated with haloperidol (136.5+/-14.2 fmol/mg ete; P < 0.05), chlorpromazine (137.4+/-12.7 fmol/mg ete; P < 0.05) and olanzapine (144.7+/-10.1 fmol/mg ete; P < 0.01). These data indicate that in the nucleus accumbens clozapine differs from other antipsychotic drugs in its effects on [3H]CP 55940 binding. If these results can be extrapolated into humans, then this effect of clozapine on the CB1 receptor may be a mechanism that makes it uniquely effective in schizophrenia and comorbid cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Sundram
- The Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Locked Bag 11, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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