1
|
The Effects of Chronic Marijuana Administration on 6-OHDA-Induced Learning & Memory Impairment and Hippocampal Dopamine and Cannabinoid Receptors Interaction in Male Rats. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:2220-2229. [PMID: 36894794 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03899-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
There are general inhibitory effects of exo-cannabinoids on dopamine-mediated behaviors. Many studies suggested the interaction between cannabinoid receptors and dopamine receptors in the brain that affect cognition behaviors. In this paper, we investigate the effects of marijuana on 6-OHDA-induced cognitive impairments and the expression of dopamine and cannabinoid receptors in the hippocampus of male rats. 42 rats were divided into six groups. 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA) was administrated into the substantia nigra. Marijuana (60 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered 28 days, one week after the 6-OHDA injection. Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition tests were performed. The hippocampal expression levels of cannabinoid receptors and D1 and D2 dopamine receptors evaluate by real-time PCR. The results showed marijuana improved the spatial learning and memory disorders caused by 6-OHDA in the MVM task and novel object recognition test. Additionally, the level of both D1 and D2 mRNA was decreased in 6-OHDA-treated animals and marijuana consumption only increased the hippocampal level of D1 mRNA. Moreover, the level of hippocampal CB1 mRNA in 6-OHDA- treated rats was higher than in control rats. However, the hippocampal level of CB2 mRNA was decreased in 6-OHDA- treated rats. Marijuana consumption caused a significant decrease in CB1 mRNA level and an increase in CB2 mRNA level in 6-OHDA + marijuana group. Therefore, marijuana may be helpful for learning & memory disorders, D1, and D2 dopamine receptors, and cannabinoid receptor alteration in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
|
2
|
Bielawski T, Albrechet-Souza L, Frydecka D. Endocannabinoid system in trauma and psychosis: distant guardian of mental stability. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:707-722. [PMID: 33656307 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Central endocannabinoid system (eCBS) is a neuromodulatory system that inhibits potentially harmful, excessive synaptic activation. Endocannabinoid receptors are abundant among brain structures pivotal in different mental disorders development (for example, hippocampus, amygdala, medial-prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus). Here, we review eCBS function in etiology of psychosis, emphasizing its role in dealing with environmental pressures such as traumatic life events. Moreover, we explore eCBS as a guard against hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis over-activation, and discuss its possible role in etiology of different psychopathologies. Additionally, we review eCBS function in creating adaptive behavioral patterns, as we explore its involvement in the memory formation process, extinction learning and emotional response. We discuss eCBS in the context of possible biomarkers of trauma, and in preclinical psychiatric conditions, such as at-risk mental states and clinical high risk states for psychosis. Finally, we describe the role of eCBS in the cannabinoid self-medication-theory and extinction learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Bielawski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367Wroclaw, Poland.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Lucas Albrechet-Souza
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA.,Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cui L, Noushahi HA, Zhang Y, Liu J, Cosoveanu A, Liu Y, Yan L, Zhang J, Shu S. Endophytic Fungal Community of Huperzia serrata: Diversity and Relevance to the Production of Huperzine A by the Plant Host. Molecules 2021; 26:892. [PMID: 33567664 PMCID: PMC7914787 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As the population ages globally, there seem to be more people with Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific treatment for the disease. At present, Huperzine A (HupA) is one of the best drugs used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and has been used in clinical trials for several years in China. HupA was first separated from Huperzia serrata, a traditional medicinal herb that is used to cure fever, contusions, strains, hematuria, schizophrenia, and snakebite for several hundreds of years in China, and has been confirmed to have acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. With the very slow growth of H. serrata, resources are becoming too scarce to meet the need for clinical treatment. Some endophytic fungal strains that produce HupA were isolated from H. serrate in previous studies. In this article, the diversity of the endophytic fungal community within H. serrata was observed and the relevance to the production of HupA by the host plant was further analyzed. A total of 1167 strains were obtained from the leaves of H. serrata followed by the stems (1045) and roots (824). The richness as well as diversity of endophytic fungi within the leaf and stem were higher than in the root. The endophytic fungal community was similar within stems as well as in leaves at all taxonomic levels. The 11 genera (Derxomyces, Lophiostoma, Cyphellophora, Devriesia, Serendipita, Kurtzmanomyces, Mycosphaerella, Conoideocrella, Brevicellicium, Piskurozyma, and Trichomerium) were positively correlated with HupA content. The correlation index of Derxomyces with HupA contents displayed the highest value (CI = 0.92), whereas Trichomerium showed the lowest value (CI = 0.02). Through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), it was confirmed that the HS7-1 strain could produce HupA and the total alkaloid concentration was 3.7 ug/g. This study will enable us to screen and isolate the strain that can produce HupA and to figure out the correlation between endophytic fungal diversity with HupA content in different plant organs. This can provide new insights into the screening of strains that can produce HupA more effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Cui
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.C.); (H.A.N.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Hamza Armghan Noushahi
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.C.); (H.A.N.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yipeng Zhang
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.C.); (H.A.N.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jinxin Liu
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.C.); (H.A.N.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Andreea Cosoveanu
- Laboratory of Useful Organisms, Research—Development Institute for Plant Protection, Ion Ionescu de la Brad no. 8 Blvd., 013813 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ying Liu
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.C.); (H.A.N.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ling Yan
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.C.); (H.A.N.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.C.); (H.A.N.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shaohua Shu
- College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.C.); (H.A.N.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.); (J.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nesari A, Mansouri MT, Khodayar MJ, Rezaei M. Preadministration of high-dose alpha-tocopherol improved memory impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by proteasome inhibition in rat hippocampus. Nutr Neurosci 2021; 24:119-129. [PMID: 31084475 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2019.1601888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays a key role in memory consolidation. Proteasome inhibition and free radical-induced neural damage were implicated in neurodegenerative states. In this study, it was tested whether alpha-tocopherol (αT) in low and high doses could improve the long-term memory impairment induced by proteasome inhibition and protects against hippocampal oxidative stress. Methods: Alpha-tocopherol (αT) (60, 200 mg/kg, i.p. for 5 days) was administered to rats with memory deficit and hippocampal oxidative stress induced by bilateral intra-hippocampal injection of lactacystin (32 ng/μl) and mitochondrial evaluations were performed for improvement assessments. Results: The results showed that lactacystin significantly reduced the passive avoidance memory performance and increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and diminished the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in the rat hippocampus. Furthermore, Intraperitoneal administration of αT significantly increased the passive avoidance memory, glutathione content and reduced ROS, MDA levels and impaired MMP. Conclusions: The results suggested that αT has neuroprotective effects against lactacystin-induced oxidative stress and memory impairment via the enhancement of hippocampal antioxidant capacity and concomitant mitochondrial sustainability. This finding shows a way to prevent and also to treat neurodegenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nesari
- Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Mansouri
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohammad Javad Khodayar
- Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Toxicology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rezaei
- Toxicology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
DeLarge AF, Winsauer PJ. Effects of ∆ 9-THC on memory in ovariectomized and intact female rats. Horm Behav 2021; 127:104883. [PMID: 33160960 PMCID: PMC7856115 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The effects of marijuana's major psychoactive cannabinoid, ∆9-tetrahydrocannibinol (∆9-THC), were examined on memory in female rats by training subjects to respond under a repeated acquisition and delayed-performance procedure. During this task, subjects acquired a different 4-response sequence each session, which was then recalled after a delay. Sequence retention was tested following various delays, and quantified by a percent savings measure. Response rate and percent errors were also recorded. Subsequent to training, subjects underwent an ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery (intact). The OVX group then underwent implantation of subcutaneous 17β-estradiol capsules while the intact group received chronic administration of 1 mg/kg of the estrogen receptor modifier, tamoxifen. Increasing delays from 1 min to 24 h produced delay-dependent decreases in percent savings in both OVX and intact rats. Acute administration of ∆9-THC (0.32-3.2 mg/kg) dose-dependently decreased retention, increased percent errors, and decreased response rate in both groups when the delay was 1 h. However, intact rats showed a significantly lower percent savings than OVX rats at the 0.56-mg/kg dose. Delays of 3 h enhanced the disruptive effects of ∆9-THC more in intact than OVX rats; furthermore, implantation of 17β-estradiol attenuated ∆9-THC-induced disruptions in OVX rats and significantly increased estradiol levels and uterine weight as compared to intact rats. Although chronic tamoxifen administration did not alter ∆9-THC's effects on memory in intact rats, it did significantly decrease response rate. These results demonstrate the capacity of chronic 17β-estradiol for attenuating ∆9-THC's acute memory-disrupting effects in OVX female rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa F DeLarge
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans, United States of America.
| | - Peter J Winsauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans, United States of America; Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans (P.J.W.), United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Cannabis contains over 700 known cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and so on; however, the roles and importance of these components have yet to be fully understood. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is believed the most psychoactive component in cannabis, whereas cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol, and cannabigerol are the most well-known non-psychoactive components. THC, but not CBD, has been shown to produce abnormal behavior in animals; these effects are caused, at least in part, by binding to cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) in the brain. Regarding the risks associated with cannabis use, acute effects of THC, such as a "high", cognitive deficits, and irritability, are considered more important than potential dependence. On the other hand, CBD has shown anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, analgesic, and anticancer effects. However, CBD has very low affinity (in the micromolar range) for the CB1 receptor, as well as for the CB2 receptor, and its underlying mechanism remains obscure. In this review, we demonstrate that THC induces abnormal behavior such as catalepsy-like immobilization, spatial memory impairment, and high and low sensitivity to ultrasonic vocalization after an aversive air-puff stimulus. Moreover, we demonstrate that THC and CBD improve brain injury in middle cerebral artery occlusion in a mouse model through different mechanisms. These findings suggest the need to discuss the recent development of "THC and CBD pharmacology" in animal studies, as well as the utility and risk of various cannabis components in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Keiichi Irie
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Fukuoka University
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Neuroprotective effects of gallic acid against neurotoxicity induced by sodium arsenite in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-020-03097-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
8
|
Singh S, Kumar A. Protective Effect of Edaravone on Cyclophosphamide Induced Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity in Rats. Curr Drug Saf 2020; 14:209-216. [PMID: 31057112 PMCID: PMC6864589 DOI: 10.2174/1574886314666190506100717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is the most widely prescribed cancer chemotherapeutic agent which shows serious neurotoxic side effect. Generation of reactive oxygen species at the cellular level is the basic mechanism of cyclophosphamide induced neurotoxicity. Edaravone is the synthetic drug used for brain stroke and has potent antioxidant property. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of edaravone on neurobehavioral and neuropathological alteration induced by cyclophosphamide in male rats. METHODS Twenty eight Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into four groups of seven rats in each. The control group received saline, and other groups were given CPA intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg), CPA (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally + Edaravone (10 mg/kg) orally, or Edaravone (10 mg/kg) orally for one month. RESULTS Our data showed that CPA significantly elevated brain AChE activity in the hippocampal region. A decrease in the total antioxidant capacity and a reduction in the CAT, SOD, and GPX activity occurred in the brains of the rats exposed to CPA. CPA-treated rats showed a significant impairment in long-termmemory and motor coordination. These results were supported by histopathological observations of the brain. Results revealed that administration of edaravone reversed AChE activity alternation and ameliorated behavioral and histopathological changes induced by CPA. CONCLUSION This study suggests that co-administration of edaravone with cyclophosphamide may be a useful intriguing therapeutic approach to overcome cyclophosphamide induced neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjiv Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar, India.,Truba Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal, MP, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Effects of the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-AMB on anxiety and recognition memory in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:2235-2242. [PMID: 30868181 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE N-[[1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indazol-3-yl]carbonyl]-L-valine methyl ester (5F-AMB) is a synthetic cannabinoid that has been distributed recently. Although inhalation of 5F-AMB produces adverse effects, such as impaired memory and disturbed consciousness, in humans, the psychopharmacological effects of 5F-AMB in rodents have not been investigated. OBJECTIVES We first examined the effects of intraperitoneal and intracerebroventricular injections of 5F-AMB on anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity in the open field (OF) test and recognition memory in the novel object recognition test (NOR) in C57BL/6J mice. We also examined whether a cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor antagonist AM251 blocks the effects of 5F-AMB. We next examined the effects of 5F-AMB infusion into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a brain region associated with anxiety and memory, on these tests. RESULTS Intraperitoneal injection of 5F-AMB (0.3 mg/kg) dramatically decreased locomotor activity in the OF, and this effect was partially reversed by AM251 (3 mg/kg). Intracerebroventricular infusion of 5F-AMB (10 nmol) produced an anxiolytic effect in the OF and impaired acquisition, but not retrieval, of recognition memory in the NOR, and these effects were blocked by co-infusion of AM251 (1.8 nmol). Bilateral intra-mPFC infusion of 5F-AMB (10 pmol/side) similarly produced impaired recognition memory acquisition, but no anxiolytic effect. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that centrally administered 5F-AMB produces anxiolytic effect and impaired recognition memory acquisition via activation of CB1 receptors, while systemic 5F-AMB severely impaired locomotor activity. The mPFC is involved in 5F-AMB-induced impairment of recognition memory acquisition. However, other brain region(s) may contribute to the 5F-AMB-induced anxiolytic effect.
Collapse
|
10
|
Goudarzi M, Mombeini MA, Fatemi I, Aminzadeh A, Kalantari H, Nesari A, Najafzadehvarzi H, Mehrzadi S. Neuroprotective effects of Ellagic acid against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Neurol Res 2019; 41:419-428. [DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2019.1576319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Goudarzi
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Mombeini
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Iman Fatemi
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Azadeh Aminzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Pharmaceutics Research Center Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Heibatullah Kalantari
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Nesari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Physiology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Najafzadehvarzi
- Cellular and molecular biology research center, Health research Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The possible neuroprotective effect of ellagic acid on sodium arsenate-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Life Sci 2018; 198:38-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
12
|
Integrating Endocannabinoid Signaling and Cannabinoids into the Biology and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:80-102. [PMID: 28745306 PMCID: PMC5719095 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to stress is an undeniable, but in most cases surmountable, part of life. However, in certain individuals, exposure to severe or cumulative stressors can lead to an array of pathological conditions including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterized by debilitating trauma-related intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, hyperarousal, as well as depressed mood and anxiety. In the context of the rapidly changing political and legal landscape surrounding use of cannabis products in the USA, there has been a surge of public and research interest in the role of cannabinoids in the regulation of stress-related biological processes and in their potential therapeutic application for stress-related psychopathology. Here we review the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids in PTSD and the preclinical and clinical literature on the effects of cannabinoids and endogenous cannabinoid signaling systems in the regulation of biological processes related to the pathogenesis of PTSD. Potential therapeutic implications of the reviewed literature are also discussed. Finally, we propose that a state of endocannabinoid deficiency could represent a stress susceptibility endophenotype predisposing to the development of trauma-related psychopathology and provide biologically plausible support for the self-medication hypotheses used to explain high rates of cannabis use in patients with trauma-related disorders.
Collapse
|
13
|
Rueda-Orozco PE, Montes-Rodriguez CJ, Ruiz-Contreras AE, Mendez-Diaz M, Prospero-Garcia O. The effects of anandamide and oleamide on cognition depend on diurnal variations. Brain Res 2017; 1672:129-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
14
|
Giménez De Béjar V, Caballero Bleda M, Popović N, Popović M. Verapamil Blocks Scopolamine Enhancement Effect on Memory Consolidation in Passive Avoidance Task in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:566. [PMID: 28878678 PMCID: PMC5572412 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our recent data have indicated that scopolamine, a non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist, improves memory consolidation, in a passive avoidance task, tested in rats. It has been found that verapamil, a phenylalkylamine class of the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonist, inhibits [3H] N-methyl scopolamine binding to M1 muscarinic receptors. However, there are no data about the effect of verapamil on memory consolidation in the passive avoidance task, in rats. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of verapamil (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10, or 20 mg/kg i.p.) as well as the interaction between scopolamine and verapamil on memory consolidation in the step-through passive avoidance task, in Wistar rats. Our results showed that verapamil (1.0 and 2.5 mg/kg) administered immediately after the acquisition task significantly increased the latency of the passive avoidance response, on the 48 h retested trial, improving memory consolidation. On the other hand, verapamil in a dose of 5 mg/kg, that per se does not affect memory consolidation, significantly reversed the memory consolidation improvement induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p., administered immediately after verapamil treatment) but did not change the passive avoidance response in rats treated by an ineffective dose of scopolamine (30 mg/kg). In conclusion, the present data suggest that (1) the post-training administration of verapamil, dose-dependently, improves the passive avoidance response; (2) verapamil, in ineffective dose, abolished the improvement of memory consolidation effect of scopolamine; and (3) exists interaction between cholinergic muscarinic receptors and calcium homeostasis-related mechanisms in the consolidation of emotional memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Giménez De Béjar
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Quirónsalud MurciaMurcia, Spain.,Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - María Caballero Bleda
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain.,Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of MurciaMurcia, Spain
| | - Natalija Popović
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain.,Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of MurciaMurcia, Spain
| | - Miroljub Popović
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain.,Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of MurciaMurcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The endocannabinoid system and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): From preclinical findings to innovative therapeutic approaches in clinical settings. Pharmacol Res 2016; 111:668-678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
|
16
|
Korem N, Zer-Aviv TM, Ganon-Elazar E, Abush H, Akirav I. Targeting the endocannabinoid system to treat anxiety-related disorders. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2016; 27:193-202. [PMID: 26426887 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2015-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the control of emotions, and its dysregulation has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders. The most common self-reported reason for using cannabis is rooted in its ability to reduce feelings of stress, tension, and anxiety. Nevertheless, there are only few studies in controlled clinical settings that confirm that administration of cannabinoids can benefit patients with a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are considerable encouraging preclinical data to suggest that endocannabinoid-targeted therapeutics for anxiety disorders should continue. In this review, we will describe data supporting a role for the endocannabinoid system in preventing and treating anxiety-like behavior in animal models and PTSD patients. Cannabinoids have shown beneficial outcomes in rat and mouse models of anxiety and PTSD, but they also may have untoward effects that discourage their chronic usage, including anxiogenic effects. Hence, clinical and preclinical research on the endocannabinoid system should further study the effects of cannabinoids on anxiety and help determine whether the benefits of using exogenous cannabinoids outweigh the risks. In general, this review suggests that targeting the endocannabinoid system represents an attractive and novel approach to the treatment of anxiety-related disorders and, in particular, PTSD.
Collapse
|
17
|
Training-Associated Emotional Arousal Shapes Endocannabinoid Modulation of Spatial Memory Retrieval in Rats. J Neurosci 2016; 35:13962-74. [PMID: 26468197 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1983-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Variations in environmental aversiveness influence emotional memory processes in rats. We have previously shown that cannabinoid effects on memory are dependent on the stress level at the time of training as well as on the aversiveness of the environmental context. Here, we investigated whether the hippocampal endocannabinoid system modulates memory retrieval depending on the training-associated arousal level. Male adult Sprague Dawley rats were trained on a water maze spatial task at two different water temperatures (19°C and 25°C) to elicit either higher or lower stress levels, respectively. Rats trained under the higher stress condition had better memory and higher corticosterone concentrations than rats trained at the lower stress condition. The cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212-2 (10-30 ng/side), the 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) hydrolysis inhibitor JZL184 (0.1-1 μg/side), and the anandamide (AEA) hydrolysis inhibitor URB597 (10-30 ng/side) were administered bilaterally into the hippocampus 60 min before probe-trial retention testing. WIN55212-2 or JZL184, but not URB597, impaired probe-trial performances only of rats trained at the higher stressful condition. Furthermore, rats trained under higher stress levels displayed an increase in hippocampal 2-AG, but not AEA, levels at the time of retention testing and a decreased affinity of the main 2-AG-degrading enzyme for its substrate. The present findings indicate that the endocannabinoid 2-AG in the hippocampus plays a key role in the selective regulation of spatial memory retrieval of stressful experience, shedding light on the neurobiological mechanisms involved in the impact of stress effects on memory processing. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Endogenous cannabinoids play a central role in the modulation of memory for emotional events. Here we demonstrate that the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the hippocampus, a brain region crucially involved in the regulation of memory processes, selectively modulates spatial memory recall of stressful experiences. Thus, our findings provide evidence that the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol is a key player in mediating the impact of stress on memory retrieval. These findings can pave the way to new potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, where a previous exposure to traumatic events could alter the response to traumatic memory recall leading to mental illness.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kangarlu-Haghighi K, Oryan S, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. The effect of BLA GABA(A) receptors in anxiolytic-like effect and aversive memory deficit induced by ACPA. EXCLI JOURNAL 2015; 14:613-26. [PMID: 26648818 PMCID: PMC4669909 DOI: 10.17179/excli2015-201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The roles of GABAergic receptors of the Basolateral amygdala (BLA) in the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist (arachydonilcyclopropylamide; ACPA)-induced anxiolytic-like effect and aversive memory deficit in adult male mice were examined in elevated plus-maze task. Results showed that pre-test intra-peritoneal injection of ACPA induced anxiolytic-like effect (at dose of 0.05 mg/kg) and aversive memory deficit (at doses of 0.025 and 0.05 mg/kg). The results revealed that Pre-test intra-BLA infusion of muscimol (GABAA receptor agonist; at doses of 0.1 and 0.2 µg/mouse) or bicuculline (GABAA receptor antagonist; at all doses) impaired and did not alter aversive memory, respectively. All previous GABA agents did not have any effects on anxiety-like behaviors. Interestingly, pretreatment with a sub-threshold dose of muscimol (0.025 µg/mouse) and bicuculline (0.025 µg/mouse) did not alter anxiolytic-like behaviors induced by ACPA, while both drugs restored ACPA-induced amnesia. Moreover, muscimol or bicuculline increased and decreased ACPA-induced locomotor activity, respectively. Finally the data may indicate that BLA GABAA receptors have critical and different roles in anxiolytic-like effect, aversive memory deficit and locomotor activity induced by ACPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahrbanoo Oryan
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Medical Genomics Research Center and School of Advanced Sciences in Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Medical Genomics Research Center and School of Advanced Sciences in Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ruhl T, Moesbauer K, Oellers N, von der Emde G. The endocannabinoid system and associative learning and memory in zebrafish. Behav Brain Res 2015; 290:61-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
20
|
Krug RG, Clark KJ. Elucidating cannabinoid biology in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Gene 2015; 570:168-79. [PMID: 26192460 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The number of annual cannabinoid users exceeds 100,000,000 globally and an estimated 9% of these individuals will suffer from dependency. Although exogenous cannabinoids, like those contained in marijuana, are known to exert their effects by disrupting the endocannabinoid system, a dearth of knowledge exists about the potential toxicological consequences on public health. Conversely, the endocannabinoid system represents a promising therapeutic target for a plethora of disorders because it functions to endogenously regulate a vast repertoire of physiological functions. Accordingly, the rapidly expanding field of cannabinoid biology has sought to leverage model organisms in order to provide both toxicological and therapeutic insights about altered endocannabinoid signaling. The primary goal of this manuscript is to review the existing field of cannabinoid research in the genetically tractable zebrafish model-focusing on the cannabinoid receptor genes, cnr1 and cnr2, and the genes that produce enzymes for synthesis and degradation of the cognate ligands anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol. Consideration is also given to research that has studied the effects of exposure to exogenous phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids that are known to interact with cannabinoid receptors. These results are considered in the context of either endocannabinoid gene expression or endocannabinoid gene function, and are integrated with findings from rodent studies. This provides the framework for a discussion of how zebrafish may be leveraged in the future to provide novel toxicological and therapeutic insights in the field of cannabinoid biology, which has become increasingly significant given recent trends in cannabis legislation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randall G Krug
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Mayo Graduate School, Neurobiology of Disease Track, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Karl J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Stern CAJ, Gazarini L, Vanvossen AC, Zuardi AW, Galve-Roperh I, Guimaraes FS, Takahashi RN, Bertoglio LJ. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol alone and combined with cannabidiol mitigate fear memory through reconsolidation disruption. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:958-65. [PMID: 25799920 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the major constituents of the Cannabis sativa plant, which is frequently consumed by subjects exposed to life-threatening situations to relief their symptomatology. It is still unknown, however, whether THC could also affect the maintenance of an aversive memory formed at that time when taken separately and/or in conjunction with CBD. The present study sought to investigate this matter at a preclinical level. We report that THC (0.3-10mg/kg, i.p.) was able to disrupt the reconsolidation of a contextual fear memory, resulting in reduced conditioned freezing expression for over 22 days. This effect was dependent on activation of cannabinoid type-1 receptors located in prelimbic subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex and on memory retrieval/reactivation. Since CBD may counteract the negative psychotropic effects induced by THC and has been shown to be a reconsolidation blocker, we then investigated and demonstrated that associating sub-effective doses of these two compounds was equally effective in attenuating fear memory maintenance in an additive fashion and in a dose ratio of 10 to 1, which contrasts with that commonly found in C. sativa recreational samples. Of note, neither THC alone nor CBD plus THC interfered with anxiety-related behaviors and locomotor activity, as assessed in the elevated plus-maze test, at a time point coinciding with that used to evaluate their effects on memory reconsolidation. Altogether, present findings suggest a potential therapeutic value of using THC and/or CBD to mitigate a dysfunctional aversive memory through reconsolidation disruption in post-traumatic stress disorder patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A J Stern
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gazarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana C Vanvossen
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Antonio W Zuardi
- Department of Neurology, Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomedica en red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Reinaldo N Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Leandro J Bertoglio
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Time course of scopolamine effect on memory consolidation and forgetting in rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2015; 118:49-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
23
|
Papini S, Sullivan GM, Hien DA, Shvil E, Neria Y. Toward a translational approach to targeting the endocannabinoid system in posttraumatic stress disorder: a critical review of preclinical research. Biol Psychol 2014; 104:8-18. [PMID: 25448242 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite the lack of clinical research, marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids have been approved to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in several states in the United States. This review critically examines preclinical research on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in order to evaluate three key questions that are relevant to PTSD: (1) Does ECS dysfunction impact fear extinction? (2) Can stress-related symptoms be prevented by ECS modulation? (3) Is the ECS a potential target for enhancing PTSD treatment? Disruption of the ECS impaired fear extinction in rodents, and ECS abnormalities have been observed in PTSD. Targeting fear memories via the ECS had mixed results in rodents, whereas augmented cannabinoid receptor activation typically facilitated extinction. However, the translational value of these findings is limited by the paucity and inconsistency of human research. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether incorporating cannabinoids in treatment would benefit individuals with PTSD, with cautious attention to risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Papini
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA; City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA; Columbia University Medical Center, W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Gregory M Sullivan
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Columbia University Medical Center, W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Denise A Hien
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA; City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA; Columbia University Medical Center, W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Erel Shvil
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Columbia University Medical Center, W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yuval Neria
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Columbia University Medical Center, W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Acute administration of THC impairs spatial but not associative memory function in zebrafish. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:3829-42. [PMID: 24639045 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The present study examined the effect of acute administration of endocannabinoid receptor CB1 ligand ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on intracellular signalling in the brain and retrieval from two different memory systems in the zebrafish (Danio rerio). METHODS First, fish were treated with THC and changes in the phosphorylation level of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases Akt and Erk in the brain were determined 1 h after drug treatment. Next, animals of a second group learned in a two-alternative choice paradigm to discriminate between two colours, whereas a third group solved a spatial cognition task in an open-field maze by use of an ego-allocentric strategy. After memory acquisition and consolidation, animals were pharmacologically treated using the treatment regime as in the first group and then tested again for memory retrieval. RESULTS We found an enhanced Erk but not Akt phosphorylation suggesting that THC treatment specifically activated Erk signalling in the zebrafish telencephalon. While CB1 agonist THC did not affect behavioural performance of animals in the colour discrimination paradigm, spatial memory was significantly impaired. The effect of THC on spatial learning is probably specific, since neither motor activity nor anxiety-related behaviour was influenced by the drug treatment. That indicates a striking influence of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) on spatial cognition in zebrafish. CONCLUSIONS The results are very coincident with reports on mammals, demonstrating that the ECS is functional highly conserved during vertebrate evolution. We further conclude that the zebrafish provides a promising model organism for ongoing research on the ECS.
Collapse
|
25
|
Chegini HR, Nasehi M, Zarrindast MR. Differential role of the basolateral amygdala 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 serotonin receptors upon ACPA-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors and emotional memory deficit in mice. Behav Brain Res 2014; 261:114-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
26
|
The endocannabinoid system: an emotional buffer in the modulation of memory function. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 112:30-43. [PMID: 24382324 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Extensive evidence indicates that endocannabinoids modulate cognitive processes in animal models and human subjects. However, the results of endocannabinoid system manipulations on cognition have been contradictory. As for anxiety behavior, a duality has indeed emerged with regard to cannabinoid effects on memory for emotional experiences. Here we summarize findings describing cannabinoid effects on memory acquisition, consolidation, retrieval and extinction. Additionally, we review findings showing how the endocannabinoid system modulates memory function differentially, depending on the level of stress and arousal associated with the experimental context. Based on the evidence reviewed here, we propose that the endocannabinoid system is an emotional buffer that moderates the effects of environmental context and stress on cognitive processes.
Collapse
|
27
|
García-Gutiérrez MS, Ortega-Álvaro A, Busquets-García A, Pérez-Ortiz JM, Caltana L, Ricatti MJ, Brusco A, Maldonado R, Manzanares J. Synaptic plasticity alterations associated with memory impairment induced by deletion of CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Neuropharmacology 2013; 73:388-96. [PMID: 23796670 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the role of CB₂r on aversive memory consolidation was further evaluated. Mice lacking CB₂r (CB2KO) and their corresponding littermates (WT) were exposed to the step-down inhibitory avoidance test (SDIA). MAP2, NF200 and synaptophysin (SYN)-immunoreactive fibers were studied in the hippocampus (HIP) of both genotypes. The number of synapses, postsynaptic density thickness and the relation between the synaptic length across the synaptic cleft and the distance between the synaptic ends were evaluated in the HIP (dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 fields) by electron microscopy. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) gene expressions and mTOR/p70S6K signaling cascade were evaluated in the HIP and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Finally, the effects of acute administration of CB₂r-agonist JWH133 or CB2r-antagonist AM630 on memory consolidation were evaluated in WT mice by using the SDIA. The lack of CB₂r impaired aversive memory consolidation, reduced MAP2, NF200 and SYN-immunoreactive fibers and also reduced the number of synapses in DG of CB2KO mice. BDNF and NR3C1 gene expression were reduced in the HIP of CB2KO mice. An increase of p-p70S6K (T389 and S424) and p-AKT protein expression was observed in the HIP and PFC of CB2KO mice. Interestingly, administration of AM630 impaired aversive memory consolidation, whereas JWH133 enhanced it. Further functional and molecular assessments would have been helpful to further support our conclusions. These results revealed that CB₂r are involved in memory consolidation, suggesting that this receptor could be a promising target for developing novel treatments for different cognitive impairment-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María S García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Campus de San Juan, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mansouri MT, Farbood Y, Sameri MJ, Sarkaki A, Naghizadeh B, Rafeirad M. Neuroprotective effects of oral gallic acid against oxidative stress induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in rats. Food Chem 2013; 138:1028-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
29
|
Ruiz-Contreras AE, Carrillo-Sánchez K, Gómez-López N, Vadillo-Ortega F, Hernández-Morales S, Carnevale-Cantoni A, Espejel-Núñez A, Méndez-Díaz M, Prospéro-García O. Working memory performance in young adults is associated to the AATn polymorphism of the CNR1 gene. Behav Brain Res 2012; 236:62-66. [PMID: 22944513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) depends on several neural networks and neurochemical systems. One of them is the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, which CB1 receptor (CB1R) is widely distributed all over the brain. The stimulation of CB1R by agonists reduces WM efficiency. The CNR1 human gene (6q14-15) encodes the CB1R. AATn polymorphism of the CNR1 gene has been related to psychiatric disorders, and to procedural learning and attention in healthy subjects. The aim of this exploratory research was to test whether AATn polymorphism of the CNR1 is related to the WM performance, by measuring n-back task. Mexican healthy young adults (n = 94) performed the WM n-back task. One of the most frequent AATn allele in our sample was the AAT12. We formed three groups, as a function of the AATn genotype: AAT ≤ 12/AAT≤12, AAT ≤ 12/AAT > 12 and AAT > 12/AAT > 12, and their accuracy on the n-back task was compared. WM accuracy differed among genotypes (P=0.03): AAT ≤ 12/AAT≤12 group had a higher performance than the AAT > 12/AAT > 12 group (statistical power: 0.65, f(2) = 0.20, P<0.05). These results suggest that the fewer AATn repeats of the CNR1 gene, the better WM performance, and sustain the idea that eCB system participates in the modulation of the human brain network involved in WM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra E Ruiz-Contreras
- Gpo. Neurociencias: Lab. Neurogenomica Cognitiva, Depto. Psicofisiologia, Fac. Psicologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico; Gpo. Neurociencias: Lab. Canabinoides, Depto. Fisiologia, Fac. Medicina, UNAM, Mexico.
| | | | - Nardhy Gómez-López
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico; Dept. Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Mónica Méndez-Díaz
- Gpo. Neurociencias: Lab. Canabinoides, Depto. Fisiologia, Fac. Medicina, UNAM, Mexico
| | - Oscar Prospéro-García
- Gpo. Neurociencias: Lab. Canabinoides, Depto. Fisiologia, Fac. Medicina, UNAM, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sun Y, Norimoto H, Pu XP, Matsuki N, Ikegaya Y. Cannabinoid receptor activation disrupts the internal structure of hippocampal sharp wave-ripple complexes. J Pharmacol Sci 2012; 118:288-94. [PMID: 22293299 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.11199fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid agonists impair hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Using mouse hippocampal slice preparations, we examined the effect of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid, on sharp wave-ripple (SW-R) complexes, which are believed to mediate memory consolidation during slow-wave sleep or behavioral immobility. Anandamide reduced the frequency of SW-Rs recorded from the CA3 region, and this effect was abolished by AM251, a cannabinoid CB1-receptor antagonist. We further addressed the action of anandamide using a functional multineuron calcium imaging technique. Anandamide reduced the firing rate of hippocampal neurons as well as disrupted the temporal coordination of their firings during SW-R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Involvement of opioid system in cognitive deficits induced by ∆⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 219:1111-8. [PMID: 21858449 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2442-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabis is a widely used illicit substance. ∆(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of cannabis, is known to induce cognitive deficits that closely resemble the impairment observed in schizophrenic patients. We previously reported that THC (6 mg/kg) impairs spatial memory in the eight-arm radial maze, and that this memory disturbance was reversed by the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist rimonabant (0.1 mg/kg), suggesting that the effect of THC is mediated through cannabinoid CB(1) receptors. OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to examine the possible involvement of opioid receptors in the THC-induced impairment of spatial memory. METHODS The effects of treatment with the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (0.3 and 1 mg/kg), the μ-opioid receptor antagonist β-funaltrexamine (0.3 and 1 mg/kg), the δ-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (1 and 3 mg/kg), and the κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg) on the impairment of spatial memory induced by THC were evaluated using the eight-arm radial maze. RESULTS The nonselective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, the μ-opioid receptor antagonist β-funaltrexamine, and the κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine, but not the δ-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole, attenuated THC-induced cognitive deficits, suggesting an involvement of μ- and κ-opioid receptors in this behavioral response. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the endogenous opioid system is involved in the regulation of the acute short-term and working memory deficits induced by cannabis.
Collapse
|
32
|
Zanettini C, Panlilio LV, Alicki M, Goldberg SR, Haller J, Yasar S. Effects of endocannabinoid system modulation on cognitive and emotional behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:57. [PMID: 21949506 PMCID: PMC3171696 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has long been known to produce cognitive and emotional effects. Research has shown that cannabinoid drugs produce these effects by driving the brain’s endogenous cannabinoid system and that this system plays a modulatory role in many cognitive and emotional processes. This review focuses on the effects of endocannabinoid system modulation in animal models of cognition (learning and memory) and emotion (anxiety and depression). We review studies in which natural or synthetic cannabinoid agonists were administered to directly stimulate cannabinoid receptors or, conversely, where cannabinoid antagonists were administered to inhibit the activity of cannabinoid receptors. In addition, studies are reviewed that involved genetic disruption of cannabinoid receptors or genetic or pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Endocannabinoids affect the function of many neurotransmitter systems, some of which play opposing roles. The diversity of cannabinoid roles and the complexity of task-dependent activation of neuronal circuits may lead to the effects of endocannabinoid system modulation being strongly dependent on environmental conditions. Recent findings are reviewed that raise the possibility that endocannabinoid signaling may change the impact of environmental influences on emotional and cognitive behavior rather than selectively affecting any specific behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Zanettini
- Department of Health and Human Services, Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neurosciences Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Goonawardena AV, Sesay J, Sexton CA, Riedel G, Hampson RE. Pharmacological elevation of anandamide impairs short-term memory by altering the neurophysiology in the hippocampus. Neuropharmacology 2011; 61:1016-25. [PMID: 21767554 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Revised: 06/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In rodents, many exogenous cannabinoid agonists including Δ(9)-THC and WIN55,212-2 (WIN-2) have been shown to impair short-term memory (STM) by inhibition of hippocampal neuronal assemblies. However, the mechanisms by which endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) modulate STM processes are not well understood. Here the effects of anandamide on performance of a Delayed-Non-Match-to-Sample (DNMS) task (i.e. STM task) and concomitant hippocampal ensemble activity were assessed following administration of either URB597 (0.3, 3.0 mg/kg), an inhibitor of the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), AM404 (1.5, 10.0 mg/kg), a putative anandamide uptake/FAAH inhibitor, or R-methanandamide (3.0, 10.0 mg/kg), a stable analog of anandamide. Principal cells from hippocampal CA3/CA1 were recorded extracellularly by multi-electrode arrays in Long-Evans rats during DNMS task (1-30 s delays) performance and tracked throughout drug administration and recovery. Both R-methanandamide and URB597 caused dose- and delay-dependent deficits in DNMS performance with suppression of hippocampal ensemble activity during the encoding (sample) phase. R-methanandamide-induced effects were not reversed by capsaicin excluding a contribution of TRPV-1 receptors. AM404 produced subtle deficits at longer delay intervals but did not alter hippocampal neuronal activity during task-specific events. Collectively, these data indicate that endocannabinoid levels affect performance in a STM task and their pharmacological elevation beyond normal concentrations is detrimental also for the underlying physiological responses. They also highlight a specific window of memory processing, i.e. encoding, which is sensitive to cannabinoid modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anushka V Goonawardena
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 271157-1083, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Akirav I. The role of cannabinoids in modulating emotional and non-emotional memory processes in the hippocampus. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:34. [PMID: 21734875 PMCID: PMC3124830 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid agonists generally have a disruptive effect on memory, learning, and operant behavior that is considered to be hippocampus-dependent. Nevertheless, under certain conditions, cannabinoid receptor activation may facilitate neuronal learning processes. For example, CB1 receptors are essential for the extinction of conditioned fear associations, indicating an important role for this receptor in neuronal emotional learning and memory. This review examines the diverse effects of cannabinoids on hippocampal memory and plasticity. It shows how the effects of cannabinoid receptor activation may vary depending on the route of administration, the nature of the task (aversive or not), and whether it involves emotional memory formation (e.g., conditioned fear and extinction learning) or non-emotional memory formation (e.g., spatial learning). It also examines the memory stage under investigation (acquisition, consolidation, retrieval, extinction), and the brain areas involved. Differences between the effects of exogenous and endogenous agonists are also discussed. The apparently biphasic effects of cannabinoids on anxiety is noted as this implies that the effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists on hippocampal learning and memory may be attributable to a general modulation of anxiety or stress levels and not to memory per se. The review concludes that cannabinoids have diverse effects on hippocampal memory and plasticity that cannot be categorized simply into an impairing or an enhancing effect. A better understanding of the involvement of cannabinoids in memory processes will help determine whether the benefits of the clinical use of cannabinoids outweigh the risks of possible memory impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Acheson SK, Moore NLT, Kuhn CM, Wilson WA, Swartzwelder HS. The synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55212-2 differentially modulates thigmotaxis but not spatial learning in adolescent and adult animals. Neurosci Lett 2010; 487:411-4. [PMID: 21055447 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.10.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Unlike Δ(9)-THC, the synthetic compound WIN 55212-2 (WIN) is a full agonist of endogenous cannabinoid receptors. Previous work has shown Δ(9)-THC to affect adolescent and adult animals differently on numerous behavioral measures of spatial memory, anxiety, and locomotor activity. However, far less is known about the developmental and neurobehavioral effects of WIN. To address this, we assessed the effect of WIN (1mg/kg) on spatial learning in adolescent and adult rats using the Morris water maze. While all animals demonstrated decreased swim distance across days, WIN affected adolescents and adults differently. It improved performance in adolescents and resulted in a nearly significant performance decrement in adults. However, these effects were significantly related to thigmotaxis, which declined across days in the water maze testing protocol. WIN reduced thigmotaxis on days 1 and 2 (but not days 3-5) only in adolescents. The effect of age, treatment, and the age×treatment interaction was eliminated after controlling for thigmotaxis. These results indicate that WIN affects thigmotaxis rather than spatial reference memory. More importantly, these findings indicate a dissociation between the developmental effects of THC and the synthetic CB1 receptor agonist, WIN 55212-2. We suggest that the role of thigmotaxis be carefully evaluated in future neurodevelopmental studies of spatial learning, especially those investigating the endocannabinoid system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn K Acheson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, United States.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Barkus E, Murray RM. Substance use in adolescence and psychosis: clarifying the relationship. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2010; 6:365-89. [PMID: 20192802 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.121208.131220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of exploration of the self, and this exploration may involve the use of alcohol and drugs. Sadly, for some, adolescence also marks the first signs of a psychosis. The temporal proximity between the onset of substance use and of psychosis has been the cause of much debate. Here we review the association of alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and other drugs with psychosis, and we conclude that the use of cannabis and the amphetamines significantly contributes to the risk of psychosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, SE58A4 London, United Kingdom.
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Therapeutic Potential of Non-Psychotropic Cannabidiol in Ischemic Stroke. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:2197-2212. [PMID: 27713349 PMCID: PMC4036658 DOI: 10.3390/ph3072197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2010] [Revised: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis contains the psychoactive component delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), and the non-psychoactive components cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol, and cannabigerol. It is well-known that delta9-THC and other cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists are neuroprotective during global and focal ischemic injury. Additionally, delta9-THC also mediates psychological effects through the activation of the CB1 receptor in the central nervous system. In addition to the CB1 receptor agonists, cannabis also contains therapeutically active components which are CB1 receptor independent. Of the CB1 receptor-independent cannabis, the most important is CBD. In the past five years, an increasing number of publications have focused on the discovery of the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective effects of CBD. In particular, CBD exerts positive pharmacological effects in ischemic stroke and other chronic diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. The cerebroprotective action of CBD is CB1 receptor-independent, long-lasting, and has potent anti-oxidant activity. Importantly, CBD use does not lead to tolerance. In this review, we will discuss the therapeutic possibility of CBD as a cerebroprotective agent, highlighting recent pharmacological advances, novel mechanisms, and therapeutic time window of CBD in ischemic stroke.
Collapse
|
38
|
Harte LC, Dow-Edwards D. Sexually dimorphic alterations in locomotion and reversal learning after adolescent tetrahydrocannabinol exposure in the rat. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2010; 32:515-24. [PMID: 20460150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2010.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2009] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that use and abuse of marijuana can be especially harmful if it occurs during adolescence, a period of vast developmental changes throughout the brain. We examined the effects of 2mg/kg (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administered daily via intra-peritoneal injections during juvenile/early adolescence (postnatal day 22-40) or late adolescence (postnatal day 41-60) on locomotor activity, development of tolerance, and acquisition/retention of spatial avoidance in adulthood. THC caused locomotor depression in both male and female animals dosed during early adolescence but only in female animals dosed during late adolescence. Evidence of reverse tolerance to THC was seen in early adolescent animals only. In the active place avoidance test (APA), male and female animals administered THC during early adolescence made more errors on the reversal trial requiring flexibility in learning, but in animals dosed during late adolescence there were no significant sex or treatment differences. The results of the locomotor activity study indicate that females may be more sensitive to the effects of THC than males, while results of both locomotor activity and APA studies suggest that early adolescents appear to be more vulnerable to these effects than late adolescents/young adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Harte
- Department of Physiology/Pharmacology, Program in Neural and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Higuchi S, Irie K, Mishima S, Araki M, Ohji M, Shirakawa A, Akitake Y, Matsuyama K, Mishima K, Mishima K, Iwasaki K, Fujiwara M. The cannabinoid 1-receptor silent antagonist O-2050 attenuates preference for high-fat diet and activated astrocytes in mice. J Pharmacol Sci 2010; 112:369-72. [PMID: 20168044 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.09326sc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids have been shown to activate reward-related feeding and to promote astrocytic differentiation. We investigated whether high-fat diet (HFD) intake produced a preference for HFD via an endocannabinoid-dependent mechanism. In the conditioned place preference test, the 2-week HFD-intake group showed preference for HFD and had increased expression of a marker for reactive astrocytes, glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), in the hypothalamus. The cannabinoid CB(1)-receptor antagonist O-2050 reduced the preference for HFD and expression of GFAP in the hypothalamus. These results suggested that HFD intake led to the development of a preference for HFD via astrocytic CB(1) receptors in the hypothalamus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sei Higuchi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Robinson L, Goonawardena AV, Pertwee R, Hampson RE, Platt B, Riedel G. WIN55,212-2 induced deficits in spatial learning are mediated by cholinergic hypofunction. Behav Brain Res 2010; 208:584-92. [PMID: 20079375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2009] [Revised: 01/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids acting on CB(1) receptors induce learning and memory impairments. However, the identification of novel non-CB(1) receptors which are insensitive to the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) but sensitive to synthetic cannabinoids such as WIN55,212-2 (WIN-2) or endocannabinoids like anandamide lead us to question whether WIN-2 induced learning and memory deficits are indeed mediated by CB(1) receptor activation. Given the relative paucity of receptor subtype specific antagonists, a way forward would be to determine the transmitter systems, which are modulated by the respective cannabinoids. This study set out to evaluate this proposition by determination of the effects of WIN-2 on acquisition of spatial reference memory using the water maze in rats. Particular weight was given to performance in trial 1 of each daily session as an index of between-session long-term memory, and in trial 4 as an index of within-session short-term memory. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of WIN-2 (1 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg) prior to training impaired long-term, but not short-term memory. This deficit was not reversed by the CB(1) antagonists/inverse agonists Rimonabant (3mg/kg i.p.) and AM281 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), but recovered in the presence of the cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine (1 mg/kg). Reversal by rivastigmine was specific to WIN-2, as it failed to reverse MK801 (0.08 mg/kg) induced learning impairments. Collectively, these data suggest that in this spatial reference memory task WIN-2 causes a reduction in cholinergic activation, possibly through a non-CB(1)-like mechanism, which affects long-term but not short-term spatial memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Robinson
- School of Medical Sciences, College of Life Science and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wise LE, Thorpe AJ, Lichtman AH. Hippocampal CB(1) receptors mediate the memory impairing effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:2072-80. [PMID: 19322169 PMCID: PMC2822461 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2009.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
It is firmly established that the hippocampus, a brain region implicated in spatial learning, episodic memory, and consolidation, contains a high concentration of CB(1) receptors. Moreover, systemic and intrahippocampal administration of cannabinoid agonists have been shown to impair hippocampal-dependent memory tasks. However, the degree to which CB(1) receptors in the hippocampus play a specific functional role in the memory disruptive effects of marijuana or its primary psychoactive constituent Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) is unknown. This study was designed to determine whether hippocampal CB(1) receptors play a functional role in the memory disruptive effects of systemically administered cannabinoids, using the radial arm maze, a well characterized rodent model of working memory. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with bilateral cannulae aimed at the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus. The CB(1) receptor antagonist, rimonabant, was delivered into the hippocampus before to a systemic injection of either Delta(9)-THC or the potent cannabinoid analog, CP-55,940. Strikingly, intrahippocampal administration of rimonabant completely attenuated the memory disruptive effects of both cannabinoids in the radial arm maze task, but did not affect other pharmacological properties of cannabinoids, as assessed in the tetrad assay (that is, hypomotility, analgesia, catalepsy, and hypothermia). Infusions of rimonabant just dorsal or ventral to the hippocampus did not prevent Delta(9)-THC-induced memory impairment, indicating that its effects on mnemonic function were regionally selective. These findings provide compelling evidence in support of the view that hippocampal CB(1) receptors play a necessary role in the memory disruptive effects of marijuana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Wise
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mazzola C, Medalie J, Scherma M, Panlilio LV, Solinas M, Tanda G, Drago F, Cadet JL, Goldberg SR, Yasar S. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition enhances memory acquisition through activation of PPAR-alpha nuclear receptors. Learn Mem 2009; 16:332-7. [PMID: 19403796 DOI: 10.1101/lm.1145209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) increase endogenous levels of anandamide (a cannabinoid CB(1)-receptor ligand) and oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide (OEA and PEA, ligands for alpha-type peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptors, PPAR-alpha) when and where they are naturally released in the brain. Using a passive-avoidance task in rats, we found that memory acquisition was enhanced by the FAAH inhibitor URB597 or by the PPAR-alpha agonist WY14643, and these enhancements were blocked by the PPAR-alpha antagonist MK886. These findings demonstrate novel mechanisms for memory enhancement by activation of PPAR-alpha, either directly by administering a PPAR-alpha agonist or indirectly by administering a FAAH inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Mazzola
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, NIDA, NIH, DHHS, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hippocampal endocannabinoids inhibit spatial learning and limit spatial memory in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 198:551-63. [PMID: 18049812 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-1012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2007] [Accepted: 10/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE As exogenous cannabinoid agonists impair memory formation, could it be that antagonists have opposing effects and act as memory-enhancing drugs? OBJECTIVES Here, we studied the effects of the cannabinoid antagonist SR141716A (SR; Rimonabant) on spatial learning and memory formation and assessed the possible involvement of hippocampal CB(1) receptor in these actions. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the water maze, spatial reference memory was probed using different training protocols followed by assessment of behavioral flexibility. The CB(1) receptor antagonist SR (3 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered before or immediately after training in experiment 1, or via minipumps intrahippocampally (0.89 ng and 0.089 ng/day) either during or after spatial learning, or subcutaneously in experiment 2. RESULTS In experiment 1, systemic SR impaired spatial learning when given intraperitoneally (ip) before training coincident with increasing swim speed and thigmotaxis. Pretraining before drug treatment eliminated these effects while post-training injections had no effect. In experiment 2, intrahippocampal infusion of 0.089 ng SR during training enhanced acquisition learning, but did not affect long-term consolidation of spatial memory. In contrast, subcutaneous infusion of SR via minipumps had no effect. Post-training infusion of SR did not affect reversal learning, but short-term memory (1 h post-training) was weaker, and long-term memory for the reversal platform location was enhanced. CONCLUSIONS Systemic Rimonabant-induced deficits are due to anxiogenic properties of the drug. The difference between administration regimes is discussed in terms of CB(1) receptor blockade in multiple non-memory and memory-related brain regions and the possibility that selective inactivation of hippocampal CB(1) receptors may be memory enhancing.
Collapse
|
44
|
Wegener N, Kuhnert S, Thüns A, Roese R, Koch M. Effects of acute systemic and intra-cerebral stimulation of cannabinoid receptors on sensorimotor gating, locomotion and spatial memory in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 198:375-85. [PMID: 18446326 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1148-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Accepted: 03/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabinoid CB(1) receptors in the brain are targets of both endocannabinoid signalling and the psychoactive compounds of the hemp plant. They mediate neuronal effects of their ligands in various corticolimbic and striatal circuits by presynaptic regulation of transmitter release. OBJECTIVES/METHODS This study investigates acute systemic effects of the full CB(1) receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) on prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response (ASR), locomotor activity and spatial memory retrieval in an eight-arm radial-maze task. Furthermore, we tested the effect of local intra-cerebral micro-infusions of WIN into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), dorsal (dHIP) and ventral (vHIP) hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). RESULTS Systemic WIN (1.2 mg/kg) reduced PPI without affecting ASR, had no effect on locomotion in the open field, but impaired retrieval of spatial memory. Infusions of 5 microg/0.3 microl WIN into either NAc (core or shell), dHIP or VTA did not affect PPI and locomotion immediately afterwards. However, PPI was significantly reduced after intra-mPFC and intra-vHIP infusion of WIN. Furthermore, WIN infusion into dHIP increased the number of reference memory errors in the maze, suggesting impairment of memory retrieval. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the notion that CB(1) receptor stimulation impairs sensorimotor gating most likely by modulation of neurotransmitter release in mPFC and vHIP. The lack of effects of local WIN infusions in NAc and VTA might be due to low receptor abundance in these regions. Additionally, CB(1) receptor activation in dHIP impairs spatial memory retrieval. Taken together, cortico-hippocampal cannabinoid receptors play an essential role in the regulation of cognitive and behavioural processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nico Wegener
- Brain Research Institute, Department of Neuropharmacology, University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334 Bremen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced cognitive deficits are reversed by olanzapine but not haloperidol in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:499-506. [PMID: 18029074 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2007] [Revised: 10/01/2007] [Accepted: 10/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance. Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of cannabis, is known to induce cognitive impairment that closely resembles the impairment observed in schizophrenic patients. THC has also been known to impair spatial memory in rats tested in the eight-arm radial maze. We previously reported that microinjection of THC (20 microg/side) into the rat dorsal hippocampus impaired spatial memory and that i.p. injection of THC (6 mg/kg) decreased the extracellular levels of acetylcholine (ACh) in the dorsal hippocampus. In the present study, we compared the effects of olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, with those of haloperidol, a typical neuroleptic, on the impairments of spatial memory and decreased ACh levels induced by THC (6 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. We found that olanzapine (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the THC-induced memory deficits and decrease in extracellular ACh levels, whereas haloperidol (0.03-0.3 mg, i.p.) had no effect. These results suggest that olanzapine may improve the THC-induced impairment of spatial memory, partly by enhancing ACh release in the dorsal hippocampus. Therefore, olanzapine could attenuate the acute short-term and working memory deficits induced by cannabis.
Collapse
|
46
|
Hayakawa K, Mishima K, Hazekawa M, Sano K, Irie K, Orito K, Egawa T, Kitamura Y, Uchida N, Nishimura R, Egashira N, Iwasaki K, Fujiwara M. Cannabidiol potentiates pharmacological effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol via CB(1) receptor-dependent mechanism. Brain Res 2007; 1188:157-64. [PMID: 18021759 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.09.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2007] [Revised: 09/16/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has been reported to have interactions with Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC). However, such interactions have not sufficiently been clear and may have important implications for understanding the pharmacological effects of marijuana. In the present study, we investigated whether cannabidiol modulates the pharmacological effects of Delta(9)-THC on locomotor activity, catalepsy-like immobilisation, rectal temperature and spatial memory in the eight-arm radial maze task in mice. In addition, we measured expression level of cannabinoid CB(1) receptor at striatum, cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. Delta(9)-THC (1, 3, 6 and 10 mg/kg) induced hypoactivity, catalepsy-like immobilisation and hypothermia in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Delta(9)-THC (1, 3 and 6 mg/kg) dose-dependently impaired spatial memory in eight-arm radial maze. On the other hand, cannabidiol (1, 3, 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg) did not affect locomotor activity, catalepsy-like immobilisation, rectal temperature and spatial memory on its own. However, higher dose of cannabidiol (10 or 50 mg/kg) exacerbated pharmacological effects of lower dose of Delta(9)-THC, such as hypoactivity, hypothermia and impairment of spatial memory. Moreover, cannabidiol (50 mg/kg) with Delta(9)-THC (1 mg/kg) enhanced the expression level of CB(1) receptor expression in hippocampus and hypothalamus. Cannabidiol potentiated pharmacological effects of Delta(9)-THC via CB(1) receptor-dependent mechanism. These findings may contribute in setting the basis for interaction of cannabinoids and to find a cannabinoid mechanism in central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Hayakawa
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Robinson L, Goonawardena AV, Pertwee RG, Hampson RE, Riedel G. The synthetic cannabinoid HU210 induces spatial memory deficits and suppresses hippocampal firing rate in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 151:688-700. [PMID: 17502849 PMCID: PMC2013991 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2007] [Revised: 02/27/2007] [Accepted: 03/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous work implied that the hippocampal cannabinoid system was particularly important in some forms of learning, but direct evidence for this hypothesis is scarce. We therefore assessed the effects of the synthetic cannabinoid HU210 on memory and hippocampal activity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HU210 (100 microg kg(-1)) was administered intraperitoneally to rats under three experimental conditions. One group of animals were pre-trained in spatial working memory using a delayed-matching-to-position task and effects of HU210 were assessed in a within-subject design. In another, rats were injected before acquisition learning of a spatial reference memory task with constant platform location. Finally, a separate group of animals was implanted with electrode bundles in CA1 and CA3 and single unit responses were isolated, before and after HU210 treatment. KEY RESULTS HU210 treatment had no effect on working or short-term memory. Relative to its control Tween 80, deficits in acquisition of a reference memory version of the water maze were obtained, along with drug-related effects on anxiety, motor activity and spatial learning. Deficits were not reversed by the CB(1) receptor antagonists SR141716A (3 mg kg(-1)) or AM281 (1.5 mg kg(-1)). Single unit recordings from principal neurons in hippocampal CA3 and CA1 confirmed HU210-induced attenuation of the overall firing activity lowering both the number of complex spikes fired and the occurrence of bursts. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data provide the first direct evidence that the underlying mechanism for the spatial memory deficits induced by HU210 in rats is the accompanying abnormality in hippocampal cell firing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Robinson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Aberdeen, UK
| | - A V Goonawardena
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Aberdeen, UK
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - R G Pertwee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Aberdeen, UK
| | - R E Hampson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - G Riedel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Aberdeen, UK
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Niyuhire F, Varvel SA, Martin BR, Lichtman AH. Exposure to Marijuana Smoke Impairs Memory Retrieval in Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 322:1067-75. [PMID: 17586723 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.107.119594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) and its primary psychoactive component, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), have long been known to disrupt cognition in humans. Although Delta(9)-THC and other cannabinoids disrupt performance in a wide range of animal models of learning and memory, few studies have investigated the effects of smoked marijuana in these paradigms. Moreover, in preclinical studies, cannabinoids are generally administered before acquisition, and because retention is generally evaluated soon afterward, it is difficult to distinguish between processes related to acquisition and retrieval. In the present study, we investigated the specific effects of marijuana smoke and injected Delta(9)-THC on acquisition versus memory retrieval in a mouse repeated acquisition Morris water-maze task. To distinguish between these processes, subjects were administered Delta(9)-THC or they were exposed to marijuana smoke either 30 min before acquisition or 30 min before the retention test. Inhalation of marijuana smoke or injected Delta(9)-THC impaired the ability of the mice to learn the location of the hidden platform and to recall the platform location once learning had already taken place. In contrast, neither drug impaired performance in a cued task in which the platform was made visible. Finally, the cannabinoid-1 (CB(1)) receptor antagonist N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide HCl (rimonabant) blocked the memory disruptive effects of both Delta(9)-THC and marijuana. These data represent the first evidence demonstrating that marijuana impairs memory retrieval through a CB(1) receptor mechanism of action and independently of its effects on sensorimotor performance, motivation, and initial acquisition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Floride Niyuhire
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Dagon Y, Avraham Y, Ilan Y, Mechoulam R, Berry EM. Cannabinoids ameliorate cerebral dysfunction following liver failure
via
AMP‐activated protein kinase. FASEB J 2007; 21:2431-41. [PMID: 17431095 DOI: 10.1096/fj.06-7705com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric disorder of complex pathogenesis caused by acute or chronic liver failure. We studied the etiology of cerebral dysfunction in a murine model of HE induced by either bile duct ligation or thioacetamide administration. We report that stimulation of cerebral AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a major intracellular energy sensor, is a compensatory response to liver failure. This function of AMPK is regulated by endocannabinoids. The cannabinoid system controls systemic energy balance via the cannabinoid receptors CB-1 and CB-2. Under normal circumstances, AMPK activity is mediated by CB-1 while CB-2 is barely detected. However, CB-2 is strongly stimulated in response to liver failure. Administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) augmented AMPK activity and restored brain function in WT mice but not in their CB-2 KO littermates. These results suggest that HE is a disease of energy flux. CB-2 signaling is a cerebral stress response mechanism and makes AMPK a promising target for its treatment by modulating the cannabinoid system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Dagon
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolism, Braun School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hayakawa K, Mishima K, Nozako M, Ogata A, Hazekawa M, Liu AX, Fujioka M, Abe K, Hasebe N, Egashira N, Iwasaki K, Fujiwara M. Repeated treatment with cannabidiol but not Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol has a neuroprotective effect without the development of tolerance. Neuropharmacology 2007; 52:1079-87. [PMID: 17320118 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2006.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2006] [Revised: 11/15/2006] [Accepted: 11/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Both Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) and cannabidiol are known to have a neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia. We examined whether repeated treatment with both drugs led to tolerance of their neuroprotective effects in mice subjected to 4h-middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. The neuroprotective effect of Delta(9)-THC but not cannabidiol was inhibited by SR141716, cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist. Fourteen-day repeated treatment with Delta(9)-THC, but not cannabidiol, led to tolerance of the neuroprotective and hypothermic effects. In addition, repeated treatment with Delta(9)-THC reversed the increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF), while cannabidiol did not reverse that effect. Repeated treatment with Delta(9)-THC caused CB(1) receptor desensitization and down-regulation in MCA occluded mice. On the contrary, cannabidiol did not influence these effects. Moreover, the neuroprotective effect and an increase in CBF induced by repeated treatment with cannabidiol were in part inhibited by WAY100135, serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist. Cannabidiol exhibited stronger antioxidative power than Delta(9)-THC in an in vitro study using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Thus, cannabidiol is a potent antioxidant agent without developing tolerance to its neuroprotective effect, acting through a CB(1) receptor-independent mechanism. It is to be hoped that cannabidiol will have a palliative action and open new therapeutic possibilities for treating cerebrovascular disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Hayakawa
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma 8-19-1, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|