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Pinto TG, Dos Anjos Rosario B, de Moraes Malinverni AC, Xavier R, Ferreira YAM, Pisani LP, de Aquino PEA, de Barros Viana GS, de Souza DV, de Barros Viana M, Ribeiro DA. Cytogenotoxicity and inflammatory response in liver of rats exposed to different doses of cannabis nano emulsions. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1877-1890. [PMID: 38494580 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used illicit substance for recreational purposes around the world. However, it has become increasingly common to witness the use of approved cannabis preparations for symptoms management in various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cannabis nano emulsion in the liver of Wistar rats, with different proportions of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). For this, a total of 40 male Wistar rats were distributed into 5 groups, as follows (n = 8 per group): Control: G1, Experimental group (G2): treated with cannabis nano emulsion (THC and CBD) at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, Experimental group (G3): treated with cannabis nano emulsion (THC and CBD) at a dose of 5 mg/kg, Experimental group (G4): treated with cannabis nano emulsion (CBD) at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg; Experimental group (G5): treated with cannabis nano emulsion (CBD) at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Exposure to the nano emulsion was carried out for 21 days, once a day, orally (gavage). Our results showed that cannabis nano emulsions at higher doses (5 mg/kg), regardless of the composition, induced histopathologic changes in the liver (G3 and G5) in comparison with the control group. In line with that, placental glutathione S-transferase (GST-P) positive foci increased in both G3 and G5 (p < 0.05), as well as the immune expression of Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and p53 (p < 0.05). Also, the nano emulsion intake induced an increase in the number of micronucleated hepatocytes in G5 (p < 0.05) whereas G3 showed an increase in binucleated cells (p < 0.05). As for metanuclear alterations, karyolysis and pyknosis had an increased frequency in G3 (p < 0.05). Taken together, the results show that intake of cannabis nano emulsion may induce degenerative changes and genotoxicity in the liver in higher doses, demonstrating a clear dose-response relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Guedes Pinto
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Room 332, Vila Mathias, Santos, SP, 11050-020, Brazil
| | - Barbara Dos Anjos Rosario
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Room 332, Vila Mathias, Santos, SP, 11050-020, Brazil
| | | | - Rosana Xavier
- Department of Pathology, Paulista Medical School, Federal University of Sao Paulo, UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Yasmin Alaby Martins Ferreira
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Room 332, Vila Mathias, Santos, SP, 11050-020, Brazil
| | - Luciana Pellegrini Pisani
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Room 332, Vila Mathias, Santos, SP, 11050-020, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniel Vitor de Souza
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Room 332, Vila Mathias, Santos, SP, 11050-020, Brazil
| | - Milena de Barros Viana
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Room 332, Vila Mathias, Santos, SP, 11050-020, Brazil
| | - Daniel Araki Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, Room 332, Vila Mathias, Santos, SP, 11050-020, Brazil.
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Laudermilk LT, Marusich JA, Wiley JL. Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Effects on Respiration and Heart Rate Across Route of Administration in Female and Male Mice. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2023; 23:349-363. [PMID: 37728714 PMCID: PMC10683859 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-023-09810-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The physiological impact of cannabinoid receptor agonists is of great public health interest due to their increased use in recreational and therapeutic contexts. However, the body of literature on cannabinoid receptor agonists includes multiple confounding variables that complicate comparisons across studies, including route of administration, timeline across which phenotypes are observed, agonist dose, and sex of the study cohort. In this study, we characterized the impact of sex and route of administration on Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced changes in cardiopulmonary phenotypes in mice. Using noninvasive plethysmography and telemetry, we monitored heart rate and respiration in the same cohort of animals across aerosol, oral gavage, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal administrations of THC (0-30 mg/kg THC for oral gavage, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal, and 0-300 mg/ml THC for aerosol). All routes of THC administration altered respiratory minute volume and heart rate, with the direction of effects typically being consistent across dependent measures. THC primarily decreased respiration and heart rate, but females given oral gavage THC showed increased heart rate. Intraperitoneal and subcutaneous THC produced the longest-lasting effects, including THC-induced alterations in physiological parameters for up to 10 h, whereas effects of aerosolized THC were short lived. The fastest onset of effects of THC occurred for aerosolized and intraperitoneal THC. Altogether, the work herein establishes the impact of dosing route on THC-induced heart rate and respiratory alteration in male and female mice. This study highlights important differences in the timeline of cardiopulmonary response to THC following the most common preclinical routes of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas T Laudermilk
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Julie A Marusich
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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Mohammadpour-Asl S, Roshan-Milani S, Abdollahzade Fard A, Golchin A. In vitro evaluation of cell viability and expression profile of growth factors in mouse Sertoli cells exposed to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: a mechanistic insight into the cannabinoid-induced testicular toxicity. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 24:61. [PMID: 37946285 PMCID: PMC10636832 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-023-00704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The potentially adverse effects of cannabis (marijuana), a common leisure compound, on male reproductive performance are a reason for concern. δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active component of marijuana alters testicular cells' proliferation and function which affects male fertility and causes testicular cells dysfunction and apoptosis. The main objective of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism underlying the toxic effects of THC with a mechanistic insight into Sertoli cell-based reproductive dysfunction. The Mus musculus Sertoli cell line (TM4) was cultured and exposed to different concentrations of THC and, MTT (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was then performed for evaluating cell viability. The expression of caspase-3 gene and genes related to growth factors were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Western blotting was performed for evaluating protein expression level. THC concentration-dependently decreased the TM4 viability with a significant effect starting at concentration of 1 μM and reaching about 75% of the control level at the concentration of 50 μM (IC25). Moreover, caspase-3 mRNA expression levels significantly increased while growth factors mRNA levels decreased in THC-exposed cells compared to unexposed cells. There was also a significant reduction in related protein levels in THC group. Administration of the THC promotes cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on TM4 cells partly through down-regulation of growth factors expression. Increased apoptosis, over expression of caspase-3, and down-regulation of growth factors expression in Sertoli cells exposed to THC may be a reflection of THC-induced testicular toxicity, which may be partly involved in infertility associated with marijuana smoking or medical cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shiva Roshan-Milani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Amin Abdollahzade Fard
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Golchin
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Alves P, Amaral C, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. Effects of a combination of cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on key biological functions of HTR-8/SVneo extravillous trophoblast cells. Toxicology 2023; 495:153614. [PMID: 37567336 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, cannabis use has increased among pregnant women. In addition, the phytocannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alone or in combination are being used for therapeutical applications. THC and CBD are able to cross the placenta and a lot remains unknown concerning their impact on angiogenesis and extravillous trophoblasts' (EVTs) migration and invasion, which are essential processes for placentation. Thus, in this study, the HTR-8/SVneo cell line was employed to evaluate the effects of CBD, THC and of their combination (1:1, 2 µM). Cannabinoids affected epithelial-mesenchymal transition, as showed by increased expression of the epithelial protein marker E-cadherin for CBD and CBD plus THC treatments, and decrease of mesenchymal intermediate filament vimentin for all treatments. The gene expression of the metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9, and of their inhibitors TIMP1 and TIMP2 was increased, except the latter for THC treatment. Moreover, CBD reduced cell migration and invasion, an effect that was enhanced by its combination with THC. CBD with or without THC also upregulated the gene expression of PGF, while the anti-angiogenic factor sFLT1 was increased for all treatments. VEGFA and FLT1 were not affected. Alone or combined CBD and THC also decreased tube segments' length. Additionally, ERK1/2 and STAT3 phosphorylation was increased in the CBD and CBD plus THC-treated cells, while THC only activated STAT3. AKT activation was only affected by CBD. This work demonstrates that the exposure to cannabinoid-based products containing CBD and/or THC, may interfere with key processes of EVTs differentiation. Therefore, crucial phases of placental development can be affected, compromising pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Alves
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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Haidar Z, Traboulsi H, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. Differential inflammatory profile in the lungs of mice exposed to cannabis smoke with varying THC:CBD ratio. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:1963-1978. [PMID: 37179517 PMCID: PMC10183104 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis contains cannabinoids including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC causes the psychoactive effects of cannabis, and both THC and CBD are thought to be anti-inflammatory. Cannabis is typically consumed by inhaling smoke that contains thousands of combustion products that may damage the lungs. However, the relationship between cannabis smoke exposure and alterations in respiratory health is poorly defined. To address this gap in knowledge, we first developed a mouse model of cannabis smoke exposure using a nose-only rodent inhalation exposure system. We then tested the acute effects of two dried cannabis products that differ substantially in their THC-CBD ratio: Indica-THC dominant (I-THC; 16-22% THC) and Sativa-CBD dominant (S-CBD; 13-19% CBD). We demonstrate that this smoke exposure regime not only delivers physiologically relevant levels of THC to the bloodstream, but that acute inhalation of cannabis smoke modulates the pulmonary immune response. Cannabis smoke decreased the percentage of lung alveolar macrophages but increased lung interstitial macrophages (IMs). There was also a decrease in lung dendritic cells as well as Ly6Cintermediate and Ly6Clow monocytes, but an increase in lung neutrophils and CD8+ T cells. These immune cell changes were paralleled with changes in several immune mediators. These immunological modifications were more pronounced when mice were exposed to S-CBD compared to the I-THC variety. Thus, we show that acute cannabis smoke differentially affects lung immunity based on the THC:CBD ratio, thereby providing a foundation to further explore the effect of chronic cannabis smoke exposures on pulmonary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Haidar
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd (EM22248), Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hussein Traboulsi
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd (EM22248), Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David H Eidelman
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd (EM22248), Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Baglole
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd (EM22248), Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada.
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Lim J, Lee HL, Nguyen J, Shin J, Getze S, Quach C, Squire E, Jung KM, Mahler SV, Mackie K, Piomelli D, Luderer U. Adolescent exposure to low-dose Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol depletes the ovarian reserve in female mice. Toxicol Sci 2023; 193:31-47. [PMID: 36912754 PMCID: PMC10176244 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use by adolescents is widespread, but its effects on the ovaries remain largely unknown. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exerts its pharmacological effects by activating, and in some conditions hijacking, cannabinoid receptors (CBRs). We hypothesized that adolescent exposure to THC affects ovarian function in adulthood. Peripubertal female C57BL/6N mice were given THC (5 mg/kg) or its vehicle, once daily by intraperitoneal injection. Some mice received THC from postnatal day (PND) 30-33 and their ovaries were harvested PND34; other mice received THC from PND30-43, and their ovaries were harvested PND70. Adolescent treatment with THC depleted ovarian primordial follicle numbers by 50% at PND70, 4 weeks after the last dose. The treatment produced primordial follicle activation, which persisted until PND70. THC administration also caused DNA damage in primary follicles and increased PUMA protein expression in oocytes of primordial and primary follicles. Both CB1R and CB2R were expressed in oocytes and theca cells of ovarian follicles. Enzymes involved in the formation (N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D) or deactivation (fatty acid amide hydrolase) of the endocannabinoid anandamide were expressed in granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and interstitial cells. Levels of mRNA for CBR1 were significantly increased in ovaries after adolescent THC exposure, and upregulation persisted for at least 4 weeks. Our results support that adolescent exposure to THC may cause aberrant activation of the ovarian endocannabinoid system in female mice, resulting in substantial loss of ovarian reserve in adulthood. Relevance of these findings to women who frequently used cannabis during adolescence warrants investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhwan Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Hye-Lim Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Julie Nguyen
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Joyce Shin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Samantha Getze
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Caitlin Quach
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Erica Squire
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Ulrike Luderer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
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Reidel B, Abdelwahab S, Wrennall JA, Clapp P, Beers JL, Jackson KD, Tarran R, Kesimer M. Vaping additives cannabinoid oil and vitamin E acetate adhere to and damage the human airway epithelium. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:680-693. [PMID: 36372912 PMCID: PMC10101868 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
E-cigarette, or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), is a severe respiratory disorder that caused a sudden outbreak of hospitalized young people in 2019. Using cannabis oil containing vaping products, including vitamin E acetate contaminants, was found to be strongly associated with EVALI. However, the underlying tissue impacts of the condition are still largely unknown. Here, we focused on the vehicle cannabinoid oil (CBD oil) and contaminant vitamin E acetate (VEA) effects on airway epithelial cells. Primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cultures were exposed to e-liquid aerosols that contained CBD oil and VEA in combination or the common e-liquid components PG/VG with and without nicotine. Cell viability analysis indicated dramatically increased cell death counts after 3 days of CBD exposure, and this effect was even higher after CBD + VEA exposure. Microscopic examination of the cultures revealed cannabinoid and VEA depositions on the epithelial surfaces and cannabinoid accumulation in exposed cells, followed by cell death. These observations were supported by proteomic analysis of the cell secretions that exhibited increases in known markers of airway epithelial toxicity, such as xenobiotic enzymes, factors related to oxidative stress response, and cell death indicators. Overall, our study provides insights into the association between cannabinoid oil and vitamin E acetate vaping and lung injury. Collectively, our results suggest that the adherent accumulation of CBD oil on airway surfaces and the cellular uptake of both CBD oil- and VEA-containing condensates cause elevated metabolic stress, leading to increased cell death rates in human airway epithelial cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Reidel
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Sabri Abdelwahab
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Joe Alexander Wrennall
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Phillip Clapp
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Jessica L. Beers
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Klarissa D. Jackson
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Robert Tarran
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Mehmet Kesimer
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
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Di Bartolomeo M, Stark T, Di Martino S, Iannotti FA, Ruda-Kucerova J, Romano GL, Kuchar M, Laudani S, Palivec P, Piscitelli F, Wotjak CT, Bucolo C, Drago F, Di Marzo V, D’Addario C, Micale V. The Effects of Peripubertal THC Exposure in Neurodevelopmental Rat Models of Psychopathology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043907. [PMID: 36835313 PMCID: PMC9962163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescent exposure to cannabinoids as a postnatal environmental insult may increase the risk of psychosis in subjects exposed to perinatal insult, as suggested by the two-hit hypothesis of schizophrenia. Here, we hypothesized that peripubertal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (aTHC) may affect the impact of prenatal methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) or perinatal THC (pTHC) exposure in adult rats. We found that MAM and pTHC-exposed rats, when compared to the control group (CNT), were characterized by adult phenotype relevant to schizophrenia, including social withdrawal and cognitive impairment, as revealed by social interaction test and novel object recognition test, respectively. At the molecular level, we observed an increase in cannabinoid CB1 receptor (Cnr1) and/or dopamine D2/D3 receptor (Drd2, Drd3) gene expression in the prefrontal cortex of adult MAM or pTHC-exposed rats, which we attributed to changes in DNA methylation at key regulatory gene regions. Interestingly, aTHC treatment significantly impaired social behavior, but not cognitive performance in CNT groups. In pTHC rats, aTHC did not exacerbate the altered phenotype nor dopaminergic signaling, while it reversed cognitive deficit in MAM rats by modulating Drd2 and Drd3 gene expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that the effects of peripubertal THC exposure may depend on individual differences related to dopaminergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Scientific Core Unit Neuroimaging, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
- Psychedelic Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 25067 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Samuele Laudani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Petr Palivec
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Carsten T. Wotjak
- Central Nervous System Diseases Research (CNSDR), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Faculty of Medicine, Agricultural and Food Sciences, CRIUCPQ, INAF and Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Claudio D’Addario
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-095-4781199
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9
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Zou G, Xia J, Luo H, Xiao D, Jin J, Miao C, Zuo X, Gao Q, Zhang Z, Xue T, You Y, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Xiong W. Combined alcohol and cannabinoid exposure leads to synergistic toxicity by affecting cerebellar Purkinje cells. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1138-1149. [PMID: 36109623 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00633-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Combined use of cannabis and alcohol results in greater psychoactive toxicity than either substance alone, but the underlying central mechanisms behind this worsened outcome remain unclear. Here we show that the synergistic effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and ethanol on motor incoordination in mice is achieved by activating presynaptic type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) and potentiating extrasynaptic glycine receptors (GlyR) within cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs). The combination of ethanol and THC significantly reduces miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in a CB1R-dependent manner, while increasing the extrasynaptic GlyR-mediated chronic chloride current, both leading to decreased PC activity. Ethanol enhances THC actions by boosting the blood-brain-barrier permeability of THC and enriching THC in the cell membrane. Di-desoxy-THC, a designed compound that specifically disrupts THC-GlyR interaction without affecting the basic functions of CB1R and GlyR, is able to restore PC function and motor coordination in mice. Our findings provide potential therapeutic strategies for overcoming the synergistic toxicity caused by combining cannabis and alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guichang Zou
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Heyi Luo
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dan Xiao
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jin Jin
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chenjian Miao
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Zuo
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qianqian Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tian Xue
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yezi You
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, Hefei, China.
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10
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Chatzimitakos T, Chousidis I, Leonardos D, Stalikas C, Leonardos I. In the Swim of Cannabis: Developmental Toxicity and Metabolomic Pathway Alterations of Zebrafish Larvae Exposed to THC for the Assessment of Its Potential Environmental and Human Health Impact. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175506. [PMID: 36080275 PMCID: PMC9458094 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175506] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As the pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications of Cannabis sativa L. pace with the upsurge of interest of the scientific community in harnessing its constituent phytocannabinoids, illicit use may raise serious health issues. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the most well-known phytoactive constituents of cannabis and continues to garner scientific and public attention not only because of its pharmacological value but also because over-the-counter products of THC and prescription medications are becoming increasingly available from pharmacies, dispensaries, Internet, local retail stores, or by illicit means. Hence, a multidimensional approach was employed to examine the impact of THC on zebrafish larvae. The acute toxicity, expressed as LC50, was 1.54 mg/L. Adverse effects were observed on the phenotype, such as tail bending, pericardial edema, etc., even at concentrations lower than LC50, and fundamental functions of larvae (e.g., heart rate and cardiac contractility, and rhythm) were significantly affected. Behavioral changes were noticed, which were reflected in locomotor activity and sensitivity to light/dark changes. Finally, an untargeted metabolomic study was carried out to shed light on the metabolic alterations that occurred, providing substantiating evidence of the observed phenotype alterations. Overall, the potentially detrimental effects of THC on a vertebrate model are depicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Chatzimitakos
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ieremias Chousidis
- Laboratory of Zoology, Biological Applications and Technology Department, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Constantine Stalikas
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Ioannis Leonardos
- Laboratory of Zoology, Biological Applications and Technology Department, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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11
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Cabanlong CV, Russell LN, Fantegrossi WE, Prather PL. Metabolites of Synthetic Cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PINACA Retain Affinity, Act as High Efficacy Agonists and Exhibit Atypical Pharmacodynamic Properties at CB1 Receptors. Toxicol Sci 2022; 187:175-185. [PMID: 35201352 PMCID: PMC9216042 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a large group of abused psychoactive compounds that elicit numerous toxic effects not observed with cannabis, including death. Abuse of third-generation SCRA 5F-MDMB-PINACA (also known as 5F-ADB) has been associated with over 40 fatalities. This SCRA is metabolized to several active phase I metabolites, including excessively high post-mortem serum concentrations of an ester hydrolysis metabolite, 5F-MDMB-PINACA-M7 (M7). Although high serum concentrations of M7 (and other active metabolites) have been suggested to contribute to 5F-MDMB-PINACA toxicity, the affinity of M7 for CB1 receptors is unknown and more complete pharmacodynamic characterization of 5F-MDMB-PINACA and its active metabolites is needed. Competition binding and G-protein modulation studies presented here confirm reports that 5F-MDMB-PINACA and a second N-5-hydroxypentyl metabolite (M2) exhibit nM affinity and act as high efficacy agonists at CB1 receptors. Also as previously published, M7 exhibits high efficacy at CB1 receptors; however, demonstrated here for the first time, M7 retains only low μΜ affinity. Empirically derived Kb values indicate rimonabant differentially antagonizes G-protein activation produced by 5F-MDMB-PINACA, relative to Δ9-THC (THC) or its metabolites. Chronic administration of 5F-MDMB-PINACA and metabolites results in CB1 down-regulation, but only 5F-MDMB-PINACA produces desensitization. Although low CB1 affinity/potency of M7 precluded in vivo studies, both M2 and THC produce locomotor suppression and CB1-mediated dose-dependent hypothermia and analgesia in mice. Collectively, these data confirm and extend previous studies suggesting that 5F-MDMB-PINACA is metabolized to active compounds exhibiting atypical pharmacodynamic properties at CB1 receptors, that may accumulate with parent drug to produce severe toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian V Cabanlong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA
| | - Lauren N Russell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA
| | - William E Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA
| | - Paul L Prather
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slot 611, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. Tel.: (501) 686-5512; Fax: (501) 686-5521. E-mail:
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12
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Merve AO, Sobiecka P, Remeškevičius V, Taylor L, Saskoy L, Lawton S, Jones BP, Elwakeel A, Mackenzie FE, Polycarpou E, Bennett J, Rooney B. Metabolites of Cannabis Induce Cardiac Toxicity and Morphological Alterations in Cardiac Myocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031401. [PMID: 35163321 PMCID: PMC8835806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs worldwide. Rrecent epidemiology studies have linked increased cardiac complications to cannabis use. However, this literature is predominantly based on case incidents and post-mortem investigations. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and its primary metabolites 11-Hydroxy-Δ9-THC (THC-OH) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH). Treatment of cardiac myocytes with THC-OH and THC-COOH increased cell migration and proliferation (p < 0.05), with no effect on cell adhesion, with higher doses (250–100 ng/mL) resulting in increased cell death and significant deterioration in cellular architecture. Conversely, no changes in cell morphology or viability were observed in response to THC. Expression of key ECM proteins α-SMA and collagen were up-regulated in response to THC-OH and THC-COOH treatments with concomitant modulation of PI3K and MAPK signalling. Investigations in the planarian animal model Polycelis nigra demonstrated that treatments with cannabinoid metabolites resulted in increased protein deposition at transection sites while higher doses resulted in significant lethality and decline in regeneration. These results highlight that the key metabolites of cannabis elicit toxic effects independent of the parent and psychoactive compound, with implications for cardiotoxicity relating to hypertrophy and fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Orme Merve
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Pola Sobiecka
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Vytautas Remeškevičius
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Luke Taylor
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Lili Saskoy
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Scott Lawton
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Ben P. Jones
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Ahmed Elwakeel
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences (CSELS), Coventry University, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Alison Gingell Building, Whitefriars Street, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK; (A.E.); (J.B.)
| | - Francesca E. Mackenzie
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Elena Polycarpou
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Jason Bennett
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences (CSELS), Coventry University, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Alison Gingell Building, Whitefriars Street, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK; (A.E.); (J.B.)
| | - Brian Rooney
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK; (A.O.M.); (P.S.); (V.R.); (L.T.); (L.S.); (S.L.); (B.P.J.); (F.E.M.); (E.P.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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LeBouf RF, Ranpara A, Ham J, Aldridge M, Fernandez E, Williams K, Burns DA, Stefaniak AB. Chemical Emissions From Heated Vitamin E Acetate—Insights to Respiratory Risks From Electronic Cigarette Liquid Oil Diluents Used in the Aerosolization of Δ9-THC-Containing Products. Front Public Health 2022; 9:765168. [PMID: 35127617 PMCID: PMC8814346 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.765168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As of February 18, 2020, the e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak caused the hospitalization of a total of 2,807 patients and claimed 68 lives in the United States. Though investigations have reported a strong association with vitamin E acetate (VEA), evidence from reported EVALI cases is not sufficient to rule out the contribution of other chemicals of concern, including chemicals in either THC or non-THC products. This study characterized chemicals evolved when diluent oils were heated to temperatures that mimic e-cigarette, or vaping, products (EVPs) to investigate production of potentially toxic chemicals that might have caused lung injury. VEA, vitamin E, coconut, and medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil were each diluted with ethanol and then tested for constituents and impurities using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Undiluted oils were heated at 25°C (control), 150°C, and 250°C in an inert chamber to mimic a range of temperatures indicative of aerosolization from EVPs. Volatilized chemicals were collected using thermal desorption tubes, analyzed using a GC/MS, and identified. Presence of identified chemicals was confirmed using retention time and ion spectra matching with analytic standards. Direct analysis of oils, as received, revealed that VEA and vitamin E were the main constituents of their oils, and coconut and MCT oils were nearly identical having two main constituents: glycerol tricaprylate and 2-(decanoyloxy) propane-1,3-diyl dioctanoate. More chemicals were measured and with greater intensities when diluent oils were heated at 250°C compared to 150°C and 25°C. Vitamin E and coconut/MCT oils produced different chemical emissions. The presence of some identified chemicals is of potential health consequence because many are known respiratory irritants and acute respiratory toxins. Exposure to a mixture of hazardous chemicals may be relevant to the development or exacerbation of EVALI, especially when in concert with physical damage caused by lung deposition of aerosols produced by aerosolizing diluent oils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan F. LeBouf
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
- *Correspondence: Ryan F. LeBouf
| | - Anand Ranpara
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Jason Ham
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Michael Aldridge
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Elizabeth Fernandez
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kenneth Williams
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Dru A. Burns
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Aleksandr B. Stefaniak
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
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14
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Thomason ME, Palopoli AC, Jariwala NN, Werchan DM, Chen A, Adhikari S, Espinoza-Heredia C, Brito NH, Trentacosta CJ. Miswiring the brain: Human prenatal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol use associated with altered fetal hippocampal brain network connectivity. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2021; 51:101000. [PMID: 34388638 PMCID: PMC8363827 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2021.101000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports a link between maternal prenatal cannabis use and altered neural and physiological development of the child. However, whether cannabis use relates to altered human brain development prior to birth, and specifically, whether maternal prenatal cannabis use relates to connectivity of fetal functional brain systems, remains an open question. The major objective of this study was to identify whether maternal prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) is associated with variation in human brain hippocampal functional connectivity prior to birth. Prenatal drug toxicology and fetal fMRI data were available in a sample of 115 fetuses [43 % female; mean age 32.2 weeks (SD = 4.3)]. Voxelwise hippocampal connectivity analysis in a subset of age and sex-matched fetuses revealed that PCE was associated with alterations in fetal dorsolateral, medial and superior frontal, insula, anterior temporal, and posterior cingulate connectivity. Classification of group differences by age 5 outcomes suggest that compared to the non-PCE group, the PCE group is more likely to have increased connectivity to regions associated with less favorable outcomes and to have decreased connectivity to regions associated with more favorable outcomes. This is preliminary evidence that altered fetal neural connectome may contribute to neurobehavioral vulnerability observed in children exposed to cannabis in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriah E Thomason
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Institute, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ava C Palopoli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nicki N Jariwala
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Denise M Werchan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alan Chen
- Department of Population Health, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samrachana Adhikari
- Department of Population Health, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claudia Espinoza-Heredia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalie H Brito
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Pandelides Z, Aluru N, Thornton C, Watts HE, Willett KL. Transcriptomic Changes and the Roles of Cannabinoid Receptors and PPARγ in Developmental Toxicities Following Exposure to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol. Toxicol Sci 2021; 182:44-59. [PMID: 33892503 PMCID: PMC8285010 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human consumption of cannabinoid-containing products during early life or pregnancy is rising. However, information about the molecular mechanisms involved in early life stage Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) toxicities is critically lacking. Here, larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to measure THC- and CBD-mediated changes on transcriptome and the roles of cannabinoid receptors (Cnr) 1 and 2 and peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ (PPARγ) in developmental toxicities. Transcriptomic profiling of 96-h postfertilization (hpf) cnr+/+ embryos exposed (6 - 96 hpf) to 4 μM THC or 0.5 μM CBD showed differential expression of 904 and 1095 genes for THC and CBD, respectively, with 360 in common. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enriched in the THC and CBD datasets included those related to drug, retinol, and steroid metabolism and PPAR signaling. The THC exposure caused increased mortality and deformities (pericardial and yolk sac edemas, reduction in length) in cnr1-/- and cnr2-/- fish compared with cnr+/+ suggesting Cnr receptors are involved in protective pathways. Conversely, the cnr1-/- larvae were more resistant to CBD-induced malformations, mortality, and behavioral alteration implicating Cnr1 in CBD-mediated toxicity. Behavior (decreased distance travelled) was the most sensitive endpoint to THC and CBD exposure. Coexposure to the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 and CBD in cnr+/+ and cnr2-/- strains caused more adverse outcomes compared with CBD alone, but not in the cnr1-/- fish, suggesting that PPARγ plays a role in CBD metabolism downstream of Cnr1. Collectively, PPARγ, Cnr1, and Cnr2 play important roles in the developmental toxicity of cannabinoids with Cnr1 being the most critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Pandelides
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
| | - Neelakanteswar Aluru
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| | - Cammi Thornton
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
| | - Haley E Watts
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
| | - Kristine L Willett
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, USA
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16
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Oke SL, Lee K, Papp R, Laviolette SR, Hardy DB. In Utero Exposure to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Leads to Postnatal Catch-Up Growth and Dysmetabolism in the Adult Rat Liver. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147502. [PMID: 34299119 PMCID: PMC8305322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rates of gestational cannabis use have increased despite limited evidence for its safety in fetal life. Recent animal studies demonstrate that prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis) promotes intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), culminating in postnatal metabolic deficits. Given IUGR is associated with impaired hepatic function, we hypothesized that Δ9-THC offspring would exhibit hepatic dyslipidemia. Pregnant Wistar rat dams received daily injections of vehicular control or 3 mg/kg Δ9-THC i.p. from embryonic day (E) 6.5 through E22. Exposure to Δ9-THC decreased the liver to body weight ratio at birth, followed by catch-up growth by three weeks of age. At six months, Δ9-THC-exposed male offspring exhibited increased visceral adiposity and higher hepatic triglycerides. This was instigated by augmented expression of enzymes involved in triglyceride synthesis (ACCα, SCD, FABP1, and DGAT2) at three weeks. Furthermore, the expression of hepatic DGAT1/DGAT2 was sustained at six months, concomitant with mitochondrial dysfunction (i.e., elevated p66shc) and oxidative stress. Interestingly, decreases in miR-203a-3p and miR-29a/b/c, both implicated in dyslipidemia, were also observed in these Δ9-THC-exposed offspring. Collectively, these findings indicate that prenatal Δ9-THC exposure results in long-term dyslipidemia associated with enhanced hepatic lipogenesis. This is attributed by mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby L. Oke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.L.O.); (K.L.); (R.P.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.L.O.); (K.L.); (R.P.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rosemary Papp
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.L.O.); (K.L.); (R.P.)
| | - Steven R. Laviolette
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.L.O.); (K.L.); (R.P.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Traccis F, Serra V, Sagheddu C, Congiu M, Saba P, Giua G, Devoto P, Frau R, Cheer JF, Melis M. Prenatal THC Does Not Affect Female Mesolimbic Dopaminergic System in Preadolescent Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041666. [PMID: 33562259 PMCID: PMC7914408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use among pregnant women is increasing worldwide along with permissive sociocultural attitudes toward it. Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE), however, is associated with adverse outcome among offspring, ranging from reduced birth weight to child psychopathology. We have previously shown that male rat offspring prenatally exposed to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a rat model of PCE, exhibit extensive molecular, cellular, and synaptic changes in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), resulting in a susceptible mesolimbic dopamine system associated with a psychotic-like endophenotype. This phenotype only reveals itself upon a single exposure to THC in males but not females. Here, we characterized the impact of PCE on female behaviors and mesolimbic dopamine system function by combining in vivo single-unit extracellular recordings in anesthetized animals and ex vivo patch clamp recordings, along with neurochemical and behavioral analyses. We find that PCE female offspring do not show any spontaneous or THC-induced behavioral disease-relevant phenotypes. The THC-induced increase in dopamine levels in nucleus accumbens was reduced in PCE female offspring, even when VTA dopamine activity in vivo and ex vivo did not differ compared to control. These findings indicate that PCE impacts mesolimbic dopamine function and its related behavioral domains in a sex-dependent manner and warrant further investigations to decipher the mechanisms determining this sex-related protective effect from intrauterine THC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Traccis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Valeria Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Mauro Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Pierluigi Saba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Gabriele Giua
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Paola Devoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Joseph Francois Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-675-4322
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18
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De Felice M, Renard J, Hudson R, Szkudlarek HJ, Pereira BJ, Schmid S, Rushlow WJ, Laviolette SR. l-Theanine Prevents Long-Term Affective and Cognitive Side Effects of Adolescent Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure and Blocks Associated Molecular and Neuronal Abnormalities in the Mesocorticolimbic Circuitry. J Neurosci 2021; 41:739-750. [PMID: 33268546 PMCID: PMC7842745 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1050-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic adolescent exposure to Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is linked to elevated neuropsychiatric risk and induces neuronal, molecular and behavioral abnormalities resembling neuropsychiatric endophenotypes. Previous evidence has revealed that the mesocorticolimbic circuitry, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and mesolimbic dopamine (DA) pathway are particularly susceptible to THC-induced pathologic alterations, including dysregulation of DAergic activity states, loss of PFC GABAergic inhibitory control and affective and cognitive abnormalities. There are currently limited pharmacological intervention strategies capable of preventing THC-induced neuropathological adaptations. l-Theanine is an amino acid analog of l-glutamate and l-glutamine derived from various plant sources, including green tea leaves. l-Theanine has previously been shown to modulate levels of GABA, DA, and glutamate in various neural regions and to possess neuroprotective properties. Using a preclinical model of adolescent THC exposure in male rats, we report that l-theanine pretreatment before adolescent THC exposure is capable of preventing long-term, THC-induced dysregulation of both PFC and VTA DAergic activity states, a neuroprotective effect that persists into adulthood. In addition, pretreatment with l-theanine blocked THC-induced downregulation of local GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3) and Akt signaling pathways directly in the PFC, two biomarkers previously associated with cannabis-related psychiatric risk and subcortical DAergic dysregulation. Finally, l-theanine powerfully blocked the development of both affective and cognitive abnormalities commonly associated with adolescent THC exposure, further demonstrating functional and long-term neuroprotective effects of l-theanine in the mesocorticolimbic system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT With the increasing trend of cannabis legalization and consumption during adolescence, it is essential to expand knowledge on the potential effects of adolescent cannabis exposure on brain development and identify potential pharmacological strategies to minimize Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced neuropathology. Previous evidence demonstrates that adolescent THC exposure induces long-lasting affective and cognitive abnormalities, mesocorticolimbic dysregulation, and schizophrenia-like molecular biomarkers that persist into adulthood. We demonstrate for the first time that l-theanine, an amino acid analog of l-glutamate and l-glutamine, is capable of preventing long-term THC side effects. l-Theanine prevented the development of THC-induced behavioral aberrations, blocked cortical downregulation of local GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3) and Akt signaling pathways, and normalized dysregulation of both PFC and VTA DAergic activity, demonstrating powerful and functional neuroprotective effects against THC-induced developmental neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Justine Renard
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Brian J Pereira
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
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Harpaz D, Veltman B, Sadeh Y, Marks RS, Bernstein N, Eltzov E. The effect of cannabis toxicity on a model microbiome bacterium epitomized by a panel of bioluminescent E. coli. Chemosphere 2021; 263:128241. [PMID: 33297188 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The world acceptance of medical cannabis slowly widens. Cannabinoids are known as the main therapeutic active compounds in the cannabis plant, yet their bioactive physiological effects are still unknown. In this study, the mode of action of nine selected cannabinoids was examined using a bioluminescent bacterial panel, as well as the extracts of six different cannabis varieties and cannabinoids standards artificial mixtures. The bacterial panel was composed of genetically modified E. coli bacteria that is commonly found in the gut microbiome, to which a lux operon was added to various stress promoters. The panel was exposed to the cannabinoids in order to identify bacterial defense mechanism, via the aforementioned specific stress types response. This enables the understanding of the toxicity mode of action of cannabinoids. From all the tested cannabinoids, only delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA) produced a genotoxic effect, while the other tested cannabinoids, demonstrated cytotoxic or oxidative damages. Unlike pure cannabinoids, cannabis plant extracts exhibited mostly genotoxicity, with minor cytotoxicity or oxidative stress responses. Moreover, cannabinoids standards artificial mixtures produced a different response patterns compared to their individual effects, which may be due to additional synergistic or antagonistic reactions between the mixed chemicals on the bacterial panel. The results showed that despite the lack of cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC) in the artificial solution mimicking the CN6 cannabis variety, a similar response pattern to the cannabinoids standards mixture was obtained. This work contributes to the understanding of such correlations and may provide a realistic view of cannabinoid effects on the human microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorin Harpaz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel; Department of Postharvest Science, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Boris Veltman
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel; Department of Postharvest Science, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Yael Sadeh
- Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, POBox 6, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Robert S Marks
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel; National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel; The Ilse Katz Center for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Nirit Bernstein
- Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, POBox 6, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel.
| | - Evgeni Eltzov
- Department of Postharvest Science, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel.
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Stringfield SJ, Torregrossa MM. Intravenous self-administration of delta-9-THC in adolescent rats produces long-lasting alterations in behavior and receptor protein expression. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:305-319. [PMID: 33111197 PMCID: PMC7796919 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05684-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Initial exposure to cannabinoids, including Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), often occurs during adolescence. Considerable neurodevelopmental alterations occur throughout adolescence, and the environmental insult posed by exogenous cannabinoid exposure may alter natural developmental trajectories. Multiple studies suggest that long-lasting deficits in cognitive function occur as a result of adolescent cannabis use, but considerable variability exists in the magnitude of these effects. OBJECTIVES We sought to establish a novel procedure for achieving intravenous THC self-administration in adolescent rats in order to determine if volitional THC intake in adolescence produced indices of addiction-related behavior, altered working memory performance in adulthood, or altered the expression of proteins associated with these behaviors across several brain regions. METHODS Male and female adolescent rats learned to operantly self-administer escalating doses of THC intravenously from PD 32-51. Upon reaching adulthood they were tested in abstinence for cued reinstatement of THC-seeking and working memory performance on a delayed-match-to-sample task. In a separate cohort, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and cannabinoid receptor protein expression was measured in multiple brain regions. RESULTS Both male and female adolescents self-administered THC and exhibited cue-induced lever pressing throughout abstinence. THC-exposed males exhibited slightly enhanced working memory performance in adulthood, and better performance positively correlated with total THC self-administered during adolescence. Adolescent THC-exposed rats exhibited reductions in CB1, GABA, and glutamate receptor protein, primarily in the prefrontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus, and ventral tegmental area. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that THC exposure at self-administered doses can produce moderate behavioral and molecular alterations, including sex-dependent effects on working memory performance in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra J Stringfield
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Suite 223, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Suite 223, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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21
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Schep LJ, Slaughter RJ, Glue P, Gee P. The clinical toxicology of cannabis. N Z Med J 2020; 133:96-103. [PMID: 33032307] [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: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive principal constituent of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). It is taken either orally or by inhalation, resulting in sedation, euphoria, relaxation and loss of social inhibition. Adverse effects from higher doses can include fear, distrust and a profound state of unease, hallucinations, ataxia, stupor and seizures. Long-term use can result in respiratory and cardiovascular toxicity and has been associated with a range of psychiatric conditions. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome can occur with chronic use. Driving under the influence of THC is associated with approximately double the risk of motor vehicle crashes. The intensity and duration of symptoms is proportional to the concentration of THC in the blood. Following acute use, THC only remains in the blood for several hours before it is converted into a carboxylic derivative of THC and this partitions into the fat, from where it leaches out and can be detected in urine for weeks after use. Treatment of acute intoxication mainly consists of appropriate symptom-directed supportive care. Children are more susceptible to cannabis toxicity, particularly seizures and coma, and therefore may require additional supportive care for these potential symptoms. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a brief overview of the acute and chronic effects of cannabis, its pharmacokinetics, toxicity and the medical management of intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo J Schep
- Professional Practice Fellow, Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin
| | | | - Paul Glue
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin
| | - Paul Gee
- Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch
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Lachenmeier DW, Walch SG. Evidence for adverse effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products and their non-conformity on the European food market - response to the European Industrial Hemp Association. F1000Res 2020; 9:1051. [PMID: 33082934 PMCID: PMC7542252 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.26045.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An interesting and valuable discussion has arisen from our recent article (Lachenmeier et al., 2020) and we are pleased to have the opportunity to expand on the various points we made. Equally important, we wish to correct several important misunderstandings that were made by Kruse and Beitzke (2020) on behalf of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) that possibly contributed to their concerns about the validity of our data, toxicological assessment and conclusions regarding regulatory status of cannabidiol (CBD) products. First and foremost, our study did only assess the risk of psychotropic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) without inclusion of non-psychotropic Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Secondly, as this article will discuss in more detail, there is ample evidence for adverse effects of CBD products, not only in paediatric patients, but also in adult users of over-the-counter CBD products (including inadvertent "high" effects). Thirdly, the exposure and risk assessment was conducted using up-to-date guidelines according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). And finally, the current legal situation in the European Union, without approval of any hemp extract-containing product according to the Novel Food regulation, actually allows blanket statements that all such products are illegal on the market, and this indeed would imply a general ban on the use and marketing of such products as food or food ingredients until such an approval has been granted. We hope that this reassures the F1000Research readership regarding the validity of our results and conclusions. We are pleased, though, that the EIHA has acknowledged the fact that there are non-compliant CBD products available, but according to our data these are a substantial fraction of the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk W. Lachenmeier
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, 76187, Germany
| | - Stephan G. Walch
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, 76187, Germany
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23
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Pray IW, Atti SK, Tomasallo C, Meiman JG. E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury Among Clusters of Patients Reporting Shared Product Use - Wisconsin, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020; 69:236-240. [PMID: 32134907 PMCID: PMC7367091 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6909a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
With the growing global acceptance of cannabis and its widespread use by eyewitnesses and suspects in legal cases, understanding the popular drug's ramifications for memory is a pressing need. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we examined the acute and delayed effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) intoxication on susceptibility to false memory in 64 healthy volunteers. Memory was tested immediately (encoding and retrieval under drug influence) and 1 wk later (retrieval sober). We used three different methods (associative word lists and two misinformation tasks using virtual reality). Across all methods, we found evidence for enhanced false-memory effects in intoxicated participants. Specifically, intoxicated participants showed higher false recognition in the associative word-list task both at immediate and delayed test than controls. This yes bias became increasingly strong with decreasing levels of association between studied and test items. In a misinformation task, intoxicated participants were more susceptible to false-memory creation using a virtual-reality eyewitness scenario and virtual-reality perpetrator scenario. False-memory effects were mostly restricted to the acute-intoxication phase. Cannabis seems to increase false-memory proneness, with decreasing strength of association between an event and a test item, as assessed by different false-memory paradigms. Our findings have implications for how and when the police should interview suspects and eyewitnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Kloft
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Henry Otgaar
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Law, Catholic University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arjan Blokland
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lauren A Monds
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Langton Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Taren Point, NSW 2229, Australia
| | - Stefan W Toennes
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University of Frankfurt, 60323 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Elizabeth F Loftus
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
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Krishnasamy VP, Hallowell BD, Ko JY, Board A, Hartnett KP, Salvatore PP, Danielson M, Kite-Powell A, Twentyman E, Kim L, Cyrus A, Wallace M, Melstrom P, Haag B, King BA, Briss P, Jones CM, Pollack LA, Ellington S. Update: Characteristics of a Nationwide Outbreak of E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury - United States, August 2019-January 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020; 69:90-94. [PMID: 31971931 PMCID: PMC7367698 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6903e2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Since August 2019, CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and public health and clinical stakeholders have been investigating a nationwide outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) (1). This report updates patient demographic characteristics, self-reported substance use, and hospitalization dates for EVALI patients reported to CDC by states, as well as the distribution of emergency department (ED) visits related to e-cigarette, or vaping, products analyzed through the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP). As of January 14, 2020, a total of 2,668 hospitalized EVALI cases had been reported to CDC. Median patient age was 24 years, and 66% were male. Overall, 82% of EVALI patients reported using any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, product (including 33% with exclusive THC-containing product use), and 57% of EVALI patients reported using any nicotine-containing product (including 14% with exclusive nicotine-containing product use). Syndromic surveillance indicates that ED visits related to e-cigarette, or vaping, products continue to decline after sharply increasing in August 2019 and peaking in September 2019. Clinicians and public health practitioners should remain vigilant for new EVALI cases. CDC recommends that persons not use THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, especially those acquired from informal sources such as friends, family members, or from in-person or online dealers. Vitamin E acetate is strongly linked to the EVALI outbreak and should not be added to any e-cigarette, or vaping, products (2). However, evidence is not sufficient to rule out the contribution of other chemicals of concern, including chemicals in either THC- or non-THC-containing products, in some reported EVALI cases.
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Almada M, Amaral C, Oliveira A, Fernandes PA, Ramos MJ, Fonseca BM, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira N. Cannabidiol (CBD) but not tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) dysregulate in vitro decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells by disruption of estrogen signaling. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 93:75-82. [PMID: 31953017 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Decidualization, which comprises proliferation and differentiation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), is essential for the establishment of a receptive endometrium and pregnancy to occur. A deregulation of decidualization has been associated with miscarriage, infertility and other pregnancy-related disorders. The role of estradiol (E2) on decidualization has already been shown, since it regulates proliferation of ESCs and expression of progesterone receptor. In this study, we investigated the effects of phytocannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), in proliferation and differentiation of ESCs, as well as, in E2 metabolism/signaling. We found that CBD, but not THC, inhibits ESCs differentiation. We also show that CBD prevents the increase on transcript levels of CYP19A1 gene and the elevation of E2 levels that are observed in differentiating ESCs. Moreover, we found that CBD presents anti-aromatase activity. In overall, we highlight a novel effect of CBD on human endometrial differentiation, which may lead to infertility problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Almada
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Oliveira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímia Computacional, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Alexandrino Fernandes
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímia Computacional, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Ramos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímia Computacional, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Natercia Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
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Pickel VM, Bourie F, Chan J, Mackie K, Lane DA, Wang G. Chronic adolescent exposure to ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol decreases NMDA current and extrasynaptic plasmalemmal density of NMDA GluN1 subunits in the prelimbic cortex of adult male mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:374-383. [PMID: 31323660 PMCID: PMC6901492 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0466-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a vulnerable period of development when limbic connection of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) involved in emotional processing may be rendered dysfunctional by chronic exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), the major psychoactive compound in marijuana. Cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1Rs) largely mediate the central neural effects of ∆9-THC and endocannabinoids that regulate NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex (PL-PFC). Thus, chronic occupancy of CB1Rs by ∆9-THC during adolescence may competitively decrease the functional expression and activity of NMDA receptors in the mature PL-PFC. We used a multidisciplinary approach to test this hypothesis in adult C57BL/6J male mice that received vehicle or ∆9-THC in escalating doses (2.5-10 mg/kg/ip) through adolescence (postnatal day 29-43). In comparison with vehicle, the mice receiving ∆9-THC showed a hyperpolarized resting membrane potential, decreased spontaneous firing rate, increased current-induced firing threshold, and decreased depolarizing response to NMDA in deep-layer PL-PFC neurons analyzed by current-clamp recordings. Electron microscopic immunolabeling in the PL-PFC of adult mice that had received Δ9-THC only during adolescence showed a significant (1) decrease in the extrasynaptic plasmalemmal density of obligatory GluN1-NMDA subunits in dendrites of all sizes and (2) a shift from cytoplasmic to plasmalemmal distribution of GluN1 in large dendrites receiving mainly inhibitory-type synapses from CB1R-labeled terminals. From these results and concomitant behavioral studies, we conclude that social dysfunctions resulting from excessive intake of ∆9-THC in the increasingly available marijuana products used by male teens may largely reflect circuit defects in PL-PFC networks communicating through endocannabinoid-regulated NMDA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M Pickel
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Faye Bourie
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - June Chan
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47404, USA
| | - Diane A Lane
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Gang Wang
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Gaub KL, Hallyburton S, Samanic C, Paddack D, Clark CR, Pence S, Brown JA, Hawkins E. Patient Characteristics and Product Use Behaviors Among Persons with E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury - Indiana, June ̶ October 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019; 68:1139-1141. [PMID: 31830007 PMCID: PMC6919291 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6849a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Lozier MJ, Wallace B, Anderson K, Ellington S, Jones CM, Rose D, Baldwin G, King BA, Briss P, Mikosz CA. Update: Demographic, Product, and Substance-Use Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients in a Nationwide Outbreak of E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injuries - United States, December 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019; 68:1142-1148. [PMID: 31830008 PMCID: PMC6919288 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6849e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Moritz ED, Zapata LB, Lekiachvili A, Glidden E, Annor FB, Werner AK, Ussery EN, Hughes MM, Kimball A, DeSisto CL, Kenemer B, Shamout M, Garcia MC, Reagan-Steiner S, Petersen EE, Koumans EH, Ritchey MD, King BA, Jones CM, Briss PA, Delaney L, Patel A, Polen KD, Sives K, Meaney-Delman D, Chatham-Stephens K. Update: Characteristics of Patients in a National Outbreak of E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injuries - United States, October 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019; 68:985-989. [PMID: 31671085 PMCID: PMC6822806 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6843e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Drazanova E, Ruda-Kucerova J, Kratka L, Stark T, Kuchar M, Maryska M, Drago F, Starcuk Z, Micale V. Different effects of prenatal MAM vs. perinatal THC exposure on regional cerebral blood perfusion detected by Arterial Spin Labelling MRI in rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6062. [PMID: 30988364 PMCID: PMC6465353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies consistently report structural impairments (i.e.: ventricular enlargement, decreased volume of anterior cingulate cortex or hippocampus) and functional abnormalities including changes in regional cerebral blood flow in individuals suffering from schizophrenia, which can be evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. The aim of this study was to assess cerebral blood perfusion in several schizophrenia-related brain regions using Arterial Spin Labelling MRI (ASL MRI, 9.4 T Bruker BioSpec 94/30USR scanner) in rats. In this study, prenatal exposure to methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM, 22 mg/kg) at gestational day (GD) 17 and the perinatal treatment with Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 5 mg/kg) from GD15 to postnatal day 9 elicited behavioral deficits consistent with schizophrenia-like phenotype, which is in agreement with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. In MAM exposed rats a significant enlargement of lateral ventricles and perfusion changes (i.e.: increased blood perfusion in the circle of Willis and sensorimotor cortex and decreased perfusion in hippocampus) were detected. On the other hand, the THC perinatally exposed rats did not show differences in the cerebral blood perfusion in any region of interest. These results suggest that although both pre/perinatal insults showed some of the schizophrenia-like deficits, these are not strictly related to distinct hemodynamic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Drazanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Kratka
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Maryska
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Zenon Starcuk
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
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Maia J, Midão L, Cunha SC, Almada M, Fonseca BM, Braga J, Gonçalves D, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. Effects of cannabis tetrahydrocannabinol on endocannabinoid homeostasis in human placenta. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:649-658. [PMID: 30659320 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02389-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [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] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has become a hot topic in several countries due to the debate about its legalization for medical purposes. However, data are limited regarding adverse events, safety and potential impact on reproductive health. Cannabis consumption during pregnancy has been associated with gestational disorders such as preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight and increased risk of miscarriage, though the underlying biochemical mechanisms are still unknown. Given that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in several reproductive processes, we tested the hypothesis that the negative outcomes may result from the impact on the ECS homeostasis caused by the main psychoactive compound of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We demonstrate that THC (10-40 µM) impairs placental endocannabinoid system by disrupting the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) levels and the expression of AEA synthetic and degrading enzymes N-arachidonoylphosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), respectively. Although, no alterations in cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 expression were observed. Thus, long-term local AEA levels are associated with a shift in the enzymatic profile to re-establish ECS homeostasis. In chronic cannabis users, high AEA levels in placenta may disturb the delicate balance of trophoblast cells turnover leading to alterations in normal placental development and foetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Maia
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - L Midão
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - S C Cunha
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Almada
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Braga
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - D Gonçalves
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - N Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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Secci ME, Mascia P, Sagheddu C, Beggiato S, Melis M, Borelli AC, Tomasini MC, Panlilio LV, Schindler CW, Tanda G, Ferré S, Bradberry CW, Ferraro L, Pistis M, Goldberg SR, Schwarcz R, Justinova Z. Astrocytic Mechanisms Involving Kynurenic Acid Control Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Increases in Glutamate Release in Brain Reward-Processing Areas. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:3563-3575. [PMID: 30151725 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1319-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The reinforcing effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rats and monkeys, and the reinforcement-related dopamine-releasing effects of THC in rats, can be attenuated by increasing endogenous levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA) through systemic administration of the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase inhibitor, Ro 61-8048. KYNA is a negative allosteric modulator of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) and is synthesized and released by astroglia, which express functional α7nAChRs and cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs). Here, we tested whether these presumed KYNA autoreceptors (α7nAChRs) and CB1Rs regulate glutamate release. We used in vivo microdialysis and electrophysiology in rats, RNAscope in situ hybridization in brain slices, and primary culture of rat cortical astrocytes. Acute systemic administration of THC increased extracellular levels of glutamate in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). THC also reduced extracellular levels of KYNA in the NAcS. These THC effects were prevented by administration of Ro 61-8048 or the CB1R antagonist, rimonabant. THC increased the firing activity of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons projecting from the mPFC to the NAcS or to the VTA in vivo. These effects were averted by pretreatment with Ro 61-8048. In vitro, THC elicited glutamate release from cortical astrocytes (on which we demonstrated co-localization of the CB1Rs and α7nAChR mRNAs), and this effect was prevented by KYNA and rimonabant. These results suggest a key role of astrocytes in interactions between the endocannabinoid system, kynurenine pathway, and glutamatergic neurotransmission, with ramifications for the pathophysiology and treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Secci
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Paola Mascia
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea C Borelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria C Tomasini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Leigh V Panlilio
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Charles W Schindler
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sergi Ferré
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles W Bradberry
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Steven R Goldberg
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zuzana Justinova
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Costa MA, Fonseca BM, Marques F, Teixeira NA, Correia-da-Silva G. The psychoactive compound of Cannabis sativa, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibits the human trophoblast cell turnover. Toxicology 2015; 334:94-103. [PMID: 26070387 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The noxious effects of cannabis consumption for fertility and pregnancy outcome are recognized for years. Its consumption during gestation is associated with alterations in foetal growth, low birth weight and preterm labor. The main psychoactive molecule of cannabis, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impairs the production of reproductive hormones and is also able to cross the placenta barrier. However, its effect on the main placental cells, the trophoblasts, are unknown. Actually, the role of THC in cell survival/death of primary human cytotrophoblasts (CTs) and syncytiotrophoblasts (STs) and in the syncytialization process remains to be explored. Here, we show that THC has a dual effect, enhancing MTT metabolism at low concentrations, whereas higher doses decreased cell viability, on both trophoblast phenotypes, though the effects on STs were more evident. THC also diminished the generation of oxidative and nitrative stress and the oxidized form of glutathione, whereas the reduced form of this tripeptide was increased, suggesting that THC prevents ST cell death due to an antioxidant effect. Moreover, this compound enhanced the mitochondrial function of STs, as observed by the increased MTT metabolism and intracellular ATP levels. These effects were independent of cannabinoid receptors activation. Besides, THC impaired CT differentiation into STs, since it decreased the expression of biochemical and morphological biomarkers of syncytialization, through a cannabinoid receptor-dependent mechanism. Together, these results suggest that THC interferes with trophoblast turnover, preventing trophoblast cell death and differentiation, and contribute to disclose the cellular mechanisms that lead to pregnancy complications in women that consume cannabis-derived drugs during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - F Marques
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - N A Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - G Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Nelson B. Cannabis conundrum: evidence of harm?: Opposition to marijuana use is often rooted in arguments about the drug's harm to children and adults, but the scientific evidence is seldom clear-cut. Cancer Cytopathol 2015; 123:1-2. [PMID: 25641847 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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36
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Blumstein GW, Parsa A, Park AK, McDowell BLP, Arroyo-Mendoza M, Girguis M, Adler-Moore JP, Olson J, Buckley NE. Effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on mouse resistance to systemic Candida albicans infection. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103288. [PMID: 25057822 PMCID: PMC4110019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, is known to suppress the immune responses to bacterial, viral and protozoan infections, but its effects on fungal infections have not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of chronic Δ9-THC treatment on mouse resistance to systemic Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection. To determine the outcome of chronic Δ9-THC treatment on primary, acute systemic candidiasis, c57BL/6 mice were given vehicle or Δ9-THC (16 mg/kg) in vehicle on days 1–4, 8–11 and 15–18. On day 19, mice were infected with 5×105C. albicans. We also determined the effect of chronic Δ9-THC (4–64 mg/kg) treatment on mice infected with a non-lethal dose of 7.5×104C. albicans on day 2, followed by a higher challenge with 5×105C. albicans on day 19. Mouse resistance to the infection was assessed by survival and tissue fungal load. Serum cytokine levels were determine to evaluate the immune responses. In the acute infection, chronic Δ9-THC treatment had no effect on mouse survival or tissue fungal load when compared to vehicle treated mice. However, Δ9-THC significantly suppressed IL-12p70 and IL-12p40 as well as marginally suppressed IL-17 versus vehicle treated mice. In comparison, when mice were given a secondary yeast infection, Δ9-THC significantly decreased survival, increased tissue fungal burden and suppressed serum IFN-γ and IL-12p40 levels compared to vehicle treated mice. The data showed that chronic Δ9-THC treatment decreased the efficacy of the memory immune response to candida infection, which correlated with a decrease in IFN-γ that was only observed after the secondary candida challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon W. Blumstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Arya Parsa
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Anthony K. Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Beverly L. P. McDowell
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Melissa Arroyo-Mendoza
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Marie Girguis
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Jill P. Adler-Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Jon Olson
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Nancy E. Buckley
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zamberletti E, Beggiato S, Steardo L, Prini P, Antonelli T, Ferraro L, Rubino T, Parolaro D. Alterations of prefrontal cortex GABAergic transmission in the complex psychotic-like phenotype induced by adolescent delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure in rats. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 63:35-47. [PMID: 24200867 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although several findings indicate an association between adolescent cannabis abuse and the risk to develop schizophrenia later in life, the evidence for a causal relationship is still inconclusive. In the present study, we investigated the emergence of psychotic-like behavior in adult female rats chronically exposed to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during adolescence. To this aim, female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with THC during adolescence (PND 35-45) and, in adulthood (PND 75), a series of behavioral tests and biochemical assays were performed in order to investigate the long-term effects of adolescent THC exposure. Adolescent THC pretreatment leads to long-term behavioral alterations, characterized by recognition memory deficits, social withdrawal, altered emotional reactivity and sensitization to the locomotor activating effects of acute PCP. Moreover, since cortical disinhibition seems to be a key feature of many different animal models of schizophrenia and GABAergic hypofunction in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been observed in postmortem brains from schizophrenic patients, we then investigated the long-lasting consequences of adolescent THC exposure on GABAergic transmission in the adult rat PFC. Biochemical analyses revealed that adolescent THC exposure results in reduced GAD67 and basal GABA levels within the adult PFC. GAD67 expression is reduced both in parvalbumin (PV)- and cholecystokinin (CCK)-containing interneurons; this alteration may be related to the altered emotional reactivity triggered by adolescent THC, as silencing PFC GAD67 expression through a siRNA-mediated approach is sufficient to impact rats' behavior in the forced swim test. Finally, the cellular underpinnings of the observed sensitized response to acute PCP in adult THC-treated rats could be ascribed to the increased cFos immunoreactivity and glutamate levels in the PFC and dorsal striatum. The present findings support the hypothesis that adolescent THC exposure may represent a risk factor for the development of a complex psychotic-like behavior in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Zamberletti
- Dept. of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Division and Center of Neuroscience, Univ. of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Dept. of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Univ. of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
| | - Pamela Prini
- Dept. of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Division and Center of Neuroscience, Univ. of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
| | - Tiziana Antonelli
- Dept. of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Dept. of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Dept. of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Division and Center of Neuroscience, Univ. of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Dept. of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Division and Center of Neuroscience, Univ. of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy; Zardi-Gori Foundation, Milan, Italy.
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38
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Raver SM, Haughwout SP, Keller A. Adolescent cannabinoid exposure permanently suppresses cortical oscillations in adult mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2013; 38:2338-47. [PMID: 23822952 PMCID: PMC3799078 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regular marijuana use during adolescence, but not adulthood, may permanently impair cognition and increase the risk for psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia. Cortical oscillations are integral for cognitive processes and are abnormal in patients with schizophrenia. We test the hypothesis that adolescence is a sensitive period because of the active development of cortical oscillations and neuromodulatory systems that underlie them. The endocannabinoid system upon which marijuana acts is one such system. Here we test the prediction that adolescent cannabinoid exposure alters cortical oscillations in adults. Using in vitro local field potential, in vivo electrocorticogram recordings and cognitive behavioral testing in adult mice, we demonstrate that chronic adolescent, but not adult, cannabinoid exposure suppresses pharmacologically evoked cortical oscillations and impairs working memory performance in adults. The later-maturing prefrontal cortex is more sensitive to adolescent exposure than the earlier-maturing, primary somatosensory cortex. These data establish a link between chronic adolescent cannabinoid exposure and alterations in adult cortical network activity that underlie cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvina M Raver
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah P Haughwout
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Asaf Keller
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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39
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González-Mariño I, Rodríguez I, Quintana JB, Cela R. Investigation of the transformation of 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol during water chlorination by liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry. J Hazard Mater 2013; 261:628-636. [PMID: 23995559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The stability of the main metabolite of cannabis, (±)-11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH), during water chlorination has been investigated. THCCOOH was degraded in few seconds following a pseudo-first order kinetics. Sample pH turned out to be a significant factor, decreasing THCCOOH half-life with an increase in its values. Seven by-products could be positively identified from accurate mass measurements: three compounds resulted from electrophilic substitutions of hydrogen per chlorine (or bromine) in the aromatic ring, whereas the formation of the remaining four involved additional reactions in the C-C double bond (hydration and halogenation). The software predicted toxicity of these products towards Daphnia magna indicates that they are expected to have toxicity values similar or higher than its precursor compound. Experiments conducted with diluted urine showed that THCCOOH was stable in this matrix, probably due to a rapid and complete reaction between chlorine and other organic constituents already present in the samples. In real surface waters, the extent of the reaction was also affected by the organic matter content, and so THCCOOH was rapidly degraded in samples scarcely affected by human activities, being more stable in waters with a higher level of pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iria González-Mariño
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IIAA - Institute for Food Analysis and Research, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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40
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Heekeren K. [Does cannabis use lead to schizophrenia?]. Praxis (Bern 1994) 2011; 100:1361-1367. [PMID: 22048912 DOI: 10.1024/1661-8157/a000714] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There is a high comorbidity between cannabis use and schizophrenia. Several factors contribute to this comorbidity: secondary development of addiction, cannabis-related induction of psychosis and shared neurobiological alterations. Meanwhile, there is evidence that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. Prospective epidemiological studies have shown that a frequent cannabis use doubles the risk for schizophrenia. Interestingly, schizophrenic patients with comorbid cannabis use often show significantly better performances in neuropsychological tests than patients without cannabis use. This is nevertheless not due to a positive effect of cannabis, but a sign of cannabis-related psychosis induction in subjects with a higher level of function and less cognitive impairment. Whether cannabis use leads to schizophrenia is determined by the individual vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Heekeren
- Klinik für Soziale Psychiatrie und Allgemeinpsychiatrie, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich.
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41
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Schep LJ, Slaughter RJ, Temple WA, Nair SM, Gee PA. Synthetic cannabinoid analogues--not repeating past mistakes. N Z Med J 2011; 124:85-86. [PMID: 21747429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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42
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Winsauer PJ, Daniel JM, Filipeanu CM, Leonard ST, Hulst JL, Rodgers SP, Lassen-Greene CL, Sutton JL. Long-term behavioral and pharmacodynamic effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in female rats depend on ovarian hormone status. Addict Biol 2011; 16:64-81. [PMID: 21158010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00227.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Abuse of Δ⁹-THC by females during adolescence may produce long-term deficits in complex behavioral processes such as learning, and these deficits may be affected by the presence of ovarian hormones. To assess this possibility, 40 injections of saline or 5.6 mg/kg of Δ⁹-THC were administered i.p. daily during adolescence to gonadally intact or ovariectomized (OVX) female rats, yielding four treatment groups (intact/saline, intact/THC, OVX/saline, and OVX/ THC). Δ⁹-THC (0.56-10 mg/kg) was then re-administered to each of the four groups during adulthood to examine their sensitivity to its disruptive effects. The behavioral task required adult subjects to both learn (acquisition component) different response sequences and repeat a known response sequence (performance component) daily. During baseline (no injection) and control (saline injection) sessions, OVX subjects had significantly higher response rates and lower percentages of error in both behavioral components than the intact groups irrespective of saline or Δ⁹-THC administration during adolescence; the intact group that received Δ⁹-THC had the lowest response rates in each component. Upon re-administration of Δ⁹-THC, the groups that received adolescent ovariectomy alone, adolescent Δ⁹-THC administration alone, or both treatments were found to be less sensitive to the rate-decreasing effects, and more sensitive to the error-increasing effects of Δ⁹-THC than the control group (i.e. intact subjects that received saline during adolescence). Neurochemical analyses of the brains from each adolescent-treated group indicated that there were also persistent effects on cannabinoid type-1 (CB-1) receptor levels in the hippocampus and striatum that depended on the brain region and the presence of ovarian hormones. In addition, autoradiographic analyses of the brains from adolescent-treated, but behaviorally naïve, subjects indicated that ovariectomy and Δ⁹-THC administration produced effects on receptor coupling in some of the same brain regions. In summary, chronic administration of Δ⁹-THC during adolescence in female rats produced long-term effects on operant learning and performance tasks and on the cannabinoid system that were mediated by the presence of ovarian hormones, and that altered their sensitivity to Δ⁹-THC as adults.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Association Learning/drug effects
- Association Learning/physiology
- Autoradiography
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/physiopathology
- Conditioning, Operant/drug effects
- Conditioning, Operant/physiology
- Corpus Striatum/drug effects
- Corpus Striatum/metabolism
- Dronabinol/toxicity
- Estrogens/physiology
- Female
- Hallucinogens/toxicity
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Marijuana Abuse/physiopathology
- Ovariectomy
- Progesterone/physiology
- Psychomotor Performance/drug effects
- Psychomotor Performance/physiology
- Rats
- Rats, Long-Evans
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Reinforcement Schedule
- Reinforcement, Psychology
- Retention, Psychology/drug effects
- Retention, Psychology/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Winsauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, 70112, USA.
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43
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Genetic Risk and Outcome in Psychosis (GROUP) Investigators. Evidence that familial liability for psychosis is expressed as differential sensitivity to cannabis: an analysis of patient-sibling and sibling-control pairs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 68:138-47. [PMID: 20921112 DOI: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Individual differences in cannabis sensitivity may be associated with genetic risk for psychotic disorder. OBJECTIVES To demonstrate and replicate, using 2 conceptually different genetic epidemiological designs, that (familial) liability to psychosis is associated with sensitivity to cannabis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Sibling-control and cross-sibling comparisons using samples of patients with a psychotic disorder (n = 1120), their siblings (n = 1057), and community controls (n = 590) in the Netherlands and Flanders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Positive and negative schizotypy using the Structured Interview for Schizotypy-Revised (for siblings and controls) and self-reported positive and negative psychotic experiences using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (for siblings and patients). Cannabis use was assessed as current use (by urinalysis) and lifetime frequency of use (by Composite International Diagnostic Interview). RESULTS In the sibling-control comparison, siblings displayed more than 15 times greater sensitivity to positive schizotypy associated with particularly current cannabis use by urinalysis (adjusted B = 0.197, P < .001) than controls (adjusted B = 0.013, P = .86) (P interaction = .04) and a similar difference in sensitivity to its effect on negative schizotypy (siblings: adjusted B = 0.120, P < .001; controls: B = -0.008, P = .87; P interaction = .03). Similarly, siblings exposed to cannabis resembled their patient relative nearly 10 times more closely in the positive psychotic dimension of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (adjusted B = 0.278, P < .001) compared with nonexposed siblings (adjusted B = 0.025, P = .12) (P interaction < .001). No significant effect was apparent for the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences negative domain, although the association was directionally similar (2 times more resemblance; P interaction = .17). Cross-sibling, cross-trait analyses suggested that the mechanism underlying these findings was moderation (familial risk increasing sensitivity to cannabis) rather than mediation (familial risk increasing use of cannabis). CONCLUSIONS Genetic risk for psychotic disorder may be expressed in part as sensitivity to the psychotomimetic effect of cannabis. Cannabis use may synergistically combine with preexisting psychosis liability to cause positive and negative symptoms of psychosis.
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44
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Loga S, Loga-Zec S, Spremo M. Cannabis and psychiatric disorders. Psychiatr Danub 2010; 22:296-297. [PMID: 20562767] [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: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
There are connection between use of cannabis and many psychiatric disturbances in adolescents, especially "cannabis psychosis", depression, panic attacks and suicide. Negative effects could occur either as a result of a specific pharmacological effect of cannabis, or as the result of stressful experiences during the intoxication of cannabis in young people. Potentially is very dangerous high frequency suicidal ideation among cannabis users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slobodan Loga
- Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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45
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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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46
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Kisely S. Applying the lessons of tobacco and alcohol control to cannabis. Can J Psychiatry 2008; 53:799. [PMID: 19087477 DOI: 10.1177/070674370805301205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Kisely
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia.
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47
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Abstract
During puberty, neuronal maturation of the brain, which began during perinatal development, is completed such that the behavioral potential of the adult organism can be fully achieved. These maturational events and processes of reorganization are needed for the occurrence of adult behavioral performance but simultaneously render the organism highly susceptible to perturbations, such as exposure to psychoactive drugs, during this critical developmental time span. Considering the variety of maturational processes occurring in the endocannabinoid system during this critical period, it is not surprising that the still-developing brain might by highly susceptible to cannabis exposure. Emerging evidence from human studies and animal research demonstrates that an early onset of cannabis consumption might have lasting consequences on cognition, might increase the risk for neuropsychiatric disorders, promote further illegal drug intake and increase the likelihood of cannabis dependence. These findings suggest that young people represent a highly vulnerable cannabis consumer group and that they run a higher risk than adult consumers of suffering from adverse consequences from cannabinoid exposure. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview over the possible deleterious residual cannabinoid effects during critical periods of postnatal maturation and to offer a more precise delineation of the vulnerable time window for cannabinoid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schneider
- Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI), Department of Psychopharmacology, Mannheim, Germany.
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48
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Abstract
Since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, a growing body of psychiatric research has emerged focusing on the role of this system in major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), major depression and anxiety disorder. Continuing in the line of earlier epidemiological studies, recent replication studies indicate that frequent cannabis use doubles the risk for psychotic symptoms and SCZ. Further points of clinical research interest are alterations of endocannabinoids and their relation to symptoms as well as postmortem analyses of cannabinoid CB(1) receptor densities in SCZ. A possible neurobiological mechanism for the deleterious influence of cannabis use in SCZ has been suggested, involving the disruption of endogenous cannabinoid signaling and functioning. Even though the number of studies is still limited for affective and anxiety disorders, previous results suggest these diseases to be exciting objectives of cannabinoid-associated research. Therefore, it became apparent that cannabis use is not only frequent in patients suffering from BD, but that it also induces manic symptoms in this group. In addition, prior antipsychotic treatment decreased the numerical density of CB(1) immunoreactive glial cells in bipolar patients. Although the data on the influence of cannabis use on the development of major depression is controversial, cannabinoid compounds could display a new class of medication, as suggested by the antidepressive effects of the fatty acid amino hydrolase inhibitor URB597 in animal models. With numerous open questions and controversial results, further research is required to specify and extend the findings in this area, which provides a promising target for novel pharmacotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Markus Leweke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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49
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Newsom RJ, Kelly SJ. Perinatal delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure disrupts social and open field behavior in adult male rats. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2008; 30:213-9. [PMID: 18272327 PMCID: PMC2497338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2007.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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] [Received: 03/16/2007] [Revised: 12/06/2007] [Accepted: 12/21/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana is the most frequently used illegal drug among women of reproductive age, but little is known about the consequences of using marijuana during pregnancy. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC), one of the active chemicals in marijuana, has been shown to cross the placental barrier easily. In this study, pregnant Long Evans rats were assigned to one of three treatment groups (Delta9-THC-exposed, vehicle control, and non-treated control) on day 1 of gestation. Drug exposure consisted of 2 mg/kg of natural Delta9-THC, administered twice daily by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, from gestational day 1 through 22. Pups continued to receive drug exposure via s.c. injection from postnatal day 2 through 10. Male rats from each group were tested starting on postnatal day 90 in a battery of tests which included open field activity, active social interaction, and the forced swim test. There were no significant differences in weight gained by dams or weight of offspring when compared to controls. Delta9-THC-exposed rats showed decreased time in the inner part of the open field and an increase in investigation time in the test of social interaction compared to both control groups. There were no differences among groups in the forced swim test. Perinatal Delta9-THC exposure may result in increased susceptibility to anxious behavior and alter social functioning in adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Newsom
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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50
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Kawohl W, Rössler W. [Cannabis and Schizophrenia: new findings in an old debate]. Neuropsychiatr 2008; 22:223-229. [PMID: 19080993] [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: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The issue, whether the use of cannabis contains a higher risk to develop psychotic disorders, is disputed since the 1930s. Two questions are of central concern: Firstly, if the use of cannabis is causal for the development of psychotic disorders, and secondly, what the neurobiological connection consists of. In this review we give an overview on epidemiological studies concerning the issue and on neurobiological studies on the effects of cannabis in the brain. On the basis of cohort studies that have been conducted within the last decades and recent meta-analyses the hypothesized connection between cannabis use und psychotic disorders can be corroborated. The risk to develop psychotic symptoms and also schizophrenic psychoses is thus explicitly elevated for young people who use cannabis. Cannabis use can be considered a component cause, a dose dependency exists. An information of the public concerning this matter is required in order to prevent a rising incidence of psychotic disorders in times of an increasing ease of handling of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfram Kawohl
- Klinik für Soziale Psychiatrie und Allgemeinpsychiatrie, ZH West, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich.
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