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Barutta F, Bellini S, Mastrocola R, Gambino R, Piscitelli F, di Marzo V, Corbetta B, Vemuri VK, Makriyannis A, Annaratone L, Bruno G, Gruden G. Reversal of albuminuria by combined AM6545 and perindopril therapy in experimental diabetic nephropathy. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:4371-4385. [PMID: 30184259 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The endocannabinoid (EC) system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We investigated the effects of peripheral blockade of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor as an add-on treatment to ACE-inhibition in type 1 diabetic mice (DM) with established albuminuria. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Renal functional parameters (albumin excretion rate, creatinine clearance), tubular injury, renal structure, both EC and CB receptor levels and markers of podocyte dysfunction, fibrosis and inflammation were studied in streptozotocin-induced DM treated for 14 weeks with vehicle, the ACE-inhibitor perindopril (2 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ), peripherally-restricted CB1 receptor antagonist AM6545 (10 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) or both. Treatments began at 8 weeks after diabetes onset, when early DN is established. KEY RESULTS CB1 receptors were overexpressed in DM and neither perindopril nor AM6545 altered this effect, while both drugs abolished diabetes-induced overexpression of angiotensin AT1 receptors. Single treatment with either AM6545 or perindopril significantly reduced progression of albuminuria, down-regulation of nephrin and podocin, inflammation and expression of markers of fibrosis. However, reversal of albuminuria was only observed in mice administered both treatments. The ability of the combination therapy to completely abolish slit diaphragm protein loss, monocyte infiltration, overexpression of inflammatory markers and favour macrophage polarization towards an M2 phenotype may explain this greater efficacy. In vitro experiments confirmed that CB1 receptor activation directly inhibits retinoic acid-induced nephrin expression in podocytes and IL-4-induced M2 polarization in macrophages. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Peripheral CB1 receptor blockade used as add-on treatment to ACE-inhibition reverses albuminuria, nephrin loss and inflammation in DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barutta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - S Bellini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - R Mastrocola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - R Gambino
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry - CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - V di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry - CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - B Corbetta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - V K Vemuri
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L Annaratone
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Bruno
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Gruden
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Calogeropoulou T, Koufaki M, Tsotinis A, Balzarini J, De Clercq E, Makriyannis A. Synthesis and anti-HIV Evaluation of Alkyl and Alkoxyethyl Phosphodiester AZT Derivatives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/095632029500600106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A series of new AZT conjugates with alkyl and oxyalkyl ether phospholipids was synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activities against HIV-1 and HIV-2. The alkoxyethyl derivatives 6a-c proved 3- to 5-fold more active against HIV-1 and HIV-2 than the alkyl analogues 6d-f. A trend for higher activity with longer alkyl side-chains was observed. However, the analogues with the shortest chain possessed the most favourable therapeutic index.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vas. Constantinou Ave., GR-11635 Athens, Greece
| | - M. Koufaki
- Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vas. Constantinou Ave., GR-11635 Athens, Greece
| | - A. Tsotinis
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli ZOGRAFOU, GR-15771 Athens, Greece
| | - J. Balzarini
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - E. De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - A. Makriyannis
- Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vas. Constantinou Ave., GR-11635 Athens, Greece
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3
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Abalo R, Chen C, Vera G, Fichna J, Thakur GA, López-Pérez AE, Makriyannis A, Martín-Fontelles MI, Storr M. In vitro and non-invasive in vivo effects of the cannabinoid-1 receptor agonist AM841 on gastrointestinal motor function in the rat. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:1721-35. [PMID: 26387676 PMCID: PMC4918633 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids have been traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but the associated central effects, through cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1R), constitute an important drawback. Our aims were to characterize the effects of the recently developed highly potent long-acting megagonist AM841 on GI motor function and to determine its central effects in rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats were used for in vitro and in vivo studies. The effect of AM841 was tested on electrically induced twitch contractions of GI preparations (in vitro) and on GI motility measured radiographically after contrast administration (in vivo). Central effects of AM841 were evaluated using the cannabinoid tetrad. The non-selective cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) was used for comparison. The CB1R (AM251) and CB2R (AM630) antagonists were used to characterize cannabinoid receptor-mediated effects of AM841. KEY RESULTS AM841 dose-dependently reduced in vitro contractile activity of rat GI preparations via CB1R, but not CB2R or opioid receptors. In vivo, AM841 acutely and potently reduced gastric emptying and intestinal transit in a dose-dependent and AM251-sensitive manner. The in vivo GI effects of AM841 at 0.1 mg/kg were comparable to those induced by WIN at 5 mg/kg. However, at this dose, AM841 did not induce any sign of the cannabinoid tetrad, whereas WIN induced significant central effects. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The CB1R megagonist AM841 may potently depress GI motor function in the absence of central effects. This effect may be mediated peripherally and may be useful in the treatment of GI motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Abalo
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición y Unidad Asociada al Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) y al Centro de Investigación de Alimentos (CIAL) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain,Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo multidisciplinar de investigación y tratamiento del dolor (i+DOL),Corresponding author: Abalo R, Área de Farmacología y Nutrición. Dpto. Ciencias Básicas de la Salud. Fac. Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. de Atenas s/n. 28922 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain, Telf: +34 91 488 88 54, Fax: +34 91 488 89 55,
| | - C Chen
- MedizinischeKlinik 2 der Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany,Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - G Vera
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición y Unidad Asociada al Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) y al Centro de Investigación de Alimentos (CIAL) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain,Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo multidisciplinar de investigación y tratamiento del dolor (i+DOL)
| | - J Fichna
- MedizinischeKlinik 2 der Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - GA Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston MA
| | - AE López-Pérez
- Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo multidisciplinar de investigación y tratamiento del dolor (i+DOL),Unidad del Dolor, Servicio de Anestesiología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeaster Universtiy, Boston, MA
| | - MI Martín-Fontelles
- Área de Farmacología y Nutrición y Unidad Asociada al Instituto de Química Médica (IQM) y al Centro de Investigación de Alimentos (CIAL) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain,Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco de Santander-Grupo multidisciplinar de investigación y tratamiento del dolor (i+DOL)
| | - M Storr
- MedizinischeKlinik 2 der Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Avraham HK, Jiang S, Fu Y, Rockenstein E, Makriyannis A, Wood J, Wang L, Masliah E, Avraham S. Impaired neurogenesis by HIV-1-Gp120 is rescued by genetic deletion of fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:4603-14. [PMID: 24571443 PMCID: PMC4594266 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose The HIV-envelope glycoprotein Gp120 is involved in neuronal injury and is associated with neuro-AIDS pathogenesis in the brain. Endocannabinoids are important lipid ligands in the CNS regulating neural functions, and their degeneration is controlled by hydrolysing enzymes such as the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Here, we examined whether in vivo genetic deletion of Faah gene prevents HIV-1 Gp120-mediated effects on neurogenesis. Experimental Approach We generated new GFAP/Gp120 transgenic (Tg) mice that have genetic deletion of Faah gene by mating glial fribillary acidic protein (GFAP)/Gp120 Tg mice with Faah−/− mice. Neurogenesis and cell death were assessed by immunocytochemical analysis. Key Results Endocannabinoid levels in the brain of the double GFAP/Gp120//Faah−/− mice were similar to those observed in Faah−/− mice. However, unlike the impaired neurogenesis observed in GFAP/Gp120 Tg mice and Faah−/− mice, these GFAP/Gp120//Faah-/ mice showed significantly improved neurogenesis in the hippocampus, indicated by a significant increase in neuroblasts and neuronal cells, an increase in BrdU+ cells and doublecortin positive cells (DCX+), and an increase in the number of PCNA. Furthermore, a significant decrease in astrogliosis and gliogenesis was observed in GFAP/Gp120//Faah−/−mice and neurogenesis was stimulated by neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and/or the newly formed NPC niches characterized by increased COX-2 expression and elevated levels of PGE2. Conclusions and Implications In vivo genetic ablation of Faah, resulted in enhanced neurogenesis through modulation of the newly generated NPC niches in GFAP/Gp120//Faah−/− mice. This suggests a novel approach of using FAAH inhibitors to enhance neurogenesis in HIV-1 infected brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Avraham
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Jiang
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Y Fu
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E Rockenstein
- Department of Neurosciences and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Wood
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L Wang
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S Avraham
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
The endocannabinoid system comprises the two well characterized Gi/o‐protein coupled receptors (cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and CB2), their endogenous lipid ligands, and the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis and biotransformation. Drug discovery efforts relating to the endocannabinoid system have been focused mainly on the two cannabinoid receptors and the two endocannabinoid deactivating enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL). This review provides an overview of cannabinergic agents used in drug research and those being explored clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Kiran Vemuri
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Keenan CM, Storr MA, Thakur GA, Wood JT, Wager-Miller J, Straiker A, Eno MR, Nikas SP, Bashashati M, Hu H, Mackie K, Makriyannis A, Sharkey KA. AM841, a covalent cannabinoid ligand, powerfully slows gastrointestinal motility in normal and stressed mice in a peripherally restricted manner. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2406-18. [PMID: 25572435 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid (CB) ligands have been demonstrated to have utility as novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of pain, metabolic conditions and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. However, many of these ligands are centrally active, which limits their usefulness. Here, we examine a unique novel covalent CB receptor ligand, AM841, to assess its potential for use in physiological and pathophysiological in vivo studies. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The covalent nature of AM841 was determined in vitro using electrophysiological and receptor internalization studies on isolated cultured hippocampal neurons. Mouse models were used for behavioural analysis of analgesia, hypothermia and hypolocomotion. The motility of the small and large intestine was assessed in vivo under normal conditions and after acute stress. The brain penetration of AM841 was also determined. KEY RESULTS AM841 behaved as an irreversible CB1 receptor agonist in vitro. AM841 potently reduced GI motility through an action on CB1 receptors in the small and large intestine under physiological conditions. AM841 was even more potent under conditions of acute stress and was shown to normalize accelerated GI motility under these conditions. This compound behaved as a peripherally restricted ligand, showing very little brain penetration and no characteristic centrally mediated CB1 receptor-mediated effects (analgesia, hypothermia or hypolocomotion). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS AM841, a novel peripherally restricted covalent CB1 receptor ligand that was shown to be remarkably potent, represents a new class of potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of functional GI disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Keenan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Li H, Wood JT, Whitten KM, Vadivel SK, Seng S, Makriyannis A, Avraham HK. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase activates Nrf2 signalling and induces heme oxygenase 1 transcription in breast cancer cells. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:489-505. [PMID: 23347118 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endocannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) are important lipid ligands regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Their levels are regulated by hydrolase enzymes, the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL). Here, we investigated whether FAAH or AEA are involved in NF (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant responsive element (ARE) pathway. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of AEA or FAAH inhibition by the URB597 inhibitor or FAAH/siRNA on the activation of Nrf2-ARE signalling pathway and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction and transcription. KEY RESULTS Endogenous AEA was detected in the immortalized human mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells (0.034 ng per 10(6) cells) but not in MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Because breast tumour cells express FAAH abundantly, we examined the effects of FAAH on Nrf2/antioxidant pathway. We found that inhibition of FAAH by the URB597 inhibitor induced antioxidant HO-1 in breast cancer cells and MCF-10A cells. RNAi-mediated knockdown of FAAH or treatment with AEA-activated ARE-containing reporter induced HO-1 mRNA and protein expression, independent of the cannabinoid receptors, CB1, CB2 or TRPV1. Furthermore, URB597, AEA and siRNA-FAAH treatments induced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, while siRNA-Nrf2 treatment and Keap1 expression blocked AEA, URB597 and si-FAAH from activation of ARE reporter and HO-1 induction. siRNA-HO-1 treatment decreased the viability of breast cancer cells and MCF-10A cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data uncovered a novel mechanism by which inhibition of FAAH or exposure to AEA induced HO-1 transcripts and implicating AEA and FAAH as direct modifiers in signalling mediated activation of Nrf2-HO-1 pathway, independent of cannabinoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Li
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Bashashati M, Storr MA, Nikas SP, Wood JT, Godlewski G, Liu J, Ho W, Keenan CM, Zhang H, Alapafuja SO, Cravatt BF, Lutz B, Mackie K, Kunos G, Patel KD, Makriyannis A, Davison JS, Sharkey KA. Inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase normalizes endotoxin-induced enhanced gastrointestinal motility in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:1556-71. [PMID: 21883147 PMCID: PMC3372737 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01644.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Gastrointestinal (GI) motility is regulated in part by fatty acid ethanolamides (FAEs), including the endocannabinoid (EC) anandamide (AEA). The actions of FAEs are terminated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). We investigated the actions of the novel FAAH inhibitor AM3506 on normal and enhanced GI motility. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the effect of AM3506 on electrically-evoked contractility in vitro and GI transit and colonic faecal output in vivo, in normal and FAAH-deficient mice treated with saline or LPS (100 µg·kg(-1), i.p.), in the presence and absence of cannabinoid (CB) receptor antagonists. mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real time-PCR, EC levels by liquid chromatography-MS and FAAH activity by the conversion of [(3)H]-AEA to [(3)H]-ethanolamine in intestinal extracts. FAAH expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS FAAH was dominantly expressed in the enteric nervous system; its mRNA levels were higher in the ileum than the colon. LPS enhanced ileal contractility in the absence of overt inflammation. AM3506 reversed the enhanced electrically-evoked contractions of the ileum through CB(1) and CB(2) receptors. LPS increased the rate of upper GI transit and faecal output. AM3506 normalized the enhanced GI transit through CB(1) and CB(2) receptors and faecal output through CB(1) receptors. LPS did not increase GI transit in FAAH-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Inhibiting FAAH normalizes various parameters of GI dysmotility in intestinal pathophysiology. Inhibition of FAAH represents a new approach to the treatment of disordered intestinal motility.
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MESH Headings
- Alkanesulfonates/pharmacology
- Amidohydrolases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Amidohydrolases/genetics
- Amidohydrolases/metabolism
- Animals
- Colon/drug effects
- Colon/metabolism
- Colon/physiology
- Endotoxins/pharmacology
- Enteric Nervous System/drug effects
- Enteric Nervous System/metabolism
- Gastrointestinal Motility/drug effects
- Gastrointestinal Motility/genetics
- Gastrointestinal Motility/physiology
- Ileum/drug effects
- Ileum/metabolism
- Ileum/physiology
- Inflammation/chemically induced
- Inflammation/genetics
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Lipopolysaccharides/adverse effects
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Motor Activity/genetics
- Phenols/pharmacology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bashashati
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Seif T, Makriyannis A, Kunos G, Bonci A, Hopf FW. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol mediates D1 and D2 receptor cooperative enhancement of rat nucleus accumbens core neuron firing. Neuroscience 2011; 193:21-33. [PMID: 21821098 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Many motivated and addiction-related behaviors are sustained by activity of both dopamine D1- and D2-type receptors (D1Rs and D2Rs) as well as CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Here, we use in vitro whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to describe an endocannabinoid (eCB)-dopamine receptor interaction in adult rat NAc core neurons. D1R and D2R agonists in combination enhanced firing, with no effect of a D1R or D2R agonist alone. This D1R+D2R-mediated firing increase required CB1Rs, since it was prevented by the CB1R antagonists AM251 and Rimonabant. The D1R+D2R firing increase also required phospholipase C (PLC), the major synthesis pathway for the eCB 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and one of several pathways for anandamide. Further, inhibition of 2-AG hydrolysis with the monoglyceride lipase (MGL) inhibitor JZL184 allowed subthreshold levels of D1R+D2R receptor agonists to enhance firing, while inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors URB597 or AM3506 did not. Filling the postsynaptic neuron with 2-AG enabled subthreshold D1R+D2R agonists to increase firing, and the 2AG+D1R+D2R increase in firing was prevented by a CB1R antagonist. Also, the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) blocker MPEP prevented the ability of JZL184 to promote subthreshold D1R+D2R enhancement of firing, while the 2-AG+D1R+D2R increase in firing was not prevented by the mGluR5 blocker, suggesting that mGluR5s acted upstream of 2-AG production. Thus, our results taken together are consistent with the hypothesis that NAc core eCBs mediate dopamine receptor (DAR) enhancement of firing, perhaps providing a cellular mechanism underlying the central role of NAc core D1Rs, D2Rs, CB1Rs, and mGluR5s during many drug-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Seif
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Department of Neurology, 5858 Horton Street, Suite 200, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
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Vadivel SK, Whitten KM, Makriyannis A. Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol, An Endogenous Ligand for Cannabinoid Receptors. Tetrahedron Lett 2011; 52:1149-1150. [PMID: 21318079 DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2011.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A simple and efficient synthesis of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, an endogenous agonist for cannabinoid receptors was achieved using Novozym 435, immobilized lipase from Candida Antarctica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian K Vadivel
- Center for Drug Discovery, 116 Mugar Hall, 360 Huntington Avenue, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
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11
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Cluny NL, Vemuri VK, Chambers AP, Limebeer CL, Bedard H, Wood JT, Lutz B, Zimmer A, Parker LA, Makriyannis A, Sharkey KA. A novel peripherally restricted cannabinoid receptor antagonist, AM6545, reduces food intake and body weight, but does not cause malaise, in rodents. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 161:629-42. [PMID: 20880401 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00908.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonists reduce food intake and body weight, but clinical use in humans is limited by effects on the CNS. We have evaluated a novel cannabinoid antagonist (AM6545) designed to have limited CNS penetration, to see if it would inhibit food intake in rodents, without aversive effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cannabinoid receptor binding studies, cAMP assays, brain penetration studies and gastrointestinal motility studies were carried out to assess the activity profile of AM6545. The potential for AM6545 to induce malaise in rats and the actions of AM6545 on food intake and body weight were also investigated. KEY RESULTS AM6545 binds to CB(1) receptors with a K(i) of 1.7 nM and CB(2) receptors with a K(i) of 523 nM. AM6545 is a neutral antagonist, having no effect on cAMP levels in transfected cells and was less centrally penetrant than AM4113, a comparable CB(1) receptor antagonist. AM6545 reversed the effects of WIN55212-2 in an assay of colonic motility. In contrast to AM251, AM6545 did not produce conditioned gaping or conditioned taste avoidance in rats. In rats and mice, AM6545 dose-dependently reduced food intake and induced a sustained reduction in body weight. The effect on food intake was maintained in rats with a complete subdiaphragmatic vagotomy. AM6545 inhibited food intake in CB(1) receptor gene-deficient mice, but not in CB(1)/CB(2) receptor double knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Peripherally active, cannabinoid receptor antagonists with limited brain penetration may be useful agents for the treatment of obesity and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Cluny
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
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Limebeer CL, Vemuri VK, Bedard H, Lang ST, Ossenkopp KP, Makriyannis A, Parker LA. Inverse agonism of cannabinoid CB1 receptors potentiates LiCl-induced nausea in the conditioned gaping model in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 161:336-49. [PMID: 20735419 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00885.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonists/inverse agonists, potentiate toxin-induced nausea and vomiting in animal models. Here, we sought to determine if this potentiated nausea was mediated by inverse agonism or neutral antagonism of the CB(1) receptor, and if the potentiated nausea would be produced by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of an inverse agonist. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The conditioned gaping model of nausea in rats was used to compare the CB(1) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, AM251, and the CB(1) receptor neutral antagonists, AM6527 (centrally and peripherally active) and AM6545 (peripherally active), in potentiating conditioned gaping produced by lithium chloride (LiCl) solution. The effect of icv (lateral ventricle and 4th ventricle) administration of AM251 on LiCl-induced gaping in this model was also evaluated. KEY RESULTS At a dose that did not produce conditioned gaping on its own, systemically administered AM251 (1.25 mg.kg(-1)) potentiated LiCl-induced conditioned gaping and reduced sucrose palatability; however, even doses as high as 8 mg.kg(-1) of AM6545 and AM6527 neither potentiated LiCl-induced conditioned gaping nor reduced sucrose palatability. Infusions of AM251 into the lateral ventricles (1.25, 12.5 and 125 microg) or the 4th ventricle (2.5, 12.5 and 125 microg) did not potentiate LiCl-induced conditioned gaping reactions, but all doses attenuated saccharin palatability during the subsequent test. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Inverse agonism, but not neutral antagonism, of CB(1) receptors potentiated toxin-induced nausea. This effect may be peripherally mediated or may be mediated centrally by action on CB(1) receptors, located distal to the cerebral ventricles.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Limebeer
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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13
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Randall PA, Vemuri VK, Segovia KN, Torres EF, Hosmer S, Nunes EJ, Santerre JL, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. The novel cannabinoid CB1 antagonist AM6545 suppresses food intake and food-reinforced behavior. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 97:179-84. [PMID: 20713079 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Drugs that interfere with cannabinoid CB1 transmission suppress food-motivated behaviors, and may be useful clinically as appetite suppressants. However, there may also be undesirable side effects (e.g., nausea, malaise, anxiety, and depression) that are produced by the current generation of CB1 inverse agonists such as rimonabant and taranabant. For that reason, it is important to continue research on novel cannabinoid antagonists. The present studies examined the effects of the novel compound AM6545, which is a neutral antagonist of CB1 receptors that is thought to have relatively poor penetrability into the central nervous system. Intraperitoneal administration of AM6545 significantly reduced food-reinforced operant responding at doses of 4.0, 8.0 and 16.0 mg/kg. AM6545 also produced a strong suppression of the intake of high-carbohydrate and high-fat diets in the same dose range, but only produced a mild suppression of lab chow intake at the highest dose (16.0 mg/kg). Although AM6545 did not affect food handling, it did reduce time spent feeding and feeding rate. Taken together, these results suggest that AM6545 is a compound that warrants further study as a potential appetite suppressant drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Randall
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
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14
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McLaughlin PJ, Winston KM, Swezey LA, Vemuri VK, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. Detailed analysis of food-reinforced operant lever pressing distinguishes effects of a cannabinoid CB1 inverse agonist and dopamine D1 and D2 antagonists. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 96:75-81. [PMID: 20403373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Revised: 02/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Overt similarities exist between the effects of systemic cannabinoid CB1 inverse agonists and dopamine (DA) antagonists on appetitive behavior. The present set of studies was undertaken to apply a fine-grained analysis of food-reinforced operant lever pressing in rats in order to compare the pattern of effects produced by administration of the CB1 inverse agonist AM 251 and those induced by the DA D1 antagonist SKF 83566, and the D2 antagonist raclopride. Three groups of rats were trained on a fixed-ratio 5 (FR5) schedule and administered these compounds over a range of doses expected to suppress responding. All three drugs produced a dose-related suppression of total lever pressing. In addition to main effects of dose, regression analyses were performed to determine which of several response timing- and rate-related variables correlated most strongly with overall responding in each group. It was found that total session time spent pausing from responding was significantly better at predicting responding in the AM 251 group, while both DA antagonists produced significantly stronger regression coefficients (versus AM 251) from fast responding measures. These results suggest that, while several similarities exist, CB1, D1, and D2 antagonists are not identical in their pattern of suppression of food-maintained lever pressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA.
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15
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Sink KS, Segovia KN, Collins LE, Markus EJ, Vemuri VK, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. The CB1 inverse agonist AM251, but not the CB1 antagonist AM4113, enhances retention of contextual fear conditioning in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 95:479-84. [PMID: 20347865 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2009] [Revised: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The effects of CB1 antagonist/inverse agonists on the acquisition and consolidation of conditioned fear remain uncertain. Recent studies suggest that the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 affects acquisition or consolidation of both contextual and discretely cued fear memories. AM251 is frequently referred to as a CB1 antagonist; however in vitro signal transduction assays indicate that this drug also elicits inverse agonist activity at CB1 receptors. The present studies were undertaken to compare the effects of AM251 on conditioned fear with those produced by AM4113, a novel CB1 antagonist with minimal inverse agonist activity. All drugs were administered prior to conditioning. In retention tests conducted two weeks after conditioning, both AM251 (4.0 mg/kg) and AM4113 (6.0 mg/kg)-treated animals exhibited reduced freezing during a conditioned tone cue played within a novel context. In contextual fear retention tests, animals previously treated with 4.0 or 8.0 mg/kg AM251 exhibited enhanced freezing. By contrast, no dose of AM4113 had any significant effect on contextual fear memory, which is consistent with the lower signal transduction activity of AM4113 at CB1 receptors compared to AM251. These results suggest that CB1 neutral antagonists may be less likely than CB1 inverse agonists to facilitate the acquisition or consolidation of contextual fear that may contribute to some clinical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Sink
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
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16
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Sink KS, Segovia KN, Sink J, Randall PA, Collins LE, Correa M, Markus EJ, Vemuri VK, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. Potential anxiogenic effects of cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists in rats: comparisons between AM4113, AM251, and the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG-7142. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 20:112-22. [PMID: 20015619 PMCID: PMC2817975 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 09/11/2009] [Revised: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 11/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 inverse agonists suppress food-motivated behaviors, but may also induce psychiatric effects such as depression and anxiety. To evaluate behaviors potentially related to anxiety, the present experiments assessed the CB1 inverse agonist AM251 (2.0-8.0mg/kg), the CB1 antagonist AM4113 (3.0-12.0mg/kg), and the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG-7142 (10.0-20.0mg/kg), using the open field test and the elevated plus maze. Although all three drugs affected open field behavior, these effects were largely due to actions on locomotion. In the elevated plus maze, FG-7142 and AM251 both produced anxiogenic effects. FG-7142 and AM251 also significantly increased c-Fos activity in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens shell. In contrast, AM4113 failed to affect performance in the plus maze, and did not induce c-Fos immunoreactivity. The weak effects of AM4113 are consistent with biochemical data showing that AM4113 induces little or no intrinsic cellular activity. This research may lead to the development of novel appetite suppressants with reduced anxiogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Sink
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
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17
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Willmore CB, Krall DM, Spears FM, Makriyannis A, Elmer GI. Cognitive effects of psychotomimetic drugs in rats discriminating number cues. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 206:653-64. [PMID: 18843483 PMCID: PMC5531750 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1339-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2008] [Accepted: 09/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Deficits in memory and attention are broadly acknowledged during psychosis; however, experiments on modeled psychosis often test working memory without systematic manipulation of attentional demands. OBJECTIVES The major research goal was discovering which neurobehavioral processes, attention, or memory contributed more to drug-provoked performance deficits. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were trained to perform operant ratio discrimination (RD) tasks wherein the number of presses at a rear-wall lever was discriminated using one of two front-wall levers. Effects from four psychotomimetic drugs, the serotonin agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, the noncompetitive NMDA-glutamate receptor antagonist phencyclidine (PCP), and two CB1-selective cannabinoid agonists, WIN 55,512-2 and AM 411, were assessed using a signal detection analytical overlay to dissociate cognitive from noncognitive motor and motivational disruptions. Further methods allowed dissociation of attention compromises from mnemonic deficits. RESULTS For each test compound, at least one dose elicited decreased RD accuracy without affecting response rates, and task difficulty was shown to be a crucial dictator of accuracy effect specificities. Effects from both PCP and WIN 55,512-2 biased animals to select the response lever conditioned for denser reinforcement. The same two drugs rendered peculiar response patterns in distracter light session components, considering light blinks were included to divert subjects' attention away from task-relevant information. The response patterns determined during distracter components of PCP/WIN testing sessions, counterintuitively, suggest performance enhancement. CONCLUSION Comprehensive viewing of RD performance patterns after drug administration indicates that sustained attention and transient information management are significantly impaired during the drug-induced psychosis state, while selective attention is less affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Willmore
- Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH 45810, USA.
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18
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Sink KS, Segovia KN, Nunes EJ, Collins LE, Vemuri VK, Thakur G, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. Intracerebroventricular administration of cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists AM251 and AM4113 fails to alter food-reinforced behavior in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 206:223-32. [PMID: 19588124 PMCID: PMC4425366 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-009-1602-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Drugs that interfere with cannabinoid CB1 transmission suppress food-motivated behaviors and may be useful as appetite suppressants, but there is uncertainty about the locus of action for the feeding-suppression effects of these drugs. OBJECTIVE The present work was conducted to determine if two drugs that interfere with cannabinoid receptor transmission, AM251 and AM4113, have effects on food-reinforced behavior after administration into the lateral ventricle (intracerebroventricular (ICV)). RESULTS Although systemic administration of both drugs can suppress food-reinforced behavior, neither AM251 (40, 80, and 160 microg) nor AM4113 (60, 120, and 240 microg) administered at various times prior to testing produced any suppression of food-reinforced operant responding on a fixed-ratio 5 schedule. Because the modulation of locomotion by drugs that act on CB1 receptors is hypothesized to be a forebrain effect, these drugs also were assessed for their ability to reverse the locomotor suppression produced by the CB1 agonist AM411. ICV administration of either AM251 or AM4113 reversed the locomotor suppression induced by the CB1 agonist AM411 in the same dose range that failed to produce any effects on feeding. CONCLUSIONS This indicates that both AM4113 and AM251, when administered ICV, can interact with forebrain CB1 receptors and are efficacious on forebrain-mediated functions unrelated to feeding. These results suggest that CB1 neutral antagonists or inverse agonists may not be affecting food-reinforced behavior via interactions with forebrain CB1 receptors located in nucleus accumbens or hypothalamus and that lower brainstem or peripheral receptors may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. S. Sink
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA,Yerkes National Primate Center and the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - K. N. Segovia
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
| | - E. J. Nunes
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
| | - L. E. Collins
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
| | - V. K. Vemuri
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - G. Thakur
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - A. Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - J. D. Salamone
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
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Durham H, Wood JT, Williams JS, Judge MP, Makriyannis A, Lammi‐Keefe CJ. Regulation of plasma endocannabinoids differs in pregnant versus non‐pregnant women. FASEB J 2009. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.lb467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Holiday Durham
- Human Nutrition and FoodLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLA
| | - JT Wood
- Center for Drug DiscoveryNortheastern UniversityBostonMA
| | - JS Williams
- Center for Drug DiscoveryNortheastern UniversityBostonMA
| | - MP Judge
- School of NursingUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCT
| | - A Makriyannis
- Center for Drug DiscoveryNortheastern UniversityBostonMA
| | - CJ Lammi‐Keefe
- Human Nutrition and FoodLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLA
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Paronis CA, Martin J, Shaller N, Thakur GA, Teng H, Zvonok A, Makriyannis A, Bergman J. Differentiation of CB1 cannabinoid agonists in rats. FASEB J 2009. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.744.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - J Martin
- Preclinical Pharm / McLean HospHarvard Medical SchoolBelmontMA
| | - N Shaller
- Preclinical Pharm / McLean HospHarvard Medical SchoolBelmontMA
| | - G A Thakur
- Northeastern UniversityCenter for Drug DiscoveryBostonMA
| | - H Teng
- Northeastern UniversityCenter for Drug DiscoveryBostonMA
| | - A Zvonok
- Northeastern UniversityCenter for Drug DiscoveryBostonMA
| | - A Makriyannis
- Northeastern UniversityCenter for Drug DiscoveryBostonMA
| | - J Bergman
- Preclinical Pharm / McLean HospHarvard Medical SchoolBelmontMA
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Järbe TUC, LeMay BJ, Olszewska T, Vemuri VK, Wood JT, Makriyannis A. Intrinsic effects of AM4113, a putative neutral CB1 receptor selective antagonist, on open-field behaviors in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2008; 91:84-90. [PMID: 18640150 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2008.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2007] [Revised: 06/06/2008] [Accepted: 06/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We examined open-field effects in rats of the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN; 3 mg/kg) and its interaction with the CB1R putative neutral antagonist AM4113 (0.3 to 3 mg/kg). Separate studies examined AM4113 alone (0.3 to 5.6 mg/kg). Unlike the CB1R antagonist rimonabant, in vitro (e.g., [Sink K.S., McLaughlin P.J., Wood J.A., Brown C., Fan P., Vemuri V.K., Pang Y., Olzewska T., Thakur G.A., Makriyannis A., Parker L.A., Salamone J.D. The novel cannabinoid CB(1) receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 suppresses food intake and food-reinforced behavior but does not induce signs of nausea in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008a; 33: 946-955.; Sink K.S., Vemuri V.K., Olszewska T., Makriyannis A., Salamone J.D. Cannabinoid CB1 antagonists and dopamine antagonists produce different effects on a task involving response allocation and effort-related choice in food-seeking behavior. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008b; 196: 565-574.]) AM4113 produced no change in cAMP accumulation (neutral antagonism vis-a-vis inverse agonism). Recorded behaviors were: ambulation, rearing, circling, latency, scratching, grooming, defecation, urination and vocalization/squeaking. WIN reduced ambulation and rearing; AM4113 completely (ambulation) or partially (rearing) antagonized these behaviors. WIN alone resulted in circling and an increased latency to leave the start area; effects blocked by AM4113. AM4113 increased scratching and grooming, effects attenuated but not abolished by WIN. AM4113 alone tended to reduce ambulation and rearing and had no effect on latency or circling. AM4113 alone increased scratching and grooming. Effects on defecation, urination and vocalization were non-significant. The open-field effects of AM4113 are similar to those reported for rimonabant in rats. Yet, unlike the inverse agonists rimonabant and AM251, the putative neutral CB1R antagonist AM4113 did not produce signs of nausea in ferrets and rats ([Chambers A.P., Vemuri V.K., Peng Y., Wood J.T., Olszewska T., Pittman Q.J., Makriyannis A., Sharkey K.A. A neutral CB1 receptor antagonist reduces weight gain in rat. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 293: R2185-2193.; Sink K.S., McLaughlin P.J., Wood J.A., Brown C., Fan P., Vemuri V.K., Pang Y., Olzewska T., Thakur G.A., Makriyannis A., Parker L.A., Salamone J.D. The novel cannabinoid CB(1) receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 suppresses food intake and food-reinforced behavior but does not induce signs of nausea in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008a; 33: 946-955.; Sink K.S., Vemuri V.K., Olszewska T., Makriyannis A., Salamone J.D. Cannabinoid CB1 antagonists and dopamine antagonists produce different effects on a task involving response allocation and effort-related choice in food-seeking behavior. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008b; 196: 565-574.]).
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Affiliation(s)
- T U C Järbe
- Northeastern University, Center for Drug Discovery, 116 Mugar, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Sink KS, Vemuri VK, Olszewska T, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. Cannabinoid CB1 antagonists and dopamine antagonists produce different effects on a task involving response allocation and effort-related choice in food-seeking behavior. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 196:565-74. [PMID: 18004546 PMCID: PMC3713618 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0988-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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: 07/30/2007] [Accepted: 10/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabinoid CB1 antagonists/inverse agonists suppress food-motivated behaviors and are being evaluated as potential appetite suppressants. It has been suggested that the effects of CB1 antagonism on food motivation could be related to actions on mesolimbic dopamine (DA). If this were true, then the effects of interference with cannabinoid CB1 transmission should closely resemble the effects of interference with DA transmission. OBJECTIVE To directly compare the effects of DA antagonists with those of CB1 antagonists/inverse agonists, the present studies employed a concurrent lever-pressing/chow-intake procedure. With this task, interference with DA transmission shifts choice behavior such that lever pressing for a preferred food is decreased but chow intake is increased. RESULTS Rats treated with IP injections of the DA D1 antagonist SCH39166 (ecopipam; 0.05-0.2 mg/kg) or the D2 antagonist eticlopride (0.025-0.1 mg/kg) showed substantial decreases in lever pressing and concomitant increases in chow consumption. In contrast, IP administration of the CB1 neutral antagonist AM4113 (4.0-16.0 mg/kg) or the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 (2.0-8.0 mg/kg) decreased operant responding for pellets, but there was no corresponding increase in chow intake. CONCLUSIONS These effects of CB1 antagonists/inverse agonists were similar to those produced by the appetite suppressant fenfluramine and by prefeeding. In contrast, low doses of DA antagonists leave primary food motivation intact, but shift behaviors toward food reinforcers that can be obtained with lower response costs. These results suggest that the effects of interference with CB1 transmission are readily distinguishable from those of reduced DA transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. S. Sink
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
| | - V. K. Vemuri
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - T. Olszewska
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - A. Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - J. D. Salamone
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA. Division of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
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Makriyannis A, Yang DP, Mavromoustakos T. The molecular features of membrane perturbation by anaesthetic steroids: a study using differential scanning calorimetry, small angle X-ray diffraction and solid state 2H NMR. Ciba Found Symp 2007; 153:172-84; discussion 185-9. [PMID: 2292211 DOI: 10.1002/9780470513989.ch10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the interactions of the anaesthetic steroid alphaxalone and its inactive isomer delta 16-alphaxalone with model membrane bilayers using differential scanning calorimetry, small angle X-ray diffraction and solid state NMR. Our data show that the anaesthetic steroid broadens the membrane phase transition and increases the ratio of gauche to trans conformers in the membrane. Delta 16-Alphaxalone has only small effects on membrane and incorporates to a limited degree in the bilayer. The amphipathic anaesthetic steroid alphaxalone is located near the membrane interface (the junction of the polar and hydrophobic regions of the phospholipids forming the bilayer). It orients with its long axis parallel to the chains of the lipid membranes and its 3 alpha-hydroxyl group near the sn-2 carbonyl. Anchoring of the steroid at the membrane interface and imperfect packing with the bilayer chains may be involved in membrane perturbation and eventually lead to anaesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Makriyannis
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269
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Rahn EJ, Makriyannis A, Hohmann AG. Activation of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors suppresses neuropathic nociception evoked by the chemotherapeutic agent vincristine in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 152:765-77. [PMID: 17572696 PMCID: PMC2190028 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The ability of cannabinoids to suppress mechanical hypersensitivity (mechanical allodynia) induced by treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent vincristine was evaluated in rats. Sites of action were subsequently identified. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mechanical hypersensitivity developed over the course of ten daily injections of vincristine relative to groups receiving saline at the same times. Effects of the CB1/CB2 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2, the receptor-inactive enantiomer WIN55,212-3, the CB2-selective agonist (R,S)-AM1241, the opiate agonist morphine and vehicle on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy were evaluated. WIN55,212-2 was administered intrathecally (i.t.) or locally in the hindpaw to identify sites of action. Pharmacological specificity was established using competitive antagonists for CB1 (SR141716) or CB2 receptors (SR144528). KEY RESULTS Systemic administration of WIN55,212-2, but not WIN55,212-3, suppressed vincristine-evoked mechanical allodynia. A leftward shift in the dose-response curve was observed following WIN55,212-2 relative to morphine treatment. The CB1 (SR141716) and CB2 (SR144528) antagonists blocked the anti-allodynic effects of WIN55,212-2. (R,S)-AM1241 suppressed vincristine-induced mechanical hypersensitivity through a CB2 mechanism. Both cannabinoid agonists suppressed vincristine-induced mechanical hypersensitivity without inducing catalepsy. Spinal sites of action are implicated in cannabinoid modulation of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. WIN55,212-2, but not WIN55,212-3, administered i.t. suppressed vincristine-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity at doses that were inactive following local hindpaw administration. Spinal coadministration of both the CB1 and CB2 antagonists blocked the anti-allodynic effects of WIN55,212-2. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Cannabinoids suppress the maintenance of vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia through activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors. These anti-allodynic effects are mediated, at least in part, at the level of the spinal cord.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Benzoxazines/pharmacology
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Camphanes/pharmacology
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Catalepsy/chemically induced
- Catalepsy/prevention & control
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Hindlimb
- Hyperesthesia/chemically induced
- Hyperesthesia/prevention & control
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Injections, Spinal
- Male
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Naphthalenes/pharmacology
- Neuralgia/chemically induced
- Neuralgia/prevention & control
- Pain Measurement/instrumentation
- Pain Measurement/methods
- Pain Threshold/drug effects
- Physical Stimulation
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/physiology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/physiology
- Rimonabant
- Thermosensing/physiology
- Vincristine/administration & dosage
- Vincristine/toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Rahn
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA
| | - A Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University Boston, MA, USA
| | - A G Hohmann
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA
- Author for correspondence:
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Hohmann A, Rahn E, Maxwell K, Zvonok A, Makriyannis A. 276 SELECTIVE ACTIVATION OF CANNABINOID CB2 RECEPTORS SUPPRESSES CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC NEUROPATHY EVOKED BY PACLITAXEL AND VINCRISTINE ADMINISTRATION. Eur J Pain 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2007.03.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Desai RI, Paronis CA, Makriyannis A, Thakur GA, Bergman J. Discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine and in vivo microdialysis in rats. FASEB J 2007. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.a776-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R I Desai
- Preclinical Pharmacology LaboratoryMcLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School115 Mill StreetBelmontMA02478
| | - C A Paronis
- Preclinical Pharmacology LaboratoryMcLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School115 Mill StreetBelmontMA02478
| | - A Makriyannis
- Center for Drug DiscoveryNortheastern University360 Huntington Ave., 116 MugarBostonMA02115
| | - G A Thakur
- Center for Drug DiscoveryNortheastern University360 Huntington Ave., 116 MugarBostonMA02115
| | - J Bergman
- Preclinical Pharmacology LaboratoryMcLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School115 Mill StreetBelmontMA02478
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Gutierrez T, Farthing JN, Zvonok AM, Makriyannis A, Hohmann AG. Activation of peripheral cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors suppresses the maintenance of inflammatory nociception: a comparative analysis. Br J Pharmacol 2006; 150:153-63. [PMID: 17160008 PMCID: PMC2042894 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Effects of locally administered agonists and antagonists for cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors on mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity were compared after the establishment of chronic inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Carrageenan was administered unilaterally to the rat hindpaw on day 1. Prophylactic efficacy of locally administered CB(1)- and CB(2)-selective agonists -arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA) and (R,S)-(2-iodo-5-nitro-phenyl)-[l-(l-methyl-piperidin-2-ylmethyl)-lH-ubdik-3-yl]-methanone ((R,S)-AM1241), respectively- on mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity were compared on day 2. Pharmacological specificity was evaluated using locally administered CB(1) and CB(2)-selective antagonists -N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamidehydrochloride (SR141716A) and N-[(1S)-endo-1,3,3-trimethyl bicycle [2.2.1] heptan-2-yl]-5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR144528), respectively. KEY RESULTS Administration of either ACEA or AM1241 to the inflamed but not noninflamed paw suppressed the maintenance of carrageenan-evoked mechanical hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia and attenuated thermal hyperalgesia. The ACEA-induced suppression of mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity was blocked by local injection of SR141716A but not SR144528. AM1241 suppressed mechanical hypersensitivity with the reverse pharmacological specificity. The AM1241-induced suppression of thermal hyperalgesia was blocked by SR144528 and to a lesser extent by SR14176A. Co-administration of ACEA with AM1241 in the inflamed paw increased the magnitude but not the duration of thermal antihyperalgesia compared to intraplantar administration of either agonist alone. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Cannabinoids act locally through distinct CB(1) and CB(2) mechanisms to suppress mechanical hypersensitivity after the establishment of chronic inflammation, at doses that produced modest changes in thermal hyperalgesia. Additive antihyperalgesic effects were observed following prophylactic co-administration of the CB(1)- and CB(2)-selective agonists. Our results suggest that peripheral cannabinoid antihyperalgesic actions may be exploited for treatment of inflammatory pain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Gutierrez
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-3013, USA
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Järbe TUC, Ross T, DiPatrizio NV, Pandarinathan L, Makriyannis A. Effects of the CB1R agonist WIN-55,212-2 and the CB1R antagonists SR-141716 and AM-1387: Open-field examination in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2006; 85:243-52. [PMID: 16996123 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2006.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2006] [Revised: 08/09/2006] [Accepted: 08/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the open-field (O-F) effects in rats of the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) agonist WIN-55,212-2 (WIN; 1 to 5.6 mg/kg) and its interaction with the CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist SR-141716 (1 to 5.6 mg/kg). Additionally, separate studies examined the O-F effects of SR-141716 (1 to 10 mg/kg) and a newly synthesized CB1R selective antagonist/inverse agonist AM-1387 (3 and 10 mg/kg) when these ligands were administered alone. Both antagonists are characterized in vitro by decreased of GTPgammaS binding and increased cAMP accumulation (inverse agonism). WIN dose dependently reduced ambulation (horizontal activity) and rearing (vertical activity); SR-141716 completely (WIN 3 mg/kg) or partially (WIN 5.6 mg/kg) normalized these behaviors. WIN alone resulted in circling and in an increased latency to leave the start area of the O-F, effects blocked by all doses of SR-141716. Both the increased scratching and grooming, associated with SR-141716 administration, were attenuated but not abolished by WIN. SR-141716 alone tended to reduce ambulation (significant at 10 mg/kg) and rearing (non-significant), had no effect on latency, and increased scratching and grooming (both frequency and duration), at doses of 3 mg/kg and up. At the doses examined, AM-1387 had no effect on ambulation, rearing, latency but significantly increased scratching (10 mg/kg); there was also a trend for increased grooming (both frequency and duration). The O-F profile of WIN suggests more similarity with the effects of THC rather than methanandamide (and presumably also anandamide). Intrinsic activity (scratching and grooming) by SR-141716 was re-affirmed and seemed to be associated with administration of AM-1387 as well. AM-1387 was less potent than SR-141716.
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Affiliation(s)
- T U C Järbe
- Temple University, Department of Psychology, 265-67 Weiss Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
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Willmore CB, Kohler GD, Makriyannis A. Irt>t schedule controlled behavior in ‘learned-helpless’ rats: Effects from a cannabinoid agonist. Neuropharmacology 2006; 51:90-101. [PMID: 16753187 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2006.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2005] [Revised: 02/23/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human depression is partly a congenital disorder. Aspects of the behavior accompanying depression can be magnified by genetic manipulation of bred animal species. Learned Helplessness (LH) is a trait-mark behavior that successfully breeds in rodents. Here, 'congenital' LH (cLH) rats were trained to recognize and respond to 12s long interval cues (irt>12s schedule). Rats compliant to an irt>t schedule will space responses evenly and respond rhythmically. Irt>t schedule derived data are plotted in histograms showing irt (interresponse time) frequencies. A pause response peak emerges, for outbred rats, at irt values approximating the minimum interval for reinforcement. cLH rats [n=9] complied poorly to schedule contingencies when diluent (vehicle) was injected before testing. Moderate and high dose injections of a CB 1 receptor selective agonist drug (AM 411), however, increased operant schedule compliance and normalized the cLH rats' irt>t histogram distributions. Performance indicators for cLH rats are presented alongside coordinate measures from a comparison group [n=5] of normally bred Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In both cLH and SD rats, treatment session histograms revealed shifts of the pause response peak not accompanied by a change in motor responsiveness. The irt>12s histogram shifts were absent when AM 411 dosages were arranged to follow pre-medication injections of a CB 1 receptor selective antagonist drug (AM 251). In short, AM 411 increased timing acuity in rats prone to behavioral despair but had opposite timing effects in normally bred SD rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Willmore
- University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Xu W, Filppula SA, Mercier R, Yaddanapudi S, Pavlopoulos S, Cai J, Pierce WM, Makriyannis A. Purification and mass spectroscopic analysis of human CB1 cannabinoid receptor functionally expressed using the baculovirus system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 66:138-50. [PMID: 16083441 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3011.2005.00283.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) cannabinoid receptor is an essential component of the cannabinergic system. It has been recognized as a therapeutic target for treating numerous diseases and is currently receiving considerable attention by the pharmaceutical community. Target-based drug design, utilizing three-dimensional information of receptor structure and ligand-binding motifs, requires significant amounts of purified protein. To facilitate the purification of CB1, we have expressed the receptor fused to various epitope tags using the baculovirus expression system. In addition, expression levels and ligand-binding profiles corresponding to the expressed fusion proteins have been compared. C-terminal histidine (His)-tagged CB1 gave a Bmax higher than most other systems previously reported in the literature, and was selected for subsequent metal affinity chromatography purification and mass spectroscopic (MS) analysis. Moreover, cells expressing C-terminal His-tagged CB1 were shown to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) production in a concentration-dependent manner in the presence of CP-55,940, confirming the expressed receptor's functional characteristics. A Western blot analysis of the purified receptor showed several forms of CB1, the most abundant being a 57 kDa monomeric protein. The purified CB1 preparations were subjected to protein digestion followed by MS. Fragments corresponding to >70% of the receptor were identified by this method, confirming the identity and purity of the expressed protein. The work presented here demonstrates that epitope-tagged CB1 can be expressed in sufficient amounts and purified to homogeneity for MS analysis. Moreover, these results will serve as a basis for future experiments aimed at characterizing the ligand-binding domains using covalently reacting receptor probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 372 Fairfield Road, U-2092, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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McLaughlin PJ, Brown CM, Winston KM, Thakur G, Lu D, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. The novel cannabinoid agonist AM 411 produces a biphasic effect on accuracy in a visual target detection task in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2005; 16:477-86. [PMID: 16148454 DOI: 10.1097/00008877-200509000-00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid agonists have been shown to produce dose-related impairments in several measures of cognitive performance. However, it is unclear if low doses of cannabinoid CB1 agonists, or CB1 antagonists, can facilitate aspects of stimulus detection. The present study employed an operant procedure involving visual stimulus detection in rats. The task was found to be sensitive to the muscarinic acetylcholine antagonist scopolamine. The CB1 antagonist AM 251 did not affect stimulus detection processes across a broad range of doses. However, the novel CB1 agonist AM 411 produced a biphasic effect, with the two lowest doses (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) enhancing accuracy. AM 411 changed patterns of responding toward runs of consecutive errors on only one of the two levers. It produced a biphasic effect on consecutive errors on the lever associated with a higher level of errors, with decreases in errors following the lower doses (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) and increases following the highest dose (2.0 mg/kg). These effects were not accompanied by changes in measures of bias commonly used to uncover such patterns in rodent operant models of cognitive performance. In contrast to the cognitive impairment seen after administration of moderate to high doses of CB1 agonists, it appears that low doses of some CB1 agonists may be capable of enhancing stimulus detection processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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McLaughlin PJ, Winston KM, Limebeer CL, Parker LA, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. The cannabinoid CB1 antagonist AM 251 produces food avoidance and behaviors associated with nausea but does not impair feeding efficiency in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005; 180:286-93. [PMID: 15948012 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-2171-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2004] [Accepted: 12/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A growing body of evidence suggests that cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists have potential therapeutic utility as appetite suppressants. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the reduction in food intake produced by these drugs are not well understood. OBJECTIVE Considering the known antiemetic and motor-suppressive effects of CB1 agonists, the present studies were conducted to determine if the reductions in food intake induced by the CB1 antagonist AM 251 could result from nausea or impairments in intake-related motor control, rather than solely from appetite suppression. METHODS Three experiments were conducted to examine the effects of AM 251 (2.0, 4.0, or 8.0 mg/kg or vehicle) on detailed parameters of food intake, on the development of conditioned taste avoidance, and on taste reactivity. RESULTS In the first experiment, acute administration of AM 251 dose-dependently decreased food intake; nevertheless, feeding rate (grams consumed per time spent eating) and food handling were unaffected, which suggests that food intake was not reduced because of severe motor impairments. In the second experiment, AM 251 dose-dependently reduced intake of a flavor with which it had previously been associated, indicating that conditioned taste avoidance had developed. Lastly, AM 251 was found to induce conditioned rejection reactions in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS The CB1 antagonist AM 251 may reduce food intake in part by inducing nausea or malaise, but not because of incoordination or motor slowing related to feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
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Filppula S, Yaddanapudi S, Mercier R, Xu W, Pavlopoulos S, Makriyannis A. Purification and mass spectroscopic analysis of human CB2 cannabinoid receptor expressed in the baculovirus system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 64:225-36. [PMID: 15613086 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3011.2004.00188.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinergic system is present in a variety of organs and tissues that perform a wide range of essential physiologic functions making it an inherently important therapeutic target for drug discovery. In order to augment our knowledge regarding the interactions between cannabinoid receptors (CBs) and their ligands, efficient and effective tools are essential for robust expression and purification of these membrane-bound proteins. In this report, we describe a suitable method for purification of the human cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) to a qualitative and quantitative level sufficient for mass spectral analysis. We utilized a baculovirus expression system, incorporating several epitope tags to facilitate purification and to ameliorate the effect the tags have on CB2 expression and function. Expressed protein encoded by a carboxy (C)-terminal His-tagged CB2 construct displayed a B(max) value of 9.3 pmol/mg with a K(D) of 7.30 nM using [3(H)]CP-55(940), a standard cannabinoid radioligand, and was selected for subsequent purification experiments. Western blot analysis of purified membrane protein yielded several forms of CB2, the most abundant being a 41 kDa peptide. A second protein species was observed with an apparent molecular weight of 46 kDa representing a glycosylated form of CB2. In addition, a CB2 homodimer was also identified. The purified receptor was subjected to mass spectroscopic analysis to confirm its identity and purity. Mass spectra corresponding to the intracellular, extracellular and transmembrane domains were obtained. These experiments exemplify the importance of high-level expression systems when developing membrane-bound protein purification strategies. This work will aid in the identification of receptor-ligand binding sites, the characterization of molecular features involved in receptor activation, and the elucidation of the CB2 receptor tertiary structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Filppula
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 372 Fairfield Road, U-2092, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Abstract
The discovery and cloning of CB1 and CB2, the two known G(i/o) protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors, as well as the isolation and characterization of two families of endogenous cannabinergic ligands represented by arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), have opened new horizons in this newly discovered field of biology. Furthermore, a considerable number of cannabinoid analogs belonging to structurally diverse classes of compounds have been synthesized and tested, thus providing substantial information on the structural requirements for cannabinoid receptor recognition and activation. Experiments with site-directed mutated receptors and computer modeling studies have suggested that these diverse classes of ligands may interact with the receptors through different binding motifs. The information about the exact binding site may be obtained with the help of suitably designed molecular probes. These ligands either interact with the receptors in a reversible fashion (reversible probes) or alternatively attach at or near the receptor active site with the formation of covalent bonds (irreversible probes). This review focuses on structural requirements of cannabinoid receptor ligands and highlights their pharmacological and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Thakur
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Nackley AG, Zvonok AM, Makriyannis A, Hohmann AG. Activation of Cannabinoid CB2Receptors Suppresses C-Fiber Responses and Windup in Spinal Wide Dynamic Range Neurons in the Absence and Presence of Inflammation. J Neurophysiol 2004; 92:3562-74. [PMID: 15317842 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00886.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of the CB2-selective cannabinoid agonist AM1241 on activity evoked in spinal wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons by transcutaneous electrical stimulation were evaluated in urethane-anesthetized rats. Recordings were obtained in both the absence and the presence of carrageenan inflammation. AM1241, administered intravenously or locally in the paw, suppressed activity evoked by transcutaneous electrical stimulation during the development of inflammation. Decreases in WDR responses resulted from a suppression of C-fiber–mediated activity and windup. Aβ- and Aδ-fiber–mediated responses were not reliably altered. The AM1241-induced suppression of electrically evoked responses was blocked by the CB2antagonist SR144528 but not by the CB1antagonist SR141716A. AM1241 (33 μg/kg intraplantar [ipl]), administered to the carrageenan-injected paw, suppressed activity evoked in WDR neurons relative to groups receiving vehicle in the same paw or AM1241 in the opposite (noninflamed) paw. The electrophysiological effects of AM1241 (330 μg/kg intravenous [iv]) were greater in rats receiving ipl carrageenan compared with noninflamed rats receiving an ipl injection of vehicle. AM1241 failed to alter the activity of purely nonnociceptive neurons recorded in the lumbar dorsal horn. Additionally, AM1241 (330 μg/kg iv and ipl; 33 μg/kg ipl) reduced the diameter of the carrageenan-injected paw. The AM1241-induced decrease in peripheral edema was blocked by the CB2but not by the CB1antagonist. These data demonstrate that activation of cannabinoid CB2receptors is sufficient to suppress neuronal activity at central levels of processing in the spinal dorsal horn. Our findings are consistent with the ability of AM1241 to normalize nociceptive thresholds and produce antinociception in inflammatory pain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Nackley
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
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Järbe TUC, DiPatrizio NV, Lu D, Makriyannis A. (???)-Adamantyl-??8-tetrahydrocannabinol (AM-411), a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist: effects on open-field behaviors and antagonism by SR-141716 in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2004; 15:517-21. [PMID: 15472574 DOI: 10.1097/00008877-200411000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
(-)-Adamantyl-Delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol (AM-411) is a 'classical' tricyclic cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist in which the C-3 alkyl side-chain has been replaced with an adamantyl group. The compound is cannabinoid CB1 receptor subtype selective (CB1 Ki=6.86 nmol/l, CB2 Ki=52.0 nmol/l). We examined the effects of AM-411 alone and in combination with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, SR-141716, on open-field behaviors of rats. The lowest effective dose of AM-411, 3 mg/kg, suppressed ambulation (horizontal activity) and rearing (vertical activity) and increased circling frequency compared to vehicle control levels. Co-administration of SR-141716 normalized these changes. SR-141716 (3 and 5.6 mg/kg) also produced significant increases in scratching and grooming (both frequency and duration), effects that were not eliminated in the presence of AM-411. Coupled with previous drug discrimination data, the open-field profile of AM-411 suggests that this high-affinity CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist induces behavioral effects similar to the natural cannabinoid Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and different from (R)-methanandamide, a chiral analog of the endogenous ligand anandamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- T U C Järbe
- Temple University, Department of Psychology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA.
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Smissman E, Makriyannis A, Walaszek E. Additions and Corrections - Synthesis and Pharmacology of N-Cyano-(β-arylethyl)amines. J Med Chem 2004. [DOI: 10.1021/jm00294a604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fegley D, Kathuria S, Mercier R, Li C, Goutopoulos A, Makriyannis A, Piomelli D. Anandamide transport is independent of fatty-acid amide hydrolase activity and is blocked by the hydrolysis-resistant inhibitor AM1172. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:8756-61. [PMID: 15138300 PMCID: PMC423268 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0400997101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide is removed from the synaptic space by a high-affinity transport system present in neurons and astrocytes, which is inhibited by N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM404). After internalization, anandamide is hydrolyzed by fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an intracellular membrane-bound enzyme that also cleaves AM404. Based on kinetic evidence, it has recently been suggested that anandamide internalization may be mediated by passive diffusion driven by FAAH activity. To test this possibility, in the present study, we have investigated anandamide internalization in wild-type and FAAH-deficient (FAAH(-/-)) mice. Cortical neurons from either mouse strain internalized [(3)H]anandamide through a similar mechanism, i.e., via a rapid temperature-sensitive and saturable process, which was blocked by AM404. Moreover, systemic administration of AM404 to either wild-type or FAAH(-/-) mice enhanced the hypothermic effects of exogenous anandamide, a response that was prevented by the CB(1) cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant (SR141716A). The results indicate that anandamide internalization in mouse brain neurons is independent of FAAH activity. In further support of this conclusion, the compound N-(5Z, 8Z, 11Z, 14Z eicosatetraenyl)-4-hydroxybenzamide (AM1172) blocked [(3)H]anandamide internalization in rodent cortical neurons and human astrocytoma cells without acting as a FAAH substrate or inhibitor. AM1172 may serve as a prototype for novel anandamide transport inhibitors with increased metabolic stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fegley
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
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Arizzi MN, Cervone KM, Aberman JE, Betz A, Liu Q, Lin S, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. Behavioral effects of inhibition of cannabinoid metabolism: The amidase inhibitor AM374 enhances the suppression of lever pressing produced by exogenously administered anandamide. Life Sci 2004; 74:1001-11. [PMID: 14672756 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2003.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Biochemical investigations have identified putative enzymatic pathways for the synthesis and metabolism of endogenous cannabinoids. Anandamide amidase is an enzyme that metabolizes anandamide into arachadonic acid and ethanolamine. Using in vitro methods, various inhibitors of amidase have been identified. The present studies were undertaken to determine if the amidase inhibitor AM 374 could enhance the effects of intraperitoneal (IP) injections of anandamide. Three studies were conducted to investigate the effects of various drug treatments on fixed ratio 5 operant lever pressing for food reinforcement. In the first study, the effects of different doses of anandamide were assessed, and it was demonstrated that 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg anandamide IP significantly suppressed lever pressing, while 2.5 mg/kg produced very little effect. The second study tested the effects of intraventricular (ICV) injections of AM 374, and it was observed that doses up to 10.0, 20.0 and 40 microg AM 374 had no significant effect upon lever pressing. The third study investigated the combined effect of AM374 with a low dose of anandamide. Rats received two drug injections: one ICV and one IP. Four different drug treatments were assessed: 1) ICV vehicle + IP vehicle, 2) ICV vehicle + 2.5 mg/kg anandamide IP, 3) ICV 20.0 microg AM 374 + IP vehicle, and 4) ICV 20 microg AM 374 + 2.5 mg/kg anandamide IP. Combined administration of AM 374 plus anandamide led to a significant decrease in lever pressing compared to either AM374 or anandamide administered alone. Observations of the animals treated with the combination of AM374 plus anandamide indicated that the drug combination resulted in motor slowing, which is consistent with the notion that stimulation of cannabinoid receptors produced a motor deficit that interfered with lever pressing. Although AM374 produced no effect on its own, this amidase inhibitor did enhance the behavioral effect of a low dose of anandamide. These results are consistent with the notion that AM 374 inhibited the enzymatic breakdown of exogenously injected anandamide. This type of procedure can be used to assess a variety of different compounds for their ability to inhibit cannabinoid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Arizzi
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
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McLaughlin PJ, Winston K, Swezey L, Wisniecki A, Aberman J, Tardif DJ, Betz AJ, Ishiwari K, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. The cannabinoid CB1 antagonists SR 141716A and AM 251 suppress food intake and food-reinforced behavior in a variety of tasks in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2003; 14:583-8. [PMID: 14665975 DOI: 10.1097/00008877-200312000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC) (the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) have been shown to increase feeding in rats and humans. Conversely, it has been reported that acute administration of the CB1 receptor antagonist SR 141716A reduces food intake in rats. Based upon this observation, it has been suggested that CB1 antagonists could be useful as appetite suppressant drugs. The present studies were designed to provide a detailed examination of the effects of CB1 antagonists on food intake across a range of paradigms. Two CB1 antagonists (SR 141716A and AM 251) were administered to rats trained on fixed-ratio schedules with two different ratio requirements (fixed-ratio 1 and fixed-ratio 5). Both drugs produced a dose-dependent decrease in lever pressing, and had a relatively long duration of action (T1/2: SR 141716A, 15.1 h; AM 251, 22.0 h). Furthermore, intake of three diets with differing macronutrient composition (lab chow, high fat, high carbohydrate) was studied. Both drugs significantly suppressed intake of all three foods, and there were no significant interactions between drug dose and diet type. These findings support the hypothesis that CB1 receptor antagonists could be useful pharmacological tools for the suppression of appetite.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Rd, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
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Nackley AG, Makriyannis A, Hohmann AG. Selective activation of cannabinoid CB(2) receptors suppresses spinal fos protein expression and pain behavior in a rat model of inflammation. Neuroscience 2003; 119:747-57. [PMID: 12809695 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(03)00126-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Activation of cannabinoid CB(2) receptors attenuates thermal nociception in untreated animals while failing to produce centrally mediated effects such as hypothermia and catalepsy [Pain 93 (2001) 239]. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that activation of CB(2) in the periphery suppresses the development of inflammatory pain as well as inflammation-evoked neuronal activity at the level of the CNS. The CB(2)-selective cannabinoid agonist AM1241 (100, 330 micrograms/kg i.p.) suppressed the development of carrageenan-evoked thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia. The AM1241-induced suppression of carrageenan-evoked behavioral sensitization was blocked by the CB(2) antagonist SR144528 but not by the CB(1) antagonist SR141716A. Intraplantar (ipl) administration of AM1241 (33 micrograms/kg ipl) suppressed hyperalgesia and allodynia following administration to the carrageenan-injected paw but was inactive following administration in the contralateral (noninflamed) paw, consistent with a local site of action. In immunocytochemical studies, AM1241 suppressed spinal Fos protein expression, a marker of neuronal activity, in the carrageenan model of inflammation. AM1241 suppressed carrageenan-evoked Fos protein expression in the superficial and neck region of the dorsal horn but not in the nucleus proprius or the ventral horn. The suppression of carrageenan-evoked Fos protein expression induced by AM1241 was blocked by coadministration of SR144528 in all spinal laminae. These data provide evidence that actions at cannabinoid CB(2) receptors are sufficient to suppress inflammation-evoked neuronal activity at rostral levels of processing in the spinal dorsal horn, consistent with the ability of AM1241 to normalize nociceptive thresholds and produce antinociception in inflammatory pain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Nackley
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, 30602, Athens, GA, USA
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Abstract
The structural characterization of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) is quite important as these proteins represent a vast number of therapeutic targets involved in drug discovery. However, solving the three-dimensional structure of GPCR has been a significant obstacle in structural biology. A variety of reasons, including their large molecular weight, intricate interhelical packing, as well as their membrane-associated topology, has hindered efforts aimed at their purification. In the absence of pure protein, available in the native conformation, classical methods of structural analysis such as X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy cannot be utilized successfully. Alternative methods must therefore be explored to facilitate the structural features involved in drug-receptor interactions. The methods described herein detail the use of covalent probes, or affinity labels, capable of binding covalently to a target GPCR at its binding site(s). Our approach involves the incorporation of a number of reactive moieties in different regions of the ligand molecule each of which is expected to react with different amino acid residues. Information obtained from such work coupled with computer modeling and validated by the use of site-directed mutagenesis of GPCRs allows for three-dimensional mapping of the receptor binding site. It also sheds light on the different possible binding motifs for the various classes of agonists and antagonists and identifies amino acid residues involved with GPCR activation or inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Picone
- Center for Drug Discovery, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-2092, USA
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Krylatov AV, Uzhachenko RV, Maslov LN, Ugdyzhekova DS, Bernatskaia NA, Pertwee R, Stefano GB, Makriyannis A. [Anandamide and R-(+)-methanandamide prevent development of ischemic and reperfusion arrhythmia in rats by stimulation of CB2-receptors]. Eksp Klin Farmakol 2002; 65:6-9. [PMID: 12227101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
It has been found that prior intravenous administration of the endocannabinoid anandamide (10 mg/kg) or its synthetic analogue R-(+)-methanadamide (5 mg/kg) prevents a development of ischemic and reperfusion arrhythmias in rats. The prior injection of the CB1 receptor antagonist, SR 141716A (3 mg/kg), did no affect the antiarrhythmic action of both cannabinoids. Pretreatment with the CB2 receptor antagonist, SR 144528 (1 mg/kg), completely abolished antiarrhythmic effect of anandamide and R-(+)-methanandamide. Both CB antagonist had no effect on the arrhythmias itself. Pretreatment with the NO-synthase inhibitor, L-NAME (50 mg/kg), had no effect on the antiarrhythmic action of cannabinoids. We therefore conclude that CB2 receptor stimulation increases the heart tolerance to ischemic and reperfusion arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Krylatov
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Kyevskaya 111, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
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Krylatov AV, Uzhachenko RV, Maslov LN, Bernatskaya NA, Makriyannis A, Mechoulam R, Pertwee RG, Sal'nikova OM, Stefano JB, Lishmanov Y. Endogenous cannabinoids improve myocardial resistance to arrhythmogenic effects of coronary occlusion and reperfusion: a possible mechanism. Bull Exp Biol Med 2002; 133:122-4. [PMID: 12428277 DOI: 10.1023/a:1015574100494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Stimulation of cannabinoid receptors with endogenous cannabinoid anandamide and its enzyme-resistant analogue R-(+)-methanandamide improved cardiac resistance to arrhythmias induced by coronary occlusion and reperfusion. This antiarrhythmic effect was not associated with activation of NO synthase, since pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester had no effect on the incidence of ischemia/reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. Blockade of ATP-dependent K+ channels with glybenclamide did not abolish the antiarrhythmic effect of R-(+)-methanandamide. Antiarrhythmic activity of endogenous cannabinoids is probably associated with their direct effects on the myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Krylatov
- Institute of Cardiology, Tomsk Research Center, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences
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Lin S, Duclos RI, Makriyannis A. Preparation of optically pure 4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolanes and their corresponding phosphodiester ether lipid derivatives. Chem Phys Lipids 2001; 113:111-22. [PMID: 11687231 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-3084(01)00185-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Semi-preparative HPLC on a chiral stationary phase (Chiracel OD) was utilized in the course of this synthesis to separate the four possible diastereomers [cis-(2R,4S)-2a, trans-(2S,4S)-2b, cis-(2S,4R)-2a', and trans-(2R,4R)-2b'] of a 2,4-disubstituted-1,3-dioxolane into optically pure forms (100% de, 100% ee). The syntheses of phosphodiester head group derivatives from each of these four conformationally constrained diastereomeric dioxolanes gave phospholipids which are monocyclic ether lipid analogs. First, the series of four [[(2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl]oxy]phosphocholines 5 were synthesized to give optically pure conformationally constrained analogues of ET-16-OCH(3). A head group variation was also demonstrated by the syntheses of the four diastereomeric [[(2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)-methyl]oxy]phospho-beta-(N-methylmorpholino)ethanols 6.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lin
- School of Pharmacy, U-92, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Burkman L, Schuel H, Lippes J, Makriyannis A, Giuffrida A, Piomelli D. Endocannabinoids: Discovery of a unique signaling system for regulating sperm function and fertilization. Fertil Steril 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(01)02602-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Järbe TU, Lamb RJ, Lin S, Makriyannis A. (R)-methanandamide and Delta 9-THC as discriminative stimuli in rats: tests with the cannabinoid antagonist SR-141716 and the endogenous ligand anandamide. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2001; 156:369-80. [PMID: 11498713 DOI: 10.1007/s002130100730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2000] [Accepted: 02/09/2001] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES (R)-methanandamide (AM-356), a metabolically more stable chiral analog of the endocannabinoid ligand anandamide, was used as a representative of fatty acid ethanolamide CB1 receptor ligands to characterize the discriminative stimulus functions of anandamides. METHODS Rats discriminated between 10 mg/kg (R)-methanandamide and vehicle administered IP 15 min prior to session onset. Another group of rats was initially trained to discriminate between 3 mg/kg Delta9-THC and vehicle given IP 30 min prior to session onset; for anandamide testing, the animals were retrained with 1.8 and 5.6 mg/kg Delta9-THC. A two lever operant methodology (FR10) was used. RESULTS Delta9-THC was more potent than (R)-methanandamide at both 15 and 30 min post-injection, irrespective of the training drug used. Additional tests with 10 and 18 mg/kg (R)-methanandamide suggested that the effects were declining by 1 h. The cannabinoid antagonist SR 141716 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) produced rightward shifts in the Delta9-THC dose-response curve for Delta9-THC-appropriate responding and for (R)-methanandamide-appropriate responding (surmountable antagonism). SR-141716 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) antagonized the ability of (R)-methanandamide to occasion either Delta9-THC-appropriate responding or (R)-methanandamide-appropriate responding. This antagonism was surmountable only at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg SR-1421716 in the (R)-methanandamide-trained rats. SR-141716 did not antagonize the rate-decreasing effects of (R)-methanandamide in either the Delta9-THC or the (R)-methanandamide trained rats. Response suppression precluded testing doses higher than 30 mg/kg (R)-methanandamide. Tests with SR-141716 (1 and 10 mg/kg) alone resulted in <3% Delta9-THC-appropriate responding. With 10 mg/kg SR-141716, response rate was significantly lower as compared to the rate observed during a vehicle test. Tests with anandamide (10 and 18 mg/kg) resulted in 41% and 85% (R)-methanandamide-appropriate responding at a 3-min pre-treatment time, but in a maximum of 15% (R)-methanandamide-appropriate responding at a longer (15 min) pre-treatment time. In the Delta9-THC (1.8 and 5.6 mg/kg) trained rats, anandamide never produced more than about 20% Delta9-THC-appropriate responding. CONCLUSION The results add to a growing body of evidence indicating that there are both similarities and dissimilarities between classical cannabinoids such as THC and endogenous fatty acid ethanolamides.
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Affiliation(s)
- T U Järbe
- Hahnemann University, Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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Bátkai S, Járai Z, Wagner JA, Goparaju SK, Varga K, Liu J, Wang L, Mirshahi F, Khanolkar AD, Makriyannis A, Urbaschek R, Garcia N, Sanyal AJ, Kunos G. Endocannabinoids acting at vascular CB1 receptors mediate the vasodilated state in advanced liver cirrhosis. Nat Med 2001; 7:827-32. [PMID: 11433348 DOI: 10.1038/89953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Advanced cirrhosis is associated with generalized vasodilation of unknown origin, which contributes to mortality. Cirrhotic patients are endotoxemic, and activation of vascular cannabinoid CB1 receptors has been implicated in endotoxin-induced hypotension. Here we show that rats with biliary cirrhosis have low blood pressure, which is elevated by the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A. The low blood pressure of rats with CCl4-induced cirrhosis was similarly reversed by SR141716A, which also reduced the elevated mesenteric blood flow and portal pressure. Monocytes from cirrhotic but not control patients or rats elicited SR141716A-sensitive hypotension in normal recipient rats and showed significantly elevated levels of anandamide. Compared with non-cirrhotic controls, in cirrhotic human livers there was a three-fold increase in CB1 receptors on isolated vascular endothelial cells. These results implicate anandamide and vascular CB1 receptors in the vasodilated state in advanced cirrhosis and indicate a novel approach for its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bátkai
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Goutopoulos A, Fan P, Khanolkar AD, Xie XQ, Lin S, Makriyannis A. Stereochemical selectivity of methanandamides for the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and their metabolic stability. Bioorg Med Chem 2001; 9:1673-84. [PMID: 11425567 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-0896(01)00088-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several chiral, analogues of the endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand, arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide), methylated at the 2,1' and 2' positions using asymmetric synthesis were evaluated in order to study (a) stereoselectivity of binding to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors; and (b) metabolic stability with regard to anandamide amidase. Enantiomerically pure 2-methyl arachidonic acids were synthesized through diastereoselective methylation of the respective chiral 2-oxazolidinone enolate derivatives and CB1 and CB2 receptor affinities of the resulting chiral anandamides were evaluated using a standard receptor binding assay. Introduction of a single 2-methyl group increased affinity for CB1, led to limited enantioselectivity and only modestly improved metabolic stability. However, a high degree of enantio- and diastereoselectivity was observed for the 2,1'-dimethyl analogues. (R)-N-(1-methyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(R)-methyl-arachidonamide (4) exhibited the highest CB1 receptor affinity in this series with a K(i) of 7.42 nM, an at least 10-fold improvement on anandamide (K(i)=78.2 nM). The introduction of two methyl groups at the 2-position of anandamide led to no change in affinity for CB1 but somewhat enhanced metabolic stability. Conversely, chiral headgroup methylation in the 2-gem-dimethyl series led to chiral analogues possessing a wide range of CB1 affinities. Of these the (S)-2,2,2'-trimethyl analogue (12) had the highest affinity for CB1 almost equal to that of anandamide. In agreement with our previous anandamide structure-activity relationship work, the analogues in this study showed high selectivity for the CB1 receptor over CB2. The results are evaluated in terms of stereochemical factors affecting the ligand's affinity for CB1 using receptor-essential volume mapping as an aid. Based on the results, a partial CB1 receptor site model is proposed, that bears two hydrophobic pockets capable of accommodating 1'- and 2-methyl groups
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Affiliation(s)
- A Goutopoulos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Center for Drug Discovery, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Mavromoustakos T, Calogeropoulou T, Koufaki M, Kolocouris A, Daliani I, Demetzos C, Meng Z, Makriyannis A, Balzarini J, De Clercq E. Ether phospholipid-AZT conjugates possessing anti-HIV and antitumor cell activity. Synthesis, conformational analysis, and study of their thermal effects on membrane bilayers. J Med Chem 2001; 44:1702-9. [PMID: 11356105 DOI: 10.1021/jm001121c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The 1-O-hexadecyl-2-O-methyl-sn-glyceryl phosphodiester AZT 4 and hexadecyl-phosphodiester AZT 5 derivatives were synthesized and found to be active against HIV-1, HIV-2, and tumor cell proliferation. Compared to AZT, compound 4 possessed ca. 10-fold lower anti-HIV activity and ca. 10-fold higher anti-tumor cell activity. Compound 5 was 10-fold less potent than compound 4 in both biological tests. In an attempt to correlate biological activity of compounds 4 and 5 with structure, their conformational and thermal effects on membrane bilayers were compared using a combination of NMR spectroscopy, computational analysis, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The obtained results showed that compound 4 adopts a compact conformation in which the alkyl chain, the 2-methoxyglyceryl functionality, and the methyl group of thymine are in spatial proximity, while analogue 5 possesses a less compact conformation of the nucleoside base and the alkyl chain. The presence of the 2-methoxyglyceryl group in compound 4 may augment its potency by inducing a turn of the alkyl chain stabilized by hydrophobic interactions. The DSC scans show that conjugate 4 affects less effectively the thermotropic properties of model membrane bilayers than compound 5. This may be attributed to the fact that compound 4 is incorporated in a compact conformation and does not perturb significantly the trans:gauche isomerization of the membrane phospholipids. In contrast, conjugate 5 may enter with a less compact conformation and perturb more the membrane bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mavromoustakos
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vas. Constantinou 48, 116 35, Athens, Greece
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