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Mancini M, Calculli A, Di Martino D, Pisani A. Interplay between endocannabinoids and dopamine in the basal ganglia: implications for pain in Parkinson's disease. JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA, ANALGESIA AND CRITICAL CARE 2024; 4:33. [PMID: 38745258 PMCID: PMC11094869 DOI: 10.1186/s44158-024-00169-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Pain is a complex phenomenon, and basal ganglia circuitry integrates many aspects of pain including motor, emotional, autonomic, and cognitive responses. Perturbations in dopamine (DA) signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic pain due to its involvement in both pain perception and relief. Several lines of evidence support the role of endocannabinoids (eCBs) in the regulation of many electrical and chemical aspects of DAergic neuron function including excitability, synaptic transmission, integration, and plasticity. However, eCBs play an even more intricate and intimate relationship with DA, as indicated by the adaptive changes in the eCB system following DA depletion. Although the precise mechanisms underlying DA control on pain are not fully understood, given the high correlation of eCB and DAergic system, it is conceivable that eCBs may be part of these mechanisms.In this brief survey, we describe the reciprocal regulation of eCB-DA neurotransmission with a particular emphasis on the actions of eCBs on ionic and synaptic signaling in DAergic neurons mediated by CB receptors or independent on them. Furthermore, we analyze the eCB-DA imbalance which characterizes pain condition and report the implications of reduced DA levels for pain in Parkinson's disease. Lastly, we discuss the potential of the eCB-DA system in the development of future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mancini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, c/o Mondino Foundation Via Mondino, 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Alessandra Calculli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, c/o Mondino Foundation Via Mondino, 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Deborah Di Martino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, c/o Mondino Foundation Via Mondino, 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, c/o Mondino Foundation Via Mondino, 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
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Santoni M, Sagheddu C, Serra V, Mostallino R, Castelli MP, Pisano F, Scherma M, Fadda P, Muntoni AL, Zamberletti E, Rubino T, Melis M, Pistis M. Maternal immune activation impairs endocannabinoid signaling in the mesolimbic system of adolescent male offspring. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 109:271-284. [PMID: 36746342 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal infections can increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia in the offspring, especially when combined with other postnatal insults. Here, we tested, in a rat model of prenatal immune challenge by the viral mimic polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid, whether maternal immune activation (MIA) affects the endocannabinoid system and endocannabinoid-mediated modulation of dopamine functions. Experiments were performed during adolescence to assess i) the behavioral endophenotype (locomotor activity, plus maze, prepulse inhibition of startle reflex); ii) the locomotor activity in response to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and iii) the properties of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons in vivo and their response to THC; iv) endocannabinoid-mediated synaptic plasticity in VTA dopamine neurons; v) the expression of cannabinoid receptors and enzymes involved in endocannabinoid synthesis and catabolism in mesolimbic structures and vi) MIA-induced neuroinflammatory scenario evaluated by measurements of levels of cytokine and neuroinflammation markers. We revealed that MIA offspring displayed an altered locomotor activity in response to THC, a higher bursting activity of VTA dopamine neurons and a lack of response to cumulative doses of THC. Consistently, MIA adolescence offspring showed an enhanced 2-arachidonoylglycerol-mediated synaptic plasticity and decreased monoacylglycerol lipase activity in mesolimbic structures. Moreover, they displayed a higher expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1), associated with latent inflammation and persistent microglia activity. In conclusion, we unveiled neurobiological mechanisms whereby inflammation caused by MIA influences the proper development of endocannabinoid signaling that negatively impacts the dopamine system, eventually leading to psychotic-like symptoms in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Santoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Muntoni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Cagliari, Italy.
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Iyer V, Rangel-Barajas C, Woodward TJ, Kulkarni A, Cantwell L, Crystal JD, Mackie K, Rebec GV, Thakur GA, Hohmann AG. Negative allosteric modulation of CB 1 cannabinoid receptor signaling suppresses opioid-mediated reward. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106474. [PMID: 36179954 PMCID: PMC9948526 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Blockade of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1)-receptor signaling decreases the rewarding properties of many drugs of abuse and has been proposed as an anti-addiction strategy. However, psychiatric side-effects limit the clinical potential of orthosteric CB1 antagonists. Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) represent a novel and indirect approach to attenuate CB1 signaling by decreasing affinity and/or efficacy of CB1 ligands. We hypothesized that a CB1-NAM would block opioid reward while avoiding the unwanted effects of orthosteric CB1 antagonists. GAT358, a CB1-NAM, failed to elicit cardinal signs of direct CB1 activation or inactivation when administered by itself. GAT358 decreased catalepsy and hypothermia but not antinociception produced by the orthosteric CB1 agonist CP55,940, suggesting that a CB1-NAM blocked cardinal signs of CB1 activation. Next, GAT358 was evaluated using in vivo assays of opioid-induced dopamine release and reward in male rodents. In the nucleus accumbens shell, a key component of the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway, morphine increased electrically-evoked dopamine efflux and this effect was blocked by a dose of GAT358 that lacked intrinsic effects on evoked dopamine efflux. Moreover, GAT358 blocked morphine-induced reward in a conditioned place preference (CPP) assay without producing reward or aversion alone. GAT358-induced blockade of morphine CPP was also occluded by GAT229, a CB1 positive allosteric modulator (CB1-PAM), and absent in CB1-knockout mice. Finally, GAT358 also reduced oral oxycodone (but not water) consumption in a two-bottle choice paradigm. Our results support the therapeutic potential of CB1-NAMs as novel drug candidates aimed at preventing opioid reward and treating opioid abuse while avoiding unwanted side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakh Iyer
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Taylor J. Woodward
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Abhijit Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lucas Cantwell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathon D. Crystal
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - George V. Rebec
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ganesh A. Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G. Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA,Corresponding Author: Andrea G. Hohmann, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7007,
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Neutral CB1 Receptor Antagonists as Pharmacotherapies for Substance Use Disorders: Rationale, Evidence, and Challenge. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203262. [PMID: 36291128 PMCID: PMC9600259 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) has been one of the major targets in medication development for treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Early studies indicated that rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist with an inverse agonist profile, was highly promising as a therapeutic for SUDs. However, its adverse side effects, such as depression and suicidality, led to its withdrawal from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Consequently, much research interest shifted to developing neutral CB1R antagonists based on the recognition that rimonabant’s side effects may be related to its inverse agonist profile. In this article, we first review rimonabant’s research background as a potential pharmacotherapy for SUDs. Then, we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying its therapeutic anti-addictive effects versus its adverse effects. Lastly, we discuss the rationale for developing neutral CB1R antagonists as potential treatments for SUDs, the supporting evidence in recent research, and the challenges of this strategy. We conclude that developing neutral CB1R antagonists without inverse agonist profile may represent attractive strategies for the treatment of SUDs.
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Ruiz-Tejada A, Neisewander J, Katsanos CS. Regulation of Voluntary Physical Activity Behavior: A Review of Evidence Involving Dopaminergic Pathways in the Brain. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12030333. [PMID: 35326289 PMCID: PMC8946175 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity leads to well-established health benefits. Current efforts to enhance physical activity have targeted mainly socioeconomic factors. However, despite these efforts, only a small number of adults engage in regular physical activity to the point of meeting current recommendations. Evidence collected in rodent models and humans establish a strong central nervous system component that regulates physical activity behavior. In particular, dopaminergic pathways in the central nervous system are among the best-characterized biological mechanisms to date with respect to regulating reward, motivation, and habit formation, which are critical for establishing regular physical activity. Herein, we discuss evidence for a role of brain dopamine in the regulation of voluntary physical activity behavior based on selective breeding and pharmacological studies in rodents, as well as genetic studies in both rodents and humans. While these studies establish a role of dopamine and associated mechanisms in the brain in the regulation of voluntary physical activity behavior, there is clearly need for more research on the underlying biology involved in motivation for physical activity and the formation of a physical activity habit. Such knowledge at the basic science level may ultimately be translated into better strategies to enhance physical activity levels within the society.
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Lyu Y, Huang Y, Shi G, Lei X, Li K, Zhou R, Bai L, Qin C. Transcriptome profiling of five brain regions in a 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:1289-1299. [PMID: 34347369 PMCID: PMC8504527 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, and its pathogenesis is unclear. Previous studies mainly focus on the lesions of substantia nigra (SN) and striatum (Str) in PD. However, lesions are not limited. The olfactory bulb (OB), subventricular zone (SVZ), and hippocampus (Hippo) are also affected in PD. AIM To reveal gene expression changes in the five brain regions (OB, SVZ, Str, SN, and Hippo), and to look for potential candidate genes and pathways that may be correlated with the pathogenesis of PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established control group and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) PD model group, and detected gene expressions in the five brain regions using RNA-seq and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We further analyzed the RNA-seq data by bioinformatics. RESULTS We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in all five brain regions. The DEGs were significantly enriched in the "dopaminergic synapse" and "retrograde endocannabinoid signaling," and Gi/o-GIRK is the shared cascade in the two pathways. We further identified Ephx2, Fam111a, and Gng2 as the potential candidate genes in the pathogenesis of PD for further studies. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that gene expressions change in the five brain regions following exposure to 6-OHDA. The "dopaminergic synapse," "retrograde endocannabinoid signaling," and Gi/o-GIRK may be the key pathways and cascade of the synaptic damage in 6-OHDA PD rats. Ephx2, Fam111a, and Gng2 may play critical roles in the pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lyu
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences (ILAS), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Beijing, China.,Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiying Huang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences (ILAS), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Guiying Shi
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences (ILAS), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xuepei Lei
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences (ILAS), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Keya Li
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences (ILAS), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Zhou
- Beijing City University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Bai
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences (ILAS), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chuan Qin
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences (ILAS), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Beijing, China
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Boczek T, Zylinska L. Receptor-Dependent and Independent Regulation of Voltage-Gated Ca 2+ Channels and Ca 2+-Permeable Channels by Endocannabinoids in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158168. [PMID: 34360934 PMCID: PMC8348342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity of specific populations of neurons in different brain areas makes decisions regarding proper synaptic transmission, the ability to make adaptations in response to different external signals, as well as the triggering of specific regulatory pathways to sustain neural function. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) appears to be a very important, highly expressed, and active system of control in the central nervous system (CNS). Functionally, it allows the cells to respond quickly to processes that occur during synaptic transmission, but can also induce long-term changes. The endocannabinoids (eCBs) belong to a large family of bioactive lipid mediators that includes amides, esters, and ethers of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are produced “on demand” from the precursors located in the membranes, exhibit a short half-life, and play a key role as retrograde messengers. eCBs act mainly through two receptors, CB1R and CB2R, which belong to the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily (GPCRs), but can also exert their action via multiple non-receptor pathways. The action of eCBs depends on Ca2+, but eCBs can also regulate downstream Ca2+ signaling. In this short review, we focus on the regulation of neuronal calcium channels by the most effective members of eCBs-2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA) and originating from AEA-N-arachidonoylglycine (NAGly), to better understand the contribution of ECS to brain function under physiological conditions.
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Angiotensin-II Modulates GABAergic Neurotransmission in the Mouse Substantia Nigra. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0090-21.2021. [PMID: 33771900 PMCID: PMC8174047 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0090-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic projections neurons of the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr), through an extensive network of dendritic arbors and axon collaterals, provide robust inhibitory input to neighboring dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra compacta (SNc). Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) receptor signaling increases SNc dopaminergic neuronal sensitivity to insult, thus rendering these cells susceptible to dysfunction and destruction. However, the mechanisms by which Ang-II regulates SNc dopaminergic neuronal activity are unclear. Given the complex relationship between SN dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons, we hypothesized that Ang-II could regulate SNc dopaminergic neuronal activity directly and indirectly by modulating SNr GABAergic neurotransmission. Here, using transgenic mice, slice electrophysiology, and optogenetics, we provide evidence of an AT1 receptor-mediated signaling mechanism in SNr GABAergic neurons where Ang-II suppresses electrically-evoked neuronal output by facilitating postsynaptic GABAA receptors (GABAARs) and prolonging the action potential (AP) duration. Unexpectedly, Ang-II had no discernable effects on the electrical properties of SNc dopaminergic neurons. Also, and indicating a nonlinear relationship between electrical activity and neuronal output, following phasic photoactivation of SNr GABAergic neurons, Ang-II paradoxically enhanced the feedforward inhibitory input to SNc dopaminergic neurons. In sum, our observations describe an increasingly complex and heterogeneous response of the SN to Ang-II by revealing cell-specific responses and nonlinear effects on intranigral GABAergic neurotransmission. Our data further implicate the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) as a functionally relevant neuromodulator in the substantia nigra, thus underscoring a need for additional inquiry.
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Ney LJ, Akhurst J, Bruno R, Laing PAF, Matthews A, Felmingham KL. Dopamine, endocannabinoids and their interaction in fear extinction and negative affect in PTSD. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110118. [PMID: 32991952 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There currently exist few frameworks for common neurobiology between reexperiencing and negative cognitions and mood symptoms of PTSD. Adopting a dopaminergic framework for PTSD unites many aspects of unique symptom clusters, and this approach also links PTSD symptomology to common comorbidities with a common neurobiological deficiency. Here we review the dopamine literature and incorporate it with a growing field of research that describes both the contribution of endocannabinoids to fear extinction and PTSD, as well as the interactions between dopaminergic and endocannabinoid systems underlying this disorder. Based on current evidence, we outline an early, preliminary model that links re-experiencing and negative cognitions and mood in PTSD by invoking the interaction between endocannabinoid and dopaminergic signalling in the brain. These interactions between PTSD, dopamine and endocannabinoids may have implications for future therapies for treatment-resistant and comorbid PTSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Ney
- School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Jane Akhurst
- School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Patrick A F Laing
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Australia
| | | | - Kim L Felmingham
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
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Sagheddu C, Torres LH, Marcourakis T, Pistis M. Endocannabinoid-Like Lipid Neuromodulators in the Regulation of Dopamine Signaling: Relevance for Drug Addiction. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 12:588660. [PMID: 33424577 PMCID: PMC7786397 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.588660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of lipid neuromodulators has been rapidly growing, as the use of different -omics techniques led to the discovery of a large number of naturally occurring N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and N-acyl amino acids belonging to the complex lipid signaling system termed endocannabinoidome. These molecules exert a variety of biological activities in the central nervous system, as they modulate physiological processes in neurons and glial cells and are involved in the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Their effects on dopamine cells have attracted attention, as dysfunctions of dopamine systems characterize a range of psychiatric disorders, i.e., schizophrenia and substance use disorders (SUD). While canonical endocannabinoids are known to regulate excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs impinging on dopamine cells and modulate several dopamine-mediated behaviors, such as reward and addiction, the effects of other lipid neuromodulators are far less clear. Here, we review the emerging role of endocannabinoid-like neuromodulators in dopamine signaling, with a focus on non-cannabinoid N-acylethanolamines and their receptors. Mounting evidence suggests that these neuromodulators contribute to modulate synaptic transmission in dopamine regions and might represent a target for novel medications in alcohol and nicotine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Larissa Helena Torres
- Department of Food and Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Tania Marcourakis
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Section of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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11
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Peball M, Krismer F, Knaus HG, Djamshidian A, Werkmann M, Carbone F, Ellmerer P, Heim B, Marini K, Valent D, Goebel G, Ulmer H, Stockner H, Wenning GK, Stolz R, Krejcy K, Poewe W, Seppi K. Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease are Reduced by Nabilone. Ann Neurol 2020; 88:712-722. [PMID: 32757413 PMCID: PMC7540547 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of nabilone, a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol analogue, as a treatment for non-motor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS This was a phase II placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, enriched enrollment randomized withdrawal trial conducted at the Medical University Innsbruck. A random sample of 47 patients with PD with stable motor disease and disturbing NMS defined by a score of ≥4 points on the Movement Disorder Society - Unified PD Rating Scale-I (MDS-UPDRS-I) underwent open-label nabilone titration (0.25 mg once daily to 1 mg twice daily, phase I). Responders were randomized 1:1 to continue with nabilone or switch to placebo for 4 weeks (phase II). The primary efficacy criterion was the change of the MDS-UPDRS-I between randomization and week 4. Safety was analyzed in all patients who received at least one nabilone dose. RESULTS Between October 2017 and July 2019, 19 patients received either nabilone (median dose = 0.75 mg) or placebo. At week 4, mean change of the MDS-UPDRS-I was 2.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53 to 3.74, p = 0.002, effect size = 1.15) in the placebo versus 1.00 (95% CI -0.16 to 2.16, p = 0.280, effect size = 0.42) in the nabilone-group (difference: 1.63, 95% CI 0.09 to 3.18, p = 0.030, effect size = 0.66). Seventy-seven percent of patients had adverse events (AEs) during open-label titration, most of them were transient. In the double-blind phase, similar proportions of patients in each group had AEs (42% in the placebo group and 32% in the nabilone group). There were no serious AEs. INTERPRETATION Our results highlight the potential efficacy of nabilone for patients with PD with disturbing NMS, which appears to be driven by positive effects on anxious mood and night-time sleep problems. TRIAL REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03769896) and EudraCT (2017-000192-86). ANN NEUROL 2020;88:712-722.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Peball
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Krismer
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hans-Günther Knaus
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular, and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Atbin Djamshidian
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario Werkmann
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Federico Carbone
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Ellmerer
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beatrice Heim
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kathrin Marini
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dora Valent
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Goebel
- Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Health Economics, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hanno Ulmer
- Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Health Economics, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heike Stockner
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor K Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raphaela Stolz
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kurt Krejcy
- AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Seppi
- Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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12
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Sancandi M, Uysal-Onganer P, Kraev I, Mercer A, Lange S. Protein Deimination Signatures in Plasma and Plasma-EVs and Protein Deimination in the Brain Vasculature in a Rat Model of Pre-Motor Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082743. [PMID: 32326590 PMCID: PMC7215947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is of pivotal importance for improving approaches for clinical intervention. The use of translatable animal models of pre-motor PD therefore offers optimal opportunities for novel biomarker discovery in vivo. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a family of calcium-activated enzymes that contribute to protein misfolding through post-translational deimination of arginine to citrulline. Furthermore, PADs are an active regulator of extracellular vesicle (EV) release. Both protein deimination and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining increased attention in relation to neurodegenerative diseases, including in PD, while roles in pre-motor PD have yet to be investigated. The current study aimed at identifying protein candidates of deimination in plasma and plasma-EVs in a rat model of pre-motor PD, to assess putative contributions of such post-translational changes in the early stages of disease. EV-cargo was further assessed for deiminated proteins as well as three key micro-RNAs known to contribute to inflammation and hypoxia (miR21, miR155, and miR210) and also associated with PD. Overall, there was a significant increase in circulating plasma EVs in the PD model compared with sham animals and inflammatory and hypoxia related microRNAs were significantly increased in plasma-EVs of the pre-motor PD model. A significantly higher number of protein candidates were deiminated in the pre-motor PD model plasma and plasma-EVs, compared with those in the sham animals. KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathways identified for deiminated proteins in the pre-motor PD model were linked to “Alzheimer’s disease”, “PD”, “Huntington’s disease”, “prion diseases”, as well as for “oxidative phosphorylation”, “thermogenesis”, “metabolic pathways”, “Staphylococcus aureus infection”, gap junction, “platelet activation”, “apelin signalling”, “retrograde endocannabinoid signalling”, “systemic lupus erythematosus”, and “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”. Furthermore, PD brains showed significantly increased staining for total deiminated proteins in the brain vasculature in cortex and hippocampus, as well as increased immunodetection of deiminated histone H3 in dentate gyrus and cortex. Our findings identify EVs and post-translational protein deimination as novel biomarkers in early pre-motor stages of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Sancandi
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (M.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Pinar Uysal-Onganer
- Cancer Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6XH, UK;
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK;
| | - Audrey Mercer
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (M.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6XH, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)207-911-5000 (ext. 64832)
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Muzik O, Diwadkar VA. Hierarchical control systems for the regulation of physiological homeostasis and affect: Can their interactions modulate mood and anhedonia? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 105:251-261. [PMID: 31442518 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Predominant concepts assert that conscious willful processes do not assert a significant influence on autonomic functions associated with physiological homeostasis (e.g., thermal regulation). The singular purpose of this review is to promote a reappraisal of concepts regarding the circumscribed role of hierarchical control systems. To effect this reappraisal, we assess the interaction between top-down and bottom-up regulatory mechanisms, specifically by highlighting the intersection between the "physiological" (specifically thermoregulatory pathways) and the "psychological" (specifically mood/anhedonia related processes). This reappraisal suggests that the physiological and psychological processes can interact in unanticipated ways, and is grounded in multiple lines of recent experimental evidence. For example, behavioral techniques that through a combination of hormesis (forced breathing, cold exposure) and meditation appear to exert unusual effects on homeostatic function (cold tolerance) and suppression of aberrant auto-immune responses. The molecular correlates of these effects (the putative release of endogenous cannabinoids and endorphins) may exert salutary effects on mood/anhedonia, even more significant than those exerted by cognitive behavioral techniques or meditation alone. By focusing on this interaction, we present a putative mechanistic model linking physiology with psychology, with particular implications for disturbances of mood/anhedonia. We suggest that volitional changes in breathing patterns can activate primary control centers for descending pain/cold stimuli in periaqueductal gray, initiating a stress-induced analgesic response mediated by endocannabinoid/endorphin release. The analgesic effects, and the feelings of euphoria generated by endocannbinoid release are prolonged via a top-down "outcome expectancy" control mechanism regulated by cortical areas. By focusing on modification strategies that principally target homeostatic function (but may also exert ancillary effects on mood), we articulate a novel framework for how hierarchical control systems for the regulation of physiological homeostasis and affect interact. This interaction may allow practitioners of focused modification strategies to assert increased control over key components of the affective system, allowing for viable treatment approaches for patients with disturbances of mood/anhedonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Muzik
- Departments of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Vaibhav A Diwadkar
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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Quintero Garzola GC. Review: brain neurobiology of gambling disorder based on rodent models. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:1751-1770. [PMID: 31308669 PMCID: PMC6612953 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s192746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Different literature reviews of gambling disorder (GD) neurobiology have been focused on human studies, others have focused on rodents, and others combined human and rodent studies. The main question of this review was: which are the main neurotransmitters systems and brain structures relevant for GD based on recent rodent studies? This work aims to review the experimental findings regarding the rodent´s neurobiology of GD. A search in the Pub Med database was set (October 2012-October 2017) and 162 references were obtained. After screening, 121 references were excluded, and only 41 references remained from the initial output. More, other 25 references were added to complement (introduction section, neuroanatomical descriptions) the principal part of the work. At the end, a total of 66 references remained for the review. The main conclusions are: 1) according to studies that used noninvasive methods for drug administration, some of the neurotransmitters and receptors involved in behaviors related to GD are: muscarinic, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), dopamine 2 receptor (D2), dopamine 3 receptor (D3), and dopamine 4 receptor (D4); 2) moreover, there are other neurotransmitters and receptors involved in GD based on studies that use invasive methods of drug administration (eg, brain microinjection); example of these are: serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT1A), noradrenaline receptors, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor A (GABAA), and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor B (GABAB); 3) different brain structures are relevant to behaviors linked to GD, like: amygdala (including basolateral amygdala (BLA)), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), hippocampus, infralimbic area, insular cortex (anterior and rostral agranular), nucleus accumbens (NAc), olfactory tubercle (island of Calleja), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), prefrontal cortex (PFC) - subcortical network, striatum (ventral) and the subthalamic nucleus (STN); and 4) the search for GD treatments should consider this diversity of receptor/neurotransmitter systems and brain areas.
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15
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Hupli AMM. Medical Cannabis for Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Sociological Patient Case Report of Cannabinoid Therapeutics in Finland. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2018; 1:112-118. [PMID: 34676327 DOI: 10.1159/000495307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a detailed patient case report of a male patient who was diagnosed in adulthood (aged 33) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and treated initially with immediate-release methylphenidate (Ritalin® 10 mg twice daily). After experiencing adverse effects from prolonged use of this medication and afterwards other medications that were prescribed as alternatives, the patient discovered that cannabinoid therapeutics (CT) had been experimented inside the EU area to treat patients with ADHD. Subsequently, he was evaluated by a physician in Germany (June 2010) who prescribed CT (Bedrocan®, Bediol®). A Finnish neurologist later confirmed the two prescribed medicines (Bedrocan®, October 2010; Bediol®, May 2011) in the patient's own country of permanent residence (Finland). During a 5-year period of access, Bedrocan®, which mainly contains Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), was found to be helpful in alleviating the patient's ADHD symptoms, in particular poor tolerance to frustration, outbursts of anger, boredom, and problems related to concentration. The second CT medication, Bediol®, which contains both Δ9-THC and the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol, was found to neutralize the excessive dronabinol effects of Bedrocan® as well as zo offer other medical benefits (e.g., improved sleep). In addition to the case report, this paper also offers a brief review of the literature surrounding the medical benefits of CT for AD(H)D, which includes observational studies, clinical case reports, and one randomized clinical experiment. This paper also briefly discusses the endocannabinoid system in relation to ADHD, although more preclinical and clinical research is warranted to establish the optimal levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and dosing regimens, which vary between different ADHD patients.
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16
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Struik D, Sanna F, Fattore L. The Modulating Role of Sex and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Hormones in Cannabinoid Sensitivity. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:249. [PMID: 30416437 PMCID: PMC6212868 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide. Although its use is associated with multiple adverse health effects, including the risk of developing addiction, recreational and medical cannabis use is being increasing legalized. In addition, use of synthetic cannabinoid drugs is gaining considerable popularity and is associated with mass poisonings and occasional deaths. Delineating factors involved in cannabis use and addiction therefore becomes increasingly important. Similarly to other drugs of abuse, the prevalence of cannabis use and addiction differs remarkably between males and females, suggesting that sex plays a role in regulating cannabinoid sensitivity. Although it remains unclear how sex may affect the initiation and maintenance of cannabis use in humans, animal studies strongly suggest that endogenous sex hormones modulate cannabinoid sensitivity. In addition, synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroids alter substance use and further support the importance of sex steroids in controlling drug sensitivity. The recent discovery that pregnenolone, the precursor of all steroid hormones, controls cannabinoid receptor activation corroborates the link between steroid hormones and the endocannabinoid system. This article reviews the literature regarding the influence of endogenous and synthetic steroid hormones on the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicky Struik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari - Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari - Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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17
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Xiao L, Priest MF, Kozorovitskiy Y. Oxytocin functions as a spatiotemporal filter for excitatory synaptic inputs to VTA dopamine neurons. eLife 2018; 7:33892. [PMID: 29676731 PMCID: PMC5910020 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The experience of rewarding or aversive stimuli is encoded by distinct afferents to dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Several neuromodulatory systems including oxytocin regulate DA neuron excitability and synaptic transmission that process socially meaningful stimuli. We and others have recently characterized oxytocinergic modulation of activity in mouse VTA DA neurons, but the mechanisms underlying oxytocinergic modulation of synaptic transmission in DA neurons remain poorly understood. Here, we find that oxytocin application or optogenetic release decrease excitatory synaptic transmission, via long lasting, presynaptic, endocannabinoid-dependent mechanisms. Oxytocin modulation of excitatory transmission alters the magnitude of short and long-term depression. We find that only some glutamatergic projections to DA neurons express CB1 receptors. Optogenetic stimulation of three major VTA inputs demonstrates that oxytocin modulation is limited to projections that show evidence of CB1R transcripts. Thus, oxytocin gates information flow into reward circuits in a temporally selective and pathway-specific manner. The mammalian brain contains millions of nerve cells or neurons that communicate with each other via a process called neurotransmission. To send a message to its neighbor, a neuron releases a chemical called a neurotransmitter into the space between the cells. The neurotransmitter then binds to receiver proteins on the target cell. Another group of chemicals, known as neuromodulators, regulate this process, adjusting the way that neurons respond to neurotransmitters. In doing so, they help regulate many types of behavior in mammals. The neuromodulator oxytocin, for example, has earned the nickname ‘the love hormone’ because it promotes social behavior and bonding. It does this in part by altering the activity of neurons in a brain region called the ventral tegmental area (VTA). These neurons produce the brain’s main reward signal, dopamine, which is itself a neuromodulator. But exactly how oxytocin affects the activity of dopamine-producing neurons is unclear. By recording from individual neurons in slices of mouse brain tissue, Xiao et al. show that oxytocin filters inputs to dopamine neurons in the VTA. It does this by making the dopamine neurons release another group of reward signals, known as endocannabinoids. These are the brain’s own version of the chemicals found inside cannabis plants. The endocannabinoids bind to neurons that provide input to the VTA dopamine neurons. Some of these input neurons normally activate the VTA by releasing a neurotransmitter called glutamate. However, the binding of endocannabinoids decreases their ability to do this, and thereby lowers the activation of the VTA dopamine neurons. But not all glutamate neurons are sensitive to endocannabinoids. Moreover, oxytocin affects glutamate neurons that fire repeatedly less than it affects those that fire only occasionally. Oxytocin thus acts as a filter. It allows certain inputs – those that are repeatedly active and those that are insensitive to endocannabinoids – to continue activating VTA dopamine neurons. At the same time, it weakens the influence of other inputs. Dopamine release in the VTA drives drug abuse and addiction. Understanding how oxytocin affects VTA neurons may thus open up new avenues for the treatment of addiction disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xiao
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Michael F Priest
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
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18
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Musella A, Fresegna D, Rizzo FR, Gentile A, Bullitta S, De Vito F, Guadalupi L, Centonze D, Mandolesi G. A novel crosstalk within the endocannabinoid system controls GABA transmission in the striatum. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7363. [PMID: 28779174 PMCID: PMC5544685 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) is an endogenous member of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with several biological functions, including a neuromodulatory activity in the central nervous system. To shed light on the neuronal function of PEA, we investigated its involvement in the control of both excitatory and inhibitory transmission in the murine striatum, a brain region strongly modulated by the ECS. By means of electrophysiological recordings, we showed that PEA modulates inhibitory synaptic transmission, through activation of GPR55 receptors, promoting a transient increase of GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) frequency. The subsequently rundown effect on sIPSC frequency was secondary to the delayed stimulation of presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) by the endocannabinoid 2-AG, whose synthesis was stimulated by PEA on postsynaptic neurons. Our results indicate that PEA, acting on GPR55, enhances GABA transmission in the striatum, and triggers a parallel synthesis of 2-AG at the postsynaptic site, that in turn acts in a retrograde manner to inhibit GABA release through the stimulation of presynaptic CB1Rs. This electrophysiological study identifies a previously unrecognized function of PEA and of GPR55, demonstrating that GABAergic transmission is under the control of this compound and revealing that PEA modulates the release of the endocannabinoid 2-AG.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Musella
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - D Fresegna
- Unit of Neurology and of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - F R Rizzo
- Unit of Neurology and of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - A Gentile
- Unit of Neurology and of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - S Bullitta
- Unit of Neurology and of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - F De Vito
- Unit of Neurology and of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - L Guadalupi
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - D Centonze
- Unit of Neurology and of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli (IS), Italy.
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Mandolesi
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello (CERC), IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143, Rome, Italy
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19
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Gueye AB, Trigo JM, Vemuri KV, Makriyannis A, Le Foll B. Effects of various cannabinoid ligands on choice behaviour in a rat model of gambling. Behav Pharmacol 2016; 27:258-69. [PMID: 26905189 PMCID: PMC4803149 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that 0.6-1% of the population in the USA and Canada fulfil the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5) criteria for gambling disorders (GD). To date, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for GD. The rat gambling task (rGT) is a recently developed rodent analogue of the Iowa gambling task in which rats are trained to associate four response holes with different magnitudes and probabilities of food pellet rewards and punishing time-out periods. Similar to healthy human volunteers, most rats adopt the optimal strategies (optimal group). However, a subset of animals show preference for the disadvantageous options (suboptimal group), mimicking the choice pattern of patients with GD. Here, we explored for the first time the effects of various cannabinoid ligands (WIN 55,212-2, AM 4113, AM 630 and URB 597) on the rGT. Administration of the cannabinoid agonist CB1/CB2 WIN 55,212-2 improved choice strategy and increased choice latency in the suboptimal group, but only increased perseverative behaviour, when punished, in the optimal group. Blockade of CB1 or CB2 receptors or inhibition of fatty-acid amide hydrolase did not affect rGT performance. These results suggest that stimulation of cannabinoid receptors could affect gambling choice behaviours differentially in some subgroups of subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliou B Gueye
- aTranslational Addiction Research Laboratory bAlcohol Research and Treatment Clinic, Addiction Medicine Services, Ambulatory Care and Structured Treatments cCampbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Departments of dFamily and Community Medicine ePharmacology fDepartment of Psychiatry, Division of Brain and Therapeutics gInstitute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada hDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders continues to rise globally, yet remission rates and patient outcome remain less than ideal. As a result, novel treatment approaches for these disorders are necessary to decrease societal economic burden, as well as increase individual functioning. The recent discovery of the endocannabinoid system has provided an outlet for further research into its role in psychiatric disorders, because efficacy of targeted treatments have been demonstrated in medical illnesses, including cancers, neuropathic pain, and multiple sclerosis. The present review will investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system in psychiatric disorders, specifically schizophrenia, depressive, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorders, as well as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Controversy remains in prescribing medicinal cannabinoid treatments due to the fear of adverse effects. However, one must consider all potential limitations when determining the safety and tolerability of cannabinoid products, specifically cannabinoid content (ie, Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol vs cannabidiol) as well as study design. The potential efficacy of cannabinoid treatments in the psychiatric population is an emerging topic of interest that provides potential value going forward in medicine.
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21
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Mokhtari M, Narayanan B, Hamm JP, Soh P, Calhoun VD, Ruaño G, Kocherla M, Windemuth A, Clementz BA, Tamminga CA, Sweeney JA, Keshavan MS, Pearlson GD. Multivariate Genetic Correlates of the Auditory Paired Stimuli-Based P2 Event-Related Potential in the Psychosis Dimension From the BSNIP Study. Schizophr Bull 2016; 42:851-62. [PMID: 26462502 PMCID: PMC4838080 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbv147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The complex molecular etiology of psychosis in schizophrenia (SZ) and psychotic bipolar disorder (PBP) is not well defined, presumably due to their multifactorial genetic architecture. Neurobiological correlates of psychosis can be identified through genetic associations of intermediate phenotypes such as event-related potential (ERP) from auditory paired stimulus processing (APSP). Various ERP components of APSP are heritable and aberrant in SZ, PBP and their relatives, but their multivariate genetic factors are less explored. METHODS We investigated the multivariate polygenic association of ERP from 64-sensor auditory paired stimulus data in 149 SZ, 209 PBP probands, and 99 healthy individuals from the multisite Bipolar-Schizophrenia Network on Intermediate Phenotypes study. Multivariate association of 64-channel APSP waveforms with a subset of 16 999 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (reduced from 1 million SNP array) was examined using parallel independent component analysis (Para-ICA). Biological pathways associated with the genes were assessed using enrichment-based analysis tools. RESULTS Para-ICA identified 2 ERP components, of which one was significantly correlated with a genetic network comprising multiple linearly coupled gene variants that explained ~4% of the ERP phenotype variance. Enrichment analysis revealed epidermal growth factor, endocannabinoid signaling, glutamatergic synapse and maltohexaose transport associated with P2 component of the N1-P2 ERP waveform. This ERP component also showed deficits in SZ and PBP. CONCLUSIONS Aberrant P2 component in psychosis was associated with gene networks regulating several fundamental biologic functions, either general or specific to nervous system development. The pathways and processes underlying the gene clusters play a crucial role in brain function, plausibly implicated in psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Mokhtari
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Hartford Hospital, Institute of Living, Hartford, CT
| | - Balaji Narayanan
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Hartford Hospital, Institute of Living, Hartford, CT;
| | - Jordan P. Hamm
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Pauline Soh
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Hartford Hospital, Institute of Living, Hartford, CT
| | - Vince D. Calhoun
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM;,Image Analysis and MR Research Center, The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Gualberto Ruaño
- Genetics Research Center, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT;,Genomas Inc, Hartford, CT
| | - Mohan Kocherla
- Genetics Research Center, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT;,Genomas Inc, Hartford, CT
| | | | | | - Carol A. Tamminga
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX
| | - John A. Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX
| | - Matcheri S. Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Godfrey D. Pearlson
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Hartford Hospital, Institute of Living, Hartford, CT;,Departments of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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22
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Knowles MD, de la Tremblaye PB, Azogu I, Plamondon H. Endocannabinoid CB1 receptor activation upon global ischemia adversely impact recovery of reward and stress signaling molecules, neuronal survival and behavioral impulsivity. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 66:8-21. [PMID: 26529486 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Global cerebral ischemia in rodents, which mimics cardiac arrest in humans, is associated with a surge in endocannabinoids and increased transmission of dopamine and glutamate leading to excitotoxic cell death. The current study assessed the role of CB1 receptor activation at the moment of an ischemic insult on ensuing regulation of stress and reward signaling molecules, neuronal injury and anxiety-like behavior. Male Wistar rats were separated into 4 groups (n=10/group); sham and ischemic rats administered the CB1 endocannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251 (2mg/kg, i.p.) 30min prior to global cerebral ischemia, and vehicle-treated counterparts. The effects of CB1 receptor blockade on corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGluT2), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine receptor 1 (DRD1) signaling expression, together with CA1 neuronal damage and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed. Our findings show attenuated CA1 injury and behavioral deficits in AM251-treated ischemic rats. AM251-pretreatment also partially or completely reversed ischemia-induced alterations in TH-ir expression at the hippocampus, ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and basolateral amygdala (BLA), normalized DRD1-ir at the medial forebrain bundle, and diminished BLA and PVN-CRH expression. All groups showed comparable vGluT2 expression at the BLA and PVN-parvocellular subdivision. These findings support a determinant role of CB1 receptor activation at time of ischemia on functional recovery. They also support "state-dependent" effects of endocannabinoids, raising considerations in the development of effective molecules to regulate HPA axis function and mood disorders following cardiac arrest and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Dunbar Knowles
- Department of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Behavioural Neuroscience Group, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Barra de la Tremblaye
- Department of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Behavioural Neuroscience Group, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Idu Azogu
- Department of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Behavioural Neuroscience Group, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hélène Plamondon
- Department of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Behavioural Neuroscience Group, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Iannotti FA, Di Marzo V, Petrosino S. Endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-related mediators: Targets, metabolism and role in neurological disorders. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 62:107-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Appiah-Kusi E, Leyden E, Parmar S, Mondelli V, McGuire P, Bhattacharyya S. Abnormalities in neuroendocrine stress response in psychosis: the role of endocannabinoids. Psychol Med 2016; 46:27-45. [PMID: 26370602 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291715001786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this article is to summarize current evidence regarding alterations in the neuroendocrine stress response system and endocannabinoid system and their relationship in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Exposure to stress is linked to the development of a number of psychiatric disorders including psychosis. However, the precise role of stress in the development of psychosis and the possible mechanisms that might underlie this are not well understood. Recently the cannabinoid hypothesis of schizophrenia has emerged as a potential line of enquiry. Endocannabinoid levels are increased in patients with psychosis compared with healthy volunteers; furthermore, they increase in response to stress, which suggests another potential mechanism for how stress might be a causal factor in the development of psychosis. However, research regarding the links between stress and the endocannabinoid system is in its infancy. Evidence summarized here points to an alteration in the baseline tone and reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as well as in various components of the endocannabinoid system in patients with psychosis. Moreover, the precise nature of the inter-relationship between these two systems is unclear in man, especially their biological relevance in the context of psychosis. Future studies need to simultaneously investigate HPA axis and endocannabinoid alterations both at baseline and following experimental perturbation in healthy individuals and those with psychosis to understand how they interact with each other in health and disease and obtain mechanistic insight as to their relevance to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Appiah-Kusi
- Department of Psychosis Studies,King's College London,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN),PO Box 63,De Crespigny Park,Denmark Hill,London SE5 8AF,UK
| | - E Leyden
- Department of Psychosis Studies,King's College London,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN),PO Box 63,De Crespigny Park,Denmark Hill,London SE5 8AF,UK
| | - S Parmar
- Department of Psychosis Studies,King's College London,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN),PO Box 63,De Crespigny Park,Denmark Hill,London SE5 8AF,UK
| | - V Mondelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine,King's College London,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN),PO Box 92,De Crespigny Park,Denmark Hill,London SE5 8AF,UK
| | - P McGuire
- Department of Psychosis Studies,King's College London,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN),PO Box 63,De Crespigny Park,Denmark Hill,London SE5 8AF,UK
| | - S Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies,King's College London,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN),PO Box 63,De Crespigny Park,Denmark Hill,London SE5 8AF,UK
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Hernandez G, Cheer JF. To Act or Not to Act: Endocannabinoid/Dopamine Interactions in Decision-Making. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:336. [PMID: 26733830 PMCID: PMC4681836 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Decision-making is an ethologically adaptive construct that is impaired in multiple psychiatric disorders. Activity within the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system has been traditionally associated with decision-making. The endocannabinoid system through its actions on inhibitory and excitatory synapses modulates dopamine activity and decision-making. The aim of this brief review is to present a synopsis of available data obtained when the endocannabinoid system is manipulated and dopamine activity recorded. To this end, we review research using different behavioral paradigms to provide further insight into how this ubiquitous signaling system biases dopamine-related behaviors to regulate decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Hernandez
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal Montréal, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimore, Maryland, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimore, Maryland, MD, USA
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D’Addario C, Micioni Di Bonaventura M, Pucci M, Romano A, Gaetani S, Ciccocioppo R, Cifani C, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoid signaling and food addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 47:203-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Melis M, Pistis M. Targeting the interaction between fatty acid ethanolamides and nicotinic receptors: Therapeutic perspectives. Pharmacol Res 2014; 86:42-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2014.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Amchova P, Kucerova J, Giugliano V, Babinska Z, Zanda MT, Scherma M, Dusek L, Fadda P, Micale V, Sulcova A, Fratta W, Fattore L. Enhanced self-administration of the CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 in olfactory bulbectomized rats: evaluation of possible serotonergic and dopaminergic underlying mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:44. [PMID: 24688470 PMCID: PMC3960502 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression has been associated with drug consumption, including heavy or problematic cannabis use. According to an animal model of depression and substance use disorder comorbidity, we combined the olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) model of depression with intravenous drug self-administration procedure to verify whether depressive-like rats displayed altered voluntary intake of the CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN, 12.5 μg/kg/infusion). To this aim, olfactory-bulbectomized (OBX) and sham-operated (SHAM) Lister Hooded rats were allowed to self-administer WIN by lever-pressing under a continuous [fixed ratio 1 (FR-1)] schedule of reinforcement in 2 h daily sessions. Data showed that both OBX and SHAM rats developed stable WIN intake; yet, responses in OBX were constantly higher than in SHAM rats soon after the first week of training. In addition, OBX rats took significantly longer to extinguish the drug-seeking behavior after vehicle substitution. Acute pre-treatment with serotonin 5HT1B receptor agonist, CGS-12066B (2.5-10 mg/kg), did not significantly modify WIN intake in OBX and SHAM Lister Hooded rats. Furthermore, acute pre-treatment with CGS-12066B (10 and 15 mg/kg) did not alter responses in parallel groups of OBX and SHAM Sprague Dawley rats self-administering methamphetamine under higher (FR-2) reinforcement schedule with nose-poking as operandum. Finally, dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of OBX rats did not increase in response to a WIN challenge, as in SHAM rats, indicating a dopaminergic dysfunction in bulbectomized rats. Altogether, our findings suggest that a depressive-like state may alter cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist-induced brain reward function and that a dopaminergic rather than a 5-HT1B mechanism is likely to underlie enhanced WIN self-administration in OBX rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Amchova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic ; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kucerova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic ; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Valentina Giugliano
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Zuzana Babinska
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic ; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mary T Zanda
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Ladislav Dusek
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses of Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Paola Fadda
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction," University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandra Sulcova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Walter Fratta
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction," University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction," University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council-Italy Monserrato, Italy
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Melis M, De Felice M, Lecca S, Fattore L, Pistis M. Sex-specific tonic 2-arachidonoylglycerol signaling at inhibitory inputs onto dopamine neurons of Lister Hooded rats. Front Integr Neurosci 2013; 7:93. [PMID: 24416004 PMCID: PMC3867690 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2013.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Addiction as a psychiatric disorder involves interaction of inherited predispositions and environmental factors. Similarly to humans, laboratory animals self-administer addictive drugs, whose appetitive properties result from activation and suppression of brain reward and aversive pathways, respectively. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) where dopamine (DA) cells are located is a key component of brain reward circuitry, whereas the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) critically regulates aversive behaviors. Reduced responses to either aversive intrinsic components of addictive drugs or to negative consequences of compulsive drug taking might contribute to vulnerability to addiction. In this regard, female Lister Hooded (LH) rats are more vulnerable than male counterparts to cannabinoid self-administration. We, therefore, took advantage of sex differences displayed by LH rats, and studied VTA DA neuronal properties to unveil functional differences. Electrophysiological properties of DA cells were examined performing either single cell extracellular recordings in anesthetized rats or whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in slices. In vivo, DA cell spontaneous activity was similar, though sex differences were observed in RMTg-induced inhibition of DA neurons. In vitro, DA cells showed similar intrinsic and synaptic properties. However, females displayed larger depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) than male LH rats. DSI, an endocannabinoid-mediated form of short term plasticity, was mediated by 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) activating type 1-cannabinoid (CB1) receptors. We found that sex-dependent differences in DSI magnitude were not ascribed to CB1 number and/or function, but rather to a tonic 2-AG signaling. We suggest that sex specific tonic 2-AG signaling might contribute to regulate responses to aversive intrinsic properties to cannabinoids, thus resulting in faster acquisition/initiation of cannabinoid taking and, eventually, in progression to addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Melis
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato Monserrato, Italy
| | - Marta De Felice
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato Monserrato, Italy
| | | | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato Monserrato, Italy ; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari Italy
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Costa M, Squassina A, Congiu D, Chillotti C, Niola P, Galderisi S, Pistis M, Del Zompo M. Investigation of endocannabinoid system genes suggests association between peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-α gene (PPARA) and schizophrenia. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 23:749-59. [PMID: 22920733 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder with a large genetic burden and an estimated hereditability of 80%. A large number of neuroanatomical and psychopharmacological studies suggest a central role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in the susceptibility of the disease. To further investigate this hypothesis, we performed an association study with genes codifying for key elements of the eCB system in a sample of 170 schizophrenic patients and 350 healthy controls of Italian ancestry. A total of 57 Tag SNPs (tSNPs) were selected using HapMap CEU population SNP database spanning the following genes: cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1), peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-α (PPARA), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). Seven out of the 32 tSNPs within PPARA (rs4253765, rs4263776, rs6007662, rs1800206, rs4253763, rs6008197 and rs4253655) and 3 out of 12 tSNPs within CNR1 (rs1049353, rs7766029 and rs806366) were nominally associated with SZ (uncorrected p<0.05). The same pattern of association was observed in the genotype analysis, with rs4253765 showing the highest level of significance (uncorrected p=2×10(-3)). None of these associations survived after permutation test. Our findings suggest a potential role for PPARA in the susceptibility to SZ, but further studies on larger independent samples are warranted in order to clarify the involvement of this gene in the pathophysiology of SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Costa
- Section of Neurosciences and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Wilkinson AV, Gabriel KP, Wang J, Bondy ML, Dong Q, Wu X, Shete S, Spitz MR. Sensation-seeking genes and physical activity in youth. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2012. [PMID: 23190435 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Many studies examining genetic influences on physical activity (PA) have evaluated the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the development of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, under the hypothesis that they would be associated with PA. However, PA is a multidetermined behavior and associated with a multitude of health consequences. Thus, examining a broader range of candidate genes associated with a broader range of PA correlates may provide new insights into the genetic underpinnings of PA. In this study, we focus on one such correlate - sensation-seeking behavior. Participants (N = 1130 Mexican origin youth) provided a saliva sample and data on PA and sensation-seeking tendencies in 2008-2009. Participants were genotyped for 630 functional and tagging variants in the dopamine, serotonin and cannabinoid pathways. Overall 30% of participants (males - 37.6% and females - 22.0%) reported ≥60 min of PA on 5 of 7 days. After adjusting for gender, age and population stratification, and applying the Bayesian False Discovery Probability approach for assessing noteworthiness, four gene variants were significantly associated with PA. In a multivariable model, being male, having higher sensation-seeking tendencies and at least one copy of the minor allele for SNPs in angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene [ACE; rs8066276 odds ratio (OR) = 1.44; P = 0.012] and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2; rs11615016 OR = 1.73; P = 0.021) were associated with increased likelihood of meeting PA recommendations. Participants with at least one copy of the minor allele for SNPs in synaptosomal-associated protein 25 gene (SNAP25; rs363035 OR = 0.53; P = 0.005) and cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1; rs6454672 OR = 0.62; P = 0.022) have decreased likelihood of meeting PA recommendations. Our findings extend current knowledge of the complex relationship between PA and possible genetic underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Wilkinson
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Science, University of Texas School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
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Melis M, Muntoni AL, Pistis M. Endocannabinoids and the processing of value-related signals. Front Pharmacol 2012; 3:7. [PMID: 22347186 PMCID: PMC3270484 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids serve as retrograde signaling molecules at many synapses within the CNS, particularly GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses. Synapses onto midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) make no exception to this rule. In fact, the effects of cannabinoids on dopamine transmission as well as DA-related behaviors are generally exerted through the modulation of inhibitory and excitatory afferents impinging onto DA neurons. Endocannabinoids, by regulating different forms of synaptic plasticity in the VTA, provide a critical modulation of the DA neuron output and, ultimately, of the systems driving and regulating motivated behaviors. Because DA cells exhibit diverse states of activity, which crucially depend on their intrinsic properties and afferent drive, the understanding of the role played by endocannabinoids in synaptic modulations is critical for their overall functions. Particularly, endocannabinoids by selectively inhibiting afferent activity may alter the functional states of DA neurons and potentiate the responsiveness of the reward system to phasic DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Melis
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
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Jean-Gilles L, Gran B, Constantinescu CS. Interaction between cytokines, cannabinoids and the nervous system. Immunobiology 2010; 215:606-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2009.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Fattore L, Melis M, Fadda P, Pistis M, Fratta W. The endocannabinoid system and nondrug rewarding behaviours. Exp Neurol 2010; 224:23-36. [PMID: 20353776 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Rewarding behaviours such as sexual activity, eating, nursing, parenting, social interactions, and play activity are conserved strongly in evolution, and they are essential for development and survival. All of these behaviours are enjoyable and represent pleasant experiences with a high reward value. Remarkably, rewarding behaviours activate the same brain circuits that mediate the positive reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse and of other forms of addiction, such as gambling and food addiction. Given the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in a variety of physiological functions of the nervous system, it is not surprising that it takes part in the complex machinery that regulates gratification and perception of pleasure. In this review, we focus first on the role of the endocannabinoid system in the modulation of neural activity and synaptic functions in brain regions that are involved in natural and nonnatural rewards (namely, the ventral tegmental area, striatum, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex). Then, we examine the role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating behaviours that directly or indirectly activate these brain reward pathways. More specifically, current knowledge of the effects of the pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system on natural (eating, sexual behaviour, parenting, and social play) and pathological (gambling) rewarding behaviours is summarised and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- CNR Neuroscience Institute - Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Italy
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Fattore L, Fadda P, Spano MS, Pistis M, Fratta W. Neurobiological mechanisms of cannabinoid addiction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 286:S97-S107. [PMID: 18372102 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2008] [Revised: 02/12/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is implicated in the regulation of a variety of physiological processes, among which conditioning, motivation, habit forming, memory, learning, and cognition play pivotal roles in drug reinforcement and reward. In this article we will give a synopsis of last developments in research on cannabinoid actions on brain reward circuits coming from behavioral, neurochemical and electrophysiological studies. Central cannabinoid-induced effects as measured by animal models of addiction, in vivo cerebral microdialysis, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological recording techniques, will be reviewed. Brain sites that have been implicated in the mediation of addictive cannabinoid properties include primarily the ventral tegmental area, the nucleus accumbens, and the medial prefrontal cortex, although the amygdala, the substantia nigra, the globus pallidus, and the hippocampus have also been shown to be critical structures mediating motivational and reinforcing effects of cannabinoids. Putative neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects will be delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience CNR, National Research Council, Section of Cagliari, Italy
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