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Salthammer T. The legalization of cannabis may result in increased indoor exposure to Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. J Hazard Mater 2024; 464:132949. [PMID: 37976847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is a genus of plants in the Cannabaceae family that contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. When heated or burned, the acid decarboxylates to form tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Its (-)-trans-Δ9-THC isomer is a psychoactive substance that has been used as a drug for centuries. In most countries, both the private sale of cannabis products and their use for non-medical purposes are still prohibited by law. However, for some time now there has been societal and political pressure to at least partially legalize cannabis products. It can be expected that such a measure will lead to a significant increase in the consumption of cannabis. However, this also increases the possibility of involuntary passive exposure to THC and contamination of the indoor environment. In indoor sciences, THC is still a largely unknown or underrepresented substance. In this perspective paper, THC will therefore first be presented on the basis of its physical properties. Then, the distribution of THC in different indoor compartments and potential routes of passive exposure are discussed. Finally, an assessment of the future importance of THC for indoor use is made. Previous experience has shown that early monitoring is always advantageous so that preventive and protective measures can be taken quickly if necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tunga Salthammer
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany.
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2
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AlKhelb D, Burke EL, Zvonok A, Iliopoulos-Tsoutsouvas C, Georgiadis MO, Jiang S, Ho TC, Nikas SP, Makriyannis A, Desai RI. Effects of cannabinoid agonists and antagonists in male rats discriminating the synthetic cannabinoid AM2201. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176168. [PMID: 38059442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The synthetic forms of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), dronabinol or nabilone, have been approved to treat several indications. However, due to safety concerns their clinical utility remains limited. Consequently, there is a need for developing cannabinoid (CB) ligands that display better behavioral pharmacological profiles than Δ9-THC. Here, we utilized drug discrimination methods to compare the interoceptive effects of CB ligands that vary in potency, efficacy, and selectivity at the CB receptors, including two ligands, AM411 and AM4089, that show CB1 partial agonist-like actions in vitro. Male rats were trained to discriminate 0.1 mg/kg AM2201 from saline under a fixed-ratio (FR) 10 response schedule of food reinforcement. After establishing AM2201's discriminative-stimulus effects, pretreatment tests with the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant blocked AM2201's effects, whereas the peripherally-restricted antagonist AM6545 had no effect. Next, the generalization profiles of AM411 and AM4089 with CB1 full agonists (JWH-018, CP-55,940, AM8936), partial agonist (Δ9-THC), and non-cannabinoids (fentanyl, atropine) were compared. The CBs either fully (AM2201, CP-55,940, JWH-018, AM8936, Δ9-THC) or partially (AM411, AM4089) substituted for AM2201, whereas fentanyl and atropine did not produce AM2201-like effects. All CB drugs were more potent than Δ9-THC and correlation analysis confirmed that the relative behavioral potencies of CBs corresponded strongly with their relative affinities at the CB1 but not CB2 receptors. Together, our results further demonstrate that AM411 and AM4089 exhibit better pharmacological profiles compared to Δ9-THC, in that they are more potent and display in vivo partial agonist-like actions that are centrally mediated via CB1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal AlKhelb
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 12371, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emily L Burke
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alexander Zvonok
- MAK Scientific LLC, 151 South Bedford Street, Burlington, MA, 01803, USA
| | - Christos Iliopoulos-Tsoutsouvas
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Markos-Orestis Georgiadis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Thanh C Ho
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Spyros P Nikas
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; MAK Scientific LLC, 151 South Bedford Street, Burlington, MA, 01803, USA.
| | - Rajeev I Desai
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Biology Program, Integrative Neurochemistry Laboratory, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.
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Khanal P, Patil VS, Patil BM, Bhattacharya K, Shrivastava AK, Chaudhary RK, Singh L, Dwivedi PS, Harish DR, Roy S. The marijuana-schizophrenia multifaceted nexus: Connections and conundrums towards neurophysiology. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 107:107957. [PMID: 37729848 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, a component of marijuana, interacts with cannabinoid receptors in brain involved in memory, cognition, and emotional control. However, marijuana use and schizophrenia development is a complicated and contentious topic. As a result, more investigation is needed to understand this relationship. Through the functional enrichment analysis, we report the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol to manipulate the homeostatic biological process and molecular function of different macromolecules. Additionally, using molecular docking and subsequent processing for molecular simulations, we assessed the binding ability of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol with the estrogen-related protein, dopamine receptor 5, and hyaluronidase. It was found that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may have an impact on the brain's endocannabinoid system and may trigger the schizophrenia progression in vulnerable people. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may interfere with the biological function of 18 proteins linked to schizophrenia and disrupt the synaptic transmission (dopamine, glutamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid). It was discovered that it may affect lipid homeostasis, which is closely related to membrane integrity and synaptic plasticity. The negative control of cellular and metabolic processes, fatty acids binding /activity, and the manipulated endocannabinoid system (targeting cannabinoid receptors) were also concerned with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Hence, this may alter neurotransmitter signaling involved in memory, cognition, and emotional control, showing its direct impact on brain physiological processes. This may be one of the risk factors for schizophrenia development which is also closely tied to some other variables such as frequency, genetic vulnerability, dosage, and individual susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pukar Khanal
- KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi 590010, India.
| | - Vishal S Patil
- KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi 590010, India; Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - B M Patil
- KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi 590010, India; PRES's Pravara Rural College of Pharmacy Pravaranagar, Loni, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Kunal Bhattacharya
- Pratiksha Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam, India; Royal School of Pharmacy, The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Amit Kumar Shrivastava
- Department of Oriental Pharmacy and Wonkwang-Oriental Medicine Research Institute, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, South Korea
| | - Raushan K Chaudhary
- KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Lokjan Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Teaching Hospital Jumla, Karnali, Nepal
| | - Prarambh Sr Dwivedi
- KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi 590010, India
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Asadi F, Fernandez Andrade JA, Gillies R, Lee K, Dhanvantari S, Hardy DB, Arany EJ. Sex-dependent Effect of In-utero Exposure to Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Glucagon and Stathmin-2 in Adult Rat Offspring. Can J Diabetes 2022; 46:851-862. [PMID: 35985923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) to pregnant rats results in glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and reduced islet mass in female, but not male, offspring. The effects of Δ9-THC on other islet hormones is not known. One downstream target of the cannabinoid receptor, stathmin-2 (Stmn2), has recently been shown to suppress glucagon secretion, thereby suggesting Δ9-THC may also affect alpha-cell function. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of in-utero Δ9-THC exposure on the profile of glucagon, insulin and Stmn2 in the rat offspring islet and serum. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rat dams were injected with Δ9-THC (3 mg/kg per day, intraperitoneally) or vehicle from gestational day 6 to birth. Offspring were euthanized at postnatal day 21 (PND21) or at 5 months (adult) to collect blood and pancreata. RESULTS At PND21, control and Δ9-THC-exposed offspring showed that Stmn2 had a strong colocalization with glucagon (Pearson's correlation coefficient ≥0.6), and a weak colocalization with insulin (Pearson's correlation coefficient <0.4) in both males and females, with no changes by either treatment or sex. In adult female offspring in the Δ9-THC group, intensity analysis indicated an increased insulin-to-glucagon (I/G; p<0.05) ratio and a decreased glucagon-to-Stmn2 (G/S; p<0.01) ratio, and no changes in these ratios in adult males. Furthermore, Δ9-THC did not alter fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels in either male or female adult offspring. However, female Δ9-THC-exposed offspring exhibited an increased I/G ratio (p<0.05) and decreased G/S ratio in serum by adulthood (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Collectively, the reduced G/S ratio in both islet and serum in association with an increased serum I/G ratio has direct correlations with early glucose intolerance and insulin resistance observed exclusively in females' offspring in this prenatal cannabinoid model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Asadi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Andres Fernandez Andrade
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan Gillies
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Barry Hardy
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edith Juliana Arany
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Johnson E, Kilgore M, Babalonis S. Cannabidiol (CBD) product contamination: Quantitative analysis of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC) concentrations found in commercially available CBD products. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 237:109522. [PMID: 35690015 PMCID: PMC9899037 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulation has not kept pace with the growth of the hemp-derived CBD market. We have evaluated the risk of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) contamination in 80 unregulated products with comparison to a regulated control, Epidiolex®. METHODS Local and national brands of hemp-derived oil products were purchased online and from local retailers in central Kentucky (which carry both national and local brands). These were extracted by solvent extraction and quantified by liquid-chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using a validated method. RESULTS Of the 80 unregulated products and Epidiolex®, Δ9-THC was detected above the limit of quantification (LOQ = 0.005 mg/mL) of the assay in 52 samples, ranging from 0.008 mg/mL to 2.071 mg/mL. Twenty-one of the products tested were labelled as "THC-Free", and 5 of these products contained detectable levels of Δ9-THC ranging from 0.015 mg/mL to 0.656 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS Consumers are taking hemp-derived CBD products without understanding the risks of unintentional consumption of Δ9-THC. This accidental use of Δ9-THC could have adverse effects on health and safety as well as potential legal consequences (e.g., child custody, impaired driving), as Δ9-THC drug test findings could impact employment, military, and sport eligibility status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 780 Rose Street, MS-305 Willard Med Science Building, 40536-0298, USA.
| | - Michael Kilgore
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 780 Rose Street, MS-305 Willard Med Science Building, 40536-0298, USA.
| | - Shanna Babalonis
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
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Abstract
Cannabis legalization continues to progress in many US states and other countries. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the major psychoactive constituent in cannabis underlying both its abuse potential and the majority of therapeutic applications. However, the neural mechanisms underlying cannabis action are not fully understood. In this chapter, we first review recent progress in cannabinoid receptor research, and then examine the acute CNS effects of Δ9-THC or other cannabinoids (WIN55212-2) with a focus on their receptor mechanisms. In experimental animals, Δ9-THC or WIN55212-2 produces classical pharmacological effects (analgesia, catalepsy, hypothermia, hypolocomotion), biphasic changes in affect (reward vs. aversion, anxiety vs. anxiety relief), and cognitive deficits (spatial learning and memory, short-term memory). Accumulating evidence indicates that activation of CB1Rs underlies the majority of Δ9-THC or WIN55121-2's pharmacological and behavioral effects. Unexpectedly, glutamatergic CB1Rs preferentially underlie cannabis action relative to GABAergic CB1Rs. Functional roles for CB1Rs expressed on astrocytes and mitochondria have also been uncovered. In addition, Δ9-THC or WIN55212-2 is an agonist at CB2R, GPR55 and PPARγ receptors and recent studies implicate these receptors in a number of their CNS effects. Other receptors (such as serotonin, opioid, and adenosine receptors) also modulate Δ9-THC's actions and their contributions are detailed. This chapter describes the neural mechanisms underlying cannabis action, which may lead to new discoveries in cannabis-based medication development for the treatment of cannabis use disorder and other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Hempel
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Gholami D, Noori AR, Mohammadkhani M, Emruzi Z, Riazi GH. The long-term effects of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on microtubule dynamicity in rats. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 693:108574. [PMID: 32898566 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies reported that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is an essential drug as an anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory agent. However, the mechanism by which Δ9-THC causes these events remains to be elucidated. We attempted to investigate the in vivo studies of Δ9-THC on brain microtubule dynamicity, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The microtubule polymerization, secondary and tertiary structures of α/β-tubulins, as well as the AChE activity, were evaluated in the experimental groups. The significantly lowest optical density and initial rate of polymerization was observed in THC 3 mg/kg, THC 9 mg/kg, and THC 18 mg/kg treated groups. The content of secondary and tertiary structures of α/β-tubulins was significantly affected in treated groups. The AChE activity was significantly lower in treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. These data highlight the microtubule dynamicity as a molecular target for Δ9-THC, which affects memory dysfunction. However, Δ9-THC can be inhibited the AChE activity and provide an improved therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariush Gholami
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Reza Noori
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Mohammadkhani
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Emruzi
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholam Hossein Riazi
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Rowton SS, Rocha BA, Porter IE. Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Drug discrimination abuse liability testing in female Lister Hooded rats: Trials, tribulations and triumphs. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2020; 106:106937. [PMID: 33096236 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2020.106937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The assessment of the abuse potential of CNS-active drugs is a regulatory requirement. Drug discrimination is one of the nonclinical tests that contribute to this assessment by providing information on a drug's potential to induce a discriminative stimulus comparable to that of a known drug of abuse. AIM The objective was to validate drug discrimination in the rat for the purpose of supporting regulatory submissions for novel drugs with potential cannabinoid-like activity. METHODS Ten female Lister hooded rats were trained to discriminate no-drug from Δ9-THC (1.5 mg/kg, IP) under a FR10 schedule of reinforcement. Once trained, a Δ9-THC dose-response curve was obtained using doses of 0.25, 0.75, 1.5, and 3 mg/kg, IP. This was followed by evaluation of amphetamine (0.3 mg/kg, SC); morphine (3 mg/kg, IP); midazolam (2.5 mg/kg, PO); and the synthetic cannabinoids WIN55,212-2 (0.75 to 2 mg/kg, IP), CP-47,497 (0.5 to 2 mg/kg, IP), and JWH-018 (1 mg/kg, IP) for their discriminative stimulus similarity to Δ9-THC. RESULTS Pharmacological specificity was demonstrated by achieving the anticipated dose-response curve for Δ9-THC, and a vehicle-like response for the non-cannabinoid drugs. Although full generalisation was obtained for JWH-018, in contrast to published literature, WIN55,212-2 and CP-47,497 failed to generalise to Δ9-THC. DISCUSSION Based on the literature review performed in light of the results obtained, contrasting and unpredictable behavioural responses produced by cannabinoids in animals and humans raises the question of the reliability and relevance of including drug discrimination and self-administration studies within an abuse potential assessment for novel cannabinoid-like drugs.
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Ponzoni L, Moretti M, Braida D, Zoli M, Clementi F, Viani P, Sala M, Gotti C. Increased sensitivity to Δ 9-THC-induced rewarding effects after seven-week exposure to electronic and tobacco cigarettes in mice. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:566-576. [PMID: 30773388 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette (CIG) smoking often precedes the use of illegal drugs. Electronic-cigarettes (e-CIGs) have been promoted as a means of stopping smoking and reducing the harmful effects of CIGs on the population. However, although e-CIGs eliminate some of the morbidity associated with combustible tobacco, they are still nicotine-delivery devices. In order to study whether the nicotine delivered via e-CIG acts as "a gateway drug" to the use of cannabis, we analysed the behavioural and molecular effects of 7 weeks' pre-exposure to air (AIR), e-CIGs or CIGs on addiction-related conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice using a sub-threshold (0.01 mg/kg) dose of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. After 8 and 66 days of withdrawal, this Δ9-THC dose was ineffective in inducing CPP in mice pre-exposed to pump-driven AIR, but very effective in mice pre-exposed to e-CIGs or CIGs. Exposure to e-CIGs or CIGs increases the expression of ΔFosB in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), which remains high during short-term e-CIG or CIG withdrawal and long-term CIG withdrawal and is not influenced by treatment with Δ9-THC. At the end of e-CIG or CIG exposure and during withdrawal, the mice also had a higher AMPA receptors GluA1/GluA2-3 ratio in the NAc. Chronic nicotine exposure increases sensitivity to rewarding effects of Δ9-THC in mice and produces long-lasting neurobiological changes regardless of the delivery method (CIG vs. e-CIG). The exposure to passive tobacco smoke or e-CIG vapours can similarly increase vulnerability to the effects of cannabis and possibly other drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milena Moretti
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Braida
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Clementi
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariaelvina Sala
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Alapafuja SO, Malamas MS, Shukla V, Zvonok A, Miller S, Daily L, Rajarshi G, Miyabe CY, Chandrashekhar H, Wood J, Tyukhtenko S, Straiker A, Makriyannis A. Synthesis and evaluation of potent and selective MGL inhibitors as a glaucoma treatment. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:55-64. [PMID: 30446439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) inhibition provides a potential treatment approach to glaucoma through the regulation of ocular 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels and the activation of CB1 receptors. Herein, we report the discovery of new series of carbamates as highly potent and selective MGL inhibitors. The new inhibitors showed potent nanomolar inhibitory activity against recombinant human and purified rat MGL, were selective (>1000-fold) against serine hydrolases FAAH and ABHD6 and lacked any affinity for the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Protein-based 1H NMR experiments indicated that inhibitor 2 rapidly formed a covalent adduct with MGL with a residence time of about 6 h. This interconversion process "intrinsic reversibility" was exploited by modifications of the ligand's size (length and bulkiness) to generate analogs with "tunable' adduct residence time (τ). Inhibitor 2 was evaluated in a normotensive murine model for assessing intraocular pressure (IOP), which could lead to glaucoma, a major cause of blindness. Inhibitor 2 was found to decrease ocular pressure by ∼4.5 mmHg in a sustained manner for at least 12 h after a single ocular application, underscoring the potential for topically-administered MGL inhibitors as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael S Malamas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Vidyanand Shukla
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexander Zvonok
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sally Miller
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Laura Daily
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Girija Rajarshi
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christina Yume Miyabe
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Honrao Chandrashekhar
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - JodiAnne Wood
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sergiy Tyukhtenko
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alex Straiker
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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11
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Burnier C, Esseiva P, Roussel C. Quantification of THC in Cannabis plants by fast-HPLC-DAD: A promising method for routine analyses. Talanta 2019; 192:135-41. [PMID: 30348368 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is mainly used in forensic sciences but suffers from limitations when the analysed compounds are thermally instable as it is the case for THC-A (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) which is converted into Δ9-THC (Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) that subsequently partially degrades. We propose herein a Fast High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (Fast-HPLC-DAD) method which allows the efficient separation of CBN (Cannabinol), CBD (Cannabidiol), THC-A and Δ9-THC, the major cannabinoids compounds found in cannabis plants in less than 5 min. Our method allows also the proper quantification of Δ9-THC in plant extracts using an external calibration method with a very good accuracy as pointed out by a recovery of 100.53 ± 3.12%. It is also an interesting low cost alternative to Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for routine analyses in forensic sciences.
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12
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Malamas MS, Raghav JG, Ma X, Honrao C, Wood JT, Benchama O, Zhou H, Mallipeddi S, Makriyannis A. Oximes short-acting CB1 receptor agonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:4963-4970. [PMID: 30122284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
New oximes short-acting CB1 agonists were explored by the introduction of an internal oxime and polar groups at the C3 alkyl tail of Δ8-THC. The scope of the research was to drastically alter two important physicochemical properties hydrophobicity (log P) and topological surface area (tPSA) of the compound, which play a critical role in tissue distribution and sequestration (depot effect). Key synthesized analogs demonstrated sub-nanomolar affinity for CB1, marked reduction in hydrophobicity (ClogP∼2.5-3.5 vs 9.09 of Δ8-THC-DMH), and found to function as either agonists (trans-oximes) or neutral antagonists (cis-oximes) in a cAMP functional assay. All oxime analogs showed comparable affinity at the CB2 receptor, but surprisingly they were found to function as inverse agonists for CB2. In behavioral studies (i.e. analgesia, hypothermia) trans-oxime 8a exhibited a predictable fast onset (∼20 min) and short duration of pharmacological action (∼180 min), in contrast to the very prolonged duration of Δ8-THC-DMH (>24 h), thus limiting the potential for severe psychotropic side-effects associated with persistent activation of the CB1 receptor. We have conducted 100 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of CB1 complexes with AM11542 (CB1 agonist) and both trans-8a and cis-8b isomeric oximes. These studies revealed that the C3 alkyl tail of cis-8b orientated within the CB1 binding pocket in a manner that triggered a conformational change that stabilized the CB1 receptor at its inactive-state (antagonistic functional effect). In contrast, the trans-8a isomer's conformation was coincided with that of the AM11542 CB1 agonist-bound structure, stabilizing the CB1 receptor at the active-state (agonistic functional effect). We have selected oxime trans-8a based on its potency for CB1, and favorable pharmacodynamic profile, such as fast onset and predictable duration of pharmacological action, for evaluation in pre-clinical models of anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Malamas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Jimit Girish Raghav
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Chandrashekhar Honrao
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - JodiAnne T Wood
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Othman Benchama
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Han Zhou
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Srikrishnan Mallipeddi
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Androvicova R, Horacek J, Stark T, Drago F, Micale V. Endocannabinoid system in sexual motivational processes: Is it a novel therapeutic horizon? Pharmacol Res 2016; 115:200-208. [PMID: 27884725 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is composed of the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) for marijuana's psychoactive ingredient Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the endogenous ligands (AEA and 2-AG) and the enzymatic systems involved in their biosynthesis and degradation, recently emerged as important modulator of emotional and non-emotional behaviors. For centuries, in addition to its recreational actions, several contradictory claims regarding the effects of Cannabis use in sexual functioning and behavior (e.g. aphrodisiac vs anti-aphrodisiac) of both sexes have been accumulated. The identification of Δ9-THC and later on, the discovery of the ECS have opened a potential therapeutic target for sexual dysfunctions, given the partial efficacy of current pharmacological treatment. In agreement with the bidirectional modulation induced by cannabinoids on several behavioral responses, the endogenous cannabinoid AEA elicited biphasic effects on sexual behavior as well. The present article reviews current available knowledge on herbal, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids with respect to the modulation of several aspects of sexuality in preclinical and human studies, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Androvicova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Horacek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Ossato A, Canazza I, Trapella C, Vincenzi F, De Luca MA, Rimondo C, Varani K, Borea PA, Serpelloni G, Marti M. Effect of JWH-250, JWH-073 and their interaction on "tetrad", sensorimotor, neurological and neurochemical responses in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 67:31-50. [PMID: 26780169 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
JWH-250 and JWH-073 are two synthetic cannabinoid agonists with nanomolar affinity at CB1 and CB2 receptors. They are illegally marketed within "herbal blend" for theirs psychoactive effects greater than those produced by Cannabis. Recently, we analyzed an "herbal" preparation containing a mixture of both JWH-250 and JWH-073. The present study was aimed at investigating the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity of JWH-250 and JWH-073 in male CD-1 mice. In vitro competition binding experiments performed on mouse and human CB1 and CB2 receptors revealed a nanomolar affinity and potency of the JWH-250 and JWH-073. In vivo studies showed that JWH-250 and JWH-073, administered separately, induced a marked hypothermia, increased pain threshold to both noxious mechanical and thermal stimuli, caused catalepsy, reduced motor activity, impaired sensorimotor responses (visual, acoustic and tactile), caused seizures, myoclonia, hyperreflexia and promote aggressiveness in mice. Moreover, microdialysis study in freely moving mice showed that systemic administration of JWH-250 and JWH-073 stimulated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens in a dose-dependent manner. Behavioral, neurological and neurochemical effects were fully prevented by the selective CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM 251. Co-administration of ineffective doses of JWH-250 and JWH-073 impaired visual sensorimotor responses, improved mechanical pain threshold and stimulated mesolimbic DA transmission in mice, living unchanged all other behavioral and physiological parameters. For the first time the present study demonstrates the overall pharmacological effects induced by the administration of JWH-250 and JWH-073 in mice and it reveals their potentially synergistic action suggesting that co-administration of different synthetic cannabinoids may potentiate the detrimental effects of individual compounds increasing their dangerousness and abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ossato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Isabella Canazza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudia Rimondo
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Medicine and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy; Center for Neuroscience and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, Italy.
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ElSohly MA, Mehmedic Z, Foster S, Gon C, Chandra S, Church JC. Changes in Cannabis Potency Over the Last 2 Decades (1995-2014): Analysis of Current Data in the United States. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:613-9. [PMID: 26903403 PMCID: PMC4987131 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 598] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and all over the world. Reports indicate that the potency of cannabis preparation has been increasing. This report examines the concentration of cannabinoids in illicit cannabis products seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration over the last 2 decades, with particular emphasis on Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. METHODS Samples in this report were received over time from materials confiscated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and processed for analysis using a validated gas chromatography with flame ionization detector method. RESULTS Between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2014, 38,681 samples of cannabis preparations were received and analyzed. The data showed that although the number of marijuana samples seized over the last 4 years has declined, the number of sinsemilla samples has increased. Overall, the potency of illicit cannabis plant material has consistently increased over time since 1995 from ~4% in 1995 to ~12% in 2014. The cannabidiol content has decreased on average from ~.28% in 2001 to <.15% in 2014, resulting in a change in the ratio of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol to cannabidiol from 14 times in 1995 to ~80 times in 2014. CONCLUSIONS There is a shift in the production of illicit cannabis plant material from regular marijuana to sinsemilla. This increase in potency poses higher risk of cannabis use, particularly among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A. ElSohly
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS,Author contact information - phone number (662) 915-5928, Fax (662) 915-5587,
| | - Zlatko Mehmedic
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS
| | - Susan Foster
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS
| | - Chandrani Gon
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS
| | - Suman Chandra
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS
| | - James C. Church
- Department of Computer Science, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA
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16
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Ossato A, Vigolo A, Trapella C, Seri C, Rimondo C, Serpelloni G, Marti M. JWH-018 impairs sensorimotor functions in mice. Neuroscience 2015; 300:174-88. [PMID: 25987201 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Naphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)methanone (JWH-018) is a synthetic cannabinoid agonist illegally marketed in "Spice" and "herbal blend" for its psychoactive effect greater than those produced by cannabis. In rodents JWH-018 reproduces typical effects of (-)-Δ(9)-THC or Dronabinol® (Δ(9)-THC) such as hypothermia, analgesia, hypolocomotion and akinesia, while its effects on sensorimotor functions are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of acute administration of JWH-018 (0.01-6mg/kg i.p.) on sensorimotor functions in male CD-1 mice and to compare its effects with those caused by the administration of Δ(9)-THC (0.01-6mg/kg i.p.). A specific battery of behavioral tests were adopted to investigate effects of cannabinoid agonists on sensorimotor functions (visual, auditory, tactile) and neurological changes (convulsion, myoclonia, hyperreflexia) while video-tracking analysis was used to study spontaneous locomotion. JWH-018 administration inhibited sensorimotor responses at lower doses (0.01-0.1mg/kg), reduced spontaneous locomotion at intermediate/high doses (1-6mg/kg) and induced convulsions, myoclonia and hyperreflexia at high doses (6mg/kg). Similarly, administration of Δ(9)-THC reduced sensorimotor responses in mice but it did not inhibit spontaneous locomotion and it did not induce neurological alterations. All behavioral effects and neurological alterations were prevented by the administration of the selective CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-(piperidin-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM 251). For the first time these data demonstrate that JWH-018 impairs sensorimotor responses in mice. This aspect should be carefully evaluated to better understand the potential danger that JWH-018 may pose to public health, with particular reference to decreased performance in driving and hazardous works.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ossato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - A Vigolo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Seri
- Italian National Early Warning System, Drug Policies Department, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Verona Coordination Unit, Italy
| | - C Rimondo
- Italian National Early Warning System, Drug Policies Department, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Verona Coordination Unit, Italy; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Verona, Italy
| | - G Serpelloni
- Italian National Early Warning System, Drug Policies Department, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Verona Coordination Unit, Italy
| | - M Marti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy; Center for Neuroscience and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, Italy.
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17
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Coskun ZM, Bolkent S. Biochemical and immunohistochemical changes in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-treated type 2 diabetic rats. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:112-6. [PMID: 23845579 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of glucose, lipid metabolism and immunoreactivities of insulin and glucagon peptides by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC) in diabetes were examined in an experimental rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) Δ(9)-THC treated, (3) diabetic, and (4) diabetic+Δ(9)-THC. The type 2 diabetic rat model was established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of nicotinamide (85 mg/kg body weight) followed after 15 min by i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 65 mg/kg of body weight. Δ(9)-THC and Δ(9)-THC treated diabetic groups received 3mg/kg/day of Δ(9)-THC for 7 days. The immunolocalization of insulin and glucagon peptides was investigated in the pancreas using a streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and total protein (TP) levels were measured in serum. Total islet area percent of insulin immunoreactive cells slightly changed in diabetic+Δ(9)-THC rats compared to diabetic animals. However, the area percent of glucagon immunoreactive cells showed a decrease in diabetic+Δ(9)-THC rats compared to that of diabetic animals alone. Serum TC, HDL and LDL levels of diabetes+Δ(9)-THC group showed a decrease compared to the diabetic group. These results indicate that Δ(9)-THC may serve a protective role against hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Mine Coskun
- Health Services Vocational School, Istanbul Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Sema Bolkent
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Tomiyama K, Funada M. Cytotoxicity of synthetic cannabinoids on primary neuronal cells of the forebrain: the involvement of cannabinoid CB1 receptors and apoptotic cell death. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2014; 274:17-23. [PMID: 24211273 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The abuse of herbal products containing synthetic cannabinoids has become an issue of public concern. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the acute cytotoxicity of synthetic cannabinoids on mouse brain neuronal cells. Cytotoxicity induced by synthetic cannabinoid (CP-55,940, CP-47,497, CP-47,497-C8, HU-210, JWH-018, JWH-210, AM-2201, and MAM-2201) was examined using forebrain neuronal cultures. These synthetic cannabinoids induced cytotoxicity in the forebrain cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxicity was suppressed by preincubation with the selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251, but not with the selective CB2 receptor antagonist AM630. Furthermore, annexin-V-positive cells were found among the treated forebrain cells. Synthetic cannabinoid treatment induced the activation of caspase-3, and preincubation with a caspase-3 inhibitor significantly suppressed the cytotoxicity. These synthetic cannabinoids induced apoptosis through a caspase-3-dependent mechanism in the forebrain cultures. Our results indicate that the cytotoxicity of synthetic cannabinoids towards primary neuronal cells is mediated by the CB1 receptor, but not by the CB2 receptor, and further suggest that caspase cascades may play an important role in the apoptosis induced by these synthetic cannabinoids. In conclusion, excessive synthetic cannabinoid abuse may present a serious acute health concern due to neuronal damage or deficits in the brain.
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Darmani NA, Chebolu S, Zhong W, Trinh C, McClanahan B, Brar RS. Additive antiemetic efficacy of low-doses of the cannabinoid CB(1/2) receptor agonist Δ(9)-THC with ultralow-doses of the vanilloid TRPV1 receptor agonist resiniferatoxin in the least shrew (Cryptotis parva). Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 722:147-55. [PMID: 24157976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that cannabinoid CB1/2 and vanilloid TRPV1 agonists (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC) and resiniferatoxin (RTX), respectively) can attenuate the emetic effects of chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin. In this study we used the least shrew to demonstrate whether combinations of varying doses of Δ(9)-THC with resiniferatoxin can produce additive antiemetic efficacy against cisplatin-induced vomiting. RTX by itself caused vomiting in a bell-shaped dose-dependent manner with maximal vomiting at 18 μg/kg when administered subcutaneously (s.c.) but not intraperitoneally (i.p.). Δ(9)-THC up to 10 mg/kg provides only 80% protection of least shrews from cisplatin-induced emesis with an ID50 of 0.3-1.8 mg/kg. Combinations of 1 or 5 μg/kg RTX with varying doses of Δ(9)-THC completely suppressed both the frequency and the percentage of shrews vomiting with ID50 dose values 5-50 times lower than Δ(9)-THC doses tested alone against cisplatin. A less potent TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin, by itself did not cause emesis (i.p. or s.c.), but it did significantly reduce vomiting induced by cisplatin given after 30 min but not at 2 h. The TRPV1-receptor antagonist, ruthenium red, attenuated cisplatin-induced emesis at 5mg/kg; however, another TRPV1-receptor antagonist, capsazepine, did not. In summary, we present evidence that combination of CB1/2 and TRPV1 agonists have the capacity to completely abolish cisplatin-induced emesis at doses that are ineffective when used individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nissar A Darmani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
| | - Seetha Chebolu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Weixia Zhong
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Chung Trinh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Bryan McClanahan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Rajivinder S Brar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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Gomes FV, Del Bel EA, Guimarães FS. Cannabidiol attenuates catalepsy induced by distinct pharmacological mechanisms via 5-HT1A receptor activation in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 46:43-7. [PMID: 23791616 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic compound from Cannabis sativa plant that produces antipsychotic effects in rodents and humans. It also reverses L-dopa-induced psychotic symptoms and improves motor function in Parkinson's patients. This latter effect raised the possibility that CBD could have beneficial effects on motor related striatal disorders. To investigate this possibility we evaluated if CBD would prevent catalepsy induced by drugs with distinct pharmacological mechanisms. The catalepsy test is largely used to investigate impairments of motor function caused by interference on striatal function. Male Swiss mice received acute pretreatment with CBD (5, 15, 30 or 60mg/kg, ip) 30min prior to the D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol (0.6mg/kg), the non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-nitro-N-arginine (L-NOARG, 80mg/kg) or the CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (5mg/kg). The mice were tested 1, 2 or 4h after haloperidol, L-NOARG or WIN55,212-2 injection. These drugs significantly increased catalepsy time and this effect was attenuated dose-dependently by CBD. CBD, by itself, did not induce catalepsy. In a second set of experiments the mechanism of CBD effects was investigated. Thirty minutes before CBD (30mg/kg) the animals received the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (0.1mg/kg). The anticataleptic effect of CBD was prevented by WAY100635. These findings indicate that CBD can attenuate catalepsy caused by different mechanisms (D2 blockade, NOS inhibition and CB1 agonism) via 5-HT1A receptor activation, suggesting that it could be useful in the treatment of striatal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil.
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Zhang CQ, Wu HJ, Wang SY, Yin S, Lu XJ, Miao Y, Wang XH, Yang XL, Wang Z. Suppression of outward K⁺ currents by WIN55212-2 in rat retinal ganglion cells is independent of CB1/CB2 receptors. Neuroscience 2013; 253:183-93. [PMID: 24013008 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 08/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) signaling system is extensively distributed in the vertebrate retina. Activation of CB1Rs regulates a variety of functions of retinal neurons through modulating different ion channels. In the present work we studied effects of this receptor signaling on K(+) channels in retinal ganglion cells by patch-clamp techniques. The CB1R agonist WIN55212-2 (WIN) suppressed outward K(+) currents in acutely isolated rat retinal ganglion cells in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 4.7 μM. We further showed that WIN mainly suppressed the tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive K(+) current component. While CB1Rs were expressed in rat retinal ganglion cells, the WIN effect on K(+) currents was not blocked by either AM251/SR141716, specific CB1R antagonists, or AM630, a selective CB2R antagonist. Consistently, cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways were unlikely involved in the WIN-induced suppression of the K(+) currents because both PKA inhibitors H-89/Rp-cAMP and MAPK/ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 failed to block the WIN effects. WIN-induced suppression of the K(+) currents was not observed when WIN was intracellularly applied. Furthermore, an endogenous ligand of the cannabinoid receptor anandamide, the specific CB1R agonist ACEA and the selective CB2R agonist CB65 also suppressed the K(+) currents, and the effects were not blocked by AM251/SR141716 or AM630 respectively. All these results suggest that the WIN-induced suppression of the outward K(+) currents in rat retinal ganglion cells, thereby regulating the cell excitability, were not through CB1R/CB2R signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-Q Zhang
- Institutes of Brain Science, Institute of Neurobiology and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Franklin JM, Mathew M, Carrasco GA. Cannabinoid-induced upregulation of serotonin 2A receptors in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Neurosci Lett 2013; 548:165-9. [PMID: 23721787 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recent behavioral reports suggest that repeated exposure to cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid agonists is linked with mental disorders associated with dysfunction of serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor neurotransmission such as anxiety and depression. Here, we studied the effect of a nonselective cannabinoid agonist, CP55940, on the activity of 5-HT2A receptors in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). We detected that repeated exposure to CP55940 enhanced the prolactin and corticosterone neuroendocrine responses mediated by 5-HT2A receptors and increased the membrane-associated levels of 5-HT2A receptors in PVN. Importantly, we also detected increased anxiety-like behaviors in CP55940 treated rats compared to controls. The data presented here suggest that the mechanisms mediating the cannabinoid-induced upregulation of 5-HT2A receptors would be brain-region specific, as we were unable to detect a CP55940-induced upregulation of 5-HT2A mRNA. Our results might provide insight into the molecular mechanism by which repeated exposure to cannabinoids could be associated with the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade M Franklin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, 3048B Malott Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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