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Ribeiro de Novais Júnior L, Vicente da Silva T, da Silva LM, Metzker de Andrade F, da Silva AR, Meneguzzo V, de Souza Ramos S, Michielin Lopes C, Bernardo Saturnino A, Inserra A, de Bitencourt RM. Repeated Administration of a Full-Spectrum Cannabidiol Product, Not a Cannabidiol Isolate, Reverses the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior and Hypolocomotion in a Rat Model of Low-Grade Subchronic Inflammation. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 39347620 DOI: 10.1089/can.2024.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Mounting evidence suggests that the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) holds promise as an antidepressant agent in conditions underlined by inflammation. Full-spectrum CBD extracts might provide greater behavioral efficacy than CBD-only isolates and might require lower doses to achieve the same outcomes due to the presence of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. However, investigations in this area remain limited. Methods: We evaluated the behavioral response to the administration for 7 days of 15 and 30 mg/kg of a CBD isolate and a full-spectrum CBD product in a rat model of subchronic lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 mg/kg/day/7 days, intraperitoneal)-induced depressive-like and sickness behavior. The forced swim test was used to assess depressive-like behavior, the open field test (OFT) to assess locomotion, and the elevated plus maze to assess anxiety-like behavior. Results: The full-spectrum CBD extract at both doses, but not the CBD isolate, reversed the LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. Moreover, the full-spectrum CBD extract at the higher dose but not the CBD isolate restored the subchronic LPS-induced hypolocomotion in the OFT. Repeated administration of both formulations elicited an anxiogenic-like trend in the elevated plus maze. Conclusion: Full-spectrum CBD products might have greater therapeutic efficacy in resolving inflammation-induced depressive and sickness behavior compared to a CBD-only isolate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiago Vicente da Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Larissa Mendes da Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Alisson Reuel da Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Vicente Meneguzzo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Suelen de Souza Ramos
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Cyntia Michielin Lopes
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Artur Bernardo Saturnino
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Kodali M, Madhu LN, Kolla VSV, Attaluri S, Huard C, Somayaji Y, Shuai B, Jordan C, Rao X, Shetty S, Shetty AK. FDA-approved cannabidiol [Epidiolex ®] alleviates Gulf War Illness-linked cognitive and mood dysfunction, hyperalgesia, neuroinflammatory signaling, and declined neurogenesis. Mil Med Res 2024; 11:61. [PMID: 39169440 PMCID: PMC11340098 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-024-00563-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI) is characterized by cognitive and mood impairments, as well as persistent neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Epidiolex®, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved cannabidiol (CBD), in improving brain function in a rat model of chronic GWI. METHODS Six months after exposure to low doses of GWI-related chemicals [pyridostigmine bromide, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), and permethrin (PER)] along with moderate stress, rats with chronic GWI were administered either vehicle (VEH) or CBD (20 mg/kg, oral) for 16 weeks. Neurobehavioral tests were conducted on 11 weeks after treatment initiation to evaluate the performance of rats in tasks related to associative recognition memory, object location memory, pattern separation, and sucrose preference. The effect of CBD on hyperalgesia was also examined. The brain tissues were processed for immunohistochemical and molecular studies following behavioral tests. RESULTS GWI rats treated with VEH exhibited impairments in all cognitive tasks and anhedonia, whereas CBD-treated GWI rats showed improvements in all cognitive tasks and no anhedonia. Additionally, CBD treatment alleviated hyperalgesia in GWI rats. Analysis of hippocampal tissues from VEH-treated rats revealed astrocyte hypertrophy and increased percentages of activated microglia presenting NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) complexes as well as elevated levels of proteins involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of the transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling. Furthermore, there were increased concentrations of proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers along with decreased neurogenesis. In contrast, the hippocampus from CBD-treated GWI rats displayed reduced levels of proteins mediating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and JAK/STAT signaling, normalized concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers, and improved neurogenesis. Notably, CBD treatment did not alter the concentration of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS The use of an FDA-approved CBD (Epidiolex®) has been shown to effectively alleviate cognitive and mood impairments as well as hyperalgesia associated with chronic GWI. Importantly, the improvements observed in rats with chronic GWI in this study were attributed to the ability of CBD to significantly suppress signaling pathways that perpetuate chronic neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Leelavathi N Madhu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Venkata Sai Vashishta Kolla
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Charles Huard
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Yogish Somayaji
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Bing Shuai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Chase Jordan
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xiaolan Rao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Sanath Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Gorman BL, Barmada KM, Ravula HP, Huguely CJ, Wallace ED, Peace MR, Poklis JL, Jiang W, Fitting S. Effects of acute cannabidiol on behavior and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1358555. [PMID: 38505774 PMCID: PMC10949733 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1358555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Some evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) has potential to help alleviate HIV symptoms due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here we examined acute CBD effects on various behaviors and the endocannabinoid system in HIV Tat transgenic mice. Methods Tat transgenic mice (female/male) were injected with CBD (3, 10, 30 mg/kg) and assessed for antinociception, activity, coordination, anxiety-like behavior, and recognition memory. Brains were taken to quantify endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid catabolic enzymes. Additionally, CBD and metabolite 7-hydroxy-CBD were quantified in the plasma and cortex. Results Tat decreased supraspinal-related nociception and locomotion. CBD and sex had little to no effects on any of the behavioral measures. For the endocannabinoid system male sex was associated with elevated concentration of the proinflammatory metabolite arachidonic acid in various CNS regions, including the cerebellum that also showed higher FAAH expression levels for Tat(+) males. GPR55 expression levels in the striatum and cerebellum were higher for females compared to males. CBD metabolism was altered by sex and Tat expression. Conclusion Findings indicate that acute CBD effects are not altered by HIV Tat, and acute CBD has no to minimal effects on behavior and the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barkha J. Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Benjamin L. Gorman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Karenna M. Barmada
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Havilah P. Ravula
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Caitlin J. Huguely
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - E. Diane Wallace
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Michelle R. Peace
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Justin L. Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Schouten M, Dalle S, Mantini D, Koppo K. Cannabidiol and brain function: current knowledge and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1328885. [PMID: 38288087 PMCID: PMC10823027 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1328885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, commonly known as cannabis or hemp. Although currently available CBD products do not meet the safety standards of most food safety authorities to be approved as a dietary supplement or food additive, CBD has been gaining widespread attention in recent years due to its various potential health benefits. While primarily known for its therapeutic effects in managing epileptic seizures, psychosis, anxiety, (neuropathic) pain, and inflammation, CBD's influence on brain function has also piqued the interest of researchers and individuals seeking to enhance cognitive performance. The primary objective of this review is to gather, synthesize, and consolidate scientifically proven evidence on the impact of CBD on brain function and its therapeutic significance in treating neurological and mental disorders. First, basic background information on CBD, including its biomolecular properties and mechanisms of action is presented. Next, evidence for CBD effects in the human brain is provided followed by a discussion on the potential implications of CBD as a neurotherapeutic agent. The potential effectiveness of CBD in reducing chronic pain is considered but also in reducing the symptoms of various brain disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the implications of using CBD to manage psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, anxiety and fear, depression, and substance use disorders are explored. An overview of the beneficial effects of CBD on aspects of human behavior, such as sleep, motor control, cognition and memory, is then provided. As CBD products remain largely unregulated, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns associated with their use, including product quality, consistency, and safety. Therefore, this review discusses the need for responsible research and regulation of CBD to ensure its safety and efficacy as a therapeutic agent for brain disorders or to stimulate behavioral and cognitive abilities of healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek Schouten
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Dalle
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dante Mantini
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Koppo
- Exercise Physiology Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Karuppagounder V, Chung J, Abdeen A, Thompson A, Bouboukas A, Pinamont WJ, Yoshioka NK, Sepulveda DE, Raup-Konsavage WM, Graziane NM, Vrana KE, Elbarbary RA, Kamal F. Therapeutic Effects of Non-Euphorigenic Cannabis Extracts in Osteoarthritis. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:1030-1044. [PMID: 35994012 PMCID: PMC10714119 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is disabling and degenerative disease of the joints that is clinically characterized by pain and loss of function. With no disease-modifying treatment available, current therapies aim at pain management but are of limited efficacy. Cannabis products, specifically cannabinoids, are widely used to control pain and inflammation in many diseases with no scientific evidence demonstrating their efficacy in OA. Objective: We investigated the effects of non-euphorigenic cannabis extracts, CBD oil and cannabigerol oil (CBG oil), on pain and disease progression in OA mice. Methods and Results: Twelve-week-old male C57BL/6J mice received either sham or destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. DMM mice were treated with vehicle, CBD oil, or CBG oil. The gait of DMM mice was impaired as early as 2 weeks following surgery and continued deteriorating until week 8, which was restored by CBD oil and CBG oil treatments throughout the disease course. Mechanical allodynia developed in DMM mice, however, was not ameliorated by any of the treatments. On the other hand, both CBD oil and CBG oil ameliorated cold allodynia. In open field test, both oil treatments normalized changes in the locomotor activity of DMM mice. CBD oil and CBG oil treatments significantly reduced synovitis in DMM mice. Only CBG oil reduced cartilage degeneration, chondrocyte loss, and matrix metalloproteinase 13 expression, with a significant increase in the number of anabolic chondrocytes. Subchondral bone remodeling found in vehicle-treated DMM mice was not ameliorated by either CBD or CBG oil. Conclusions: Our results show evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of CBD oil and CBG oil, where both oils ameliorate pain and inflammation, and improve gait and locomotor activity in OA mice, representing clinical pain and function. Importantly, only CBG oil is chondroprotective, which may provide superior efficacy in future studies in OA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vengadeshprabhu Karuppagounder
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Departments of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juliet Chung
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Departments of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdeen
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Departments of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy Thompson
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Departments of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andreas Bouboukas
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Departments of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William J. Pinamont
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Departments of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Natalie K. Yoshioka
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Departments of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Diana E. Sepulveda
- Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, and Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Nicholas M. Graziane
- Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, and Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kent E. Vrana
- Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Reyad A. Elbarbary
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Departments of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fadia Kamal
- Center for Orthopedic Research and Translational Science (CORTS), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Departments of Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Bomfim AJDL, Zuze SMF, Fabrício DDM, Pessoa RMDP, Crippa JAS, Chagas MHN. Effects of the Acute and Chronic Administration of Cannabidiol on Cognition in Humans and Animals: A Systematic Review. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:955-973. [PMID: 37792394 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on cognition has been investigated in recent years to determine the therapeutic potential of this cannabinoid for a broad gamut of medical conditions, including neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of studies that analyzed the effects of the acute and chronic administration of CBD on cognition in humans and animals both to assess the cognitive safety of CBD and to determine a beneficial potential of CBD on cognition. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases were searched in December of 2022 for relevant articles using the following combinations of keywords: ("cannabidiol" OR "CBD") AND ("cognition" OR "processing cognitive" OR "memory" OR "language" OR "attention" OR "executive function" OR "social cognition" OR "perceptual motor ability" OR "processing speed"). Results: Fifty-nine articles were included in the present review (36 preclinical and 23 clinical trials). CBD seems not to have any negative effect on cognitive processing in rats. The clinical trials confirmed these findings in humans. One study found that repeated dosing with CBD may improve cognitive in people who use cannabis heavily but not individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders. Considering the context of neuropsychiatric disorders in animal models, CBD seems to reverse the harm caused by the experimental paradigms, such that the performance of these animals becomes similar to that of control animals. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the chronic and acute administration of CBD seems not to impair cognition in humans without neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, preclinical studies report promising results regarding the effects of CBD on the cognitive processing of animals. Future double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials with larger, less selective samples, with standardized tests, and using different doses of CBD in outpatients are of particular interest to elucidate the cognitive effects of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Julia de Lima Bomfim
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Research Group on Mental Health, Cognition and Aging, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stefany Mirrelle Fávero Zuze
- Research Group on Mental Health, Cognition and Aging, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daiene de Morais Fabrício
- Research Group on Mental Health, Cognition and Aging, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Mendes de Paula Pessoa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Research Group on Mental Health, Cognition and Aging, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre S Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Hortes N Chagas
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Research Group on Mental Health, Cognition and Aging, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
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Aguiar AFL, Campos RMP, Isaac AR, Paes-Colli Y, Carvalho VM, Sampaio LS, de Melo Reis RA. Long-Term Treatment with Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis Extract Induces Synaptic Changes in the Adolescent Rat Hippocampus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11775. [PMID: 37511537 PMCID: PMC10380262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCS) is widely distributed in mammalian tissues and it is classically formed by cannabinoid receptors, endogenous bioactive lipids and its synthesis and degradation enzymes. Due to the modulatory role of eCS in synaptic activity in the Central Nervous System (CNS), phytocannabinoids have been increasingly used for the treatment of neurological disorders, even though little is known in terms of the long-term effect of these treatments on CNS development, mainly in the timeframe that comprises childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, an increased number of clinical trials using full-spectrum Cannabis extracts has been seen, rather than the isolated form of phytocannabinoids, when exploring the therapeutical benefits of the Cannabis plant. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD)-enriched Cannabis extract on synaptic components in the hippocampus of rats from adolescence to early adulthood (postnatal day 45 to 60). Oral treatment of healthy male Wistar rats with a CBD-enriched Cannabis extract (3 mg/kg/day CBD) during 15 days did not affect food intake and water balance. There was also no negative impact on locomotor behaviour and cognitive performance. However, the hippocampal protein levels of GluA1 and GFAP were reduced in animals treated with the extract, whilst PSD95 levels were increased, which suggests rearrangement of glutamatergic synapses and modulation of astrocytic features. Microglial complexity was reduced in CA1 and CA3 regions, but no alterations in their phagocytic activity have been identified by Iba-1 and LAMP2 co-localization. Collectively, our data suggest that CBD-enriched Cannabis treatment may be safe and well-tolerated in healthy subjects, besides acting as a neuroprotective agent against hippocampal alterations related to the pathogenesis of excitatory and astrogliosis-mediated disorders in CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey F L Aguiar
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Raquel M P Campos
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Alinny R Isaac
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Yolanda Paes-Colli
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Virgínia M Carvalho
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Luzia S Sampaio
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A de Melo Reis
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil
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Kwee CMB, Leen NA, Van der Kamp RC, Van Lissa CJ, Cath DC, Groenink L, Baas JMP. Anxiolytic effects of endocannabinoid enhancing compounds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 72:79-94. [PMID: 37094409 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is a promising candidate for anxiolytic therapy, but translation to the clinic has been lagging. We meta-analyzed the evidence for anxiety-reduction by compounds that facilitate endocannabinoid signaling in humans and animals. To identify areas of specific potential, effects of moderators were assessed. Literature was searched in Pubmed and Embase up to May 2021. A placebo/vehicle-control group was required and in human studies, randomization. We excluded studies that co-administered other substances. Risk of bias was assessed with SYRCLE's RoB tool and Cochrane RoB 2.0. We conducted three-level random effects meta-analyses and explored sources of heterogeneity using Bayesian regularized meta-regression (BRMA). The systematic review yielded 134 studies. We analyzed 120 studies (114 animal, 6 human) that investigated cannabidiol (CBD, 61), URB597 (39), PF-3845 (6) and AM404 (14). Pooled effects on conditioned and unconditioned anxiety in animals (with the exception of URB597 on unconditioned anxiety) and on experimentally induced anxiety in humans favored the investigational drugs over placebo/vehicle. Publication year was negatively associated with effects of CBD on unconditioned anxiety. Compared to approach avoidance tests, tests of repetitive-compulsive behavior were associated with larger effects of CBD and URB597, and the social interaction test with smaller effects of URB597. Larger effects of CBD on unconditioned anxiety were observed when anxiety pre-existed. Studies reported few side effects at therapeutic doses. The evidence quality was low with indications of publication bias. More clinical trials are needed to translate the overall positive results to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M B Kwee
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Altrecht Academic Anxiety Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Nadia A Leen
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Brain Research & Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rian C Van der Kamp
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, VUmc medical faculty, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Caspar J Van Lissa
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Danielle C Cath
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; GGZ Drenthe, Department of specialist trainings, Assen, the Netherlands
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, UIPS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna M P Baas
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Huffstetler CM, Cochran B, May CA, Maykut N, Silver CR, Cedeno C, Franck E, Cox A, Fadool DA. Single cannabidiol administration affects anxiety-, obsessive compulsive-, object memory-, and attention-like behaviors in mice in a sex and concentration dependent manner. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 222:173498. [PMID: 36455670 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The behavioral effects of cannabidiol (CBD) are understudied, but are important, given its therapeutic potential and widespread use as a natural supplement. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test whether a single injection of CBD affected anxiety-like or attention-like behavior, or memory in wildtype mice or mice with reported trait anxiety due to a targeted gene-deletion in a voltage-dependent potassium channel, Kv1.3. METHODS Wildtype C57BL/6 J and Kv1.3-/- mice of both sexes were reared to adulthood and then administered an intraperitoneal injection of 10 or 20 mg/kg CBD. Mice were behaviorally-phenotyped using the marble-burying test, the light-dark box (LDB), short (1 h) and long-term (24 h) object memory test, the elevated-plus maze (EPM), and the object-based attention task in order to assess obsessive compulsive-, anxiety-, and attention-like behaviors, and memory. RESULTS We discovered that acute CBD treatment reduced marble burying in male, but not female mice. CBD was effective in lessening anxiety-like behaviors determined by the LDB test in both male and female wildtype mice, whereby the effective dose required to observe the effect in females was less. In Kv1.3-/- mice, CBD increased anxiety-like behaviors in the LDB in both sexes at the higher concentration of CBD and it similarly increased anxiety-like behavior in females in the EPM at the lower concentration of CBD. Long-term object memory was reduced in male wildtype mice at the lower concentration of CBD. Finally, ADHD- or attention-like behaviors were not altered by CBD in wildtype mice, but in Kv1.3-/- mice, females were observed to have a loss in attention while males demonstrated improved attention. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that administration of a single dose of CBD has immediate effects on mouse behavior that is dose, sex, and anxiety-state dependent - and that these behavioral outcomes are important to examine in parallel human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brigitte Cochran
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Camilla Ann May
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Nicholas Maykut
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Claudia Rose Silver
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Claudia Cedeno
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Ezabelle Franck
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Alexis Cox
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
| | - Debra Ann Fadool
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
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10
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Kwee CMB, van Gerven JMA, Bongaerts FLP, Cath DC, Jacobs G, Baas JMP, Groenink L. Cannabidiol in clinical and preclinical anxiety research. A systematic review into concentration-effect relations using the IB-de-risk tool. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1299-1314. [PMID: 36239014 PMCID: PMC9716490 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221124792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential in pathological anxiety. Dosing guidelines to inform future human studies are however lacking. AIM We aimed to predict the therapeutic window for anxiety-reducing effects of CBD in humans based on preclinical models. METHODS We conducted two systematic searches in PubMed and Embase up to August 2021, into pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data of systemic CBD exposure in humans and animals, which includes anxiety-reducing and potential side effects. Risk of bias was assessed with SYRCLE's RoB tool and Cochrane RoB 2.0. A control group was an inclusion criterion in outcome studies. In human outcome studies, randomisation was required. We excluded studies that co-administered other substances. We used the IB-de-risk tool for a translational integration of outcomes. RESULTS We synthesised data from 87 studies. For most observations (70.3%), CBD had no effect on anxiety outcomes. There was no identifiable relation between anxiety outcomes and drug levels across species. In all species (humans, mice, rats), anxiety-reducing effects seemed to be clustered in certain concentration ranges, which differed between species. DISCUSSION A straightforward dosing recommendation was not possible, given variable concentration-effect relations across species, and no consistent linear effect of CBD on anxiety reduction. Currently, these results raise questions about the broad use as a drug for anxiety. Meta-analytic studies are needed to quantitatively investigate drug efficacy, including aspects of anxiety symptomatology. Acute and (sub)chronic dosing studies with integrated PK and PD outcomes are required for substantiated dose recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline MB Kwee
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Altrecht Academic Anxiety Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Caroline MB Kwee, Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, Utrecht 3584 CS, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Fleur LP Bongaerts
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle C Cath
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Department of Specialist Trainings, GGZ Drenthe, Assen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Johanna MP Baas
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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11
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Visini G, Brown S, Weston-Green K, Shannon Weickert C, Chesworth R, Karl T. The effects of preventative cannabidiol in a male neuregulin 1 mouse model of schizophrenia. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1010478. [PMID: 36406747 PMCID: PMC9669370 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1010478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with antipsychotic-like properties, however it’s potential to prevent schizophrenia development has not been thoroughly investigated. Brain maturation during adolescence creates a window where CBD could potentially limit the development of schizophrenia. The neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain heterozygous (Nrg1 TM HET) mutant mouse shows face, predictive, and construct validity for schizophrenia. Here we sought to determine if CBD given in adolescence could prevent the development of the schizophrenia-relevant phenotype, as well as susceptibility to the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Nrg1 TM HET mice. Adolescent male Nrg1 mutants and wild type-like (WT) animals were administered 30 mg/kg CBD i.p. daily for seven weeks, and were tested for locomotion, social behavior, sensorimotor gating and cognition, and sensitivity to acute THC-induced behaviors. GAD67, GluA1, and NMDAR1 protein levels were measured in the hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. Chronic adolescent CBD increased locomotion in animals regardless of genotype, was anxiolytic, and increased social behavior when animals were tested for their acute THC response. CBD did not alleviate the schizophrenia-relevant hyperlocomotive phenotype of Nrg1 mutants, nor deficits in social behaviors. Nrg1 mutant mice treated with CBD and THC showed no habituation to a startle pulse, suggesting CBD increased vulnerability to the startle habituation-reducing effects of THC in mutant mice. CBD increased levels of GluA1, but reduced levels of GAD67 in the hippocampus of Nrg1 mutants. These results suggest adolescent CBD is not effective as a preventative of schizophrenia-relevant behavioral deficits in mutants and may actually contribute to pathological changes in the brain that increase sensitivity to THC in particular behavioral domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Visini
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Samara Brown
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina Weston-Green
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Rose Chesworth,
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Tim Karl,
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Drummond-Main CD, Ahn Y, Kesler M, Gavrilovici C, Kim DY, Kiroski I, Baglot SL, Chen A, Sharkey KA, Hill MN, Teskey GC, Rho JM. Cannabidiol Impairs Brain Mitochondrial Metabolism and Neuronal Integrity. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 8:283-298. [PMID: 36108318 PMCID: PMC10061329 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mechanisms underlying the clinical effects of CBD remain poorly understood. Given the increasing evidence for CBD's effects on mitochondria, we sought to examine in more detail whether CBD impacts mitochondrial function and neuronal integrity. Methods: We utilized BE(2)-M17 neuroblastoma cells or acutely isolated brain mitochondria from rodents using a Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer and a fluorescent spectrofluorophotometer assay. Mitochondrial ion channel activity and hippocampal long-term potentiation were measured using standard cellular electrophysiological methods. Spatial learning/memory function was evaluated using the Morris water maze task. Plasma concentrations of CBD were assessed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and cellular viability was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction neuronal injury assay. Results: At low micromolar concentrations, CBD reduced mitochondrial respiration, the threshold for mitochondrial permeability transition, and calcium uptake, blocked a novel mitochondrial chloride channel, and reduced the viability of hippocampal cells. These effects were paralleled by in vitro and in vivo learning/memory deficits. We further found that these effects were independent of cannabinoid receptor 1 and mitochondrial G-protein-coupled receptor 55. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence for concentration- and dose-dependent toxicological effects of CBD, findings that may bear potential relevance to clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Drummond-Main
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Younghee Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mitchell Kesler
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Cezar Gavrilovici
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, and University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Do Young Kim
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Ivana Kiroski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Samantha L. Baglot
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Amy Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Keith A. Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Matthew N. Hill
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - G. Campbell Teskey
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, and University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jong M. Rho
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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13
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Calapai F, Cardia L, Calapai G, Di Mauro D, Trimarchi F, Ammendolia I, Mannucci C. Effects of Cannabidiol on Locomotor Activity. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050652. [PMID: 35629320 PMCID: PMC9144881 DOI: 10.3390/life12050652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second cannabinoid, in order of importance after Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), from Cannabis sativa. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause psychotomimetic effects, and although these compounds have the same chemical formula, their pharmacological characteristics are not equivalent. Preclinical studies suggest that CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, antiemetic, anticonvulsant, and antipsychotic properties and influences the sleep–wake cycle. The evaluation of effects on spontaneous motor activity is crucial in experimental pharmacology, and the careful measurement of laboratory animal movement is an established method to recognize the effects of stimulant and depressant drugs. The potential influence of CBD on locomotor activity has been investigated through numerous in vivo experiments. However, there is no clear picture of the impact of CBD on these issues, even though it is administered alone for medical uses and sold with THC as a drug for pain caused by muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis, and it was recently licensed as a drug for severe forms of infantile epilepsy. On this basis, with the aim of developing deeper knowledge of this issue, scientific data on CBD’s influence on locomotor activity are discussed here. We conducted research using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and a search engine for literature between January 2009 and December 2021 on life sciences and biomedical topics using the keywords “motor activity”, “locomotor activity”, and “locomotion” in combination with “cannabidiol”. In this article, we discuss findings describing the effects on locomotor activity of the CBD precursor cannabidiolic acid and of CBD alone or in combination with THC, together with the effects of CBD on locomotor modifications induced by diseases and on locomotor changes induced by other substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Calapai
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Luigi Cardia
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Gioacchino Calapai
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (D.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Debora Di Mauro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (D.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Fabio Trimarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (D.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Ilaria Ammendolia
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (D.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Carmen Mannucci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (D.D.M.); (F.T.); (I.A.); (C.M.)
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Mastinu A, Ascrizzi R, Ribaudo G, Bonini SA, Premoli M, Aria F, Maccarinelli G, Gianoncelli A, Flamini G, Pistelli L, Memo M. Prosocial Effects of Nonpsychotropic Cannabis sativa in Mice. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:170-178. [PMID: 34370607 PMCID: PMC9070742 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:Cannabis sativa L. (C. sativa) is used since ancient times to produce fabrics, baskets, and cords. Later, different ethnic groups used to burn the leaves and flowers of psychotropic cultivars with high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC) levels, during the religious or propitiatory rites to alter the state of consciousness. To date, it is not known whether also nonpsychotropic cultivars of C. sativa were used during these rites, and whether these varieties could have an effect on human behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the behavioral effects of an extract of nonpsychotropic C. sativa (NP-CS) in mice. Materials and Methods: An extract of a nonpsychotropic cultivar of C. sativa dissolved in medium-chain triglyceride oil was used and the different phytochemical components were evaluated. The relative composition in terms of phytocannabinoid content was assessed by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to UV detection (RP-HPLC-UV), and the volatile components were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, the behavioral effect of NP-CS was assessed on a wild-type mouse model. The animals were treated for 14 days (oral gavage) and motility, anxiety, and social effects were assessed. Results: RP-HPLC-UV analysis demonstrated that D9-THC was present in lower concentration with respect to other cannabinoids, like cannabidiol. Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several terpenoids. Concerning in vivo studies, chronic treatment with NP-CS did not alter body weight, motility, and anxiety and increased social interaction. Conclusions: This study highlighted the prosocial effects of NP-CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mastinu
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Ribaudo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marika Premoli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Aria
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guido Flamini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Memo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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15
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Luján MÁ, Alegre-Zurano L, Martín-Sánchez A, Cantacorps L, Valverde O. CB1 receptor antagonist AM4113 reverts the effects of cannabidiol on cue and stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 113:110462. [PMID: 34688811 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
No pharmacological treatments are yet approved for patients with cocaine use disorders. Cannabidiol, a constituent of the C. sativa plant has shown promising results in rodent models of drug addiction. However, the specific effects and mechanisms of action of cannabidiol in rodent operant models of extinction-based abstinence and drug-seeking relapse remain unclear. Cannabidiol (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected during extinction training to male CD-1 mice previously trained to self-administer cocaine (0.75 mg/kg/infusion). Then, we evaluated the reinstatement of cocaine seeking induced by cues and stressful stimuli (footshock). We found that cannabidiol (10 and 20 mg/kg) did not modulate extinction learning. After cannabidiol 20 mg/kg treatment, increased levels of CB1 receptor protein were found in the prelimbic and orbitofrontal regions of the prefrontal cortex, and in the ventral striatum; an effect paralleled by a reduction of striatal ∆FosB accumulation and an increment of GluR2 AMPA receptor subunits. Furthermore, cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking was attenuated by cannabidiol. Unexpectedly, cannabidiol 20 mg/kg facilitated stress-induced restoration of cocaine-seeking behaviour. To ascertain the participation of CB1 receptors in these behavioural changes, we administered the CB1 antagonist AM4113 (5 mg/kg) before each reinstatement session. Both, the attenuation of cue-induced reinstatement and the facilitation of stress-induced reestablishment were abolished by AM4113 in cannabidiol 20 mg/kg-treated mice. Our results reveal a series of complex CB1-related changes induced by cannabidiol with a varying impact on the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour that could limit its therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á Luján
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Alegre-Zurano
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Martín-Sánchez
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lídia Cantacorps
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC - NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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16
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Kreilaus F, Przybyla M, Ittner L, Karl T. Cannabidiol (CBD) treatment improves spatial memory in 14-month-old female TAU58/2 transgenic mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 425:113812. [PMID: 35202719 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) share the pathological hallmark of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, which result from the hyperphosphorylation of microtubule associated protein tau. The P301S mutation in human tau carried by TAU58/2 transgenic mice results in brain pathology and behavioural deficits relevant to FTD and AD. The phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) exhibits properties beneficial for multiple pathological processes evident in dementia. Therefore, 14-month-old female TAU58/2 transgenic and wild type-like (WT) littermates were treated with 100mg/kg CBD or vehicle i.p. starting three weeks prior to conducting behavioural paradigms relevant to FTD and AD. TAU58/2 females exhibited impaired motor function, reduced bodyweight and less anxiety behaviour compared to WT. An impaired spatial reference memory of vehicle-treated transgenic mice were restored by chronic CBD treatment. Chronic CBD also reduced anxiety-like behaviors and decreased contextual fear-associated freezing in all mice. Chronic remedial CBD treatment ameliorated several disease-relevant phenotypes in 14-month-old TAU58/2 transgenic mice, suggesting potential for the treatment of tauopathy-related behavioural impairments including cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kreilaus
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Lars Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), NSW 2031, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Trivedi MK, Mondal S, Gangwar M, Jana S. Anti-inflammatory potential of cannabidiol (CBD) on combination of caecal slurry, LPS, and E. coli-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in Sprague Dawley Rats. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:225-232. [PMID: 34997430 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00901-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study objective was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on a combination of caecal slurry, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and Escherichia coli (E. coli)-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in male Sprague Dawley rats. METHODS The therapeutic activity was monitored in behavioral tests and inflammatory biomarkers by the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS Behavioral tasks were significantly increased like a tail flick response by 73.84% (p ≤ 0.001), grip strength by 33.56% (p ≤ 0.028), locomotor activity by 20.71% (p = 0.034) in the CBD (60 mg/kg) group compared to disease control (DC) group. Levels of inflammatory serum biomarkers like interleukin-1β (IL-1β), matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were significantly decreased by 29.56 (p = 0.041), 71.20 (p ≤ 0.001), 35.05 (p ≤ 0.001), and 75.56% (p = 0.002), respectively, in the CBD-60 compared with DC. Inflammatory cytokines levels, viz. IL-1β, MMP-9, IL-6, and TNF-α, in the liver were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) decreased by 81.01, 40.41, 22.84, and 69.46%, respectively, in CBD-60 to DC. Similarly, levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and MMP-9 in the kidney were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) decreased by 80.90 and 43.93%, respectively, in CBD-60 compared to DC. CONCLUSION Taken together, results suggest that CBD treatment significantly improved behavioral tasks and decreased the level of inflammatory cytokines under SIRS conditions that might provide an opportunity to manage acute and chronic inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sambhu Mondal
- Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mayank Gangwar
- Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane, Maharashtra, India
| | - Snehasis Jana
- Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane, Maharashtra, India.
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Nidadavolu P, Bilkei-Gorzo A, Krämer M, Schürmann B, Palmisano M, Beins EC, Madea B, Zimmer A. Efficacy of Δ 9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Alone or in Combination With a 1:1 Ratio of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Reversing the Spatial Learning Deficits in Old Mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:718850. [PMID: 34526890 PMCID: PMC8435893 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.718850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Decline in cognitive performance, an aspect of the normal aging process, is influenced by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) signaling diminishes with advancing age in specific brain regions that regulate learning and memory and abolishing CB1 receptor signaling accelerates cognitive aging in mice. We recently demonstrated that prolonged exposure to low dose (3 mg/kg/day) Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) improved the cognitive performances in old mice on par with young untreated mice. Here we investigated the potential influence of cannabidiol (CBD) on this THC effect, because preclinical and clinical studies indicate that the combination of THC and CBD often exhibits an enhanced therapeutic effect compared to THC alone. We first tested the effectiveness of a lower dose (1 mg/kg/day) THC, and then the efficacy of the combination of THC and CBD in 1:1 ratio, same as in the clinically approved medicine Sativex®. Our findings reveal that a 1 mg/kg/day THC dose still effectively improved spatial learning in aged mice. However, a 1:1 combination of THC and CBD failed to do so. The presence of CBD induced temporal changes in THC metabolism ensuing in a transient elevation of blood THC levels. However, as CBD metabolizes, the inhibitory effect on THC metabolism was alleviated, causing a rapid clearance of THC. Thus, the beneficial effects of THC seemed to wane off more swiftly in the presence of CBD, due to these metabolic effects. The findings indicate that THC-treatment alone is more efficient to improve spatial learning in aged mice than the 1:1 combination of THC and CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Nidadavolu
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andras Bilkei-Gorzo
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Krämer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Britta Schürmann
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michela Palmisano
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eva C Beins
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Burkhard Madea
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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19
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Kaplan JS, Wagner JK, Reid K, McGuinness F, Arvila S, Brooks M, Stevenson H, Jones J, Risch B, McGillis T, Budinich R, Gambell E, Predovich B. Cannabidiol Exposure During the Mouse Adolescent Period Is Without Harmful Behavioral Effects on Locomotor Activity, Anxiety, and Spatial Memory. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:711639. [PMID: 34512286 PMCID: PMC8426900 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.711639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid whose purported therapeutic benefits and impression of a high safety profile has promoted its increasing popularity. CBD’s popularity is also increasing among children and adolescents who are being administered CBD, off label, for the treatment of numerous symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression. The relative recency of its use in the adolescent population has precluded investigation of its impact on the developing brain and the potential consequences that may present in adulthood. Therefore, there’s an urgency to identify whether prolonged adolescent CBD exposure has substantive impacts on the developing brain that impact behavioral and cognitive processes in adulthood. Here, we tested the effect of twice-daily intraperitoneal administrations of CBD (20 mg/kg) in male and female C57BL/6J mice during the adolescent period of 25–45 days on weight gain, and assays for locomotor behavior, anxiety, and spatial memory. Prolonged adolescent CBD exposure had no detrimental effects on locomotor activity in the open field, anxiety behavior on the elevated plus maze, or spatial memory in the Barnes Maze compared to vehicle-treated mice. Interestingly, CBD-treated mice had a faster rate of learning in the Barnes Maze. However, CBD-treated females had reduced weight gain during the exposure period. We conclude that prolonged adolescent CBD exposure in mice does not have substantive negative impacts on a range of behaviors in adulthood, may improve the rate of learning under certain conditions, and impacts weight gain in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Kaplan
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - J K Wagner
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - K Reid
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - F McGuinness
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - S Arvila
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - M Brooks
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - H Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - J Jones
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - B Risch
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States.,Department of Psychology, Experimental Psychology Graduate Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - T McGillis
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - R Budinich
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - E Gambell
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
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20
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Yu CHJ, Rupasinghe HPV. Cannabidiol-based natural health products for companion animals: Recent advances in the management of anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Res Vet Sci 2021; 140:38-46. [PMID: 34391060 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in cannabidiol (CBD) use in canines and felines for anxiety management, pain management, and anti-inflammatory effects were reviewed using a literature search conducted with the following keywords: CBD, anxiety, inflammation, pain, dogs, cats, and companion animals. For decades, research on CBD has been hindered due to the status of cannabis (C. sativa L.) as an illicit drug. Limited safety data show that CBD is well-tolerated in dogs, with insufficient information on the safety profile of CBD in cats. Upon oral supplementation of CBD, elevation in liver enzymes was observed for both dogs and cats, and pharmacokinetics of CBD are different in the two species. There is a significant gap in the literature on the therapeutic use of CBD in cats, with no feline data on anxiety, pain, and inflammation management. There is evidence that chronic osteoarthritic pain in dogs can be reduced by supplementation with CBD. Furthermore, experiments are required to better understand whether CBD has an influence on noise-induced fear and anxiolytic response. Preliminary evidence exists to support the analgesic properties of CBD in treating chronic canine osteoarthritis; however, there are inter- and intra-species differences in pharmacokinetics, tolerance, dosage, and safety of CBD. Therefore, to validate the anxiety management, pain management, and anti-inflammatory efficacy of CBD, it is essential to conduct systematic, randomized, and controlled trials. Further, the safety and efficacious dose of CBD in companion animals warrants investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy H J Yu
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - H P Vasantha Rupasinghe
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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21
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Yang J, Jia Z, Xiao Z, Zhao J, Lu Y, Chu L, Shao H, Pei L, Zhang S, Chen Y. Baicalin Rescues Cognitive Dysfunction, Mitigates Neurodegeneration, and Exerts Anti-Epileptic Effects Through Activating TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 Pathway in Rats. Drug Des Devel Ther 2021; 15:3163-3180. [PMID: 34321866 PMCID: PMC8312624 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s314076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to evaluate the beneficial effects of anti-epileptic mechanisms of baicalin (BA) on cognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic rats. Methods First, PTZ-induced epileptic rats were administered intraperitoneally a sub-convulsive dose of PTZ (40 mg/kg) daily, and the seizure susceptibility (the degree of seizures and latency) was evaluated using Racine’s criterion. Then, classical behavioral experiments were performed to test whether BA ameliorated cognitive dysfunction. Neurodegeneration was assessed using Fluoro Jade-B (FJB), and NeuN staining was used to determine whether BA offered a neuroprotective role. After BA had been proven to possess anti-epileptic effects, its possible mechanisms were analyzed through network pharmacology. Finally, the key targets for predictive mechanisms were experimentally verified. Results The epileptic model was successfully established, and BA had anti-epileptic effects. Epileptic rats displayed significant cognitive dysfunction, and BA markedly ameliorated cognitive dysfunction. Further, we also discovered that BA treatment mitigated neurodegeneration of the hippocampus CA3 regions, thereby ameliorated cognitive dysfunction of epileptic rats. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis was implemented to reveal a possible mechanism of BA in the anti-epileptic process and the TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 pathway was predicted. Finally, experimental studies showed that BA exerted an anti-epileptic effect by activating the TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 pathway in PTZ-induced epileptic rats. Conclusion In conclusion, BA had a protective effect against PTZ-induced seizures. BA improved cognitive dysfunction and exerted a neuroprotective action. The anti-epileptic effects of BA may be potentially through activation of the TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yang
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhixia Jia
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Xiao
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Lu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chu
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Shao
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Pei
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaodan Zhang
- Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People's Republic of China
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22
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Coles M, Watt G, Kreilaus F, Karl T. Medium-Dose Chronic Cannabidiol Treatment Reverses Object Recognition Memory Deficits of APP Swe /PS1ΔE9 Transgenic Female Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:587604. [PMID: 33424597 PMCID: PMC7789874 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.587604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes behavioral and cognitive impairments. The phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, and in vitro and limited in vivo evidence suggests that CBD possesses therapeutic-like properties for the treatment of AD. Cannabinoids are known to have dose-dependent effects and the therapeutic potential of medium-dose CBD for AD transgenic mice has not been assessed in great detail yet. 12-month-old control and APP Swe /PS1ΔE9 (APPxPS1) transgenic female mice were treated daily via intraperitoneal injection with 5 mg/kg bodyweight CBD (or vehicle) commencing three weeks prior to the assessment of behavioral domains including anxiety, exploration, locomotion, motor functions, cognition, and sensorimotor gating. APPxPS1 mice exhibited a hyperlocomotive and anxiogenic-like phenotype and had wild type-like motor and spatial learning abilities, although AD transgenic mice took generally longer to complete the cheeseboard training (due to a lower locomotion speed). Furthermore spatial learning and reversal learning was delayed by one day in APPxPS1 mice compared to control mice. All mice displayed intact spatial memory and retrieval memory, but APPxPS1 mice showed reduced levels of perseverance in the cheeseboard probe trial. Importantly, vehicle-treated APPxPS1 mice were characterized by object recognition deficits and delayed spatial learning, which were reversed by CBD treatment. Finally, impairments in sensorimotor gating of APPxPS1 mice were not affected by CBD. In conclusion, medium-dose CBD appears to have therapeutic value for the treatment of particular behavioral impairments present in AD patients. Future research should consider the molecular mechanisms behind CBD's beneficial properties for AD transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madilyn Coles
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Georgia Watt
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Fabian Kreilaus
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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23
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Cannabidiol: A Potential New Alternative for the Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Psychotic Disorders. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111575. [PMID: 33228239 PMCID: PMC7699613 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential therapeutic use of some Cannabis sativa plant compounds has been attracting great interest, especially for managing neuropsychiatric disorders due to the relative lack of efficacy of the current treatments. Numerous studies have been carried out using the main phytocannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD displays an interesting pharmacological profile without the potential for becoming a drug of abuse, unlike THC. In this review, we focused on the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic effects of CBD found in animal and human studies. In rodents, results suggest that the effects of CBD depend on the dose, the strain, the administration time course (acute vs. chronic), and the route of administration. In addition, certain key targets have been related with these CBD pharmacological actions, including cannabinoid receptors (CB1r and CB2r), 5-HT1A receptor and neurogenesis factors. Preliminary clinical trials also support the efficacy of CBD as an anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and antidepressant, and more importantly, a positive risk-benefit profile. These promising results support the development of large-scale studies to further evaluate CBD as a potential new drug for the treatment of these psychiatric disorders.
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24
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McGregor IS, Cairns EA, Abelev S, Cohen R, Henderson M, Couch D, Arnold JC, Gauld N. Access to cannabidiol without a prescription: A cross-country comparison and analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 85:102935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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25
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Sharpe L, Sinclair J, Kramer A, de Manincor M, Sarris J. Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties. J Transl Med 2020; 18:374. [PMID: 33008420 PMCID: PMC7531079 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis has been documented for use in alleviating anxiety. However, certain research has also shown that it can produce feelings of anxiety, panic, paranoia and psychosis. In humans, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been associated with an anxiogenic response, while anxiolytic activity has been attributed mainly to cannabidiol (CBD). In animal studies, the effects of THC are highly dose-dependent, and biphasic effects of cannabinoids on anxiety-related responses have been extensively documented. A more precise assessment is required of both the anxiolytic and anxiogenic potentials of phytocannabinoids, with an aim towards the development of the 'holy grail' in cannabis research, a medicinally-active formulation which may assist in the treatment of anxiety or mood disorders without eliciting any anxiogenic effects. OBJECTIVES To systematically review studies assessing cannabinoid interventions (e.g. THC or CBD or whole cannabis interventions) both in animals and humans, as well as recent epidemiological studies reporting on anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects from cannabis consumption. METHOD The articles selected for this review were identified up to January 2020 through searches in the electronic databases OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and PsycINFO. RESULTS Acute doses of CBD were found to reduce anxiety both in animals and humans, without having an anxiogenic effect at higher doses. Epidemiological studies tend to support an anxiolytic effect from the consumption of either CBD or THC, as well as whole plant cannabis. Conversely, the available human clinical studies demonstrate a common anxiogenic response to THC (especially at higher doses). CONCLUSION Based on current data, cannabinoid therapies (containing primarily CBD) may provide a more suitable treatment for people with pre-existing anxiety or as a potential adjunctive role in managing anxiety or stress-related disorders. However, further research is needed to explore other cannabinoids and phytochemical constituents present in cannabis (e.g. terpenes) as anxiolytic interventions. Future clinical trials involving patients with anxiety disorders are warranted due to the small number of available human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Sharpe
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Justin Sinclair
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Andrew Kramer
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Michael de Manincor
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
- Department of Psychiatry, The Melbourne Clinic, Professorial Unit, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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26
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Franke TN, Irwin C, Bayer TA, Brenner W, Beindorff N, Bouter C, Bouter Y. In vivo Imaging With 18F-FDG- and 18F-Florbetaben-PET/MRI Detects Pathological Changes in the Brain of the Commonly Used 5XFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:529. [PMID: 33043029 PMCID: PMC7522218 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that are able to detect molecular changes in vivo and transgenic animal models mimicking AD pathologies are essential for the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies. Positron-emission tomography (PET) using either 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) or amyloid-tracers is a well-established, non-invasive tool in the clinical diagnostics of AD assessing two major pathological hallmarks. 18F-FDG-PET is able to detect early changes in cerebral glucose metabolism and amyloid-PET shows cerebral amyloid load. However, the suitability of 18F-FDG- and amyloid-PET in the widely used 5XFAD mouse model of AD is unclear as only a few studies on the use of PET biomarkers are available showing some conflicting results. The aim of this study was the evaluation of 18F-FDG-PET and amyloid-PET in 5XFAD mice in comparison to neurological deficits and neuropathological changes. Seven- and 12-month-old male 5XFAD mice showed a significant reduction in brain glucose metabolism in 18F-FDG-PET and amyloid-PET with 18F-Florbetaben demonstrated an increased cerebral amyloid deposition (n = 4-6 per group). Deficits in spatial reference memory were detected in 12-month-old 5XFAD mice in the Morris Water Maze (n = 10-12 per group). Furthermore, an increased plaque load and gliosis could be proven immunohistochemically in 5XFAD mice (n = 4-6 per group). PET biomarkers 18F-FDG and 18F-Florbetaben detected cerebral hypometabolism and increased plaque load even before the onset of severe memory deficits. Therefore, the 5XFAD mouse model of AD is well-suited for in vivo monitoring of AD pathologies and longitudinal testing of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timon N Franke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Caroline Irwin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas A Bayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Winfried Brenner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicola Beindorff
- Berlin Experimental Radionuclide Imaging Center (BERIC), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Caroline Bouter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Bouter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
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27
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cannabis use for medical purposes has become increasingly common, including as treatment for mental health disorders such as anxiety. Unfortunately, the evidence examining its use in mental health has been slow to evolve, but is emerging. Given the widespread use of cannabis, it is important for both clinicians and those who suffer with anxiety to understand the effects of cannabis on symptoms of anxiety. In this review, we present recent, available evidence from animal models, clinical trials, and survey studies and evaluate the contribution of these studies to the current understanding of the role of cannabis in treating anxiety. RECENT FINDINGS In reviewing recent evidence, we observed significant inconsistencies across findings from preclinical studies. Large-scale surveys suggest that cannabis may be effective in reducing anxiety, however, these results stand in contrast to equivocal findings from clinical trials. SUMMARY The literature evaluating the efficacy of cannabis in anxiety disorders is in its infancy. The survey data is generally positive. Although, while some animal studies posit cannabis constituents to have anxiolytic effects, others suggest the opposite or null results. Few new clinical trials have been conducted recently, and the extant trials have significant flaws in methodology. Although anecdotal evidence from survey studies, and a small signal found in animal studies and single-dose clinical trials provide early support that cannabis may be effective for alleviating anxiety, ultimately, the current evidence is equivocal. More high-quality clinical trials must be published before sound conclusions regarding the efficacy of cannabis for treating anxiety can be drawn.
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28
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Sichler ME, Löw MJ, Schleicher EM, Bayer TA, Bouter Y. Reduced Acoustic Startle Response and Prepulse Inhibition in the Tg4-42 Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2019; 3:269-278. [PMID: 31867566 PMCID: PMC6918877 DOI: 10.3233/adr-190132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorimotor deficits have been described in several neuropsychiatric disorders including Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible sensorimotor gating deficits in the Tg4-42 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease using the prepulse inhibition task (PPI). Previous studies indicated that the hippocampus is essentially involved in the regulation of PPI. We analyzed 7-month-old homozygous Tg4-42 mice as mice at this age display severe neuron loss especially in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Our results revealed a reduced startle response and PPI in Tg4-42 mice. The observed deficits in startle response and PPI are likely due to altered sensory processing abilities rather than hearing deficits as Tg4-42 displayed intact hearing in the fear conditioning task. The present study demonstrates for the first time that sensorimotor gating is impaired in Tg4-42 mice. Analyzing startle response as well as the PPI may offer valuable measurements to assess the efficacy of therapeutic strategies in the future in this Alzheimer’s disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius E Sichler
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian J Löw
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Eva M Schleicher
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Thomas A Bayer
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Bouter
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
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