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Hiniesto-Iñigo I, Castro-Gonzalez LM, Corradi V, Skarsfeldt MA, Yazdi S, Lundholm S, Nikesjö J, Noskov SY, Bentzen BH, Tieleman DP, Liin SI. Endocannabinoids enhance hK V7.1/KCNE1 channel function and shorten the cardiac action potential and QT interval. EBioMedicine 2023; 89:104459. [PMID: 36796231 PMCID: PMC9958262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genotype-positive patients who suffer from the cardiac channelopathy Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) may display a spectrum of clinical phenotypes, with often unknown causes. Therefore, there is a need to identify factors influencing disease severity to move towards an individualized clinical management of LQTS. One possible factor influencing the disease phenotype is the endocannabinoid system, which has emerged as a modulator of cardiovascular function. In this study, we aim to elucidate whether endocannabinoids target the cardiac voltage-gated potassium channel KV7.1/KCNE1, which is the most frequently mutated ion channel in LQTS. METHODS We used two-electrode voltage clamp, molecular dynamics simulations and the E4031 drug-induced LQT2 model of ex-vivo guinea pig hearts. FINDINGS We found a set of endocannabinoids that facilitate channel activation, seen as a shifted voltage-dependence of channel opening and increased overall current amplitude and conductance. We propose that negatively charged endocannabinoids interact with known lipid binding sites at positively charged amino acids on the channel, providing structural insights into why only specific endocannabinoids modulate KV7.1/KCNE1. Using the endocannabinoid ARA-S as a prototype, we show that the effect is not dependent on the KCNE1 subunit or the phosphorylation state of the channel. In guinea pig hearts, ARA-S was found to reverse the E4031-prolonged action potential duration and QT interval. INTERPRETATION We consider the endocannabinoids as an interesting class of hKV7.1/KCNE1 channel modulators with putative protective effects in LQTS contexts. FUNDING ERC (No. 850622), Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada Research Chairs and Compute Canada, Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Hiniesto-Iñigo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Laura M Castro-Gonzalez
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Valentina Corradi
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mark A Skarsfeldt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Samira Yazdi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Siri Lundholm
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Nikesjö
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sergei Yu Noskov
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bo Hjorth Bentzen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D Peter Tieleman
- Centre for Molecular Simulation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sara I Liin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Afshar S, Abbasinazari M, Amin G, Farrokhian A, Sistanizad M, Afshar F, Khalili S. Endocannabinoids and related compounds as modulators of angiogenesis: Concepts and clinical significance. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:826-837. [PMID: 36317321 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vasculogenesis (the process of differentiation of angioblasts toward endothelial cells and de novo formation of crude vascular networks) and angiogenesis (the process of harmonized sprouting and dispersal of new capillaries from previously existing ones) are two fundamentally complementary processes, obligatory for maintaining physiological functioning of vascular system. In clinical practice, however, the later one is of more importance as it guarantees correct embryonic nourishment, accelerates wound healing processes, prevents uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenesis, contributes in supplying nutritional demand following occlusion of coronary vessels and is in direct relation with development of diabetic retinopathy. Hence, discovery of novel molecules capable of modulating angiogenic events are of great clinical importance. Recent studies have demonstrated multiple angio-regulatory activities for endocannabinoid system modulators and endocannabinoid-like molecules, as well as their metabolizing enzymes. Hence, in present article, we reviewed the regulatory roles of these molecules on angiogenesis and described molecular mechanisms underlying them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Afshar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbasinazari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Amin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Farrokhian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sistanizad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Afshar
- Department of internal medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Khalili
- Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Cannabinoids-A New Perspective in Adjuvant Therapy for Pulmonary Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810048. [PMID: 34576212 PMCID: PMC8472313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, no treatment can completely cure pulmonary hypertension (PH), which can lead to right ventricular failure and, consequently, death. Therefore, searching for new therapies remains important. Increased resistance in pulmonary circulation is mainly caused by the excessive contraction and proliferation of small pulmonary arteries. Cannabinoids, a group of lipophilic compounds that all interact with cannabinoid receptors, exert a pulmonary vasodilatory effect through several different mechanisms, including mechanisms that depend on vascular endothelium and/or receptor-based mechanisms, and may also have anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. The vasodilatory effect is important in regulating pulmonary resistance, which can improve patients’ quality of life. Moreover, experimental studies on the effects of cannabidiol (plant-derived, non-psychoactive cannabinoid) in animal PH models have shown that cannabidiol reduces right ventricular systolic pressure and excessive remodelling and decreases pulmonary vascular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular resistance. Due to the potentially beneficial effects of cannabinoids on pulmonary circulation and PH, in this work, we review whether cannabinoids can be used as an adjunctive therapy for PH. However, clinical trials are still needed to recommend the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of PH.
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Larsson JE, Karlsson U, Wu X, Liin SI. Combining endocannabinoids with retigabine for enhanced M-channel effect and improved KV7 subtype selectivity. J Gen Physiol 2021; 152:151732. [PMID: 32365171 PMCID: PMC7398146 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retigabine is unique among anticonvulsant drugs by targeting the neuronal M-channel, which is composed of KV7.2/KV7.3 and contributes to the negative neuronal resting membrane potential. Unfortunately, retigabine causes adverse effects, which limits its clinical use. Adverse effects may be reduced by developing M-channel activators with improved KV7 subtype selectivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prospect of endocannabinoids as M-channel activators, either in isolation or combined with retigabine. Human KV7 channels were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The effect of extracellular application of compounds with different properties was studied using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to construct channels with mutated residues to aid in the mechanistic understanding of these effects. We find that arachidonoyl-L-serine (ARA-S), a weak endocannabinoid, potently activates the human M-channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Importantly, we show that ARA-S activates the M-channel via a different mechanism and displays a different KV7 subtype selectivity compared with retigabine. We demonstrate that coapplication of ARA-S and retigabine at low concentrations retains the effect on the M-channel while limiting effects on other KV7 subtypes. Our findings suggest that improved KV7 subtype selectivity of M-channel activators can be achieved through strategically combining compounds with different subtype selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan E Larsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Urban Karlsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Xiongyu Wu
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sara I Liin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Vasodilatory effects of cannabidiol in human pulmonary and rat small mesenteric arteries: modification by hypertension and the potential pharmacological opportunities. J Hypertens 2021; 38:896-911. [PMID: 31800399 PMCID: PMC7170434 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Cannabidiol (CBD) has been suggested as a potential antihypertensive drug. The aim of our study was to investigate its vasodilatory effect in isolated human pulmonary arteries (hPAs) and rat small mesenteric arteries (sMAs). Methods: Vascular effects of CBD were examined in hPAs obtained from patients during resection of lung carcinoma and sMAs isolated from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR); 11-deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA-salt) hypertensive rats or their appropriate normotensive controls using organ bath and wire myography, respectively. Results: CBD induced almost full concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in hPAs and rat sMAs. In hPAs, it was insensitive to antagonists of CB1 (AM251) and CB2 (AM630) receptors but it was reduced by endothelium denudation, cyclooxygenase inhibitors (indomethacin and nimesulide), antagonists of prostanoid EP4 (L161982), IP (Cay10441), vanilloid TRPV1 (capsazepine) receptors and was less potent under KCl-induced tone and calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa) inhibitors (iberiotoxin, UCL1684 and TRAM-34) and in hypertensive, overweight and hypercholesteremic patients. The time-dependent effect of CBD was sensitive to the PPARγ receptor antagonist GW9662. In rats, the CBD potency was enhanced in DOCA-salt and attenuated in SHR. The CBD-induced relaxation was inhibited in SHR and DOCA-salt by AM251 and only in DOCA-salt by AM630 and endothelium denudation. Conclusion: The CBD-induced relaxation in hPAs that was reduced in hypertensive, obese and hypercholesteremic patients was endothelium-dependent and mediated via KCa and IP, EP4, TRPV1 receptors. The CBD effect in rats was CB1-sensitive and dependent on the hypertension model. Thus, modification of CBD-mediated responses in disease should be considered when CBD is used for therapeutic purposes.
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Sidhu R, Mondjinou Y, Qian M, Song H, Kumar AB, Hong X, Hsu FF, Dietzen DJ, Yanjanin NM, Porter FD, Berry-Kravis E, Vite CH, Gelb MH, Schaffer JE, Ory DS, Jiang X. N-acyl- O-phosphocholineserines: structures of a novel class of lipids that are biomarkers for Niemann-Pick C1 disease. J Lipid Res 2019; 60:1410-1424. [PMID: 31201291 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra119000157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a fatal, neurodegenerative, cholesterol storage disorder. With new therapeutics in clinical trials, there is an urgency to improve diagnostics and monitor therapeutic efficacy with biomarkers. In this study, we sought to define the structure of an unknown lipid biomarker for NPC1 with [M + H]+ ion at m/z 509.3351, previously designated as lysoSM-509. The structure of N-palmitoyl-O-phosphocholineserine (PPCS) was proposed for the lipid biomarker based on the results from mass spectrometric analyses and chemical derivatizations. As no commercial standard is available, authentic PPCS was chemically synthesized, and the structure was confirmed by comparison of endogenous and synthetic compounds as well as their derivatives using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). PPCS is the most abundant species among N-acyl-O-phosphocholineserines (APCS), a class of lipids that have not been previously detected in biological samples. Further analysis demonstrated that all APCS species with acyl groups ranging from C14 to C24 were elevated in NPC1 plasma. PPCS is also elevated in both central and peripheral tissues of the NPC1 cat model. Identification of APCS structures provide an opportunity for broader exploration of the roles of these novel lipids in NPC1 disease pathology and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Sidhu
- Departments of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yawo Mondjinou
- Departments of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Mingxing Qian
- Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Haowei Song
- Process and Analytical Development, MilliporeSigma, St. Louis, MO 63118
| | - Arun Babu Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Xinying Hong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Fong-Fu Hsu
- Departments of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Dennis J Dietzen
- Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Nicole M Yanjanin
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Forbes D Porter
- Section on Molecular Dysmorphology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Charles H Vite
- Department of Clinical Studies and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 70736
| | - Michael H Gelb
- Process and Analytical Development, MilliporeSigma, St. Louis, MO 63118
| | - Jean E Schaffer
- Departments of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Daniel S Ory
- Departments of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Xuntian Jiang
- Departments of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
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Abstract
Cannabinoids influence cardiovascular variables in health and disease via multiple mechanisms. The chapter covers the impact of cannabinoids on cardiovascular function in physiology and pathology and presents a critical analysis of the proposed signalling pathways governing regulation of cardiovascular function by endogenously produced and exogenous cannabinoids. We know that endocannabinoid system is overactivated under pathological conditions and plays both a protective compensatory role, such as in some forms of hypertension, atherosclerosis and other inflammatory conditions, and a pathophysiological role, such as in disease states associated with excessive hypotension. This chapter focuses on the mechanisms affecting hemodynamics and vasomotor effects of cannabinoids in health and disease states, highlighting mismatches between some studies. The chapter will first review the effects of marijuana smoking on cardiovascular system and then describe the impact of exogenous cannabinoids on cardiovascular parameters in humans and experimental animals. This will be followed by analysis of the impact of cannabinoids on reactivity of isolated vessels. The article critically reviews current knowledge on cannabinoid induction of vascular relaxation by cannabinoid receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms and dysregulation of vascular endocannabinoid signaling in disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Bondarenko
- Circulatory Physiology Department, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine.
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Bariani MV, Correa F, Leishman E, Domínguez Rubio AP, Arias A, Stern A, Bradshaw HB, Franchi AM. Resveratrol protects from lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in the uterus and prevents experimental preterm birth. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:571-581. [PMID: 28810692 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is resveratrol able to prevent the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced preterm labor in 15-day pregnant BALB/c mice? SUMMARY ANSWER Resveratrol prevented the LPS-induced onset of preterm labor in 64% of the cases and showed anti-inflammatory and tocolytic effects by downregulating COX-2 and iNOS expression and NOS activity, and by changing the uterine prostaglandin and endocannabinoid profiling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Genital tract infections by Gram-negative bacteria are a common complication in human pregnancy and have been shown to increase risk of preterm delivery. Bacterial LPS elicits a strong maternal inflammatory response that results in preterm delivery and fetal death in a murine model endotoxin-induced preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An in vivo animal study was conducted. On Day 15 of pregnancy, mice received at 8:00 h a dose of vehicle (40% ethanol in saline solution) or resveratrol (3 mg/kg in vehicle) via oral gavage followed by two doses of LPS or vehicle administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), the first one at 10:00 h (0.17 mg/kg in 0.1 ml of sterile saline solution) and the second at 13:00 h (0.5 mg/kg in 0.1 ml of sterile saline solution). The mice were closely observed for any signs of morbidity (piloerection, decreased movement, and diarrhea), vaginal bleeding or preterm delivery. The beginning of preterm delivery was defined by early delivery of the first pup. Normal term labor occurs on Day 19 of gestation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Time of labor, pregnancy outcome and morphological features were evaluated after LPS and/or resveratrol administration. Uterine stripes were collected 5 h after the last LPS injection and prostaglandin and endocannabinoid profiling was analyzed by mass spectrometry. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was measured by radioconversion assay. Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-Pgdh) mRNA levels were analyzed by RT-PCR whilst the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), COX-1 and COX-2 were studied by western blot. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In vivo treatment of 15-day pregnant BALB/c mice with resveratrol prevented the LPS-induced preterm birth in 64% of the cases, whereas only 15% of mice with LPS alone escaped preterm birth. Treatment with resveratrol resulted in a reduced NOS activity (P < 0.05) in the uterus of LPS-treated mice. Similarly, resveratrol reduced the expression of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory agents such as iNOS (P < 0.05), COX-2 (P < 0.05), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (P < 0.05) and anandamide (AEA) (P < 0.05). Moreover, resveratrol administration resulted in changes in the uterine endocannabinoid profiling altered by LPS. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Since our experimental design involves the use of mice, the extrapolation of the results presented here to humans is limited. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings provide evidence for the tocolytic effects of resveratrol. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) Dr Ana María Franchi was funded by Agencia Nacional para la Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (PICT 2013/0097) and by Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (PIP 2012/0061). Dr Heather B. Bradshaw was funded by NIH (DA006668). The authors have no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Bariani
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Correa
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emma Leishman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana,USA
| | - Ana Paula Domínguez Rubio
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andreína Arias
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aníbal Stern
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana,USA
| | - Ana María Franchi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Bondarenko AI, Panasiuk O, Drachuk K, Montecucco F, Brandt KJ, Mach F. The quest for endothelial atypical cannabinoid receptor: BK Ca channels act as cellular sensors for cannabinoids in in vitro and in situ endothelial cells. Vascul Pharmacol 2018; 102:44-55. [PMID: 29355732 PMCID: PMC6481560 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endothelium-dependent component of cannabinoid-induced vasodilation has been postulated to require G-protein-coupled non-CB1/CB2 endothelial cannabinoid (eCB) receptor. GPR18 was proposed as a candidate for eCBR. To address the hypothesis that the effects attributed to eCBR are mediated by G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-independent targets, we studied the electrical responses in endothelial cells, focusing on BKCa channels. In patches excised from endothelial-derived EA.hy926 cells, N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) and abnormal cannabidiol (abn-cbd), prototypical agonists for eCB receptor, stimulate single BKCa activity in a concentration- and Ca2+-dependent manner. The postulated eCB receptor inhibitors rimonabant and AM251 were found to inhibit basal and stimulated by NAGly- and abn-cbd BKCa activity in cell-free patches. In isolated mice aortas, abn-cbd and NAGly produced endothelial cell hyperpolarization that was sensitive to paxilline, a selective BKCa inhibitor, but not to GPR18 antibody, and mimicked by NS1619, a direct BKCa opener. In excised patches from mice aortic endothelium, single channel activity with characteristics similar to BKCa was established by the addition of abn-cbd and NAGly. We conclude that the two cannabinoids abn-cbd and NAGly initiate a GPR18-independent activation of BKCa channels in mice aortic endothelial cells that might contribute to vasodilation to cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Bondarenko
- Circulatory Physiology Department, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Bogomoletz Str 4, Kiev 01024, Ukraine; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/III, Graz, 8010, Austria.
| | - Olga Panasiuk
- Circulatory Physiology Department, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Bogomoletz Str 4, Kiev 01024, Ukraine
| | - Konstantin Drachuk
- Circulatory Physiology Department, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Bogomoletz Str 4, Kiev 01024, Ukraine
| | - Fabrizio Montecucco
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 6 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, 9 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Karim J Brandt
- Division of Cardiology, Foundation for Medical Researches, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Geneva, Av. de la Roseraie 64, CH 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - François Mach
- Division of Cardiology, Foundation for Medical Researches, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Geneva, Av. de la Roseraie 64, CH 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
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Baker D, Pryce G, Visintin C, Sisay S, Bondarenko AI, Vanessa Ho WS, Jackson SJ, Williams TE, Al-Izki S, Sevastou I, Okuyama M, Graier WF, Stevenson LA, Tanner C, Ross R, Pertwee RG, Henstridge CM, Irving AJ, Schulman J, Powell K, Baker MD, Giovannoni G, Selwood DL. Big conductance calcium-activated potassium channel openers control spasticity without sedation. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:2662-2681. [PMID: 28677901 PMCID: PMC5522996 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Our initial aim was to generate cannabinoid agents that control spasticity, occurring as a consequence of multiple sclerosis (MS), whilst avoiding the sedative side effects associated with cannabis. VSN16R was synthesized as an anandamide (endocannabinoid) analogue in an anti‐metabolite approach to identify drugs that target spasticity. Experimental Approach Following the initial chemistry, a variety of biochemical, pharmacological and electrophysiological approaches, using isolated cells, tissue‐based assays and in vivo animal models, were used to demonstrate the activity, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action of VSN16R. Toxicological and safety studies were performed in animals and humans. Key Results VSN16R had nanomolar activity in tissue‐based, functional assays and dose‐dependently inhibited spasticity in a mouse experimental encephalomyelitis model of MS. This effect occurred with over 1000‐fold therapeutic window, without affecting normal muscle tone. Efficacy was achieved at plasma levels that are feasible and safe in humans. VSN16R did not bind to known CB1/CB2/GPPR55 cannabinoid‐related receptors in receptor‐based assays but acted on a vascular cannabinoid target. This was identified as the major neuronal form of the big conductance, calcium‐activated potassium (BKCa) channel. Drug‐induced opening of neuronal BKCa channels induced membrane hyperpolarization, limiting excessive neural‐excitability and controlling spasticity. Conclusions and Implications We identified the neuronal form of the BKCa channel as the target for VSN16R and demonstrated that its activation alleviates neuronal excitability and spasticity in an experimental model of MS, revealing a novel mechanism to control spasticity. VSN16R is a potential, safe and selective ligand for controlling neural hyper‐excitability in spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Baker
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gareth Pryce
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cristina Visintin
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sofia Sisay
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Alexander I Bondarenko
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,A.A. Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - W S Vanessa Ho
- Vascular Biology Research Centre. St. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Samuel J Jackson
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Thomas E Williams
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Al-Izki
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ioanna Sevastou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Masahiro Okuyama
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Wolfgang F Graier
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lesley A Stevenson
- Vascular Biology Research Centre. St. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Carolyn Tanner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ruth Ross
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Roger G Pertwee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Christopher M Henstridge
- Neurosciences Institute, Division of Pathology and Neuroscience, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Andrew J Irving
- Neurosciences Institute, Division of Pathology and Neuroscience, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jesse Schulman
- Canbex Therapeutics Ltd, London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, UK
| | - Keith Powell
- Canbex Therapeutics Ltd, London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, UK
| | - Mark D Baker
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - David L Selwood
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Ho WSV, Kelly MEM. Cannabinoids in the Cardiovascular System. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 80:329-366. [PMID: 28826540 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are known to modulate cardiovascular functions including heart rate, vascular tone, and blood pressure in humans and animal models. Essential components of the endocannabinoid system, namely, the production, degradation, and signaling pathways of endocannabinoids have been described not only in the central and peripheral nervous system but also in myocardium, vasculature, platelets, and immune cells. The mechanisms of cardiovascular responses to endocannabinoids are often complex and may involve cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors or non-CB1/2 receptor targets. Preclinical and some clinical studies have suggested that targeting the endocannabinoid system can improve cardiovascular functions in a number of pathophysiological conditions, including hypertension, metabolic syndrome, sepsis, and atherosclerosis. In this chapter, we summarize the local and systemic cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids and highlight our current knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of endocannabinoid signaling and modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing S V Ho
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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12
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Elinder F, Liin SI. Actions and Mechanisms of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Voltage-Gated Ion Channels. Front Physiol 2017; 8:43. [PMID: 28220076 PMCID: PMC5292575 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) act on most ion channels, thereby having significant physiological and pharmacological effects. In this review we summarize data from numerous PUFAs on voltage-gated ion channels containing one or several voltage-sensor domains, such as voltage-gated sodium (NaV), potassium (KV), calcium (CaV), and proton (HV) channels, as well as calcium-activated potassium (KCa), and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Some effects of fatty acids appear to be channel specific, whereas others seem to be more general. Common features for the fatty acids to act on the ion channels are at least two double bonds in cis geometry and a charged carboxyl group. In total we identify and label five different sites for the PUFAs. PUFA site 1: The intracellular cavity. Binding of PUFA reduces the current, sometimes as a time-dependent block, inducing an apparent inactivation. PUFA site 2: The extracellular entrance to the pore. Binding leads to a block of the channel. PUFA site 3: The intracellular gate. Binding to this site can bend the gate open and increase the current. PUFA site 4: The interface between the extracellular leaflet of the lipid bilayer and the voltage-sensor domain. Binding to this site leads to an opening of the channel via an electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged PUFA and the positively charged voltage sensor. PUFA site 5: The interface between the extracellular leaflet of the lipid bilayer and the pore domain. Binding to this site affects slow inactivation. This mapping of functional PUFA sites can form the basis for physiological and pharmacological modifications of voltage-gated ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Elinder
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sara I Liin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University Linköping, Sweden
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13
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Mechanisms of vasorelaxation induced by the cannabidiol analogue compound O-1602 in the rat small mesenteric artery. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 765:107-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Revised: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Wood PL. Accumulation of N-Acylphosphatidylserines and N-Acylserines in the Frontal Cortex in Schizophrenia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1. [PMID: 26120595 DOI: 10.14800/nt.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While schizophrenia is generally considered a neurodevelopment disorder, our basic understanding of the biochemical processes involved in disease etiology and/or progression is limited. One class of biochemical mediators that has been suggested to play a role in the development of schizophrenia is N-acyl ethanolamine metabolites of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines. However, no investigations of N-acylphosphatidylserines or their N-acylserine metabolites have been published. METHODS We undertook a targeted postmortem lipidomics analysis of N-acylphosphatidylserines (NAPS) and N-acylserines (NAS) in gray matter of the frontal cortex of schizophrenia subjects. RESULTS Our data are the first to demonstrate that NAPS and NAS are present in human brain. Furthermore, NAPS and their bioactive metabolites, N-acylserines (NAS), were found to be significantly elevated in the frontal cortex of schizophrenia subjects. CONCLUSIONS Elevated levels of NAPS lipid pools in schizophrenia may result in complex alterations in the structural function of neuronal membranes while increases in NAS may alter signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Wood
- Metabolomics Unit, Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy, Harrogate, TN
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15
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Bondarenko AI. Endothelial atypical cannabinoid receptor: do we have enough evidence? Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:5573-88. [PMID: 25073723 PMCID: PMC4290703 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids and their synthetic analogues affect a broad range of physiological functions, including cardiovascular variables. Although direct evidence is still missing, the relaxation of a vast range of vascular beds induced by cannabinoids is believed to involve a still unidentified non-CB1 , non-CB2 Gi/o protein-coupled receptor located on endothelial cells, the so called endothelial cannabinoid receptor (eCB receptor). Evidence for the presence of an eCB receptor comes mainly from vascular relaxation studies, which commonly employ pertussis toxin as an indicator for GPCR-mediated signalling. In addition, a pharmacological approach is widely used to attribute the relaxation to eCB receptors. Recent findings have indicated a number of GPCR-independent targets for both agonists and antagonists of the presumed eCB receptor, warranting further investigations and cautious interpretation of the vascular relaxation studies. This review will provide a brief historical overview on the proposed novel eCB receptor, drawing attention to the discrepancies between the studies on the pharmacological profile of the eCB receptor and highlighting the Gi/o protein-independent actions of the eCB receptor inhibitors widely used as selective compounds. As the eCB receptor represents an attractive pharmacological target for a number of cardiovascular abnormalities, defining its molecular identity and the extent of its regulation of vascular function will have important implications for drug discovery. This review highlights the need to re-evaluate this subject in a thoughtful and rigorous fashion. More studies are needed to differentiate Gi/o protein-dependent endothelial cannabinoid signalling from that involving the classical CB1 and CB2 receptors as well as its relevance for pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Bondarenko
- Circulatory Physiology Department, O.O.Bogomoletz Institute of PhysiologyKiev, Ukraine
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of GrazGraz, Austria
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16
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Stanley C, O'Sullivan SE. Vascular targets for cannabinoids: animal and human studies. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:1361-78. [PMID: 24329566 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Application of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids to perfused vascular beds or individual isolated arteries results in changes in vascular resistance. In most cases, the result is vasorelaxation, although vasoconstrictor responses are also observed. Cannabinoids also modulate the actions of vasoactive compounds including acetylcholine, methoxamine, angiotensin II and U46619 (thromboxane mimetic). Numerous mechanisms of action have been proposed including receptor activation, potassium channel activation, calcium channel inhibition and the production of vasoactive mediators such as calcitonin gene-related peptide, prostanoids, NO, endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor and hydrogen peroxide. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence for the range of receptors now known to be activated by cannabinoids. Direct activation by cannabinoids of CB1 , CBe , TRPV1 (and potentially other TRP channels) and PPARs in the vasculature has been observed. A potential role for CB2, GPR55 and 5-HT1 A has also been identified in some studies. Indirectly, activation of prostanoid receptors (TP, IP, EP1 and EP4 ) and the CGRP receptor is involved in the vascular responses to cannabinoids. The majority of this evidence has been obtained through animal research, but recent work has confirmed some of these targets in human arteries. Vascular responses to cannabinoids are enhanced in hypertension and cirrhosis, but are reduced in obesity and diabetes, both due to changes in the target sites of action. Much further work is required to establish the extent of vascular actions of cannabinoids and the application of this research in physiological and pathophysiological situations. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Stanley
- School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK
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17
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Dopico AM, Bukiya AN. Lipid regulation of BK channel function. Front Physiol 2014; 5:312. [PMID: 25202277 PMCID: PMC4141547 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This mini-review focuses on lipid modulation of BK (MaxiK, BKCa) current by a direct interaction between lipid and the BK subunits and/or their immediate lipid environment. Direct lipid-BK protein interactions have been proposed for fatty and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, phosphoinositides and cholesterol, evidence for such action being less clear for other lipids. BK α (slo1) subunits are sufficient to support current perturbation by fatty and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, glycerophospholipids and cholesterol, while distinct BK β subunits seem necessary for current modulation by most steroids. Subunit domains or amino acids that participate in lipid action have been identified in a few cases: hslo1 Y318, cerebral artery smooth muscle (cbv1) R334,K335,K336, cbv1 seven cytosolic CRAC domains, slo1 STREX and β1 T169,L172,L173 for docosahexaenoic acid, PIP2, cholesterol, sulfatides, and cholane steroids, respectively. Whether these protein motifs directly bind lipids or rather transmit the energy of lipid binding to other areas and trigger protein conformation change remains unresolved. The impact of direct lipid-BK interaction on physiology is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Dopico
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Anna N Bukiya
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, TN, USA
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18
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Hanuš L, Shohami E, Bab I, Mechoulam R. N-Acyl amino acids and their impact on biological processes. Biofactors 2014; 40:381-8. [PMID: 24753374 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the last two decades a large number of N-long-chain acyl amino acids have been identified in the mammalian body. The pharmacological activities of only a few of them have been investigated and some have been found to be of considerable interest. Thus arachidonoyl serine is vasodilatory and neuroprotective, arachidonoyl glycine is antinociceptive, and oleoyl serine rescues bone loss. However, the pathophysiological/biochemical roles of these amides are mostly unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumír Hanuš
- Institute for Drug Research, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
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19
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Kim HY, Huang BX, Spector AA. Phosphatidylserine in the brain: metabolism and function. Prog Lipid Res 2014; 56:1-18. [PMID: 24992464 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is the major anionic phospholipid class particularly enriched in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane in neural tissues. PS is synthesized from phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine by exchanging the base head group with serine, and this reaction is catalyzed by phosphatidylserine synthase 1 and phosphatidylserine synthase 2 located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Activation of Akt, Raf-1 and protein kinase C signaling, which supports neuronal survival and differentiation, requires interaction of these proteins with PS localized in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, neurotransmitter release by exocytosis and a number of synaptic receptors and proteins are modulated by PS present in the neuronal membranes. Brain is highly enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and brain PS has a high DHA content. By promoting PS synthesis, DHA can uniquely expand the PS pool in neuronal membranes and thereby influence PS-dependent signaling and protein function. Ethanol decreases DHA-promoted PS synthesis and accumulation in neurons, which may contribute to the deleterious effects of ethanol intake. Improvement of some memory functions has been observed in cognitively impaired subjects as a result of PS supplementation, but the mechanism is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Yong Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9410, United States.
| | - Bill X Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9410, United States
| | - Arthur A Spector
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9410, United States
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20
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Olière S, Joliette-Riopel A, Potvin S, Jutras-Aswad D. Modulation of the endocannabinoid system: vulnerability factor and new treatment target for stimulant addiction. Front Psychiatry 2013; 4:109. [PMID: 24069004 PMCID: PMC3780360 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most widely used illicit substance among users of stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines. Interestingly, increasing recent evidence points toward the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECBS) in the neurobiological processes related to stimulant addiction. This article presents an up-to-date review with deep insights into the pivotal role of the ECBS in the neurobiology of stimulant addiction and the effects of its modulation on addictive behaviors. This article aims to: (1) review the role of cannabis use and ECBS modulation in the neurobiological substrates of psychostimulant addiction and (2) evaluate the potential of cannabinoid-based pharmacological strategies to treat stimulant addiction. A growing number of studies support a critical role of the ECBS and its modulation by synthetic or natural cannabinoids in various neurobiological and behavioral aspects of stimulants addiction. Thus, cannabinoids modulate brain reward systems closely involved in stimulants addiction, and provide further evidence that the cannabinoid system could be explored as a potential drug discovery target for treating addiction across different classes of stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Olière
- Addiction Psychiatry Research Unit, Research Center, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) , Montreal, QC , Canada
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21
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AlSuleimani YM, Hiley CR. Mechanisms of vasorelaxation induced by oleoylethanolamide in the rat small mesenteric artery. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 702:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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22
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Ross GR, Lichtman A, Dewey WL, Akbarali HI. Evidence for the putative cannabinoid receptor (GPR55)-mediated inhibitory effects on intestinal contractility in mice. Pharmacology 2012; 90:55-65. [PMID: 22759743 DOI: 10.1159/000339076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids inhibit intestinal motility via presynaptic cannabinoid receptor type I (CB1) in enteric neurons while cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2) receptors are located mainly in immune cells. The recently de-orphanized G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR55, has been proposed to be the 'third' cannabinoid receptor. Although gene expression of GPR55 is evident in the gut, functional evidence for GPR55 in the gut is unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that GPR55 activation inhibits neurogenic contractions in the gut. METHODS We assessed the inhibitory effect of the atypical cannabinoid O-1602, a GPR55 agonist, in mouse colon. Isometric tension recordings in colonic tissue strips were used from either wild-type, GPR55(-/-) or CB1(-/-)/CB2(-/-) knockout mice. RESULTS O-1602 inhibited the electrical field- induced contractions in the colon strips from wild-type and CB1(-/-)/CB2(-/-) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting a non-CB1/CB2 receptor-mediated prejunctional effect. The concentration-dependent response of O-1602 was significantly inhibited in GPR55(-/-) mice. O-1602 did not relax colonic strips precontracted with high K(+) (80 mmol/l), indicating no involvement of Ca(2+) channel blockade in O-1602-induced relaxation. However, 10 µmol/l O-1602 partially inhibited the exogenous acetylcholine (10 µmol/l)-induced contractions. Moreover, we also assessed the inhibitory effects of JWH015, a CB2/GPR55 agonist on neurogenic contractions of mouse ileum. Surprisingly, the effects of JWH015 were independent of the known cannabinoid receptors. CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings suggest that activation of GPR55 leads to inhibition of neurogenic contractions in the gut and are predominantly prejunctional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracious R Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA.
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23
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Baranowska-Kuczko M, MacLean MR, Kozłowska H, Malinowska B. Endothelium-dependent mechanisms of the vasodilatory effect of the endocannabinoid, anandamide, in the rat pulmonary artery. Pharmacol Res 2012; 66:251-9. [PMID: 22627170 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids exhibit vasodilatory properties and reduce blood pressure in vivo. However, the influence and mechanism of action of the prominent endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), in pulmonary arteries are not known. The present study determined the vascular response to AEA in isolated rat pulmonary arteries. AEA relaxed rat pulmonary arteries that were pre-constricted with U-46619. This relaxation was reduced by the following conditions:removal of the endothelium; in KCl pre-constricted preparations; in the presence of the potassium channel (K(Ca)) blockers, tetraethylammonium and the combination of charybdotoxin and apamin, and the prostacyclin receptor antagonist, RO1138452. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (indomethacin), nitric oxide (NO) synthase (N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (URB597) alone or in combination diminished AEA-induced relaxation in endothelium-intact vessels. The remaining experiments were performed in the presence of URB597 to eliminate the influence of AEA metabolites. Antagonists of the endothelial cannabinoid receptor (CB(x)), O-1918 and cannabidiol, attenuated the AEA-induced response. Antagonists of CB(1), CB(2) and TRPV1 receptors, AM251, AM630 and capsazepine, respectively, did not modify the AEA-induced response. A reference activator of CB(x) receptors, abnormal cannabidiol, mimicked the receptor-mediated AEA effects. The present study demonstrated that AEA relaxed rat pulmonary arteries in an endothelium-dependent fashion via the activation of the O-1918-sensitive CB(x) receptor and/or prostacyclin-like vasoactive products of AEA. One or both of these mechanisms may involve K(Ca) or the NO pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baranowska-Kuczko
- Zakład Fizjologii i Patofizjologii Doświadczalnej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Białymstoku, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland.
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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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25
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Cohen-Yeshurun A, Trembovler V, Alexandrovich A, Ryberg E, Greasley PJ, Mechoulam R, Shohami E, Leker RR. N-arachidonoyl-L-serine is neuroprotective after traumatic brain injury by reducing apoptosis. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2011; 31:1768-77. [PMID: 21505478 PMCID: PMC3170948 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2011.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
N-arachidonoyl-L-serine (AraS) is a brain component structurally related to the endocannabinoid family. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of AraS following closed head injury induced by weight drop onto the exposed fronto-parietal skull and the mechanisms involved. A single injection of AraS following injury led to a significant improvement in functional outcome, and to reduced edema and lesion volume compared with vehicle. Specific antagonists to CB2 receptors, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) or large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels reversed these effects. Specific binding assays did not indicate binding of AraS to the GPR55 cannabinoid receptor. N-arachidonoyl-L-serine blocked the attenuation in phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) levels and led to an increase in pAkt in both the ipsilateral and contralateral cortices. Increased levels of the prosurvival factor Bcl-xL were evident 24 hours after injury in AraS-treated mice, followed by a 30% reduction in caspase-3 activity, measured 3 days after injury. Treatment with a CB2 antagonist, but not with a CB1 antagonist, reversed this effect. Our results suggest that administration of AraS leads to neuroprotection via ERK and Akt phosphorylation and induction of their downstream antiapoptotic pathways. These protective effects are related mostly to indirect signaling via the CB2R and TRPV1 channels but not through CB1 or GPR55 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Cohen-Yeshurun
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Drug Research, Medical Faculty, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Pertwee RG, Howlett AC, Abood ME, Alexander SPH, Di Marzo V, Elphick MR, Greasley PJ, Hansen HS, Kunos G, Mackie K, Mechoulam R, Ross RA. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXIX. Cannabinoid receptors and their ligands: beyond CB₁ and CB₂. Pharmacol Rev 2011; 62:588-631. [PMID: 21079038 DOI: 10.1124/pr.110.003004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1171] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are at least two types of cannabinoid receptors (CB(1) and CB(2)). Ligands activating these G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) include the phytocannabinoid Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, numerous synthetic compounds, and endogenous compounds known as endocannabinoids. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists have also been developed. Some of these ligands activate or block one type of cannabinoid receptor more potently than the other type. This review summarizes current data indicating the extent to which cannabinoid receptor ligands undergo orthosteric or allosteric interactions with non-CB(1), non-CB(2) established GPCRs, deorphanized receptors such as GPR55, ligand-gated ion channels, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, and other ion channels or peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptors. From these data, it is clear that some ligands that interact similarly with CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptors are likely to display significantly different pharmacological profiles. The review also lists some criteria that any novel "CB(3)" cannabinoid receptor or channel should fulfil and concludes that these criteria are not currently met by any non-CB(1), non-CB(2) pharmacological receptor or channel. However, it does identify certain pharmacological targets that should be investigated further as potential CB(3) receptors or channels. These include TRP vanilloid 1, which possibly functions as an ionotropic cannabinoid receptor under physiological and/or pathological conditions, and some deorphanized GPCRs. Also discussed are 1) the ability of CB(1) receptors to form heteromeric complexes with certain other GPCRs, 2) phylogenetic relationships that exist between CB(1)/CB(2) receptors and other GPCRs, 3) evidence for the existence of several as-yet-uncharacterized non-CB(1), non-CB(2) cannabinoid receptors; and 4) current cannabinoid receptor nomenclature.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Pertwee
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
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Abstract
N-arachidonoyl serine (ARA-S) is one of a number of acyl amino acids recently identified in mammalian tissues. It has been referred to as an endocannabinoid-like lipid largely based on its structural similarities with the endocannabinoid, N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide). However, little is known about its potential physiological functions and receptor targets. In this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, Zhang and colleagues show that ARA-S is a potent inducer of endothelial cell proliferation and migration, and angiogenesis in vitro. Furthermore, this pro-angiogenic action is mediated, at least partly, by activation of the poorly characterized, G-protein-coupled GPR55 receptor. ARA-S, via GPR55, increases phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and Akt, and vascular endothelial growth factor signalling. These exciting findings highlight the endothelium as an endogenous target for ARA-S and GPR55.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-S V Ho
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK.
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Zhang X, Maor Y, Wang JF, Kunos G, Groopman JE. Endocannabinoid-like N-arachidonoyl serine is a novel pro-angiogenic mediator. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:1583-94. [PMID: 20649563 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00841.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE N-arachidonoyl serine (ARA-S) is a recently identified endocannabinoid-like lipid with weak affinity for the fully characterized cannabinoid receptors (CB(1) and CB(2)) and the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV-1). ARA-S induces vasodilatation and shows vasoprotective potential via activation of key signalling pathways in endothelial cells. Based on these findings, the effect of ARA-S on endothelial functions was further studied. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) were used to investigate effects of ARA-S (0-10 microM) on certain endothelial functions, using cell proliferation, migration and wound repair models in vitro, and angiogenesis assays in vitro and ex vivo. Selective CB receptor antagonists and specific siRNAs were deployed to block individual CB receptors. KEY RESULTS We found that ARA-S stimulated angiogenesis and endothelial wound healing through induction of vascular endothelial growth factor C and its cognate receptor expression in primary HMVEC. Moreover, knock-down of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) partly inhibited ARA-S-induced signal transduction and endothelial functions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results indicate that ARA-S is a pro-angiogenic factor in addition to a vessel dilator. The GPR55 receptor may serve as one target of ARA-S.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhang
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Connor M, Vaughan CW, Vandenberg RJ. N-acyl amino acids and N-acyl neurotransmitter conjugates: neuromodulators and probes for new drug targets. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:1857-71. [PMID: 20649585 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00862.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The myriad functions of lipids as signalling molecules is one of the most interesting fields in contemporary pharmacology, with a host of compounds recognized as mediators of communication within and between cells. The N-acyl conjugates of amino acids and neurotransmitters (NAANs) have recently come to prominence because of their potential roles in the nervous system, vasculature and the immune system. NAAN are compounds such as glycine, GABA or dopamine conjugated with long chain fatty acids. More than 70 endogenous NAAN have been reported although their physiological role remains uncertain, with various NAAN interacting with a low affinity at G protein coupled receptors (GPCR) and ion channels. Regardless of their potential physiological function, NAAN are of great interest to pharmacologists because of their potential as flexible tools to probe new sites on GPCRs, transporters and ion channels. NAANs are amphipathic molecules, with a wide variety of potential fatty acid and headgroup moieties, a combination which provides a rich source of potential ligands engaging novel binding sites and mechanisms for modulation of membrane proteins such as GPCRs, ion channels and transporters. The unique actions of subsets of NAAN on voltage-gated calcium channels and glycine transporters indicate that the wide variety of NAAN may provide a readily exploitable resource for defining new pharmacological targets. Investigation of the physiological roles and pharmacological potential of these simple lipid conjugates is in its infancy, and we believe that there is much to be learnt from their careful study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Connor
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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Parmar N, Ho WSV. N-arachidonoyl glycine, an endogenous lipid that acts as a vasorelaxant via nitric oxide and large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:594-603. [PMID: 20136843 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00622.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) is an endogenous lipid that is structurally similar to the endocannabinoid, N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide). While NAGly does not activate cannabinoid receptors, it exerts cannabimimetic effects in pain regulation. Here, we have determined if NAGly, like anandamide, modulates vascular tone. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In rat isolated small mesenteric arteries, the relaxant responses to NAGly were characterized. Effects of N-arachidonoyl serine and N-arachidonoyl gamma-aminobutyric acid were also examined. KEY RESULTS In endothelium-intact arteries, NAGly-induced relaxation (pEC(50%)= 5.7 +/- 0.2; relaxation at 30 microM = 98 +/- 1%) was attenuated by l-NAME (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) or iberiotoxin [selective blocker of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca))], and abolished by high extracellular K(+) concentration. Endothelial removal reduced the potency of NAGly, and the resultant relaxation was inhibited by iberiotoxin, but not l-NAME. NAGly responses were sensitive to the novel cannabinoid receptor antagonist O-1918 independently of endothelial integrity, whereas pertussis toxin, which uncouples G(i/o) proteins, attenuated NAGly relaxation only in endothelium-intact arteries. Treatments with antagonists for CB(1), CB(2) and TRPV1 receptors, or inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase and COX had no effect. The two other arachidonoyl amino acids also induced iberiotoxin- and L-NAME-sensitive relaxations. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS NAGly acts as a vasorelaxant predominantly via activation of BK(Ca) in rat small mesenteric arteries. We suggest that NAGly activates an unknown G(i/o)-coupled receptor, stimulating endothelial release of nitric oxide which in turn activates BK(Ca) in the smooth muscle. In addition, NAGly might also activate BK(Ca) through G(i/o)- and nitric oxide-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Parmar
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
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Zakrzeska A, Schlicker E, Baranowska M, Kozłowska H, Kwolek G, Malinowska B. A cannabinoid receptor, sensitive to O-1918, is involved in the delayed hypotension induced by anandamide in anaesthetized rats. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:574-84. [PMID: 20105178 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00579.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intravenous injection of the endocannabinoid anandamide induces complex cardiovascular changes via cannabinoid CB(1), CB(2) and vanilloid TRPV1 receptors. Recently, evidence has been accumulating that in vitro, but not in vivo, anandamide relaxes blood vessels, via an as yet unidentified, non-CB(1) vascular cannabinoid receptor, sensitive to O-1918 (1,3-dimethoxy-5-2-[(1R,6R)-3-methyl-6-(1-methylethenyl)-2-cyclohexen-1-yl]-benzene). We here examined whether the anandamide-induced hypotension in urethane-anaesthetized rats was also mediated via a non-CB(1) vascular cannabinoid receptor. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of two antagonists (O-1918 and cannabidiol) of the non-CB(1) vascular cannabinoid receptor on anandamide-induced changes in mean, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (MBP, SBP, DBP), mesenteric (MBF) and renal (RBF) blood flow and heart rate (HR) in urethane-anaesthetized rats was examined. KEY RESULTS In anaesthetized rats, anandamide (1.5-3 micromol.kg(-1)) and its stable analogue methanandamide (0.5 micromol.kg(-1)) caused a delayed and prolonged decrease in MBP, SBP, DBP, MBF and RBF by about 10-30% of the respective basal values without changing HR. In pithed rats, anandamide (3 micromol.kg(-1)) decreased blood pressure by about 15-20% of the basal value without affecting HR, MBF and RBF. All vascular changes were reduced by about 30-70% by cannabidiol and O-1918 (3 micromol.kg(-1), each). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Non-CB(1) cannabinoid vascular receptors, sensitive to O-1918, contribute to the hypotensive effect of anandamide in anaesthetized rats. Activation of these receptors may be therapeutically important as the endocannabinoid system could be activated as a compensatory mechanism in various forms of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Zakrzeska
- Zakład Fizjologii Doświadczalnej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Białymstoku, Białystok, Poland
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The large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel interacts with the apolipoprotein ApoA1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 387:671-5. [PMID: 19619511 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.07.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the multifaceted functions of the large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (BK), identification of protein-protein interactions is essential in determining BK regulation. A yeast two-hybrid screening of a cochlear cDNA library revealed a BK-ApoA1 interaction. Patch clamp recordings of excised membrane patches from transfected HEK293 cells showed that ApoA1 inhibits the BK alpha-subunit by significantly increasing activation and deactivation times, and shifting half-activation voltage to more positive potentials. Reciprocal coimmunoprecipitations verified the BK-ApoA1 interaction using excised sensory epithelium and ganglia. Additionally, immunocolocalization studies revealed BK and ApoA1 expression in both receptor cells and auditory neurons. These data suggest new avenues of investigation, given the importance of apolipoproteins in neurological diseases.
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Godlewski G, Offertáler L, Wagner JA, Kunos G. Receptors for acylethanolamides-GPR55 and GPR119. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2009; 89:105-11. [PMID: 19615459 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Accepted: 07/07/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acylethanolamides are lipid substances widely distributed in the body, generated from a membrane phospholipid precursor, N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE). The recent identification of arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide or AEA) as an endogenous cannabinoid ligand has focused attention on acylethanolamides, which has further increased with the subsequent identification of related additional acylethanolamides with signaling function, such as oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Most of the biological functions of anandamide are mediated by the two G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors identified to date, CB(1) and CB(2), with the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor being an additional potential target. There has been increasing pharmacological evidence for the existence of additional cannabinoid receptors, with the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR55 being the most actively scrutinized, and is one of the subjects of this review. The other receptor reviewed here is GPR119, which can recognize OEA and PEA. These two acylethanolamides, although structurally related to anandamide, do not interact with classical cannabinoid receptors. Instead, they have high affinity for the nuclear receptor PPARalpha, which is believed to mediate many of their biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Godlewski
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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