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Papa A, Pasquini S, Galvani F, Cammarota M, Contri C, Carullo G, Gemma S, Ramunno A, Lamponi S, Gorelli B, Saponara S, Varani K, Mor M, Campiani G, Boscia F, Vincenzi F, Lodola A, Butini S. Development of potent and selective FAAH inhibitors with improved drug-like properties as potential tools to treat neuroinflammatory conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114952. [PMID: 36462439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The neuroprotective performance against neuroinflammation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) can be remarkably improved by indirect stimulation mediated by the pharmacological inhibition of the key ECS catabolic enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Based on our previous works and aiming to discover new selective FAAH inhibitors , we herein reported a new series of carbamate-based FAAH inhibitors (4a-t) which showed improved drug disposition properties compared to the previously reported analogues 2a-b. The introduction of ionizable functions allowed us to obtain new FAAH inhibitors of nanomolar potency characterized by good water solubility and chemical stability at physiological pH. Interesting structure-activity relationships (SARs), deeply analyzed by molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, were obtained. All the newly developed inhibitors showed an excellent selectivity profile evaluated against monoacylglycerol lipase and cannabinoid receptors. The reversible mechanism of action was determined by a rapid dilution assay. Absence of toxicity was confirmed in mouse fibroblasts NIH3T3 (for compounds 4e, 4g, 4n-o, and 4s) and in human astrocytes cell line 1321N1 (for compounds 4e, 4n, and 4s). The absence of undesired cardiac effects was also confirmed for compound 4n. Selected analogues (compounds 4e, 4g, 4n, and 4s) were able to reduce oxidative stress in 1321N1 astrocytes and exhibited notable neuroprotective effects when tested in an ex vivo model of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Papa
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Farmaceutiche e Agrarie, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Galvani
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Cammarota
- Divisione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Chiara Contri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Dipartiment di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Ramunno
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Viale Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Stefania Lamponi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Gorelli
- Dipartiment di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Saponara
- Dipartiment di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, I-43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Boscia
- Divisione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Mensah E, Tabrizchi R, Daneshtalab N. Pharmacognosy and Effects of Cannabinoids in the Vascular System. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:1034-1049. [PMID: 36407955 PMCID: PMC9667477 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids is an essential subject due to the recent increasing global acceptance of cannabis and its derivation for recreational and therapeutic purposes. Elucidating the interaction between cannabinoids and the vascular system is critical to exploring cannabinoids as a prospective therapeutic agent for treating vascular-associated clinical conditions. This review aims to examine the effect of cannabinoids on the vascular system and further discuss the fundamental pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action of cannabinoids in the vascular system. Data from literature revealed a substantial interaction between endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids within the vasculature of both humans and animal models. However, the mechanisms and the ensuing functional response is blood vessels and species-dependent. The current understanding of classical cannabinoid receptor subtypes and the recently discovered atypical cannabinoid receptors and the development of new synthetic analogs have further enhanced the pharmacological characterization of the vascular cannabinoid receptors. Compelling evidence also suggest that cannabinoids represent a formidable therapeutic candidate for vascular-associated conditions. Nonetheless, explanations of the mechanisms underlining these processes are complex and paradoxical based on the heterogeneity of receptors and signaling pathways. Further insight from studies that uncover the mechanisms underlining the therapeutic effect of cannabinoids in the treatment of vascular-associated conditions is required to determine whether the known benefits of cannabinoids thus currently outweigh the known/unknown risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Mensah
- Faculty
of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Reza Tabrizchi
- Faculty
of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Noriko Daneshtalab
- School
of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
and Labrador, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
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3
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Carlier J, Wohlfarth A, Salmeron BD, Scheidweiler KB, Huestis MA, Baumann MH. Pharmacodynamic Effects, Pharmacokinetics, and Metabolism of the Synthetic Cannabinoid AM-2201 in Male Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 367:543-550. [PMID: 30266766 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.250530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel synthetic cannabinoids are appearing in recreational drug markets worldwide. Pharmacological characterization of these new drugs is needed to inform clinicians, toxicologists, and policy makers who monitor public health. [1-(5-Fluoropentyl)-1H-indol-3-yl](1-naphthyl)methanone (AM-2201) is an abused synthetic cannabinoid that was initially created as a research tool for investigating the endocannabinoid system. Here we measured the pharmacodynamic effects of AM-2201 in rats, and simultaneously determined plasma pharmacokinetics for the parent drug and its metabolites. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fitted with surgically implanted temperature transponders and indwelling jugular catheters under pentobarbital anesthesia. One week later, rats received subcutaneous injection of AM-2201 (0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg) or its vehicle, and serial blood specimens were withdrawn via catheters. Core temperatures and catalepsy were measured just prior to each blood withdrawal, and plasma was assayed for drug and metabolites using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We found that AM-2201 produced dose-related hypothermia and catalepsy that peaked at 2 hours and lasted up to 8 hours. AM-2201 plasma concentrations rose linearly with increasing dose and ranged from 0.14 to 67.9 µg/l. Concentrations of three metabolites, AM-2201 N-(4-hydroxypentyl) (≤0.17 µg/l), naphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)methanone (JWH-018) N-(5-hydroxypentyl) (≤1.14 µg/l), and JWH-018 N-pentanoic acid (≤0.88 µg/l) were detectable but much lower. Peak AM-2201, JWH-018 N-(5-hydroxypentyl), and JWH-018 N-pentanoic acid concentrations occurred at 1.3, 2.4, and 6.5 hours, respectively. Concentrations of AM-2201, JWH-018 N-(5-hydroxypentyl), and JWH-018 N-pentanoic acid were negatively correlated with body temperature, but, given the low concentrations of metabolites detected, AM-2201 is likely the major contributor to pharmacodynamic effects under our experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Carlier
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism (J.C., A.W., K.B.S., M.A.H.) and Designer Drug Research Unit (B.D.S., M.H.B.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ariane Wohlfarth
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism (J.C., A.W., K.B.S., M.A.H.) and Designer Drug Research Unit (B.D.S., M.H.B.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bonita D Salmeron
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism (J.C., A.W., K.B.S., M.A.H.) and Designer Drug Research Unit (B.D.S., M.H.B.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Karl B Scheidweiler
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism (J.C., A.W., K.B.S., M.A.H.) and Designer Drug Research Unit (B.D.S., M.H.B.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism (J.C., A.W., K.B.S., M.A.H.) and Designer Drug Research Unit (B.D.S., M.H.B.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Chemistry and Drug Metabolism (J.C., A.W., K.B.S., M.A.H.) and Designer Drug Research Unit (B.D.S., M.H.B.), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, Maryland
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4
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Role of Nitric Oxide in the Cardiovascular and Renal Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092605. [PMID: 30177600 PMCID: PMC6164974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The gasotransmitters are a family of gaseous signaling molecules which are produced endogenously and act at specific receptors to play imperative roles in physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. As a well-known gasotransmitter along with hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, nitric oxide (NO) has earned repute as a potent vasodilator also known as endothelium-derived vasorelaxant factor (EDRF). NO has been studied in greater detail, from its synthesis and mechanism of action to its physiologic, pathologic, and pharmacologic roles in different disease states. Different animal models have been applied to investigate the beneficial effects of NO as an antihypertensive, renoprotective, and antihypertrophic agent. NO and its interaction with different systems like the renin–angiotensin system, sympathetic nervous system, and other gaseous transmitters like hydrogen sulfide are also well studied. However, links that appear to exist between the endocannabinoid (EC) and NO systems remain to be fully explored. Experimental approaches using modulators of its synthesis including substrate, donors, and inhibitors of the synthesis of NO will be useful for establishing the relationship between the NO and EC systems in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Being a potent vasodilator, NO may be unique among therapeutic options for management of hypertension and resulting renal disease and left ventricular hypertrophy. Inclusion of NO modulators in clinical practice may be useful not only as curatives for particular diseases but also for arresting disease prognoses through its interactions with other systems.
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5
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Schindler CW, Gramling BR, Justinova Z, Thorndike EB, Baumann MH. Synthetic cannabinoids found in "spice" products alter body temperature and cardiovascular parameters in conscious male rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 179:387-394. [PMID: 28846955 PMCID: PMC5599362 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The misuse of synthetic cannabinoids is a persistent public health concern. Because these drugs target the same cannabinoid receptors as the active ingredient of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), we compared the effects of synthetic cannabinoids and THC on body temperature and cardiovascular parameters. METHODS Biotelemetry transmitters for the measurement of body temperature or blood pressure (BP) were surgically implanted into separate groups of male rats. THC and the synthetic cannabinoids CP55,940, JWH-018, AM2201 and XLR-11 were injected s.c., and rats were placed into isolation cubicles for 3h. RESULTS THC and synthetic cannabinoids produced dose-related decreases in body temperature that were most prominent in the final 2h of the session. The rank order of potency was CP55,940>AM2201=JWH-018>THC=XLR-11. The cannabinoid inverse agonist rimonabant antagonized the hypothermic effect of all compounds. Synthetic cannabinoids elevated BP in comparison to vehicle treatment during the first h of the session, while heart rate was unaffected. The rank order of potency for BP increases was similar to that seen for hypothermia. Hypertensive effects of CP55,940 and JWH-018 were not antagonized by rimonabant or the neutral antagonist AM4113. However, the BP responses to both drugs were antagonized by pretreatment with either the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium or the α1 adrenergic antagonist prazosin. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that synthetic cannabinoids produce hypothermia in rats by a mechanism involving cannabinoid receptors, while they increase BP by a mechanism independent of these sites. The hypertensive effect appears to involve central sympathetic outflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W. Schindler
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD,Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD
| | - Benjamin R. Gramling
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD
| | - Zuzana Justinova
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD
| | - Eric B. Thorndike
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD
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Nakamura Y, Kitamura T, Kiyomi F, Hayakawa M, Hoshino K, Kawano Y, Yamasaki R, Nishida T, Mizunuma M, Ishikura H. Potential survival benefit of polymyxin B hemoperfusion in patients with septic shock: a propensity-matched cohort study. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2017; 21:134. [PMID: 28592318 PMCID: PMC5463489 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-017-1712-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate whether polymyxin B hemoperfusion (PMX-HP) improves the survival of patients with septic shock. METHODS This was a retrospective, multicenter study conducted on patients treated during a 3-year period. We performed propensity-score analyses of the Japan Septic Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (JSEPTIC DIC) study database. The study included data on 1723 patients with septic shock aged 16 years or older. Furthermore, we divided patients into to PMX-HP- and non-PMX-HP-treated groups. The primary endpoint was all-cause hospital mortality; secondary endpoints included intensive care unit (ICU) mortality and number of ICU-free days (ICUFDs) in the first 28 days. RESULTS Of 1,723 eligible patients, 522 had received PMX-HP. Propensity score matching created 262 matched pairs (i.e., 262 patients in each of the non-PMX-HP and PMX-HP groups). The proportion of all-cause hospital mortality was significantly lower in the PMX-HP group than in the non-PMX-HP group (32.8% vs. 41.2%; odds ratio (OR): 0.681; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.470-0.987; P = 0.042). The number of ICUFD in the first 28 days was significantly higher in the PMX-HP group than in the non-PMX-HP group (18 (0-22) vs. 14 (0-22) days, respectively; P = 0.045). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in ICU mortality between the two groups (21.8% vs. 24.4%; OR: 0.844; CI: 0.548-1.300; P = 0.443). CONCLUSIONS Our results strongly suggest that PMX-HP reduces all-cause hospital mortality and length of ICU stay in patients with septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Nakamura
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Taisuke Kitamura
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Kiyomi
- Academia, Industry and Government Collaborative Research Institute of Translational Medicine for Life Innovation, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Mineji Hayakawa
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, N14W5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-8648, Japan
| | - Kota Hoshino
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Kawano
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Reiko Yamasaki
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nishida
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Mariko Mizunuma
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Ishikura
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
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Benyó Z, Ruisanchez É, Leszl-Ishiguro M, Sándor P, Pacher P. Endocannabinoids in cerebrovascular regulation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H785-801. [PMID: 26825517 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00571.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cerebral blood flow is tightly regulated by myogenic, endothelial, metabolic, and neural mechanisms under physiological conditions, and a large body of recent evidence indicates that inflammatory pathways have a major influence on the cerebral blood perfusion in certain central nervous system disorders, like hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, and vascular dementia. All major cell types involved in cerebrovascular control pathways (i.e., smooth muscle, endothelium, neurons, astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, and leukocytes) are capable of synthesizing endocannabinoids and/or express some or several of their target proteins [i.e., the cannabinoid 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) receptors and the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel]. Therefore, the endocannabinoid system may importantly modulate the regulation of cerebral circulation under physiological and pathophysiological conditions in a very complex manner. Experimental data accumulated since the late 1990s indicate that the direct effect of cannabinoids on cerebral vessels is vasodilation mediated, at least in part, by CB1 receptors. Cannabinoid-induced cerebrovascular relaxation involves both a direct inhibition of smooth muscle contractility and a release of vasodilator mediator(s) from the endothelium. However, under stress conditions (e.g., in conscious restrained animals or during hypoxia and hypercapnia), cannabinoid receptor activation was shown to induce a reduction of the cerebral blood flow, probably via inhibition of the electrical and/or metabolic activity of neurons. Finally, in certain cerebrovascular pathologies (e.g., subarachnoid hemorrhage, as well as traumatic and ischemic brain injury), activation of CB2 (and probably yet unidentified non-CB1/non-CB2) receptors appear to improve the blood perfusion of the brain via attenuating vascular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Benyó
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Éva Ruisanchez
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Miriam Leszl-Ishiguro
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Péter Sándor
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; and
| | - Pál Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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8
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Wagner EJ. Sex differences in cannabinoid-regulated biology: A focus on energy homeostasis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 40:101-9. [PMID: 26800649 PMCID: PMC4783283 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Considerable strides have been made over the past 20 years in our understanding of the ligands, receptor subtypes, signal transduction mechanisms and biological actions comprising the endocannabinoid system. From the ever-expanding number of studies that have been conducted during this time, it has become increasingly clear that sex differences are the cornerstone of cannabinoid-regulated biology. Available evidence has demonstrated that these sex differences endure in the absence of gonadal steroids, and are modulated by the acute, activational effects of these hormones. This review focuses on select aspects of sexually differentiated, cannabinoid-regulated biology, with a particular emphasis on the control of energy balance. It is anticipated that it will lend impactful insight into the pervasive and diverse disparities in how males and females respond to cannabinoids--from the organismal level down to the molecular level. Additionally, it will furnish a newfound appreciation for the need to recalibrate our thinking in terms of how cannabinoids are used as therapeutic adjuvants for a broad range of clinical disorders and associated comorbidities, including body wasting and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Wagner
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, United States.
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9
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Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely distributed throughout the cardiovascular system. Endocannabinoids play a minimal role in the regulation of cardiovascular function in normal conditions, but are altered in most cardiovascular disorders. In shock, endocannabinoids released within blood mediate the associated hypotension through CB(1) activation. In hypertension, there is evidence for changes in the expression of CB(1), and CB(1) antagonism reduces blood pressure in obese hypertensive and diabetic patients. The endocannabinoid system is also upregulated in cardiac pathologies. This is likely to be cardioprotective, via CB(2) and CB(1) (lesser extent). In the vasculature, endocannabinoids cause vasorelaxation through activation of multiple target sites, inhibition of calcium channels, activation of potassium channels, NO production and the release of vasoactive substances. Changes in the expression or function of any of these pathways alter the vascular effect of endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids have positive (CB(2)) and negative effects (CB(1)) on the progression of atherosclerosis. However, any negative effects of CB(1) may not be consequential, as chronic CB(1) antagonism in large scale human trials was not associated with significant reductions in atheroma. In neurovascular disorders such as stroke, endocannabinoids are upregulated and protective, involving activation of CB(1), CB(2), TRPV1 and PPARα. Although most of this evidence is from preclinical studies, it seems likely that cannabinoid-based therapies could be beneficial in a range of cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoirse Elizabeth O'Sullivan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, University of Nottingham, Room 4107, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK.
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10
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Altun A, Yildirim K, Ozdemir E, Bagcivan I, Gursoy S, Durmus N. Attenuation of morphine antinociceptive tolerance by cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists. J Physiol Sci 2015; 65:407-15. [PMID: 25894754 PMCID: PMC10717898 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-015-0379-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists may be useful for their potential to increase or prolong opioid analgesia while attenuating the development of opioid tolerance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AM251 (a selective CB1 antagonist) and JTE907 (a selective CB2 antagonist) on morphine analgesia and tolerance in rats. Adult male Wistar albino rats weighing 205-225 g were used in these experiments. To constitute morphine tolerance, we used a 3 day cumulative dosing regimen. After the last dose of morphine was injected on day 4, morphine tolerance was evaluated by analgesia tests. The analgesic effects of morphine (5 mg/kg), ACEA (a CB1 receptor agonist, 5 mg/kg), JWH-015 (a CB2 receptor agonist, 5 mg/kg), AM251 (1 mg/kg) and JTE907 (5 mg/kg) were considered at 30-min intervals (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min) by tail-flick and hot-plate analgesia tests. Our findings indicate that ACEA and JWH907 significantly increased morphine analgesia and morphine antinociceptive tolerance in the analgesia tests. In contrast, the data suggested that AM251 and JTE907 significantly attenuated the expression of morphine tolerance. In conclusion, we observed that co-injection of AM251 and JTE907 with morphine attenuated expression of tolerance to morphine analgesic effects and decreased the morphine analgesia.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Dioxoles/pharmacology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Tolerance
- Male
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Nociception/drug effects
- Pain Threshold/drug effects
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Quinolones/pharmacology
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Altun
- Departments of Pharmacology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Kemal Yildirim
- Departments of Pharmacology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ercan Ozdemir
- Department of Physiology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, 58140 Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Bagcivan
- Departments of Pharmacology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Sinan Gursoy
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Nedim Durmus
- Departments of Pharmacology Hacettepe, University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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11
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Lima PMA, Machado FSM, Coimbra CC. A study of the reciprocal relationship between the thermal and behavioral effects mediated by anandamide. Behav Brain Res 2014; 268:111-6. [PMID: 24717329 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in thermal control and modulates several behaviors, such as locomotion and food intake (FI) that may affect the body temperature (Tb). To test whether the changes in Tb induced by anandamide (AEA) are related to behavioral changes, adult Wistar rats received an intracerebroventricular injection of AEA (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 μg) and vehicle. Total FI was weighted daily, and Tb and spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) were simultaneously and continuously recorded. AEA induced an increase in Tb without changing SLA and FI. For all doses tested, the Tb average in the post-injection period was higher than in the pre-injection period. The higher thermal effect was verified using a dose of 10.0 μg AEA, starting within the first hour post-injection, and was maintained for 8h after treatment. A dose-dependent thermal effect was observed (r=0.953; p<0.05) at 1h post-injection. Hypoactivity was verified only at a dose of 1.0 μg AEA. As expected, both the Tb and SLA values during the dark phase were always higher than during the light phase and were positively correlated (r=0.834, p<0.001); however, this correlation was inverted (r=-0.852, p<0.01) after the rats received 10.0 μg AEA. In summary, our results suggest that brain AEA induces an increase in Tb, and that this effect may occur independently of changes in both locomotion and FI. Moreover, it is possible that the hypolocomotion induced by AEA could be an adaptive response to the increased Tb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Marcelo Andrade Lima
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Frederico S M Machado
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Cândido C Coimbra
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil.
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12
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Li Q, Cui N, Du Y, Ma H, Zhang Y. Anandamide reduces intracellular Ca2+ concentration through suppression of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger current in rat cardiac myocytes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63386. [PMID: 23667607 PMCID: PMC3646750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Anandamide, one of the endocannabinoids, has been reported to exhibit cardioprotective properties, particularly in its ability to limit the damage produced by ischemia reperfusion injury. However, the mechanisms underlying the effect are not well known. This study is to investigate whether anandamide alter Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Methods Na+/Ca2+ exchanger current (INCX) was recorded and analysed by using whole-cell patch-clamp technique and [Ca2+]i was measured by loading myocytes with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fura-2/AM. Results We found that INCX was enhanced significantly after perfusion with simulated ischemic external solution; [Ca2+]i was also significantly increased by simulated ischemic solution. The reversal potential of INCX was shifted to negative potentials in simulated ischemic external solution. Anandamide (1–100 nM) failed to affect INCX and [Ca2+]i in normal solution. However, anandamide (1–100 nM) suppressed the increase in INCX in simulated ischemic external solution concentration-dependently and normalized INCX reversal potential. Furthermore, anandamide (100 nM) significantly attenuated the increase in [Ca2+]i in simulated ischemic solution. Blocking CB1 receptors with the specific antagonist AM251 (500 nM) failed to affect the effects of anandamide on INCX and [Ca2+]i in simulated ischemic solution. CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 (100 nM) eliminated the effects of anandamide on INCX and [Ca2+]i in simulated ischemic solution, and CB2 receptor agonist JWH133 (100 nM) simulated the effects of anandamide that suppressed the increase in INCX and [Ca2+]i in simulated ischemic solution. In addition, pretreatment with the Gi/o-specific inhibitor pertussis toxin (PTX, 500 ng/ml) eliminated the effects of anandamide and JWH133 on INCX in simulated ischemic solution. Conclusions Collectively, these findings suggest that anandamide suppresses calcium overload through inhibition of INCX during perfusion with simulated ischemic solution; the effects may be mediated by CB2 receptor via PTX-sensitive Gi/o proteins. This mechanism is importantly involved in the anti-ischemia injury caused by endocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Na Cui
- Department of Reproduction, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuanjie Du
- Department of Reproduction, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huijie Ma
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- * E-mail:
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13
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Cannabinoid receptor 1 signaling in cardiovascular regulating nuclei in the brainstem: A review. J Adv Res 2013; 5:137-45. [PMID: 25685481 PMCID: PMC4294710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids elicit complex hemodynamic responses in experimental animals that involve both peripheral and central sites. Centrally administered cannabinoids have been shown to predominantly cause pressor response. However, very little is known about the mechanism of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R)-centrally evoked pressor response. In this review, we provided an overview of the contemporary knowledge regarding the cannabinoids centrally elicited cardiovascular responses and the possible underlying signaling mechanisms. The current review focuses on the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) as the primary brainstem nucleus implicated in CB1R-evoked pressor response.
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14
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Abstract
Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS), resulting in cardiovascular responses. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), a ubiquitously expressed lipid signalling system, modulates both HPA and SNS activity. The purpose of this review is to explore the possible involvement/role of the ECS in the cardiovascular response to stress. The ECS has numerous cardiovascular effects including modulation of blood pressure, heart rate, the baroreflex, and direct vascular actions. It is also involved in a protective manner in response to stressors in cardiac preconditioning, and various stressors (for example, pain, orthostasis and social stress) increase plasma levels of endocannabinoids. Given the multitude of vascular effects of endocannabinoids, this is bound to have consequences. Beneficial effects of ECS upregulation could include cardioprotection, vasodilatation, CB(2)-mediated anti-inflammatory effects and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Negative effects of endocannabinoids could include mediation of the effects of glucocorticoids, CB(1)-mediated metabolic changes, and metabolism to vasoconstrictor products. It is also likely that there is a central role for the ECS in modulating cardiovascular activity via the HPA and SNS. However, much more work is required to fully integrate the role of the ECS in mediating many of the physiological responses to stress, including cardiovascular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoirse E O'Sullivan
- School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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15
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Cunha P, Romão AM, Mascarenhas-Melo F, Teixeira HM, Reis F. Endocannabinoid system in cardiovascular disorders - new pharmacotherapeutic opportunities. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2011; 3:350-60. [PMID: 21966155 PMCID: PMC3178941 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.84435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Revised: 05/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The long history of Cannabis sativa had its development stimulated and oriented for medicine after the discovery and chemical characterization of its main active ingredient, the 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC). Consequently, a binding site for 9-THC was identified in rat brains and the first cannabinoid receptor (CB1) was cloned, followed by the CB2 and by the discover of two endogenous agonists: anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. Cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and the enzymes that catalyze its synthesis and degradation constitute the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays an important role in the cardiovascular system. In vivo experiments with rats have demonstrated the action of anandamide and 2-AG on the development of atherosclerotic plaque, as well as an effect on heart rate, blood pressure, vasoactivity and energy metabolism (action in dyslipidemia and obesity). Recent studies with an antagonist of CB1 receptors showed that the modulation of ECS can play an important role in reducing cardiovascular risk in obese and dyslipidemic patients. Similarly, studies in rats have demonstrated the action of CB2 receptors in adhesion, migration, proliferation and function of immune cells involved in the atherosclerotic plaque formation process. The evidence so far gathered shows that the modulation of ECS (as agonism or antagonism of its receptors) is an enormous potential field for research and intervention in multiple areas of human pathophysiology. The development of selective drugs for the CB1 and CB2 receptors may open a door to new therapeutic regimens.This review article aims to address the key findings and evidences on the modulation of ECS, in order to prospect future forms of therapeutic intervention at the cardiovascular level. A recent, emerging, controversial and of undoubted scientific interest subject, which states as a potential therapeutic target to reach in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Cunha
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, IBILI, Medicine Faculty, University of Coimbra, Portugal
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16
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Ibrahim BM, Abdel-Rahman AA. Role of brainstem GABAergic signaling in central cannabinoid receptor evoked sympathoexcitation and pressor responses in conscious rats. Brain Res 2011; 1414:1-9. [PMID: 21840505 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms implicated in the sympathoexcitation and pressor responses elicited by central CB₁R activation are not fully understood. Further, the few reported mechanistic studies on this endeavor were conducted in anesthetized rats. Therefore, it was important to identify the dose-related cardiovascular responses elicited by central administration of the cannabinoid receptor (CB₁R) agonist WIN55,212-2 in conscious rats. The second and main objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that brainstem GABAergic transmission is implicated in the CB₁R-evoked sympathoexcitation/pressor response. In conscious rats, intracisternal (i.c) WIN55,212-2 (3, 10, 30 μg/rat) elicited dose-dependent increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and plasma norepinephrine (NE; index of sympathoexcitation), and reduced heart rate (HR). Subsequent neurochemical studies showed that i.c WIN55,212-2 (15 μg/rat) significantly increased the number and percentage of neurons that exhibited dual immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase (catecholaminergic neurons) and c-Fos (marker of neuronal activity) within the rostral ventrolateral medulla, which suggests enhanced central sympathetic tone. These neurochemical responses along with the increases in MAP and plasma NE were drastically attenuated by prior: (i) blockade of central CB₁R by i.c AM251 (30 μg/rat) or (ii) activation of central GABA(A)R by i.c muscimol (0.1 μg/rat). Collectively, these neurochemical and cardiovascular findings are the first to suggest a pivotal role for the inhibition of brainstem GABAergic transmission in the central CB₁R-evoked sympathoexcitation/pressor response in conscious rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badr Mostafa Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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17
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Athanasopoulos A, Cruz F. The medical treatment of overactive bladder, including current and future treatments. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2011; 12:1041-55. [PMID: 21299469 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2011.554399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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18
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Charrua A, Avelino A, Cruz F. Modulation of urinary bladder innervation: TRPV1 and botulinum toxin A. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2011:345-374. [PMID: 21290235 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-16499-6_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The persisting interest around neurotoxins such as vanilloids and botulinum toxin (BoNT) derives from their marked effect on detrusor overactivity refractory to conventional antimuscarinic treatments. In addition, both are administered by intravesical route. This offers three potential advantages. First, intravesical therapy is an easy way to provide high concentrations of pharmacological agents in the bladder tissue without causing unsuitable levels in other organs. Second, drugs effective on the bladder, but inappropriate for systemic administration, can be safely used as it is the case of vanilloids and BoNT. Third, the effects of one single treatment might be extremely longlasting, contributing to render these therapies highly attractive to patients despite the fact that the reasons to the prolonged effect are still incompletely understood. Attractive as it may be, intravesical pharmacological therapy should still be considered as a second-line treatment in patients refractory to conventional oral antimuscarinic therapy or who do not tolerate its systemic side effects. However, the increasing off-label use of these neurotoxins justifies a reappraisal of their pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Charrua
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Porto, Portugal
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19
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Durst R, Lotan C. The potential for clinical use of cannabinoids in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovasc Ther 2010; 29:17-22. [PMID: 20946323 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5922.2010.00233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids, the constituents of the marijuana plant and their analogs, have not only neurobehavioral but also cardiovascular effects. Great advances in the last couple of decades have led to better understanding of the physiological effects of the cannabinoids and of their role in various cardiovascular pathologies. The potential therapeutic use of cannabinoids in various cardiac diseases, such as ischemic injury, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias, has been studied in animal models. The purpose of this article is to review the physiological cardiovascular properties of cannabinoids and to summarize the knowledge related to their potential therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Durst
- Cardiology Division, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem.
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20
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Mingorance C, Alvarez de Sotomayor M, Jiménez-Palacios FJ, Callejón Mochón M, Casto C, Marhuenda E, Herrera MD. Effects of chronic treatment with the CB1 antagonist, rimonabant on the blood pressure, and vascular reactivity of obese Zucker rats. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2009; 17:1340-7. [PMID: 19553924 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2009.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Rimonabant (RM) is a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist useful in the treatment of obesity associated cardiovascular risk factors. Since cannabinoids are vasoactive compounds, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of chronic treatment with RM on systolic blood pressure (SBP), and endothelial and vascular reactivity. Obese Zucker rats (OZRs) and their lean counterparts were orally treated during 20 weeks with either RM (10 mg/kg/day). Endothelial and vascular function was assessed in aorta and small mesenteric arteries (SMAs) by concentration response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) and phenylephrine (Phe), respectively. Participation of nitric oxide (NO) was evaluated by incubation with the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived products involvement was analyzed by incubation with indomethacin (INDO). Plasma lipid profile, insulin and adiponectin were also analyzed. Sympathetic activity was evaluated by urinary excretion of noradrenaline. As expected, RM decreased body weight gain and enhanced adiponectin concentration. Insulin resistance and sympathetic activity were also decreased. The increase in SBP observed in OZRs was reduced by treatment with RM. Aortae and SMAs from OZRs exhibited lower contractile response to Phe, being this effect prevented by RM administration. Although ACh-induced response and NO participation remained unaltered with obesity, enhanced COX-derived constrictor products were found in OZRs. RM treatment neither altered endothelium-dependent relaxation nor L-NAME-sensitive component of the response. Nevertheless, it was able to regulate COX-derived vasoactive products participation. Those effects may contribute to explain some of the cardiovascular protective actions elicited by this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Mingorance
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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21
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Rasmussen BA, Kim E, Unterwald EM, Rawls SM. Methanandamide attenuates cocaine-induced hyperthermia in rats by a cannabinoid CB1-dopamine D2 receptor mechanism. Brain Res 2009; 1260:7-14. [PMID: 19401177 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.12.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2008] [Revised: 11/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Evidence implicates anandamide in dopamine-related cocaine function. In the present study, we investigated the effect of methanandamide (5 mg/kg, i.p.), a stable anandamide analog, on the hyperthermia and hyperactivity induced by a fixed dose of cocaine (15 mg/kg,i.p.). Cocaine administered to rats produced hyperthermia and hyperactivity whereas methanandamide was ineffective. For combined administration, methanandamide attenuated the hyperthermia, but not hyperactivity, induced by cocaine. The effect of methanandamide was abolished by pretreatment with a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, SR141716A (5 mg/kg, i.p.), or dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, S(−)-raclopride(5 mg/kg, i.p.) but not by capsazepine (40 mg/kg, i.p.), a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 cation channel antagonist. Methanandamide also attenuated the hyperthermia caused by a dopamine D1 receptor agonist, SKF 38393 (10 mg/kg, s.c.), indicating that it reduces hyperthermia produced by dopamine D1 receptor activation. URB597 (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of anandamide metabolism, did not alter cocaine-induced hyperthermia. Our results demonstrate that methanandamide activates cannabinoid CB1 receptors to attenuate cocaine-induced hyperthermia, and that dopamine D2 receptor activation plays a permissive role in the thermoregulatory effects of methanandamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Rasmussen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University Health Sciences Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Temple University Health Sciences Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Dableh LJ, Yashpal K, Henry JL. Physiological evidence of a postsynaptic inhibition of the tail flick reflex by a cannabinoid receptor agonist. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 602:36-40. [PMID: 19027734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.10.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2008] [Revised: 10/09/2008] [Accepted: 10/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Current evidence indicates that cannabinoids are antinociceptive and this effect is in part mediated by spinal mechanisms. Anatomical studies have localized cannabinoid CB(1) receptors to pre- and postsynaptic sites within the spinal cord. However, behavioural tests have not clearly indicated the relative importance of each of these sites. In this study, the tail flick test was used as a model of acute pain in the rat to determine the site of action of WIN 55,212-2 ((R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3[(4-morpholinyl)methyl]pyrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazinyl]-(1-naphthalenyl)methanone mesylate), a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist. WIN 55,212-2 (3 mg/kg, i.p.) increased the latency of tail withdrawal from a noxious radiant heat source, indicating it is antinociceptive in this model. Using the same paradigm, WIN 55,212-2 was then tested against the synaptically-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity in response to noxious thermal stimulation of the tail (hot water tail immersion). WIN 55,212-2 blocked this hypersensitivity, confirming a spinal site of action of the cannabinoid receptor agonist. Further, WIN 55,212-2 blocked the nociceptive hypersensitivity induced by intrathecal administration of substance P. As substance P acts on postsynaptic tachykinin NK1 receptors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, the data are interpreted to suggest that WIN 55,212-2 expressed its anti-hypersensitivity effects at least partially via a postsynaptic site of action; the data do not rule out a presynaptic site of action. This study suggests that cannabinoids may induce analgesia via a postsynaptic site of action in the spinal cord, as well as the possibility that they may interact with substance P signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliane J Dableh
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1A1.
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23
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Murillo-Rodríguez E. The role of the CB1 receptor in the regulation of sleep. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1420-7. [PMID: 18514375 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2008] [Revised: 04/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
During the 1990s, transmembranal proteins in the central nervous system (CNS) that recognize the principal compound of marijuana, the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) were described. The receptors were classified as central or peripheral, CB1 and CB2, respectively. To this date, it has been documented the presence in the CNS of specific lipids that bind naturally to the CB1/CB2 receptors. The family of endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids comprises oleamide, arachidonoylethanolamine, 2-arachidonylglycerol, virodhamine, noladin ether and N-arachidonyldopamine. Pharmacological experiments have shown that those compounds induce cannabimimetic effects. Endocannabinoids are fatty acid derivates that have a variety of biological actions, most notably via activation of the cannabinoid receptors. The endocannabinoids have an active role modulating diverse neurobiological functions, such as learning and memory, feeding, pain perception and sleep generation. Experimental evidence shows that the administration of Delta9-THC promotes sleep. The activation of the CB1 receptor leads to an induction of sleep, this effect is blocked via the selective antagonist. Since the system of the endogenous cannabinoids is present in several species, including humans, this leads to the speculation of the neurobiological role of the endocannabinoid system on diverse functions such as sleep modulation. This review discusses the evidence of the system of the endocannabinoids as well as their physiological role in diverse behaviours, including the modulation of sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Murillo-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campeche, Campeche. Mexico.
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24
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Williams MA, Smith SA, O'Brien DE, Mitchell JH, Garry MG. The group IV afferent neuron expresses multiple receptor alterations in cardiomyopathyic rats: evidence at the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. J Physiol 2007; 586:835-45. [PMID: 18063665 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.140392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The exercise pressor reflex (EPR) is an important neural mechanism that controls blood pressure and heart rate during static muscle contraction. It has been previously demonstrated that the EPR is exaggerated in cardiomyopathy. Both mechanically (group III) and metabolically (group IV) sensitive afferent neurons are important to this reflex in normal humans and animals. In cardiomyopathy, however, the metabolically sensitive afferents are less responsive to activation whereas the mechanically sensitive fibres are overactive. We have demonstrated that this overactivity is responsible for the exaggeration in the EPR. Of importance, we have also demonstrated that the reduced responsiveness in the group IV afferent neuron is an initiating factor in the development of the exaggerated EPR. To date, the mechanism mediating this reduced group IV responsiveness remains unclear. Given that group IV afferent neurons are activated via chemically sensitive receptors, it is logical to suggest that changes in receptor function are responsible for the blunted behaviour of group IV neurons in cardiomyopathy. In order to test this postulate, however, potential receptor candidates must first be identified. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPv1) receptor is a non-selective cation channel that serves as a marker of the group IV afferent neurons in the periphery. We have demonstrated that the TRPv1 is abnormal in cardiomyopathy. It has been shown that the TRPv1 receptor is colocalized with the cannabinoid 1 (CB(1)) receptor on group IV afferent neurons. Therefore, we hypothesized that the function of CB(1) receptors is abnormal in cardiomyopathy. We explored this possibility by using anandamide (AEA), an endogenously produced cannabinoid that has been shown to control blood pressure via activation of the CB(1) receptor. In these studies, we evaluated the cardiovascular responses to intra-arterial injection of AEA into the hindlimb of normal, cardiomyopathic and neonatally capsaicin-treated (NNCAP) rats (rats that lack group IV afferent neurons) to determine whether administration of AEA results in abnormal responses of group IV afferent neurons in cardiomyopathic rats. We determined that AEA controls changes in blood pressure, predominately via activation of the CB(1) receptor in this preparation. We further observed that the blood pressure response to AEA is blunted in cardiomyopathic rats when compared to normal rats. We also observed a reduced blood pressure response to AEA in NNCAP animals, indicating that AEA is acting on group IV afferent neurons in this preparation. To determine whether programmed cell death could account for the decreased responsiveness that we observed during activation of the CB(1) and TRPv1 receptors on group IV afferent neurons in heart failure, we performed terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay. We observed no evidence of cell death within the dorsal root ganglia in rats with cardiomyopathy. The data suggest that the responsiveness of CB(1) receptors on group IV afferent neurons is blunted in cardiomyopathy. Importantly, these data indicate that group IV primary afferent neurons express multiple receptor defects in cardiomyopathy that may contribute to the decreased CB(1) receptor sensitivity in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice A Williams
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9174, USA
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Wheal AJ, Bennett T, Randall MD, Gardiner SM. Cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 152:717-24. [PMID: 17700721 PMCID: PMC2190006 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2007] [Accepted: 07/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), there is evidence for up-regulation of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors: antagonism of CB1 receptors causes a rise in blood pressure, and administration of the endocannabinoid, anandamide, or inhibition of anandamide degradation causes hypotension. These findings have led to the suggestion that the endocannabinoid system may be a therapeutic target in hypertension. However, since the cardiovascular responses to cannabinoids are substantially influenced by anaesthesia, the purpose of this study was to assess regional haemodynamic responses to cannabinoid receptor stimulation and inhibition in conscious SHR. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cardiovascular responses to i.v. administration of anandamide, the cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN 55212-2, and the CB(1) receptor antagonist, AM 251, were measured in male SHR, Wistar Kyoto rats and outbred Wistar rats, chronically instrumented for recording renal, mesenteric and hindquarters haemodynamics in the conscious, freely-moving state. KEY RESULTS Hypotensive responses to anandamide and WIN 55212-2 only occurred in SHR, but these were relatively modest and not associated with CB1 receptor-mediated vasodilatation. In SHR only, anandamide caused bradycardia, which was inhibited by AM 251. Furthermore, a pressor response to CB1 receptor antagonism occurred only in SHR, but was not associated with vasoconstriction. Moreover, there was some evidence for CB1 receptor-mediated vasoconstrictor actions of anandamide in SHR, which was not seen in the normotensive strains. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The results are consistent with activation of CB1 receptors in SHR by endogenous ligands exerting an antihypertensive effect, but the findings do not indicate enhanced CB1 receptor-mediated vasodilator mechanisms in SHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Wheal
- Centre for Integrated Systems Biology & Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - T Bennett
- Centre for Integrated Systems Biology & Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - M D Randall
- Centre for Integrated Systems Biology & Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - S M Gardiner
- Centre for Integrated Systems Biology & Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Abstract
The therapeutic use of cannabinoids, the components of cannabis sativa L., was investigated in numerous researches in detail. Animal studies revealed that cannabinoid receptor agonists alter pain-associated behaviour, have immune-suppressive properties, suppress tumor growth, modulate sensitisation processes and influence memory and learning. Those effects are mediated by two membrane-bound cannabinoid receptors and as mechanisms of signal transduction blockade of ion channels, inhibition of adenylate cyclase and retrograde inhibition of neurotransmitter release are currently being discussed. In clinical studies oral administration of cannabinoids indicated beneficial results during the therapy of multiple sclerosis, weight loss, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and intractable pruritus. However, therapy of chronic pain conditions revealed conflicting results and unequivocal success could not have been delivered due to unwanted side effects. Further multicentre studies are required to estimate cannabinoids as novel therapeutic tools for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rukwied
- Institut für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Klinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg.
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27
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Randall
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH.
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Ständer S, Schmelz M, Metze D, Luger T, Rukwied R. Distribution of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) on sensory nerve fibers and adnexal structures in human skin. J Dermatol Sci 2005; 38:177-88. [PMID: 15927811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2005.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2004] [Revised: 01/18/2005] [Accepted: 01/25/2005] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoid receptors mediate the psychopharmacological action of marijuana and have been localized in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as on cells of the immune system. OBJECTIVE Up to now, two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) have been cloned and recent studies on animal tissue gave evidence for the presence of cannabinoid receptors in the skin. METHODS In the present immunohistochemical investigation we determined the precise localization of CB1 and CB2 in sections of human skin and in one case of mastocytosis. RESULTS CB1 and CB2 immunoreactivity was observed in cutaneous nerve fiber bundles, mast cells, macrophages, epidermal keratinocytes, and the epithelial cells of hair follicles, sebocytes and eccrine sweat glands. In epidermal keratinocytes, hair follicle and sebaceous glands, CB1 and CB2 were distributed in a complementary fashion. Double-immunostaining with an anti-CGRP antibody suggested the presence of cannabinoid receptors on small afferent peptidergic nerves. CONCLUSION The abundant distribution of cannabinoid receptors on skin nerve fibers and mast cells provides implications for an anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive action of cannabinoid receptor agonists and suggests their putatively broad therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Germany.
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29
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Ashton CH, Moore PB, Gallagher P, Young AH. Cannabinoids in bipolar affective disorder: a review and discussion of their therapeutic potential. J Psychopharmacol 2005; 19:293-300. [PMID: 15888515 DOI: 10.1177/0269881105051541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar affective disorder is often poorly controlled by prescribed drugs. Cannabis use is common in patients with this disorder and anecdotal reports suggest that some patients take it to alleviate symptoms of both mania and depression. We undertook a literature review of cannabis use by patients with bipolar disorder and of the neuropharmacological properties of cannabinoids suggesting possible therapeutic effects in this condition. No systematic studies of cannabinoids in bipolar disorder were found to exist, although some patients claim that cannabis relieves symptoms of mania and/or depression. The cannabinoids Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) may exert sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, antipsychotic and anticonvulsant effects. Pure synthetic cannabinoids, such as dronabinol and nabilone and specific plant extracts containing THC, CBD, or a mixture of the two in known concentrations, are available and can be delivered sublingually. Controlled trials of these cannabinoids as adjunctive medication in bipolar disorder are now indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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30
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Pacher P, Bátkai S, Kunos G. Blood pressure regulation by endocannabinoids and their receptors. Neuropharmacology 2005; 48:1130-8. [PMID: 15910888 PMCID: PMC2225528 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2004.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2004] [Accepted: 12/10/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids and their endogenous and synthetic analogs exert powerful hypotensive and cardiodepressor effects by complex mechanisms involving direct and indirect effects on myocardium and vasculature. On the one hand, endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors have been implicated in the hypotensive state associated with hemorrhagic, endotoxic and cardiogenic shock, and advanced liver cirrhosis. On the other hand, there is emerging evidence suggesting that the endocannabinergic system plays an important role in the cardiovascular regulation in hypertension. This review is aimed to discuss the in vivo hypotensive and cardiodepressant effects of cannabinoids mediated by cannabinoid and TRPV(1) receptors, and focuses on the novel therapeutical strategies offered by targeting the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pál Pacher
- * Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +1-301-443-2069. E-mail addresses: (P. Pacher), (G. Kunos)
| | | | - George Kunos
- * Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +1-301-443-2069. E-mail addresses: (P. Pacher), (G. Kunos)
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31
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Gardiner SM, Bennett T. Cannabinoids and Endotoxemia. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2005; 288:H451; author reply H451-2. [PMID: 15598874 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00852.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids and CB1 receptors have been implicated in endotoxin (LPS)-induced hypotension: LPS stimulates the synthesis of anandamide in macrophages, and the CB1 antagonist SR-141716 inhibits the hypotension induced by treatment of rats with LPS or LPS-treated macrophages. Recent evidence indicates the existence of cannabinoid receptors distinct from CB1 or CB2 that are inhibited by SR-141716 but not by other CB1 antagonists such as AM251. In pentobarbital-anesthetized rats, intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg LPS elicited hypotension associated with profound decreases in cardiac contractility, moderate tachycardia, and an increase in lower body vascular resistance. Pretreatment with 3 mg/kg SR-141716 prevented the hypotension and decrease in cardiac contractility, slightly attenuated the increase in peripheral resistance, and had no effect on the tachycardia caused by LPS, whereas pretreatment with 3 mg/kg AM251 did not affect any of these responses. SR-141716 also elicited an acute reversal of the hypotension and decreased contractility when administered after the response to LPS had fully developed. The LPS-induced hypotension and its inhibition by SR-141716 were similar in pentobarbital-anesthetized wild-type, CB1−/−, and CB1−/−/CB2−/− mice. We conclude that SR-141716 inhibits the acute hemodynamic effects of LPS by interacting with a cardiac receptor distinct from CB1 or CB2 that mediates negative inotropy and may be activated by anandamide or a related endocannabinoid released during endotoxemia.
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Abstract
Cannabinoids and their synthetic and endogenous analogs affect a broad range of physiological functions, including cardiovascular variables, the most important component of their effect being profound hypotension. The mechanisms of the cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids in vivo are complex and may involve modulation of autonomic outflow in both the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as direct effects on the myocardium and vasculature. Although several lines of evidence indicate that the cardiovascular depressive effects of cannabinoids are mediated by peripherally localized CB1 receptors, recent studies provide strong support for the existence of as-yet-undefined endothelial and cardiac receptor(s) that mediate certain endocannabinoid-induced cardiovascular effects. The endogenous cannabinoid system has been recently implicated in the mechanism of hypotension associated with hemorrhagic, endotoxic, and cardiogenic shock, and advanced liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, cannabinoids have been considered as novel antihypertensive agents. A protective role of endocannabinoids in myocardial ischemia has also been documented. In this chapter, we summarize current information on the cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids and highlight the importance of these effects in a variety of pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Pacher
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9413, USA.
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33
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Randall MD, Kendall DA, O'Sullivan S. The complexities of the cardiovascular actions of cannabinoids. Br J Pharmacol 2004; 142:20-6. [PMID: 15131000 PMCID: PMC1574918 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiovascular actions of cannbinoids are complex. In general they cause vasorelaxation in isolated blood vessels, while in anaesthetised animals they cause multiphasic responses which involve an early bradycardia and long-lasting hypotension. However, in conscious animals, the picture is one of bradycardia followed by pressor responses. Clearly, the responses to cannabinoids are dependent on the experimental conditions and synthetic cannabinoids and endocannabinoids exhibit different pharmacologies. In terms of mechanisms involved in the vascular responses to cannabinoids, the following have been implicated: the involvement of 'classical' cannabinoid receptors, the involvement of a novel endothelial cannabinoid receptor, the release of nitric oxide, the release of endothelium-derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF), the activation of vanilloid receptors, metabolism of endocannabinoids to vasoactive molecules, and both peripheral inhibition and central excitation of the sympathetic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Randall
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH.
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34
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Abstract
Cannabinoids are cell membrane-derived signalling molecules that are released from nerves, blood cells and endothelial cells, and have diverse biological effects. They act at two distinct types of G-protein-coupled receptors, cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors. Cannabinoid CB(1) receptors are highly localised in the central nervous system and are also found in some peripheral tissues, and cannabinoid CB(2) receptors are found outside the central nervous system, in particular in association with immune tissues. Novel actions of cannabinoids at non-CB(1) non-CB(2) cannabinoid-like receptors and vanilloid VR1 receptors have also recently been described. There is growing evidence that, among other roles, cannabinoids can act at prejunctional sites to modulate peripheral autonomic and sensory neurotransmission, and the present article is aimed at providing an overview of this. Inhibitory cannabinoid CB(1) receptors are expressed on the peripheral terminals of autonomic and sensory nerves. The role of cannabinoid receptor ligands in modulation of sensory neurotransmission is complex, as certain of these (anandamide, an "endocannabinoid", and N-arachidonoyl-dopamine, an "endovanilloid") also activate vanilloid VR1 receptors (coexpressed with cannabinoid CB(1) receptors), which excites sensory nerves and causes a release of sensory neurotransmitter. The fact that the activities of anandamide and N-arachidonoyl-dopamine span two distinct receptor families raises important questions about cannabinoid/vanilloid nomenclature, and as both compounds are structurally related to the archetypal vanilloid capsaicin, all three are arguably members of the same family of signalling molecules. Anandamide is released from nerves, but unlike classical neurotransmitters, it is not stored in and released from nerve vesicles, but is released on demand from the nerve cell membrane. In the central nervous system, cannabinoids function as retrograde signalling molecules, inhibiting via presynaptic cannabinoid CB(1) receptors the release of classical transmitter following release from the postsynaptic cell. At the neuroeffector junction, it is more likely that cannabinoids are released from prejunctional sites, as the neuroeffector junction is wide in some peripheral tissues and cannabinoids are rapidly taken up and inactivated. Understanding the actions of cannabinoids as modulators of peripheral neurotransmission is relevant to a variety of biological systems and possibly their disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Ralevic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
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35
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Abstract
The prototypic endocannabinoid, anandamide, and synthetic analogues have been shown to elicit pressor and depressor effects, bradycardia, vasorelaxation, and inhibition of neurotransmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Cannabinoid-mediated inhibition of neurotransmission is mediated by inhibition of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels and adenylyl cyclase and activation of inwardly rectifying K(+) channels. The precise mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxant actions of cannabinoids are currently unclear, but might involve both receptor-dependent and -independent and endothelium-dependent and -independent pathways. Mechanisms proposed have included the release of endothelial autacoids, activation of myoendothelial gap junctions, activation of the Na(+) pump, activation of K(+) channels, inhibition of Ca(2+) channels, and activation of vanilloid receptors, leading to the release of sensory neurotransmitters. Pathophysiologically, the vasodilator actions of endocannabinoids have been implicated in the hypotension associated with both septic and haemorrhagic shock, but their physiological significance remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Randall
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, UK.
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36
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Farquhar-Smith WP, Jaggar SI, Rice ASC. Attenuation of nerve growth factor-induced visceral hyperalgesia via cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2)-like receptors. Pain 2002; 97:11-21. [PMID: 12031775 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3959(01)00419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids have previously been shown to possess analgesic properties in a model of visceral hyperalgesia in which the neurotrophin, nerve growth factor (NGF), plays a pivotal role. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antihyperalgesic effects of two cannabinoids in NGF-evoked visceral hyperalgesia in order to test the hypothesis that endocannabinoids may modulate the NGF-driven elements of inflammatory hyperalgesia. Intra-vesical installation of NGF replicates many features of visceral hyperalgesia, including a bladder hyper-reflexia and increased expression of the immediate early gene c fos in the spinal cord. We investigated the action of anandamide and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on these parameters. Both anandamide (at a dose of 25 mg/kg) and PEA (at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg) attenuated the bladder hyper-reflexia induced by intra-vesical NGF. The use of cannabinoid CB1 receptor (SR141617A) and CB2 receptor (SR144528) antagonists suggested that the effect of anandamide was mediated by both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors whilst the action of PEA was via CB2 (or CB2-like) receptors only. Furthermore, anandamide (25 mg/kg) and PEA (2.5 mg/kg) reduced intra-vesical NGF-evoked spinal cord Fos expression at the appropriate level (L6) by 35 and 43%, respectively. However, neither CB1 nor CB2 receptor antagonists altered the action of anandamide. PEA-induced reduction in Fos expression was abrogated by SR144528. These data add to the growing evidence of a therapeutic potential for cannabinoids, and support the hypothesis that the endogenous cannabinoid system modulates the NGF-mediated components of inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Paul Farquhar-Smith
- Pain Research, Department of Anaesthetics, Imperial College School of Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, UK
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37
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Gardiner SM, March JE, Kemp PA, Bennett T. Complex regional haemodynamic effects of anandamide in conscious rats. Br J Pharmacol 2002; 135:1889-96. [PMID: 11959791 PMCID: PMC1573314 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2001] [Revised: 01/10/2002] [Accepted: 02/01/2002] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
1. Experiments were carried out in conscious, chronically instrumented, male, Sprague-Dawley rats to delineate the regional haemodynamic effects of the putative endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, (0.075 - 3 mg kg(-1)), and to dissect some of the mechanisms involved. 2. At all doses of anandamide, there was a significant, short-lived increase in mean arterial blood pressure associated with vasoconstriction in renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vascular beds. 3. The higher doses (2.5 and 3 mg kg(-1)), caused an initial, marked bradycardia accompanied, in some animals, by a fall in arterial blood pressure which preceded the hypertension. In addition, after the higher doses of anandamide, the hindquarters vasoconstriction was followed by vasodilatation. 4. Although some of the effects described above resembled those of 5-HT (25 microg kg(-1)), the bradycardia and hypotensive actions of the latter were abolished by the 5HT(3)-receptor antagonist, azasetron, whereas those of anandamide were generally unaffected. 5. None of the cardiovascular actions of anandamide were influenced by the CB(1)-receptor antagonist, AM 251, but its bradycardic effect was sensitive to atropine, and its hindquarters vasodilator action was suppressed by the beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, ICI 118551. 6. The results differ, in several aspects, from those previously reported in anaesthetized animals, and underscore the important impact anaesthesia can have on responses to anandamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Gardiner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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38
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Murillo-Rodríguez E, Cabeza R, Méndez-Díaz M, Navarro L, Prospéro-García O. Anandamide-induced sleep is blocked by SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist and by U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor. Neuroreport 2001; 12:2131-6. [PMID: 11447321 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200107200-00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Anandamide (ANA) alters sleep by increasing the amount of time spent in slow wave sleep 2 (SWS2) and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) at the expense of wakefulness (W) in rats. In this report, we describe a similar effect of ANA when injected itracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) or into the peduriculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) and the lack of an effect when ANA is administered into the medial preoptic area (MPOA). Furthermore, the i.c.v. or PPTg administration of SR141716A, a CB1 antagonist, or U73122, a PLC inhibitor, 15 min prior to ANA, readily prevents the ANA induced changes in sleep. The present results suggest that a cannabinoid system in the PPTg may be involved in sleep regulation and that the cannabinoid effect is mediated by the CB1 receptor coupled to a PLC second messenger system.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Murillo-Rodríguez
- Grupo de Neurociencias, Depto. de Fisiologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. Postal 70-250, México D.F. 04510, México
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39
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Gardiner SM, March JE, Kemp PA, Bennett T. Regional haemodynamic responses to the cannabinoid agonist, WIN 55212-2, in conscious, normotensive rats, and in hypertensive, transgenic rats. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 133:445-53. [PMID: 11375262 PMCID: PMC1572802 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2000] [Revised: 03/29/2001] [Accepted: 03/29/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional haemodynamic responses to the cannabinoid agonist, WIN 55212-2 (5 - 250 microg kg(-1) i.v.) were assessed in conscious, normotensive, Hannover, Sprague-Dawley (HSD) rats, and in hypertensive, transgenic ((mRen-2)27) (abbreviated to TG) rats. In HSD rats, WIN 55212-2 caused pressor, and renal and mesenteric vasoconstrictor effects, with a hindquarters vasodilator effect occurring only at the highest dose. In TG rats, the effects of the cannabinoid agonist were qualitatively similar to those seen in HSD rats, except there was no hindquarters vasodilatation. In both strains of rat, in the presence of losartan, pentolinium and a vasopressin (V1-receptor) antagonist, the pressor and vasoconstrictor effects of WIN 55212-2 were abolished, but the hindquarters vasodilator response was enhanced (HSD rats) or was seen only in that circumstance (TG rats). Under these conditions, both strains of rat showed a modest fall in blood pressure, together with mesenteric vasodilatation. In additional experiments in normotensive SD rats from Charles River (CRSD), it was shown that, in the presence of the V1-receptor antagonist alone, or losartan alone, or the two antagonists together, the cardiovascular effects of WIN 55212-2 (50 or 150 microg kg(-1)) were not attenuated. Hence, the effects described above were likely due to pentolinium. There were no consistent differences between HSD and TG rats in their haemodynamic responses to methoxamine or noradrenaline, indicating the two strains were not likely to differ markedly in their responsiveness to any putative sympathetic activation induced by WIN 55212-2. Collectively, the results indicate that the predominant cardiovascular effects of WIN 55212-2 in conscious HSD and TG rats (i.e., pressor and vasoconstrictor actions) can be attributed largely to indirect, pentolinium-sensitive mechanisms, which appear to differ little in the normotensive and hypertensive state, at least in conscious animals. Under the conditions of our experiments, signs of cannabinoid-induced vasodilatation were modest.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Gardiner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Kunos G, Járai Z, Bátkai S, Goparaju SK, Ishac EJ, Liu J, Wang L, Wagner JA. Endocannabinoids as cardiovascular modulators. Chem Phys Lipids 2000; 108:159-68. [PMID: 11106789 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-3084(00)00194-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids, the bioactive constituents of the marijuana plant and their synthetic and endogenous analogs cause not only neurobehavioral, but also cardiovascular effects. The most important component of these effects is a profound decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. Although multiple lines of evidence indicate that the hypotensive and bradycardic effects of anandamide and other cannabinoids are mediated by peripherally located CB1 cannabinoid receptors, anandamide can also elicit vasodilation in certain vascular beds, which is independent of CB1 or CB2 receptors. Possible cellular mechanisms underlying these effects and the cellular sources of vasoactive anandamide are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kunos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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Morefield SI, Keefer EW, Chapman KD, Gross GW. Drug evaluations using neuronal networks cultured on microelectrode arrays. Biosens Bioelectron 2000; 15:383-96. [PMID: 11219752 DOI: 10.1016/s0956-5663(00)00095-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We used spontaneously active neuronal networks derived from dissociated embryonic murine spinal cord and auditory cortex and grown on substrate-integrated thin-film microelectrodes to determine characteristic responses to the cannabinoid agonists anandamide (AN) and methanandamide (MA). AN and MA reversibly inhibited spike and burst production in both tissue types. Responses of 21 cultures ranging in age from 23 to 111 days in vitro (d.i.v.) showed high intra- and inter-culture reproducibility at all ages. However, responses were tissue and substance-dependent. AN and MA were equipotent in cortical cultures and terminated bursting and spiking at 2.5 +/- 0.9 microM (n = 10). Spinal cultures were shut-off by 1.3 +/- 0.7 microM (n = 15) AN, but required 5.8 +/- 1.2 microM MA for activity cessation. MA, but not AN, demonstrated a biphasic influence: excitation at 0.25-3.5 microM and suppression at 4-7.1 microM. Palmitoylethanolamide, a related lipophilic molecule with no reported binding to the CBI receptor (to which AN and MA bind in the central nervous system), did not affect network activity at concentrations up to 6.5 microM. Irreversible cessation of activity was observed after 30 min applications of AN or MA at > 7 microM.
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Affiliation(s)
- S I Morefield
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Network Neuroscience, University of North Texas, Denton 76203, USA
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Costa B, Colleoni M. Changes in rat brain energetic metabolism after exposure to anandamide or Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Eur J Pharmacol 2000; 395:1-7. [PMID: 10781666 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(00)00170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate whether single and repeated administration of the cannabinoids anandamide or Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol affected brain energetic metabolism. Single administration of either anandamide (20 mg/kg) or Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (10 mg/kg) in rats induced a behaviour typical with cannabinoids. An increase in both brain mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation and cerebral lipoperoxidation was shown ex vivo. The cannabinoid CB(1) receptor-specific antagonist, N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2, 4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methylpyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR141716A; 3 mg/kg), reversed the anandamide-induced metabolic effects. Prolonged exposure to anandamide (20 mg/kg, 16 days) induced behavioural tolerance and the disappearance of the increased mitochondria oxygen uptake and lipoperoxidation. Repeated Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol injection (10 mg/kg, twice daily, 4.5 days) reduced brain metabolism and uncoupled respiration from oxidative phosphorylation. The present findings showed that both anandamide and Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol enhanced the energetic brain metabolism, probably via the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor; the anandamide-tolerant brain of rats showed tolerance to the drug for metabolic effects, while the brain of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol-tolerant rats showed metabolic signs of neuronal damage, i.e. low energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, University of Milan, via Vanvitelli 32, 20129, Milan, Italy
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Kunos G, Járai Z, Varga K, Liu J, Wang L, Wagner JA. Cardiovascular effects of endocannabinoids--the plot thickens. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2000; 61:71-84. [PMID: 10785543 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-6980(00)00056-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids, the bioactive ingredients of the marijuana plant, are best known for their psychoactive properties, but they also influence other physiological processes, such as cardiovascular variables. Endocannabinoids are recently identified lipid mediators that act as natural ligands at cannabinoid receptors and mimic most of the biological effects, including the cardiovascular actions, of plant-derived cannabinoids. In experimental animals, the most prominent component of the cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids is prolonged hypotension and bradycardia. This review focuses on the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. The emerging evidence suggesting that endocannabinoids may be involved in the peripheral regulation of vascular tone under certain conditions is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kunos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Sarker KP, Nakashima M, Serizawa T, Kishida A, Akashi M, Nakata M, Kitajima I, Maruyama I. Polymyxin B binds to anandamide and inhibits its cytotoxic effect. FEBS Lett 2000; 470:151-5. [PMID: 10734225 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(00)01313-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anandamide (ANA), an endogenous cannabinoid, can be generated by activated macrophages during endotoxin shock and is thought to be a paracrine contributor to hypotension. We discovered that ANA in saline/ethanol solution and in serum was efficiently adsorbed in a polymyxin B (PMB)-immobilized beads column and eluted with ethanol. We confirmed the direct binding of PMB to ANA by using surface plasmon resonance. The adsorption of ANA by PMB may abolish the diverse effects of ANA such as hypotension, immunosuppression, and cytotoxicity, and may suggest a new therapeutic strategy for endotoxin shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Laboratory and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima, Japan
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Gebremedhin D, Lange AR, Campbell WB, Hillard CJ, Harder DR. Cannabinoid CB1 receptor of cat cerebral arterial muscle functions to inhibit L-type Ca2+ channel current. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY 1999; 276:H2085-93. [PMID: 10362691 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.1999.276.6.h2085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The CB1 subtype of the cannabinoid receptor is present on neurons in the brain and mediates the perceptual effects of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids. We found that cat cerebral arterial smooth muscle cells (VSMC) contain the protein for the CB1 receptor and express a cDNA that has >98% amino acid homology to the CB1 cDNA expressed in rat and human neurons. Activation of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor has been shown to decrease the opening of N-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in neurons through a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that activation of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in cerebral VSMC inhibits voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and results in cerebral vasodilation. The predominant Ca2+ current identified in cat cerebral VSMC is a voltage-gated, dihydropyridine-sensitive, L-type Ca2+ current. The cannabimimetic drug WIN-55,212-2 (10-100 nM) induced concentration-dependent inhibition of peak L-type Ca2+ current, which reached a maximum of 82 +/- 4% at 100 nM (n = 14). This effect was mimicked by the putative endogenous CB1-receptor agonist anandamide, which produced a concentration-related reduction of peak L-type Ca2+ current with a maximum inhibition (at 300 nM) of 39 +/- 4% (n = 12). The inhibitory effects of both ligands on peak L-type Ca2+ currents were abolished by pertussis toxin pretreatment and application of the CB1-receptor antagonist SR-141716A (100 nM, n = 5). Both WIN-55,212-2 and anandamide produced concentration-dependent relaxation of preconstricted cerebral arterial segments that was abolished by SR-141716A. These results indicate that the CB1 receptor is expressed in cat cerebral VSMC and that the cerebral vasculature is one of the targets for endogenous cannabinoids. These findings suggest that the CB1 receptor and its endogenous ligand may play a fundamental role in the regulation of cerebral arterial tone and reactivity by modulating the influx of Ca2+ through L-type Ca2+ channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gebremedhin
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA
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Ameri A, Wilhelm A, Simmet T. Effects of the endogeneous cannabinoid, anandamide, on neuronal activity in rat hippocampal slices. Br J Pharmacol 1999; 126:1831-9. [PMID: 10372827 PMCID: PMC1565956 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0702478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
1. The arachidonic acid derivative arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide) is an endogeneous ligand of cannabinoid receptors that induces pharmacological actions similar to those of cannabinoids such as delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We examined whether anandamide can influence excessive neuronal activity by investigating stimulation-induced population spikes and epileptiform activity in rat hippocampal slices. For this purpose, the effects of anandamide were compared with those of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 and its inactive S(-)-enantiomer WIN 55,212-3. 2. Both anandamide (1 and 10 microM) and WIN 55,212-2 (0.1 and 1 microM) decreased the amplitude of the postsynaptic population spike and the slope of the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (field e.p.s.p.) without affecting the presynaptic fibre spike of the afferents. At a concentration of 1 microM, WIN 55,212-2 completely suppressed the postsynaptic spike, whereas the S(-)-enantiomer WIN 55,212-3 produced only a slight depression. The CB1 receptor antagonist SR 141716 blocked the inhibition evoked by the cannabinoids. SR 141716 had a slight facilitatory effect on neuronal excitability by itself. 3. Anandamide shifted the input-output curve of the postsynaptic spike and the field e.p.s.p. to the right and increased the magnitude of paired-pulse facilitation indicating a presynaptic mechanism of action. 4. Anandamide and WIN 55,212-2, but not WIN 55,212-3, attenuated both stimulus-triggered epileptiform activity in CA1 elicited by omission of Mg2+ and spontaneously occurring epileptiform activity in CA3 elicited by omission of Mg2+ and elevation of K+ to 8 mM. The antiepileptiform effect of these cannabinoids was blocked by SR 141716. 5. In conclusion, cannabinoid receptors of the CB1 type as well as their endogeneous ligand, anandamide, are involved in the control of neuronal excitability, thus reducing excitatory neurotransmission at a presynaptic site, a mechanism which might be involved in the prevention of excessive excitability leading to epileptiform activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ameri
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Natural Products, University of Ulm, Germany
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Niederhoffer N, Szabo B. Effect of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212-2 on sympathetic cardiovascular regulation. Br J Pharmacol 1999; 126:457-66. [PMID: 10077239 PMCID: PMC1565831 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0702337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
1. The aim of the present study was to analyse the cardiovascular actions of the synthetic CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212-2, and specifically to determine its sites of action on sympathetic cardiovascular regulation. 2. Pithed rabbits in which the sympathetic outflow was continuously stimulated electrically or which received a pressor infusion of noradrenaline were used to study peripheral prejunctional and direct vascular effects, respectively. For studying effects on brain stem cardiovascular regulatory centres, drugs were administered into the cisterna cerebellomedullaris in conscious rabbits. Overall cardiovascular effects of the cannabinoid were studied in conscious rabbits with intravenous drug administration. 3. In pithed rabbits in which the sympathetic outflow was continuously electrically stimulated, intravenous injection of WIN55212-2 (5, 50 and 500 microg kg(-1)) markedly reduced blood pressure, the spillover of noradrenaline into plasma and the plasma noradrenaline concentration, and these effects were antagonized by the CB1 cannabinoid receptor-selective antagonist SR141716A. The hypotensive and the sympathoinhibitory effect of WIN55212-2 was shared by CP55940, another mixed CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist, but not by WIN55212-3, the enantiomer of WIN55212-2, which lacks affinity for cannabinoid binding sites. WIN55212-2 had no effect on vascular tone established by infusion of noradrenaline in pithed rabbits. 4. Intracisternal application of WIN55212-2 (0.1, 1 and 10 microg kg(-1)) in conscious rabbits increased blood pressure and the plasma noradrenaline concentration and elicited bradycardia; this latter effect was antagonized by atropine. 5. In conscious animals, intravenous injection of WIN55212-2 (5 and 50 microg kg(-1)) caused bradycardia, slight hypotension, no change in the plasma noradrenaline concentration, and an increase in renal sympathetic nerve firing. The highest dose of WIN55212-2 (500 microg kg(-1)) elicited hypotension and tachycardia, and sympathetic nerve activity and the plasma noradrenaline concentration declined. 6. The results obtained in pithed rabbits indicate that activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors leads to marked peripheral prejunctional inhibition of noradrenaline release from postganglionic sympathetic axons. Intracisternal application of WIN55212-2 uncovered two effects on brain stem cardiovascular centres: sympathoexcitation and activation of cardiac vagal fibres. The highest dose of systemically administered WIN55212-2 produced central sympathoinhibition; the primary site of this action is not known.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Niederhoffer
- Pharmakologisches Institut der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
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Abstract
The use of cannabis for the management of a wide range of painful disorders has been well documented in case reports throughout history. However, clinical evaluations of cannabis and its psychoactive constituent THC have not led to a consensus regarding their analgesic effectiveness. On the other hand, THC and its synthetic derivatives have been shown to be effective in most animal models of pain. These antinociceptive effects are mediated through cannabinoid receptors in the brain that in turn appear to interact with noradrenergic and kappa opioid systems in the spinal cord to modulate the perception of painful stimuli. The endogenous ligand, anandamide, is also an effective antinociceptive agent. The extent to which the endogenous cannabinoid system is involved in the modulation of pain is currently unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Martin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298, USA
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Jaggar SI, Sellaturay S, Rice AS. The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide, but not the CB2 ligand palmitoylethanolamide, prevents the viscero-visceral hyper-reflexia associated with inflammation of the rat urinary bladder. Neurosci Lett 1998; 253:123-6. [PMID: 9774165 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(98)00621-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Anandamide, an endogenous ligand at the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and palmitoylethanolamide (a putative endogenous ligand at the CB2 receptor) have both been shown to possess anti-hyperalgesic properties in models of somatic and visceral inflammation. In the turpentine-inflamed rat urinary bladder a reversal of the inflammation-associated viscero-visceral hyperreflexia (VVH) was observed when the cannabinoids were administered 135 min after the induction of inflammation. Therefore, in this study we determined the efficacy of these two N-acylethanolamides in the prevention of VVH in the same model, using a prophylactic dosing regimen. Palmitoylethanolamide did not prevent the VVH (in the dose range 10-30 mg/kg, i.a), but anandamide attenuated the response in a dose related manner, with a threshold of 25 mg/kg (i.a). These findings provide further support for an acute anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperalgesic role for CB1 receptor agonists, with CB2 agonist effects only becoming important once the effects of inflammation are established.
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Affiliation(s)
- S I Jaggar
- Department of Anaesthetics, Imperial College School of Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, London, UK
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