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Alvarez LD, Carina Alves NR. Structural Basis for Molecular Recognition of Cannabinoids by Inhibitory Cys-Loop Channels. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3274-3286. [PMID: 38428383 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to ancient times. This plant produces cannabinoids, which are now known to interact with several human proteins, including Cys-loop receptors for glycine (GlyR) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAAR). As these channels are the primary mediators of inhibitory signals, they contribute to the diverse effects of cannabinoids on the nervous system. Evidence suggests that cannabinoid binding sites are located within the transmembrane domain, although their precise location has remained undetermined for over a decade. The process of identification of the binding site and the computational approaches employed are the main subjects of this Perspective, which includes an analysis of the most recently resolved cryo-EM structures of zebrafish GlyR bound to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and the THC-GlyR complex obtained through molecular dynamics simulations. With this work, we aim to contribute to guiding future studies investigating the molecular basis of cannabinoid action on inhibitory channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lautaro D Alvarez
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- UMYMFOR, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad UniversitariaBuenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - N R Carina Alves
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- UMYMFOR, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad UniversitariaBuenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
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2
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Mahrous A, Birch D, Heckman CJ, Tysseling V. Muscle Spasms after Spinal Cord Injury Stem from Changes in Motoneuron Excitability and Synaptic Inhibition, Not Synaptic Excitation. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1695232023. [PMID: 37949656 PMCID: PMC10851678 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1695-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle spasms are common in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), posing challenges to rehabilitation and daily activities. Pharmacological management of spasms mostly targets suppression of excitatory inputs, an approach known to hinder motor recovery. To identify better targets, we investigated changes in inhibitory and excitatory synaptic inputs to motoneurons as well as motoneuron excitability in chronic SCI. We induced either a complete or incomplete SCI in adult mice of either sex and divided those with incomplete injury into low or high functional recovery groups. Their sacrocaudal spinal cords were then extracted and used to study plasticity below injury, with tissue from naive animals as a control. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal roots elicited spasm-like activity in preparations of chronic severe SCI but not in the control. To evaluate overall synaptic inhibition activated by sensory stimulation, we measured the rate-dependent depression of spinal root reflexes. We found inhibitory inputs to be impaired in chronic injury models. When synaptic inhibition was blocked pharmacologically, all preparations became clearly spastic, even the control. However, preparations with chronic injuries generated longer spasms than control. We then measured excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in motoneurons during sensory-evoked spasms. The data showed no difference in the amplitude of EPSCs or their conductance among animal groups. Nonetheless, we found that motoneuron persistent inward currents activated by the EPSCs were increased in chronic SCI. These findings suggest that changes in motoneuron excitability and synaptic inhibition, rather than excitation, contribute to spasms and are better suited for more effective therapeutic interventions.Significance Statement Neural plasticity following spinal cord injury is crucial for recovery of motor function. Unfortunately, this process is blemished by maladaptive changes that can cause muscle spasms. Pharmacological alleviation of spasms without compromising the recovery of motor function has proven to be challenging. Here, we investigated changes in fundamental spinal mechanisms that can cause spasms post-injury. Our data suggest that the current management strategy for spasms is misdirected toward suppressing excitatory inputs, a mechanism that we found unaltered after injury, which can lead to further motor weakness. Instead, this study shows that more promising approaches might involve restoring synaptic inhibition or modulating motoneuron excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derin Birch
- Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - C J Heckman
- Departments of Neuroscience
- Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Vicki Tysseling
- Departments of Neuroscience
- Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
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Silva A, Mourão J, Vale N. A Review of the Lidocaine in the Perioperative Period. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1699. [PMID: 38138926 PMCID: PMC10744742 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13121699] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This review analyzes the controversies surrounding lidocaine (LIDO), a widely recognized local anesthetic, by exploring its multifaceted effects on pain control in the perioperative setting. The article critically analyzes debates about lidocaine's efficacy, safety, and optimal administration methods. While acknowledging its well-documented analgesic attributes, the text highlights the ongoing controversies in its application. The goal is to provide clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of the current discourse, enabling informed decisions about incorporating lidocaine into perioperative protocols. On the other hand, emphasizes the common uses of lidocaine and its potential role in personalized medicine. It discusses the medication's versatility, including its application in anesthesia, chronic pain, and cardiovascular diseases. The text recognizes lidocaine's widespread use in medical practice and its ability to be combined with other drugs, showcasing its adaptability for individualized treatments. Additionally, it explores the incorporation of lidocaine into hyaluronic acid injections and its impact on pharmacokinetics, signaling innovative approaches. The discussion centers on how lidocaine, within the realm of personalized medicine, can offer safer and more comfortable experiences for patients through tailored treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Silva
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Joana Mourão
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Anesthesiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Surgery and Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Xu WB, Tang MH, Long JY, Wang WW, Qin JY, Qi XJ, Liu ZY. Antinociceptive effect of gelsenicine, principal toxic alkaloids of gelsemium, on prostaglandin E2-induced hyperalgesia in mice: Comparison with gelsemine and koumine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 681:55-61. [PMID: 37757667 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Gelsemium elegans (G.elegans) is a plant of the Loganiaceae family, known for its indole alkaloids, including gelsemine, koumine, and gelsenicine. Gelsemine and koumine are well-studied active alkaloids with low toxicity, valued for their anti-anxiety and analgesic properties. However, gelsenicine, another important alkaloid, remains underexplored due to its high toxicity. This study focuses on evaluating the analgesic properties of gelsenicine and comparing them with gelsemine and koumine. The results indicate that all three alkaloids exhibit robust analgesic properties, with gelsemine, koumine, and gelsenicine showing ED50 values of 0.82 mg/kg, 0.60 mg/kg, and 8.43 μg/kg, respectively, as assessed by the hot plate method. Notably, the therapeutic dose of gelsenicine was significantly lower than its toxic dose (LD50 = 0.185 mg/kg). The study also investigated the mechanism of action by analyzing the expression levels of GlyRα3 and Gephyrin. The PGE2 model group showed decreased expression levels of GlyRα3 and Gephyrin, while groups treated with gelsemine, koumine, and gelsenicine were able to reverse this decrease. These results suggest that gelsenicine effectively alleviates PGE2-induced hyperalgesia by upregulating the expression of GlyRα3 and Gephyrin, which are key targets of the Gly receptor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bo Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Mo-Huan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Jiang-Yu Long
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Wei-Wei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Jiao-Yan Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Xue-Jia Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Zhao-Ying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.
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Gallagher CI, Frangos ZJ, Sheipouri D, Shimmon S, Duman MN, Jayakumar S, Cioffi CL, Rawling T, Vandenberg RJ. Novel Phenylene Lipids That Are Positive Allosteric Modulators of Glycine Receptors and Inhibitors of Glycine Transporter 2. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2634-2647. [PMID: 37466545 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a complex condition that remains resistant to current therapeutics. We previously synthesized a series of N-acyl amino acids (NAAAs) that inhibit the glycine transporter, GlyT2, some of which are also positive allosteric modulators of glycine receptors (GlyRs). In this study, we have synthesized a library of NAAAs that contain a phenylene ring within the acyl tail with the objective of improving efficacy at both GlyT2 and GlyRs and also identifying compounds that are efficacious as dual-acting modulators to enhance glycine neurotransmission. The most efficacious positive allosteric modulator of GlyRs was 2-[8-(2-octylphenyl)octanoylamino]acetic acid (8-8 OPGly) which potentiates the EC5 for glycine activation of GlyRα1 by 1500% with an EC50 of 664 nM. Phenylene-containing NAAAs with a lysine headgroup were the most potent inhibitors of GlyT2 with (2S)-6-amino-2-[8-(3-octylphenyl)octanoylamino]hexanoic acid (8-8 MPLys) inhibiting GlyT2 with an IC50 of 32 nM. The optimal modulator across both proteins was (2S)-6-amino-2-[8-(2-octylphenyl)octanoylamino]hexanoic acid (8-8 OPLys), which inhibits GlyT2 with an IC50 of 192 nM and potentiates GlyRs by up to 335% at 1 μM. When tested in a dual GlyT2/GlyRα1 expression system, 8-8 OPLys caused the greatest reductions in the EC50 for glycine. This suggests that the synergistic effects of a dual-acting modulator cause greater enhancements in glycinergic activity compared to single-target modulators and may provide an alternate approach to the development of new non-opioid analgesics for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey I Gallagher
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine Theme, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Zachary J Frangos
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine Theme, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Diba Sheipouri
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine Theme, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Susan Shimmon
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Meryem-Nur Duman
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Srinivasan Jayakumar
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Christopher L Cioffi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Tristan Rawling
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Robert J Vandenberg
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine Theme, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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