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Wiley JL, Marusich JA, Blough BE, Namjoshi O, Brackeen M, Akinfiresoye LR, Walker TD, Prioleau C, Barrus DG, Gamage TF. Evaluation of cannabimimetic effects of selected minor cannabinoids and Terpenoids in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110984. [PMID: 38417478 PMCID: PMC11015967 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cannabis plant contains several cannabinoids, and many terpenoids that give cannabis its distinctive flavoring and aroma. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the plant's primary psychoactive constituent. Given the abuse liability of Δ9-THC, assessment of the psychoactive effects of minor cannabinoids and other plant constituents is important, especially for compounds that may be used medicinally. This study sought to evaluate select minor cannabinoids and terpenes for Δ9-THC-like psychoactivity in mouse Δ9-THC drug discrimination and determine their binding affinities at CB1 and CB2 receptors. METHODS Δ9-THC, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromenevarin (CBCV), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), (6aR,9R)-Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol [(6aR,9R)-Δ10-THC], Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol varin (THCV), β-caryophyllene (BC), and β-caryophyllene oxide (BCO) were examined. RESULTS All minor cannabinoids showed measurable cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor binding, with CBC, CBCV, and CBD, showing the weakest CB1 receptor binding affinity. BC and BCO exhibited negligible affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors. In drug discrimination, only Δ8-THC fully substituted for Δ9-THC, while CBN and (6aR,9R)-Δ10-THC partially substituted for Δ9-THC. THCV and BCO did not alter the discriminative stimulus effects of Δ9-THC. CONCLUSION In summary, only some of myriad cannabinoids and other chemicals found in the cannabis plant bind potently to the identified cannabinoid receptors. Further, only four of the compounds tested herein [Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, (6aR,9R)-Δ10-THC, and CBN] produced Δ9-THC-like discriminative stimulus effects, suggesting they may possess cannabimimetic subjective effects. Given that the medicinal properties of phytocannabinoids and terpenoids are being investigated scientifically, delineation of their potential adverse effects, including their ability to produce Δ9-THC-like intoxication, is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Luli R Akinfiresoye
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA, USA
| | - Teneille D Walker
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA, USA
| | - Cassandra Prioleau
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA, USA
| | | | - Thomas F Gamage
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Devinsky O, Jones NA, Cunningham MO, Jayasekera BAP, Devore S, Whalley BJ. Cannabinoid treatments in epilepsy and seizure disorders. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:591-649. [PMID: 37882730 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00049.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been used to treat convulsions and other disorders since ancient times. In the last few decades, preclinical animal studies and clinical investigations have established the role of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating epilepsy and seizures and support potential therapeutic benefits for cannabinoids in other neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, we comprehensively review the role of cannabinoids in epilepsy. We briefly review the diverse physiological processes mediating the central nervous system response to cannabinoids, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol, and terpenes. Next, we characterize the anti- and proconvulsive effects of cannabinoids from animal studies of acute seizures and chronic epileptogenesis. We then review the clinical literature on using cannabinoids to treat epilepsy, including anecdotal evidence and case studies as well as the more recent randomized controlled clinical trials that led to US Food and Drug Administration approval of CBD for some types of epilepsy. Overall, we seek to evaluate our current understanding of cannabinoids in epilepsy and focus future research on unanswered questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | | | - Mark O Cunningham
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - B Ashan P Jayasekera
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sasha Devore
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
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Watkins J, Aradi P, Hahn R, Katona I, Mackie K, Makriyannis A, Hohmann AG. CB 1 Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists Induce Acute Respiratory Depression in Awake Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.12.584260. [PMID: 38558988 PMCID: PMC10980063 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.12.584260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Recreational use of synthetic cannabinoid agonists (i.e., "Spice" compounds) that target the Cannabinoid Type 1 receptor (CB 1 ) can cause respiratory depression in humans. However, Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis, is not traditionally thought to interact with CNS control of respiration, based largely upon sparse labeling of CB1 receptors in the medulla and few reports of clinically significant respiratory depression following cannabis overdose. The respiratory effects of CB 1 agonists have rarely been studied in vivo , suggesting that additional inquiry is required to reconcile the conflict between conventional wisdom and human data. Here we used whole body plethysmography to examine the respiratory effects of the synthetic high efficacy CB 1 agonist CP55,940, and the low efficacy CB 1 agonist Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol in male and female mice. CP55,940 and THC, administered systemically, both robustly suppressed minute ventilation. Both cannabinoids also produced sizable reductions in tidal volume, decreasing both peak inspiratory and expiratory flow - measures of respiratory effort. Similarly, both drugs reduced respiratory frequency, decreasing both inspiratory and expiratory time while markedly increasing expiratory pause, and to a lesser extent, inspiratory pause. Respiratory suppressive effects occurred at lower doses in females than in males, and at many of the same doses shown to produce cardinal behavioral signs of CB 1 activation. We next used RNAscope in situ hybridization to localize CB 1 mRNA to glutamatergic neurons in the medullary pre-Bötzinger Complex, a critical nucleus in controlling respiration. Our results show that, contrary to previous conventional wisdom, CB 1 mRNA is expressed in glutamatergic neurons in a brain region essential for breathing and CB 1 agonists can cause significant respiratory depression.
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Mielnik CA, Li CK, Ramsey AJ, Salahpour A, Burnham WM, Ross RA. Cannabidiol, but Not Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Has Strain- and Genotype-Specific Effects in Models of Psychosis. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:174-187. [PMID: 36251462 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis use has been associated with an increased incidence of psychiatric disorders, yet the underlying neurobiological processes mediating these associations are poorly understood. Whereas exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been associated with the development or exacerbation of psychosis, treatment with cannabidiol (CBD) has been associated with amelioration of psychosis. In this study, we demonstrate a complex effect of CBD in mouse models of psychosis, based on factors, including dose, strain, and genotype. Methods: Adult GluN1 knockdown (GluN1KD) and dopamine transporter knockout (DATKO) mice (almost equally balanced for male/female) were acutely treated with vehicle, THC (4 mg/kg), CBD (60, 120 mg/kg), or THC:CBD (1:15, 4:60 mg/kg) and tested in behavioral assays. Results: GluN1KD and DATKO mice displayed hyperactivity, impaired habituation, and sensorimotor gating, along with increased stereotypy and vertical activity. THC, alone and in combination with CBD, produced a robust "dampening" effect on the exploratory behavior regardless of strain or genotype. CBD exhibited a more complex profile. At 60 mg/kg, CBD had minimal effects on horizontal activity, but the effects varied in terms of directionality (increase vs. decrease) in other parameters; effects on stereotypic behaviors differ by genotype, while effects on vertical exploration differ by strain×genotype. CBD at 120 mg/kg had a "dampening" effect on exploration overall, except in GluN1KD mice, where no effect was observed. In terms of sensorimotor gating, both THC and CBD had minimal effects, except for 120 mg/kg CBD, which exacerbated the acoustic startle response. Conclusions: Here, we present a study that highlights the complex mechanism of phytocannabinoids, particularly CBD, in models of psychosis-like behavior. These data require careful interpretation, as agonism of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) resulting in a decrease in locomotion can be misinterpreted as "antipsychotic-like" activity in murine behavioral outputs of psychosis. Importantly, the THC-mediated decrease in hyperexploratory behavior observed in our models (alone or in combination) was not specific to the genetic mutants, but rather was observed regardless of strain or genotype. Furthermore, CBD treatment, when comparing mutants with their wild-type littermate controls, showed little to no "antipsychotic-like" activity in our models. Therefore, it is not only important to consider dose when designing/interpreting therapeutically driven phytocannabinoid studies, but also effects of strain or genetic vulnerability respective to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine A Mielnik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chun Kit Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amy J Ramsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ali Salahpour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Ruth A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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English A, Uittenbogaard F, Torrens A, Sarroza D, Slaven AVE, Piomelli D, Bruchas MR, Stella N, Land BB. A preclinical model of THC edibles that produces high-dose cannabimimetic responses. eLife 2024; 12:RP89867. [PMID: 38214701 PMCID: PMC10945583 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
No preclinical experimental approach enables the study of voluntary oral consumption of high-concentration Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its intoxicating effects, mainly owing to the aversive response of rodents to THC that limits intake. Here, we developed a palatable THC formulation and an optimized access paradigm in mice to drive voluntary consumption. THC was formulated in chocolate gelatin (THC-E-gel). Adult male and female mice were allowed ad libitum access for 1 and 2 hr. Cannabimimetic responses (hypolocomotion, analgesia, and hypothermia) were measured following access. Levels of THC and its metabolites were measured in blood and brain tissue. Acute acoustic startle responses were measured to investigate THC-induced psychotomimetic behavior. When allowed access for 2 hr to THC-E-gel on the second day of a 3-day exposure paradigm, adult mice consumed up to ≈30 mg/kg over 2 hr, which resulted in robust cannabimimetic behavioral responses (hypolocomotion, analgesia, and hypothermia). Consumption of the same gelatin decreased on the following third day of exposure. Pharmacokinetic analysis shows that THC-E-gel consumption led to parallel accumulation of THC and its psychoactive metabolite, 11-OH-THC, in the brain, a profile that contrasts with the known rapid decline in brain 11-OH-THC levels following THC intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections. THC-E-gel consumption increased the acoustic startle response in males but not in females, demonstrating a sex-dependent effect of consumption. Thus, while voluntary consumption of THC-E-gel triggered equivalent cannabimimetic responses in male and female mice, it potentiated acoustic startle responses preferentially in males. We built a dose-prediction model that included cannabimimetic behavioral responses elicited by i.p. versus THC-E-gel to test the accuracy and generalizability of this experimental approach and found that it closely predicted the measured acoustic startle results in males and females. In summary, THC-E-gel offers a robust preclinical experimental approach to study cannabimimetic responses triggered by voluntary consumption in mice, including sex-dependent psychotomimetic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony English
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- UW Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Center for Cannabis Research, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Fleur Uittenbogaard
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- UW Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Center for Cannabis Research, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Alexa Torrens
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Dennis Sarroza
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Anna Veronica Elizabeth Slaven
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- UW Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- UW Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Center for Cannabis Research, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California IrvineIrvineUnited States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Nephi Stella
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- UW Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Center for Cannabis Research, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Benjamin Bruce Land
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- UW Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion (NAPE), University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Center for Cannabis Research, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
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Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Gorman BL, Dodson H, Ramineni S, Wallace ED, Peace MR, Poklis JL, Jiang W, Fitting S. Effects of acute Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on behavior and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice. Brain Res 2024; 1822:148638. [PMID: 37858856 PMCID: PMC10873064 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use is highly prevalent especially among people living with HIV (PLWH). Activation of the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective endocannabinoid system by phytocannabinoids, i.e. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been proposed to reduce HIV symptoms. However, THC's effects on HIV-related memory deficits are unclear. Using HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice, the current study investigates acute THC effects on various behavioral outcomes and the endocannabinoid system. For the rodent tetrad model, THC doses (1, 3, 10 mg/kg) induced known antinociceptive effects, with Tat induction increasing antinociceptive THC effects at 3 and 10 mg/kg doses. Only minor or no effects were noted for acute THC on body temperature, locomotor activity, and coordination. Increased anxiety-like behavior was found for females compared to males, but acute THC had no effect on anxiety. Object recognition memory was diminished by acute THC in Tat(-) females but not Tat(+) females, without affecting males. The endocannabinoid system and related lipids were not affected by acute THC, except for THC-induced decreases in CB1R protein expression levels in the spinal cord of Tat(-) mice. Female sex and Tat induction was associated with elevated 2-AG, AEA, AA, CB1R, CB2R, FAAH and/or MAGL expression in various brain regions. Further, AEA levels in the prefrontal cortex of Tat(+) females were negatively associated with object recognition memory. Overall, findings indicate that acute THC exerts differential effects on antinociception and memory, dependent on sex and HIV Tat expression, potentially in relation to an altered endocannabinoid system, which may be of relevance in view of potential cannabis-based treatment options for PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barkha J Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Benjamin L Gorman
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hailey Dodson
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shreya Ramineni
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - E Diane Wallace
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michelle R Peace
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Sallam NA, Peterson CS, Baglot SL, Kohro Y, Trang T, Hill MN, Borgland SL. Sex Differences in Plasma, Adipose Tissue, and Central Accumulation of Cannabinoids, and Behavioral Effects of Oral Cannabis Consumption in Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:773-783. [PMID: 37715955 PMCID: PMC10674081 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis edibles are an increasingly popular form of cannabis consumption. Oral consumption of cannabis has distinct physiological and behavioral effects compared with injection or inhalation. An animal model is needed to understand the pharmacokinetics and physiological effects of oral cannabis consumption in rodents as a model for human cannabis edible use. METHODS Adult male and female C57BL/6 mice received a single dose of commercially available cannabis oil (5 mg/kg Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) by oral gavage. At 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 6 hours post exposure, plasma, hippocampus, and adipose tissue were collected for THC, 11-OH-THC, and THC-COOH measures. RESULTS We report delayed time to peak THC and 11-OH-THC concentrations in plasma, brain, and adipose tissue, which is consistent with human pharmacokinetics studies. We also found sex differences in the cannabis tetrad: (1) female mice had a delayed hypothermic effect 6 hours post consumption, which was not present in males; (2) females had stronger catalepsy than males; (3) males were less mobile following cannabis exposure, whereas female mice showed no difference in locomotion but an anxiogenic effect at 3 hours post exposure; and (4) male mice displayed a longer-lasting antinociceptive effect of oral cannabis. CONCLUSIONS Oral cannabis consumption is a translationally relevant form of administration that produces similar physiological effects as injection or vaping administration and thus should be considered as a viable approach for examining the physiological effects of cannabis moving forward. Furthermore, given the strong sex differences in metabolism of oral cannabis, these factors should be carefully considered when designing animal studies on the effects of cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada A Sallam
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Colleen S Peterson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Samantha L Baglot
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Yuta Kohro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tuan Trang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (Dr Hill and Ms Baglot)
| | - Stephanie L Borgland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Mariani Y, Covelo A, Rodrigues RS, Julio-Kalajzić F, Pagano Zottola AC, Lavanco G, Fabrizio M, Gisquet D, Drago F, Cannich A, Baufreton J, Marsicano G, Bellocchio L. Striatopallidal cannabinoid type-1 receptors mediate amphetamine-induced sensitization. Curr Biol 2023; 33:5011-5022.e6. [PMID: 37879332 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.09.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to psychostimulants, such as amphetamine, causes a long-lasting enhancement in the behavioral responses to the drug, called behavioral sensitization.1 This phenomenon involves several neuronal systems and brain areas, among which the dorsal striatum plays a key role.2 The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been proposed to participate in this effect, but the neuronal basis of this interaction has not been investigated.3 In the CNS, the ECS exerts its functions mainly acting through the cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor, which is highly expressed at terminals of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) belonging to both the direct and indirect pathways.4 In this study, we show that, although striatal CB1 receptors are not involved in the acute response to amphetamine, the behavioral sensitization and related synaptic changes require the activation of CB1 receptors specifically located at striatopallidal MSNs (indirect pathway). These results highlight a new mechanism of psychostimulant sensitization, a phenomenon that plays a key role in the health-threatening effects of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamuna Mariani
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Ana Covelo
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Rui S Rodrigues
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Antonio C Pagano Zottola
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR 5095, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France; University of Palermo, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro," 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Michela Fabrizio
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS, INSERM, 5 Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Doriane Gisquet
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy
| | - Astrid Cannich
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Giovanni Marsicano
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
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Garcy D, Boehm SL. Impact of early-life lead exposure on adult delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol sensitivity in male and female C57BL6/J mice. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 100:107290. [PMID: 37690674 PMCID: PMC10843038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to lead (Pb) and cannabis use are two of the largest public health issues facing modern society in the United States and around the world. Exposure to Pb in early life has been unequivocally shown to have negative impacts on development, and recent research is mounting showing that it may also predispose individuals for risk of developing substance use disorders (SUD). At the same time, societal and legal attitudes towards cannabis (the main psychoactive component of which is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) have been shifting, and many American states have legalized the recreational use of cannabis. It is also the 3rd most widely used drug of abuse in the US, and rates of cannabis use disorder are on the rise. Here we establish a link between early life Pb exposure and later THC-related behavior in C57BL6/J mice, as has been demonstrated for other drugs of abuse. The study seeks to answer whether Pb exposure affects physiological/behavioral THC sensitivity (as measured by the cannabinoid-induced tetrad). It was hypothesized that Pb exposure would decrease THC sensitivity and that sex-dependent effects of Pb-exposure and THC would be observed. Interestingly, results showed that THC sensitivity was increased by Pb exposure, but only in female mice. Future research will fully explore the implications of these findings, namely how these effects impact THC self-administration and the mechanism(s) by which developmental Pb exposure produces these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Garcy
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), USA.
| | - Stephen L Boehm
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), USA
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Russo F, Vandelli MA, Biagini G, Schmid M, Luongo L, Perrone M, Ricciardi F, Maione S, Laganà A, Capriotti AL, Gallo A, Carbone L, Perrone E, Gigli G, Cannazza G, Citti C. Synthesis and pharmacological activity of the epimers of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Sci Rep 2023; 13:11061. [PMID: 37422571 PMCID: PMC10329643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38188-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is a multifaceted plant with numerous therapeutic properties on one hand, and controversial psychotropic activities on the other hand, which are modulated by CB1 endocannabinoid receptors. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) has been identified as the main component responsible for the psychotropic effects, while its constitutional isomer cannabidiol (CBD) has shown completely different pharmacological properties. Due to its reported beneficial effects, Cannabis has gained global popularity and is openly sold in shops and online. To circumvent legal restrictions, semi-synthetic derivatives of CBD are now frequently added to cannabis products, producing "high" effects similar to those induced by Δ9-THC. The first semi-synthetic cannabinoid to appear in the EU was obtained through cyclization and hydrogenation of CBD, and is known as hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding HHC, its pharmacological properties, and its prevalence, as it is not commonly investigated in routine toxicological assays. In this study, synthetic strategies were explored to obtain an excess of the active epimer of HHC. Furthermore, the two epimers were purified and individually tested for their cannabinomimetic activity. Lastly, a simple and rapid chromatographic method employing a UV detector and a high-resolution mass spectrometer was applied to identify and quantify up to ten major phytocannabinoids, as well as the HHC epimers, in commercial cannabis samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Russo
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Martin Schmid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 1, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Livio Luongo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Perrone
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Ricciardi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfonso Gallo
- Department of Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Perrone
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR NANOTEC, Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
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11
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Buzzi B, Koseli E, Moncayo L, Shoaib M, Damaj M. Role of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Cannabinoid Dependence. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106746. [PMID: 37001709 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is among the most widely consumed psychoactive drugs around the world and cannabis use disorder (CUD) has no current approved pharmacological treatment. Nicotine and cannabis are commonly co-used which suggests there to be overlapping neurobiological actions supported primarily by the co-distribution of both receptor systems in the brain. There appears to be strong rationale to explore the role that nicotinic receptors play in cannabinoid dependence. Preclinical studies suggest that the ɑ7 nAChR subtype may play a role in modulating the reinforcing and discriminative stimulus effects of cannabinoids, while the ɑ4β2 * nAChR subtype may be involved in modulating the motor and sedative effects of cannabinoids. Preclinical and human genetic studies point towards a potential role of the ɑ5, ɑ3, and β4 nAChR subunits in CUD, while human GWAS studies strongly implicate the ɑ2 subunit as playing a role in CUD susceptibility. Clinical studies suggest that current smoking cessation agents, such as varenicline and bupropion, may also be beneficial in treating CUD, although more controlled studies are necessary. Additional behavioral, molecular, and mechanistic studies investigating the role of nAChR in the modulation of the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids are needed.
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12
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Stella N. THC and CBD: Similarities and differences between siblings. Neuron 2023; 111:302-327. [PMID: 36638804 PMCID: PMC9898277 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its sibling, cannabidiol (CBD), are produced by the same Cannabis plant and have similar chemical structures but differ dramatically in their mechanisms of action and effects on brain functions. Both THC and CBD exhibit promising therapeutic properties; however, impairments and increased incidence of mental health diseases are associated with acute and chronic THC use, respectively, and significant side effects are associated with chronic use of high-dose CBD. This review covers recent molecular and preclinical discoveries concerning the distinct mechanisms of action and bioactivities of THC and CBD and their impact on human behavior and diseases. These discoveries provide a foundation for the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics for multiple devastating diseases and to assure their safe use in the growing legal market of Cannabis-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nephi Stella
- Department of Pharmacology, Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cannabis Research, Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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13
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Graziano S, Varì MR, Pichini S, Busardò FP, Cassano T, Di Trana A. Hexahydrocannabinol Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Analysis: The First Evidence for a Recent New Psychoactive Substance. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2424-2430. [PMID: 37357519 PMCID: PMC10616920 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230623104624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last two years, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), the hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol has been freely sold by internet websites as a "legal" replacement to THC and cannabis in a range of highly attractive branded and unbranded products, some of which are sold as "legal highs". Potentially, there could be a large demand for HHC products by individuals in Europe and internationally. METHODS Studies reporting HHC pharmacology, toxicology and analysis were identified from Pubmed and Scopus databases, and official international organizations' websites were considered. RESULTS HHC showed the effects of the typical cannabinoid on the central nervous system, with lower potency than Δ9-THC. A few studies highlighted that 9(R)-HHC is more potent than 9(S)-HHC. This molecule showed an affinity for cannabinoid receptor CB1 both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a possible therapeutic effect in several pathologies. However, the affinity for the CB1 receptor suggests a possible addiction potential, inducing the users to misuse it. Since actual intoxication cases have not yet been reported, the HHC harmful potential was not described, probably due to the lack of effective analytical methods to detect HHC in biological matrices. Conversely, different analytical assays were developed and validated to separate HHC epimers in natural and non-natural sources. CONCLUSION Similarly to other NPS, the HHC represents a cheaper alternative to the controlled Δ9-THC. Its monitoring is a crucial challenge for toxicological and forensic purposes. To this concern, it is essential to further investigate HHC to support health providers in the identification of related intoxications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Graziano
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Varì
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Tommaso Cassano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto, c/o Policlinico “Riuniti” di Foggia, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Annagiulia Di Trana
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
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14
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Penman SL, Berthold EC, Mihalkovic A, Hammond N, McCurdy CR, Blum K, Eiden RD, Sharma A, Thanos PK. Vaporized Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Inhalation in Female Sprague Dawley Rats: A Pharmacokinetic and Behavioral Assessment. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2149-2160. [PMID: 37114788 PMCID: PMC10979821 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666230419093809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Historically, rodent studies examining the effects of THC have used intraperitoneal injection as the route of administration, heavily focusing on male subjects. However, human cannabis use is often through inhalation rather than injection. OBJECTIVE We sought to characterize the pharmacokinetic and phenotypic profile of acutely inhaled THC in female rats, compared to intraperitoneal injection, to identify any differences in exposure of THC between routes of administration. METHODS Adult female rats were administered THC via inhalation or intraperitoneal injection. Serum samples from multiple time points were analyzed for THC and metabolites 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Rats were similarly treated for locomotor activity analysis. RESULTS Rats treated with 2 mg/kg THC intraperitoneally reached a maximum serum THC concentration of 107.7 ± 21.9 ng/mL. Multiple THC inhalation doses were also examined (0.25 mL of 40 or 160 mg/mL THC), achieving maximum concentrations of 43.3 ± 7.2 and 71.6 ± 22.5 ng/mL THC in serum, respectively. Significantly reduced vertical locomotor activity was observed in the lower inhaled dose of THC and the intraperitoneal injected THC dose compared to vehicle treatment. CONCLUSION This study established a simple rodent model of inhaled THC, demonstrating the pharmacokinetic and locomotor profile of acute THC inhalation, compared to an i.p. injected THC dose in female subjects. These results will help support future inhalation THC rat research which is especially important when researching behavior and neurochemical effects of inhaled THC as a model of human cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Penman
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Erin C. Berthold
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Abrianna Mihalkovic
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Nikki Hammond
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Christopher R. McCurdy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
- Translational Drug Development Core, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Mental Health & Sports, Exercise and Global Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Rina D. Eiden
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University. State College, PA USA
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
- Translational Drug Development Core, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY USA
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY, USA
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15
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Crawford LC, Kim S, Karelia D, Sepulveda DE, Morgan DJ, Lü J, Henderson-Redmond AN. Decursinol-mediated antinociception and anti-allodynia in acute and neuropathic pain models in male mice: Tolerance and receptor profiling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:968976. [PMID: 36249788 PMCID: PMC9558739 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.968976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Korean scientists have shown that oral administration of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root alcoholic extract and the metabolite of its pyranocoumarins, decursinol, have antinociceptive properties across various thermal and acute inflammatory pain models. The objectives of this study were 1) to assess whether tolerance develops to the antinociceptive effects of once-daily intraperitoneally administered decursinol (50 mg/kg) in acute thermal pain models, 2) to establish its anti-allodynic efficacy and potential tolerance development in a model of chemotherapy-evoked neuropathic pain (CENP) and 3) to probe the involvement of select receptors in mediating the pain-relieving effects with antagonists. The results show that decursinol induced antinociception in both the hot plate and tail-flick assays and reversed mechanical allodynia in mice with cisplatin-evoked neuropathic pain. Tolerance was detected to the antinociceptive effects of decursinol in the hot plate and tail-flick assays and to the anti-allodynic effects of decursinol in neuropathic mice. Pretreatment with either the 5-HT2 antagonist methysergide, the 5-HT2A antagonist volinanserin, or the 5-HT2C antagonist SB-242084 failed to attenuate decursinol-induced antinociception in the tail-flick assay. While pretreatment with the cannabinoid inverse agonists rimonabant and SR144528 failed to modify decursinol-induced anti-allodynia, pretreatment with the opioid antagonist naloxone partially attenuated the anti-allodynic effects of decursinol. In conclusion, our data support decursinol as an active phytochemical of AGN having both antinociceptive and anti-allodynic properties. Future work warrants a more critical investigation of potential receptor mechanisms as they are likely more complicated than initially reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- LaTaijah C. Crawford
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Sangyub Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Deepkamal Karelia
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Diana E. Sepulveda
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Daniel J. Morgan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Junxuan Lü
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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16
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TRPV1: A Common Denominator Mediating Antinociceptive and Antiemetic Effects of Cannabinoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710016. [PMID: 36077412 PMCID: PMC9456209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common medicinal claims for cannabis are relief from chronic pain, stimulation of appetite, and as an antiemetic. However, the mechanisms by which cannabis reduces pain and prevents nausea and vomiting are not fully understood. Among more than 450 constituents in cannabis, the most abundant cannabinoids are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoids either directly or indirectly modulate ion channel function. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is an ion channel responsible for mediating several modalities of pain, and it is expressed in both the peripheral and the central pain pathways. Activation of TRPV1 in sensory neurons mediates nociception in the ascending pain pathway, while activation of TRPV1 in the central descending pain pathway, which involves the rostral ventral medulla (RVM) and the periaqueductal gray (PAG), mediates antinociception. TRPV1 channels are thought to be implicated in neuropathic/spontaneous pain perception in the setting of impaired descending antinociceptive control. Activation of TRPV1 also can cause the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and other neuropeptides/neurotransmitters from the peripheral and central nerve terminals, including the vagal nerve terminal innervating the gut that forms central synapses at the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). One of the adverse effects of chronic cannabis use is the paradoxical cannabis-induced hyperemesis syndrome (HES), which is becoming more common, perhaps due to the wider availability of cannabis-containing products and the chronic use of products containing higher levels of cannabinoids. Although, the mechanism of HES is unknown, the effective treatment options include hot-water hydrotherapy and the topical application of capsaicin, both activate TRPV1 channels and may involve the vagal-NTS and area postrema (AP) nausea and vomiting pathway. In this review, we will delineate the activation of TRPV1 by cannabinoids and their role in the antinociceptive/nociceptive and antiemetic/emetic effects involving the peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal structures.
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17
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Worob A, Wenthur CJ. Development of Cross-Reactive Antibodies for the Identification and Treatment of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist Toxicity. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081253. [PMID: 36016144 PMCID: PMC9415894 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are compounds that mimic the pharmacology of the psychoactive components in cannabis. These compounds are structurally diverse, inexpensive, commercially available, and difficult to identify with modern analytical methods, making them highly accessible for recreational use. Suspected SCRA toxicity, which can present with a breadth of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological disturbances, is currently addressed through symptom management followed by a toxicological screening that often occurs long after patient discharge. Here, we report the development of four cross-reactive anti-SCRA bioconjugate vaccines as a platform for developing improved diagnostic and therapeutic interventions against SCRA intoxication, using SCRA-resembling small molecule haptens that combine common subregional motifs occurring within and across different generations of SCRA molecules. Using a combination of multiplexed competitive ELISA screening and chemoinformatic analyses, it was found that the antibodies resulting from vaccination with these bioconjugates demonstrated their ability to detect multiple SCRAs with a Tanimoto minimum common structure score of 0.6 or greater, at concentrations below 8 ng/mL. The scope of SCRAs detectable using these haptens was found to include both bioisosteric and non-bioisosteric variants within the core and tail subregions, as well as SCRAs bearing valine-like head subregions, which are not addressed by commercially available ELISA screening approaches. Vaccination with these bioconjugates was also found to prevent the changes in locomotion and body temperature that were induced by a panel of SCRAs at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg. Further refinement of this genericized hapten design and cross-reactivity-prioritizing approach may enable the rapid detection of otherwise cryptic SCRAs that arise during overdose outbreaks, and could ultimately lead to identification of monoclonal antibody species applicable for overdose reversal.
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18
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Slivicki RA, Yi J, Brings VE, Huynh PN, Gereau RW. The cannabinoid agonist CB-13 produces peripherally mediated analgesia in mice but elicits tolerance and signs of central nervous system activity with repeated dosing. Pain 2022; 163:1603-1621. [PMID: 34961756 PMCID: PMC9281468 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB 1 ) produces analgesia in a variety of preclinical models of pain; however, engagement of central CB 1 receptors is accompanied by unwanted side effects, such as psychoactivity, tolerance, and dependence. Therefore, some efforts to develop novel analgesics have focused on targeting peripheral CB 1 receptors to circumvent central CB 1 -related side effects. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of acute and repeated dosing with the peripherally selective CB 1 -preferring agonist CB-13 on nociception and central CB 1 -related phenotypes in a model of inflammatory pain in mice. We also evaluated cellular mechanisms underlying CB-13-induced antinociception in vitro using cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. CB-13 reduced inflammation-induced mechanical allodynia in male and female mice in a peripheral CB 1 -receptor-dependent manner and relieved inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia. In cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, CB-13 reduced TRPV1 sensitization and neuronal hyperexcitability induced by the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E 2 , providing potential mechanistic explanations for the analgesic actions of peripheral CB 1 receptor activation. With acute dosing, phenotypes associated with central CB 1 receptor activation occurred only at a dose of CB-13 approximately 10-fold the ED 50 for reducing allodynia. Strikingly, repeated dosing resulted in both analgesic tolerance and CB 1 receptor dependence, even at a dose that did not produce central CB 1 -receptor-mediated phenotypes on acute dosing. This suggests that repeated CB-13 dosing leads to increased CNS exposure and unwanted engagement of central CB 1 receptors. Thus, caution is warranted regarding therapeutic use of CB-13 with the goal of avoiding CNS side effects. Nonetheless, the clear analgesic effect of acute peripheral CB 1 receptor activation suggests that peripherally restricted cannabinoids are a viable target for novel analgesic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Slivicki
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jiwon Yi
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Victoria E. Brings
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Phuong Nhu Huynh
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Robert W. Gereau
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
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Tagen M, Klumpers LE. Review of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 8 -THC): Comparative pharmacology with Δ 9 -THC. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:3915-3933. [PMID: 35523678 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of the intoxicating cannabinoid delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8 -THC) has grown rapidly over the last several years. There have been dozens of Δ8 -THC studies dating back over many decades, yet no review articles have comprehensively covered these findings. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological studies of Δ8 -THC, including receptor binding, cell signalling, in vivo cannabimimetic activity, clinical activity and pharmacokinetics. We give special focus to studies that directly compared Δ8 -THC to its more commonly studied isomer, Δ9 -THC. Overall, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Δ8 -THC and Δ9 -THC are very similar. Δ8 -THC is a partial agonist of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor and has cannabimimetic activity in both animals and humans. The reduced potency of Δ8 -THC in clinical studies compared with Δ9 -THC can be explained by weaker cannabinoid CB1 receptor affinity, although there are other plausible mechanisms that may contribute. We highlight the gaps in our knowledge of Δ8 -THC pharmacology where further studies are needed, particularly in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda E Klumpers
- Verdient Science LLC, Denver, Colorado.,Tomori Pharmacology Inc., Denver, Colorado, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.,Anebulo Pharmaceuticals Inc., Austin, Texas, USA
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20
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Mepirapim, a Novel Synthetic Cannabinoid, Induces Addiction-Related Behaviors through Neurochemical Maladaptation in the Brain of Rodents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060710. [PMID: 35745629 PMCID: PMC9229951 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mepirapim is a synthetic cannabinoid that has recently been abused for recreational purposes. Although serious side effects have been reported from users, the dangerous pharmacological effects of Mepirapim have not been scientifically demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the addictive potential of Mepirapim through an intravenous self-administration test and a conditioned place preference test in rodents. Moreover, to determine whether the pharmacological effects of Mepirapim are mediated by cannabinoid receptors, we investigated whether Mepirapim treatment induces cannabinoid tetrad symptoms in mice. Lastly, to identify Mepirapim induced neurochemical maladaptation in the brains of mice, we performed microdialysis, western blots and neurotransmitter enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In the results, Mepirapim supported the maintenance of intravenous self-administration and the development of conditioned place preference. As a molecular mechanism of Mepirapim addiction, we identified a decrease in GABAeric signalling and an increase in dopaminergic signalling in the brain reward circuit. Finally, by confirming the Mepirapim-induced expression of cannabinoid tetrad symptoms, we confirmed that Mepirapim acts pharmacologically through cannabinoid receptor one. Taken together, we found that Mepirapim induces addiction-related behaviours through neurochemical maladaptation in the brain. On the basis of these findings, we propose the strict regulation of recreational abuse of Mepirapim.
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Cannabinoid tetrad effects of oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in male and female rats: sex, dose-effects and time course evaluations. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1397-1408. [PMID: 34652500 PMCID: PMC9287828 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05995-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The legalization of medicinal use of Cannabis sativa in most US states and the removal of hemp from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) controlled substances act has resulted in a proliferation of products containing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) for oral consumption (e.g., edibles, oils, and tinctures) that are being used for recreational and medicinal purposes. OBJECTIVE This study examined the effects of cannabinoids THC and CBD when administered orally on measures of pain sensitivity, body temperature, locomotor activity, and catalepsy (i.e., cannabinoid tetrad) in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. METHODS Rats (N = 24, 6 per sex/drug group) were administered THC (1-20 mg/kg), CBD (3-30 mg/kg), or sesame oil via oral gavage. Thermal and mechanical pain sensitivity (tail flick assay, von Frey test), rectal measurements for body temperature, locomotor activity, and the bar-test of catalepsy were completed. A separate group of rats (N = 8/4 per sex) was administered morphine (5-20 mg/kg; intraperitoneal, IP) and evaluated for pain sensitivity as a positive control. RESULTS We observed classic tetrad effects of antinociception, hypothermia, hyper- and hypolocomotion, and catalepsy after oral administration of THC that were long lasting (> 7 h). CBD modestly increased mechanical pain sensitivity and produced sex-dependent effects on body temperature and locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS Oral THC and CBD produced long lasting effects that differed in magnitude and time course when compared with other routes of administration. Examination of cannabinoid effects administered via different routes of administration, species, and in both males and females is critical to enhance translation.
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Moore CF, Stiltner JW, Davis CM, Weerts EM. Translational models of cannabinoid vapor exposure in laboratory animals. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:63-89. [PMID: 33136615 PMCID: PMC8079522 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most frequently used psychoactive substances in the world. The most common route of administration for cannabis and cannabinoid constituents such as Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is via smoking or vapor inhalation. Preclinical vapor models have been developed, although the vaporization devices and delivery methods vary widely across laboratories. This review examines the emerging field of preclinical vapor models with a focus on cannabinoid exposure in order to (1) summarize vapor exposure parameters and other methodological details across studies; (2) discuss the pharmacological and behavioral effects produced by exposure to vaporized cannabinoids; and (3) compare behavioral effects of cannabinoid vapor administration with those of other routes of administration. This review will serve as a guide for past and current vapor delivery methods in animals, synergize findings across studies, and propose future directions for this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F. Moore
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jeffrey W. Stiltner
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Catherine M. Davis
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Glatfelter GC, Partilla JS, Baumann MH. Structure-activity relationships for 5F-MDMB-PICA and its 5F-pentylindole analogs to induce cannabinoid-like effects in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:924-932. [PMID: 34802041 PMCID: PMC8882184 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01227-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are an evolving class of new psychoactive substances found on recreational drug markets worldwide. The indole-containing compound, 5F-MDMB-PICA, is a popular SCRA associated with serious medical consequences, including overdose and hospitalizations. In vitro studies reveal that 5F-MDMB-PICA is a potent agonist at cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1), but little information exists regarding in vivo pharmacology of the drug. To this end, we examined the in vitro and in vivo cannabinoid-like effects produced by 5F-MDMB-PICA and related 5F-pentylindole analogs with differing composition of the head group moiety (i.e., 5F-NNEI, 5F-SDB-006, 5F-CUMYL-PICA, 5F-MMB-PICA). In mouse brain membranes, 5F-MDMB-PICA and its analogs inhibited binding to [3H]rimonabant-labeled CB1 and displayed agonist actions in [35S]GTPγS functional assays. 5F-MDMB-PICA exhibited the highest CB1 affinity (Ki = 1.24 nM) and functional potency (EC50 = 1.46 nM), but head group composition markedly influenced activity in both assays. For example, the 3,3-dimethylbutanoate (5F-MDMB-PICA) and cumyl (5F-CUMYL-PICA) head groups engendered high CB1 affinity and potency, whereas a benzyl (5F-SDB-006) head group did not. In C57BL/6J mice, all 5F-pentylindole SCRAs produced dose- and time-dependent hypothermia, catalepsy, and analgesia that were reversed by rimonabant, indicating CB1 involvement. In vitro Ki and EC50 values were positively correlated with in vivo ED50 potency estimates. Our findings demonstrate that 5F-MDMB-PICA is a potent SCRA, and subtle alterations to head group composition can have profound influence on pharmacological effects at CB1. Importantly, measures of CB1 binding and efficacy in mouse brain tissue seem to accurately predict in vivo drug potency in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant C. Glatfelter
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Intramural Research Program (IRP), Baltimore, MD USA
| | - John S. Partilla
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Intramural Research Program (IRP), Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Michael H. Baumann
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Intramural Research Program (IRP), Baltimore, MD USA
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Sparkes E, Cairns EA, Kevin RC, Lai F, Grafinger KE, Chen S, Deventer MH, Ellison R, Boyd R, Martin LJ, McGregor IS, Gerona RR, Hibbs DE, Auwärter V, Glass M, Stove C, Banister SD. Structure-activity relationships of valine, tert-leucine, and phenylalanine amino acid-derived synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists related to ADB-BUTINACA, APP-BUTINACA, and ADB-P7AICA. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:156-174. [PMID: 35308023 PMCID: PMC8864554 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00242b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) remain one the most prevalent classes of new psychoactive substances (NPS) worldwide, and examples are generally poorly characterised at the time of first detection. We have synthesised a systematic library of amino acid-derived indole-, indazole-, and 7-azaindole-3-carboxamides related to recently detected drugs ADB-BUTINACA, APP-BUTINACA and ADB-P7AICA, and characterised these ligands for in vitro binding and agonist activity at cannabinoid receptor subtypes 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), and in vivo cannabimimetic activity. All compounds showed high affinity for CB1 (K i 0.299-538 nM) and most at CB2 (K i = 0.912-2190 nM), and most functioned as high efficacy agonists of CB1 and CB2 in a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay and a βarr2 recruitment assay (NanoBiT®), with some compounds being partial agonists in the NanoBiT® assay. Key structure-activity relationships (SARs) were identified for CB1/CB2 binding and CB1/CB2 functional activities; (1) for a given core, affinities and potencies for tert-leucinamides (ADB-) > valinamides (AB-) ≫ phenylalaninamides (APP-); (2) for a given amino acid side-chain, affinities and potencies for indazoles > indoles ≫ 7-azaindoles. Radiobiotelemetric evaluation of ADB-BUTINACA, APP-BUTINACA and ADB-P7AICA in mice demonstrated that ADB-BUTINACA and ADB-P7AICA were cannabimimetic at 0.1 mg kg-1 and 10 mg kg-1 doses, respectively, as measured by pronounced decreases in core body temperature. APP-BUTINACA failed to elicit any hypothermic response up to the maximally tested 10 mg kg-1 dose, yielding an in vivo potency ranking of ADB-BUTINACA > ADB-P7AICA > APP-BUTINACA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Sparkes
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Cairns
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Richard C Kevin
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Felcia Lai
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Katharina Elisabeth Grafinger
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Shuli Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Ross Ellison
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California San Francisco CA 94143 USA
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Lewis J Martin
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Roy R Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California San Francisco CA 94143 USA
| | - David E Hibbs
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University Ottergemsesteenweg 460 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Samuel D Banister
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney NSW 2050 Australia
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Almeida CF, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G, Amaral C. Cannabinoids in Breast Cancer: Differential Susceptibility According to Subtype. Molecules 2021; 27:156. [PMID: 35011388 PMCID: PMC8746990 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cannabinoids have been used for centuries for diverse pathological conditions, recently, their clinical interest and application have emerged due to their diverse pharmacological properties. Indeed, it is well established that cannabinoids exert important actions on multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and pain relief. Regarding cancer, cannabinoids were first introduced to manage chemotherapy-related side effects, though several studies demonstrated that they could modulate the proliferation and death of different cancer cells, as well as angiogenesis, making them attractive agents for cancer treatment. In relation to breast cancer, it has been suggested that estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) cells are more sensitive to cannabinoids than estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cells. In fact, most of the studies regarding their effects on breast tumors have been conducted on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Nonetheless, the number of studies on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) and ER+ breast tumors has been rising in recent years. However, besides the optimistic results obtained thus far, there is still a long way to go to fully understand the role of these molecules. This review intends to help clarify the clinical potential of cannabinoids for each breast cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferreira Almeida
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.F.A.); (N.T.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.F.A.); (N.T.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.F.A.); (N.T.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.F.A.); (N.T.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Kim HJJ, Zagzoog A, Smolyakova AM, Ezeaka UC, Benko MJ, Holt T, Laprairie RB. In vivo Evidence for Brain Region-Specific Molecular Interactions Between Cannabinoid and Orexin Receptors. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:790546. [PMID: 34992518 PMCID: PMC8724524 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.790546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid and orexin neuromodulatory systems serve key roles in many of the same biological functions such as sleep, appetite, pain processing, and emotional behaviors related to reward. The type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) and both subtypes of the orexin receptor, orexin receptor type 1 (OX1R) and orexin receptor type 2 (OX2R) are not only expressed in the same brain regions modulating these functions, but physically interact as heterodimers in recombinant and neuronal cell cultures. In the current study, male and female C57BL/6 mice were co-treated with the cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55,940 and either the OX2R antagonist TCS-OX2-29 or the dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) TCS-1102. Mice were then evaluated for catalepsy, body temperature, thermal anti-nociception, and locomotion, after which their brains were collected for receptor colocalization analysis. Combined treatment with the DORA TCS-1102 and CP55,940 potentiated catalepsy more than CP55,940 alone, but this effect was not observed for changes in body temperature, nociception, locomotion, or via selective OX2R antagonism. Co-treatment with CP55,940 and TCS-1102 also led to increased CB1R-OX1R colocalization in the ventral striatum. This was not seen following co-treatment with TCS-OX2-29, nor in CB1R-OX2R colocalization. The magnitude of effects following co-treatment with CP55,940 and either the DORA or OX2R-selective antagonist was greater in males than females. These data show that CB1R-OX1R colocalization in the ventral striatum underlies cataleptic additivity between CP55,940 and the DORA TCS-1102. Moreover, cannabinoid-orexin receptor interactions are sex-specific with regards to brain region and functionality. Physical or molecular interactions between these two systems may provide valuable insight into drug-drug interactions between cannabinoid and orexin drugs for the treatment of insomnia, pain, and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Ji J. Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Anna Maria Smolyakova
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Udoka C. Ezeaka
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Michael J. Benko
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Teagan Holt
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Robert B. Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Hempel B, Xi ZX. Receptor mechanisms underlying the CNS effects of cannabinoids: CB 1 receptor and beyond. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 93:275-333. [PMID: 35341569 PMCID: PMC10709991 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis legalization continues to progress in many US states and other countries. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the major psychoactive constituent in cannabis underlying both its abuse potential and the majority of therapeutic applications. However, the neural mechanisms underlying cannabis action are not fully understood. In this chapter, we first review recent progress in cannabinoid receptor research, and then examine the acute CNS effects of Δ9-THC or other cannabinoids (WIN55212-2) with a focus on their receptor mechanisms. In experimental animals, Δ9-THC or WIN55212-2 produces classical pharmacological effects (analgesia, catalepsy, hypothermia, hypolocomotion), biphasic changes in affect (reward vs. aversion, anxiety vs. anxiety relief), and cognitive deficits (spatial learning and memory, short-term memory). Accumulating evidence indicates that activation of CB1Rs underlies the majority of Δ9-THC or WIN55121-2's pharmacological and behavioral effects. Unexpectedly, glutamatergic CB1Rs preferentially underlie cannabis action relative to GABAergic CB1Rs. Functional roles for CB1Rs expressed on astrocytes and mitochondria have also been uncovered. In addition, Δ9-THC or WIN55212-2 is an agonist at CB2R, GPR55 and PPARγ receptors and recent studies implicate these receptors in a number of their CNS effects. Other receptors (such as serotonin, opioid, and adenosine receptors) also modulate Δ9-THC's actions and their contributions are detailed. This chapter describes the neural mechanisms underlying cannabis action, which may lead to new discoveries in cannabis-based medication development for the treatment of cannabis use disorder and other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Hempel
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Endocannabinoid System Attenuates Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy Through the Activation of CB1 Receptors. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:1782-1799. [PMID: 34792764 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00442-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity is expressed as a dose-limiting peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN). Cannabinoid substances have been investigated for the analgesic effect. This study aimed to investigate the role of cannabinoid receptors in oxaliplatin-associated PSN. Swiss male mice received nine oxaliplatin injections (2 mg/kg, i.v.). Mechanical and thermal nociceptive tests were performed for 56 days. CB1, CB2, and c-Fos expression were assessed in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), spinal cord (SC), trigeminal ganglia (TG), spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Sp5C), and periaqueductal gray (PAG). Iba-1 expression was assessed in DRG and ATF3 in TG. Cannabidiol (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or a CB1/CB2 non-selective agonist (WIN 55,212-2; 0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) or AM251 (CB1 antagonist) or AM630 (CB2 antagonist) (3 mg/kg, i.p.) were injected before oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin increased CB1 in DRG, SC, TG, Sp5C, and ventrolateral PAG, with no interference in CB2 expression. Cannabidiol increased CB1 in DRG, reduced mechanical hyperalgesia and c-Fos expression in DRG and SC. Additionally, WIN 55,212-2 increased CB1 in DRG, reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia and c-Fos expression in DRG and SC. CB1 blockage hastened the cold allodynia response, but the CB2 antagonist failed to modulate the oxaliplatin-induced nociceptive behavior. Oxaliplatin also increased Iba-1 in DRG, suggesting immune response modulation which was reduced by cannabidiol and enhanced by AM630. The modulation of the endocannabinoid system, through the CB1 receptor, attenuates the oxaliplatin-associated PNS. The activation of the endocannabinoid system could be considered as a therapeutic target for controlling oxaliplatin-associated neuropathy.
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Poleg S, Kourieh E, Ruban A, Shapira G, Shomron N, Barak B, Offen D. Behavioral aspects and neurobiological properties underlying medical cannabis treatment in Shank3 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:524. [PMID: 34645786 PMCID: PMC8514476 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01612-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease with a wide spectrum of manifestation. The core symptoms of ASD are persistent deficits in social communication, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These are often accompanied by intellectual disabilities. At present, there is no designated effective treatment for the core symptoms and co-morbidities of ASD. Recently, interest is rising in medical cannabis as a treatment for ASD, with promising clinical data. However, there is a notable absence of basic pre-clinical research in this field. In this study, we investigate the behavioral and biochemical effects of long-term oral treatment with CBD-enriched medical cannabis oil in a human mutation-based Shank3 mouse model of ASD. Our findings show that this treatment alleviates anxiety and decreases repetitive grooming behavior by over 70% in treated mutant mice compared to non-treated mutant mice. Furthermore, we were able to uncover the involvement of CB1 receptor (CB1R) signaling in the Avidekel oil mechanism, alongside a mitigation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate concentrations. Subsequently, RNA sequencing (RNA seq) of cerebellar brain samples revealed changes in mRNA expression of several neurotransmission-related genes post-treatment. Finally, our results question the relevancy of CBD enrichment of medical cannabis for treating the core symptoms of ASD, and emphasize the importance of the THC component for alleviating deficits in repetitive and social behaviors in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Poleg
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Emad Kourieh
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Angela Ruban
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guy Shapira
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Offen
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Leo LM, Abood ME. CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling and Biased Signaling. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175413. [PMID: 34500853 PMCID: PMC8433814 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The CB1 cannabinoid receptor is a G-protein coupled receptor highly expressed throughout the central nervous system that is a promising target for the treatment of various disorders, including anxiety, pain, and neurodegeneration. Despite the wide therapeutic potential of CB1, the development of drug candidates is hindered by adverse effects, rapid tolerance development, and abuse potential. Ligands that produce biased signaling—the preferential activation of a signaling transducer in detriment of another—have been proposed as a strategy to dissociate therapeutic and adverse effects for a variety of G-protein coupled receptors. However, biased signaling at the CB1 receptor is poorly understood due to a lack of strongly biased agonists. Here, we review studies that have investigated the biased signaling profile of classical cannabinoid agonists and allosteric ligands, searching for a potential therapeutic advantage of CB1 biased signaling in different pathological states. Agonist and antagonist bound structures of CB1 and proposed mechanisms of action of biased allosteric modulators are used to discuss a putative molecular mechanism for CB1 receptor activation and biased signaling. Current studies suggest that allosteric binding sites on CB1 can be explored to yield biased ligands that favor or hinder conformational changes important for biased signaling.
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31
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Bonner E, Chang Y, Christie E, Colvin V, Cunningham B, Elson D, Ghetu C, Huizenga J, Hutton SJ, Kolluri SK, Maggio S, Moran I, Parker B, Rericha Y, Rivera BN, Samon S, Schwichtenberg T, Shankar P, Simonich MT, Wilson LB, Tanguay RL. The chemistry and toxicology of vaping. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107837. [PMID: 33753133 PMCID: PMC8263470 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vaping is the process of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or personal aerosolizer. When the device contains nicotine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists the product as an electronic nicotine delivery system or ENDS device. Similar electronic devices can be used to vape cannabis extracts. Over the past decade, the vaping market has increased exponentially, raising health concerns over the number of people exposed and a nationwide outbreak of cases of severe, sometimes fatal, lung dysfunction that arose suddenly in otherwise healthy individuals. In this review, we discuss the various vaping technologies, which are remarkably diverse, and summarize the use prevalence in the U.S. over time by youths and adults. We examine the complex chemistry of vape carrier solvents, flavoring chemicals, and transformation products. We review the health effects from epidemiological and laboratory studies and, finally, discuss the proposed mechanisms underlying some of these health effects. We conclude that since much of the research in this area is recent and vaping technologies are dynamic, our understanding of the health effects is insufficient. With the rapid growth of ENDS use, consumers and regulatory bodies need a better understanding of constituent-dependent toxicity to guide product use and regulatory decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bonner
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yvonne Chang
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Emerson Christie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Victoria Colvin
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Brittany Cunningham
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Elson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Christine Ghetu
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Juliana Huizenga
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Sara J Hutton
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Stephanie Maggio
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Ian Moran
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Bethany Parker
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yvonne Rericha
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Brianna N Rivera
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Samantha Samon
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Trever Schwichtenberg
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Prarthana Shankar
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michael T Simonich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lindsay B Wilson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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Bonm AV, Elezgarai I, Gremel CM, Viray K, Bamford NS, Palmiter RD, Grandes P, Lovinger DM, Stella N. Control of exploration, motor coordination and amphetamine sensitization by cannabinoid CB 1 receptors expressed in medium spiny neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:4934-4952. [PMID: 34216157 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Activation of cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1 R) modulates multiple behaviours, including exploration, motor coordination and response to psychostimulants. It is known that CB1 R expressed by either excitatory or inhibitory neurons mediates different behavioural responses to CB1 R activation, yet the involvement of CB1 R expressed by medium spiny neurons (MSNs), the neuronal subpopulation that expresses the highest level of CB1 R in the CNS, remains unknown. We report a new genetically modified mouse line that expresses functional CB1 R in MSN on a CB1 R knockout (KO) background (CB1 R(MSN) mice). The absence of cannabimimetic responses measured in CB1 R KO mice was not rescued in CB1 R(MSN) mice, nor was decreased spontaneous locomotion, impaired instrumental behaviour or reduced amphetamine-triggered hyperlocomotion measured in CB1 R KO mice. Significantly, reduced novel environment exploration of an open field and absence of amphetamine sensitization (AS) measured in CB1 R KO mice were fully rescued in CB1 R(MSN) mice. Impaired motor coordination in CB1 R KO mice measured on the Rotarod was partially rescued in CB1 R(MSN) mice. Thus, CB1 R expressed by MSN control exploration, motor coordination, and AS. Our study demonstrates a new functional roles for cell specific CB1 R expression and their causal link in the control of specific behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alipi V Bonm
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Izaskun Elezgarai
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Christina M Gremel
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katie Viray
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nigel S Bamford
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Pedro Grandes
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nephi Stella
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Aguado T, Huerga-Gómez A, Sánchez-de la Torre A, Resel E, Chara JC, Matute C, Mato S, Galve-Roperh I, Guzman M, Palazuelos J. Δ 9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol promotes functional remyelination in the mouse brain. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4176-4192. [PMID: 34216154 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Research on demyelinating disorders aims to find novel molecules that are able to induce oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation to promote central nervous system remyelination and functional recovery. Δ9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most prominent active constituent of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, confers neuroprotection in animal models of demyelination. However, the possible effect of THC on myelin repair has never been studied. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH By using oligodendroglia-specific reporter mouse lines in combination with two models of toxin-induced demyelination, we analysed the effect of THC on the processes of oligodendrocyte regeneration and functional remyelination. KEY RESULTS We show that THC administration enhanced oligodendrocyte regeneration, white matter remyelination and motor function recovery. THC also promoted axonal remyelination in organotypic cerebellar cultures. THC remyelinating action relied on the induction of oligodendrocyte precursor differentiation upon cell cycle exit and via CB1 cannabinoid receptor activation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Overall, our study identifies THC administration as a promising pharmacological strategy aimed to promote functional CNS remyelination in demyelinating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Aguado
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Huerga-Gómez
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aníbal Sánchez-de la Torre
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Resel
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Chara
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Carlos Matute
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.,Biocruces, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Susana Mato
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.,Biocruces, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Guzman
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Palazuelos
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
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34
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Cerri M, Hitrec T, Luppi M, Amici R. Be cool to be far: Exploiting hibernation for space exploration. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:218-232. [PMID: 34144115 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, torpor/hibernation is a state that is characterized by an active reduction in metabolic rate followed by a progressive decrease in body temperature. Torpor was successfully mimicked in non-hibernators by inhibiting the activity of neurons within the brainstem region of the Raphe Pallidus, or by activating the adenosine A1 receptors in the brain. This state, called synthetic torpor, may be exploited for many medical applications, and for space exploration, providing many benefits for biological adaptation to the space environment, among which an enhanced protection from cosmic rays. As regards the use of synthetic torpor in space, to fully evaluate the degree of physiological advantage provided by this state, it is strongly advisable to move from Earth-based experiments to 'in the field' tests, possibly on board the International Space Station.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cerri
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Timna Hitrec
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marco Luppi
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Roberto Amici
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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35
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Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabis use, abuse, and withdrawal: Cannabinergic mechanisms, clinical, and preclinical findings. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1674-1696. [PMID: 33891706 PMCID: PMC9291571 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is the most widely used illicit drug in the world. Its main psychoactive component is delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of over 100 phytocannabinoid compounds produced by the cannabis plant. THC is the primary compound that drives cannabis abuse potential and is also used and prescribed medically for therapeutic qualities. Despite its therapeutic potential, a significant subpopulation of frequent cannabis or THC users will develop a drug use syndrome termed cannabis use disorder. Individuals suffering from cannabis use disorder exhibit many of the hallmarks of classical addictions including cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Currently, there are no efficacious treatments for cannabis use disorder or withdrawal symptoms. This makes both clinical and preclinical research on the neurobiological mechanisms of these syndromes ever more pertinent. Indeed, basic research using animal models has provided valuable evidence of the neural molecular and cellular actions of cannabis that mediate its behavioral effects. One of the main components being central action on the cannabinoid type‐one receptor and downstream intracellular signaling related to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Back‐translational studies have provided insight linking preclinical basic and behavioral biology research to better understand symptoms observed at the clinical level. This narrative review aims to summarize major research elucidating the molecular, cellular, and behavioral manifestations of cannabis/THC use that play a role in cannabis use disorder and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Kesner
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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36
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Oliveira da Cruz JF, Ioannidou C, Pagano Zottola AC, Muguruza C, Gomez‐Sotres P, Fernandez M, Callado LF, Marsicano G, Busquets‐Garcia A. Sex-dependent pharmacological profiles of the synthetic cannabinoid MMB-Fubinaca. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12940. [PMID: 32744799 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids have emerged as novel psychoactive substances with damaging consequences for public health. They exhibit high affinity at the cannabinoid type-1 (CB1 ) receptor and produce similar and often more potent effects as other CB1 receptor agonists. However, we are still far from a complete pharmacological understanding of these compounds. In this study, by using behavioral, molecular, pharmacological, and electrophysiological approaches, we aimed at characterizing several in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects of the synthetic cannabinoid MMB-Fubinaca (also known as AMB-Fubinaca or FUB-AMB), a particular synthetic cannabinoid. MMB-Fubinaca stimulates CB1 receptor-mediated functional coupling to G-proteins in mouse and human brain preparations in a similar manner as the CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,512-2 but with a much greater potency. Both drugs similarly activate the CB1 receptor-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Notably, in vivo administration of MMB-Fubinaca in mice induced greater behavioral and electrophysiological effects in male than in female mice in a CB1 receptor-dependent manner. Overall, these data provide a solid pharmacological profiling of the effects of MMB-Fubinaca and important information about the mechanisms of action underlying its harmful impact in humans. At the same time, they reinforce the significant sexual dimorphism of cannabinoid actions, which will have to be taken into account in future animal and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José F. Oliveira da Cruz
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
- Center for Neural Science New York University New York New York USA
| | - Christina Ioannidou
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | | | - Carolina Muguruza
- Department of Pharmacology University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU Leioa Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM Spain
| | - Paula Gomez‐Sotres
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | - Monica Fernandez
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | - Luis F. Callado
- Department of Pharmacology University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU Leioa Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM Spain
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | - Arnau Busquets‐Garcia
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie Bordeaux France
- University of Bordeaux Bordeaux France
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute) Barcelona Spain
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37
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Soria-Gomez E, Pagano Zottola AC, Mariani Y, Desprez T, Barresi M, Bonilla-del Río I, Muguruza C, Le Bon-Jego M, Julio-Kalajzić F, Flynn R, Terral G, Fernández-Moncada I, Robin LM, Oliveira da Cruz JF, Corinti S, Amer YO, Goncalves J, Varilh M, Cannich A, Redon B, Zhao Z, Lesté-Lasserre T, Vincent P, Tolentino-Cortes T, Busquets-García A, Puente N, Bains JS, Hebert-Chatelain E, Barreda-Gómez G, Chaouloff F, Lohman AW, Callado LF, Grandes P, Baufreton J, Marsicano G, Bellocchio L. Subcellular specificity of cannabinoid effects in striatonigral circuits. Neuron 2021; 109:1513-1526.e11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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38
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Moore CF, Davis CM, Harvey EL, Taffe MA, Weerts EM. Appetitive, antinociceptive, and hypothermic effects of vaped and injected Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in rats: exposure and dose-effect comparisons by strain and sex. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 202:173116. [PMID: 33493547 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Advances in drug vapor exposure systems have enabled evaluation of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vapor effects in laboratory animals. The purpose of this study was to 1) establish a range of parameters of THC vapor exposure in rats sufficient to produce a behavioral dose-effect curve in a battery of tasks sensitive to THC; and 2) to investigate sex differences in the effects of THC vapor exposure and THC injection (intraperitoneal, IP) on these behaviors in two strains of outbred rats. Male and female Sprague Dawley and Wistar rats (N = 22, 5-6/sex per group) received THC via passive vapor exposure (200 mg/mL; 5 conditions) and IP injection (1-20 mg/kg) in a within subject design. The effects of vaped and injected THC on appetite was determined using progressive ratio responding for food pellets. THC effects on nociception, measured using the tail withdrawal assay, and body temperature were also assessed during a 5-h test period for evaluation of time course of effects. Plasma THC concentrations were assessed after THC vapor and 10 mg/kg IP THC. THC vapor produced exposure-related increases and decreases in motivation to obtain food under the progressive ratio schedule. IP THC (3-20 mg/kg) reduced breakpoints. Vaped and injected THC produced exposure and dose-dependent antinociception and hypothermia. Sex and strain differences in THC effects were also observed. Plasma THC concentrations were higher after 10 mg/kg IP THC (152 ng/mL) compared to the highest vapor exposure condition tested (38 ng/mL), but magnitude of behavioral effects were comparable. THC vapor exposure produced reliable, dose orderly effects on food-maintained behavior, nociception, and body temperature that are comparable to effects of IP THC, although there were differences in the time course of behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F Moore
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Catherine M Davis
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric L Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Elise M Weerts
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Cannabis Extract Composition Determines Reinforcement in a Vapor Self-Administration Paradigm. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6264-6266. [PMID: 32801126 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0814-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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40
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Arena C, Gado F, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Cervetto C, Carpi S, Reynoso-Moreno I, Polini B, Vallini E, Chicca S, Lucarini E, Bertini S, D’Andrea F, Digiacomo M, Poli G, Tuccinardi T, Macchia M, Gertsch J, Marcoli M, Nieri P, Ghelardini C, Chicca A, Manera C. The endocannabinoid system dual-target ligand N-cycloheptyl-1,2-dihydro-5-bromo-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-methyl-2-oxo-pyridine-3-carboxamide improves disease severity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112858. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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41
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Blázquez C, Ruiz-Calvo A, Bajo-Grañeras R, Baufreton JM, Resel E, Varilh M, Pagano Zottola AC, Mariani Y, Cannich A, Rodríguez-Navarro JA, Marsicano G, Galve-Roperh I, Bellocchio L, Guzmán M. Inhibition of striatonigral autophagy as a link between cannabinoid intoxication and impairment of motor coordination. eLife 2020; 9:56811. [PMID: 32773031 PMCID: PMC7417168 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cannabis is rapidly expanding worldwide. Thus, innovative studies aimed to identify, understand and potentially reduce cannabis-evoked harms are warranted. Here, we found that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, disrupts autophagy selectively in the striatum, a brain area that controls motor behavior, both in vitro and in vivo. Boosting autophagy, either pharmacologically (with temsirolimus) or by dietary intervention (with trehalose), rescued the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced impairment of motor coordination in mice. The combination of conditional knockout mouse models and viral vector-mediated autophagy-modulating strategies in vivo showed that cannabinoid CB1 receptors located on neurons belonging to the direct (striatonigral) pathway are required for the motor-impairing activity of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol by inhibiting local autophagy. Taken together, these findings identify inhibition of autophagy as an unprecedented mechanistic link between cannabinoids and motor performance, and suggest that activators of autophagy might be considered as potential therapeutic tools to treat specific cannabinoid-evoked behavioral alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Blázquez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Ruiz-Calvo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Bajo-Grañeras
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jérôme M Baufreton
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and University of Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Bordeaux, France
| | - Eva Resel
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marjorie Varilh
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Antonio C Pagano Zottola
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yamuna Mariani
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Astrid Cannich
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Giovanni Marsicano
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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42
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Jenkinson S, Goody SMG, Bassyouni A, Jones R, Otto-Bruc A, Duquennoy S, DaSilva JK, Butler P, Mead A. Translation of in vitro cannabinoid 1 receptor agonist activity to in vivo pharmacodynamic endpoints. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2020; 104:106899. [PMID: 32702414 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2020.106899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Building an understanding of in vivo efficacy based on the evaluation of in vitro affinity or potency is critical in expediting early decision making in drug discovery and can significantly reduce the need for animal studies. The aim of the present study was to understand the translation of in vitro to in vivo endpoints for the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). METHODS Using a selection of CB1 agonists we describe an evaluation of in vitro to in vivo translation comparing in vitro receptor affinity or functional potency, using both cAMP and β-arrestin endpoints, to various in vivo CB1 agonist-associated endpoints. RESULTS We demonstrate that in vitro CB1 agonism significantly correlates with the CB1-induced cue in the drug discrimination model in vivo, but not with other purported CB1 agonist-mediated in vivo endpoints, including hypothermia and sedation. Thus, these data challenge common perceptions regarding CB1 agonist-induced tetrad effects in rodents. DISCUSSION This work exemplifies how in vitro profiling of receptor affinity or potency can predict in vivo pharmacodynamic effects, using the CB1 as an example system. The translatability of in vitro activity to in vivo efficacy allows for the ability to rapidly contextualize off-target CB1 in vitro findings, allowing clear and rapid definition of the risk posed by such activity without the need for extensive animal studies. This has significant implications in terms of early decision making in drug discovery and reducing the use of animals in research, while also outlining a template for expanding the approach for additional targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Jenkinson
- Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., La Jolla, CA 92121, USA.
| | - Susan M G Goody
- Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Asser Bassyouni
- Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., La Jolla, CA 92121, USA
| | - Rhys Jones
- Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., La Jolla, CA 92121, USA
| | | | | | - Jamie K DaSilva
- Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Paul Butler
- Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., La Jolla, CA 92121, USA
| | - Andy Mead
- Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA
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An Open Source Automated Bar Test for Measuring Catalepsy in Rats. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0488-19.2020. [PMID: 32198157 PMCID: PMC7307632 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0488-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Catalepsy bar tests are widely used to measure the failure to correct an imposed posture resulting from muscular rigidity. Procedures for measuring catalepsy vary greatly in the published literature, but one commonly used test measures the time it takes for a rodent to remove one or both of its forelimbs from a bar. The following paper describes an affordable, adjustable, open-source bar test that automatically measures and logs the time it takes for a rat to remove itself from a bar. While commercially available automated bar tests are prohibitively expensive, requiring proprietary software and hardware to operate, the proposed apparatus runs on an Arduino-based microcontroller making it low-cost and customizable. This 3D-printed design costs less than 65 United States dollars to build and is simple to assemble and operate. The beam-break sensor design also eliminates many of the pitfalls of the “complete-the-circuit”-based approach to recording catalepsy. The paper further describes the successful validation of the design using adult male rats injected with different doses of haloperidol to demonstrate a dose-dependent cataleptic effect. This design provides a versatile, low-cost solution to standardizing and automating measurement of catalepsy in rodents.
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44
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Alves P, Amaral C, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. Cannabis sativa: Much more beyond Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Pharmacol Res 2020; 157:104822. [PMID: 32335286 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug worldwide and its medicinal use is under discussion, being regulated in several countries. However, the psychotropic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound of Cannabis sativa, are of concern. Thus, the interest in the isolated constituents without psychotropic activity, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidivarin (CBDV) is growing. CBD and CBDV are lipophilic molecules with poor oral bioavailability and are mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. The pharmacodynamics of CBD is the best explored, being able to interact with diverse molecular targets, like cannabinoid receptors, G protein-coupled receptor-55, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Considering the therapeutic potential, several clinical trials are underway to study the efficacy of CBD and CBDV in different pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders and pain conditions. The anti-cancer properties of CBD have also been demonstrated by several pre-clinical studies in different types of tumour cells. Although less studied, CBDV, a structural analogue of CBD, is receiving attention in the last years. CBDV exhibits anticonvulsant properties and, currently, clinical trials are underway for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Despite the benefits of these phytocannabinoids, it is important to highlight their potential interference with relevant physiologic mechanisms. In fact, CBD interactions with CYP450 enzymes and with drug efflux transporters may have serious consequences when co-administered with other drugs. This review summarizes the therapeutic advances of CBD and CBDV and explores some aspects of their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and possible interactions. Moreover, it also highlights the therapeutic potential of CBD and CBDV in several medical conditions and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Alves
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto, Portugal.
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45
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Linciano P, Citti C, Luongo L, Belardo C, Maione S, Vandelli MA, Forni F, Gigli G, Laganà A, Montone CM, Cannazza G. Isolation of a High-Affinity Cannabinoid for the Human CB1 Receptor from a Medicinal Cannabis sativa Variety: Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabutol, the Butyl Homologue of Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:88-98. [PMID: 31891265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The butyl homologues of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabutol (Δ9-THCB), and cannabidiol, cannabidibutol (CBDB), were isolated from a medicinal Cannabis sativa variety (FM2) inflorescence. Appropriate spectroscopic and spectrometric characterization, including NMR, UV, IR, ECD, and HRMS, was carried out on both cannabinoids. The chemical structures and absolute configurations of the isolated cannabinoids were confirmed by comparison with the spectroscopic data of the respective compounds obtained by stereoselective synthesis. The butyl homologue of Δ9-THC, Δ9-THCB, showed an affinity for the human CB1 (Ki = 15 nM) and CB2 receptors (Ki = 51 nM) comparable to that of (-)-trans-Δ9-THC. Docking studies suggested the key bonds responsible for THC-like binding affinity for the CB1 receptor. The formalin test in vivo was performed on Δ9-THCB in order to reveal possible analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The tetrad test in mice showed a partial agonistic activity of Δ9-THCB toward the CB1 receptor.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cannabidiol/chemistry
- Cannabinoids/chemistry
- Cannabinoids/isolation & purification
- Cannabis/chemistry
- Dronabinol/chemistry
- Dronabinol/isolation & purification
- Humans
- Medical Marijuana
- Mice
- Molecular Structure
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/chemistry
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/isolation & purification
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/chemistry
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Via Campi 103 , 41125 Modena , Italy
| | - Cinzia Citti
- Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Via Campi 103 , 41125 Modena , Italy
- Mediteknology s.r.l. , Via Arnesano , 73100 Lecce , Italy
- CNR NANOTEC , Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni , 73100 Lecce , Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology , Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16 , 80138 Naples , Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology , Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16 , 80138 Naples , Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology , Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16 , 80138 Naples , Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Via Campi 103 , 41125 Modena , Italy
| | - Flavio Forni
- Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Via Campi 103 , 41125 Modena , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- CNR NANOTEC , Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni , 73100 Lecce , Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- CNR NANOTEC , Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni , 73100 Lecce , Italy
- Department of Chemistry , Sapienza University of Rome , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Rome , Italy
| | - Carmela Maria Montone
- Department of Chemistry , Sapienza University of Rome , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Rome , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Via Campi 103 , 41125 Modena , Italy
- CNR NANOTEC , Campus Ecotekne, Via Monteroni , 73100 Lecce , Italy
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46
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Citti C, Linciano P, Russo F, Luongo L, Iannotta M, Maione S, Laganà A, Capriotti AL, Forni F, Vandelli MA, Gigli G, Cannazza G. A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20335. [PMID: 31889124 PMCID: PMC6937300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56785-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
(-)-Trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the main compound responsible for the intoxicant activity of Cannabis sativa L. The length of the side alkyl chain influences the biological activity of this cannabinoid. In particular, synthetic analogues of Δ9-THC with a longer side chain have shown cannabimimetic properties far higher than Δ9-THC itself. In the attempt to define the phytocannabinoids profile that characterizes a medicinal cannabis variety, a new phytocannabinoid with the same structure of Δ9-THC but with a seven-term alkyl side chain was identified. The natural compound was isolated and fully characterized and its stereochemical configuration was assigned by match with the same compound obtained by a stereoselective synthesis. This new phytocannabinoid has been called (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP). Along with Δ9-THCP, the corresponding cannabidiol (CBD) homolog with seven-term side alkyl chain (CBDP) was also isolated and unambiguously identified by match with its synthetic counterpart. The binding activity of Δ9-THCP against human CB1 receptor in vitro (Ki = 1.2 nM) resulted similar to that of CP55940 (Ki = 0.9 nM), a potent full CB1 agonist. In the cannabinoid tetrad pharmacological test, Δ9-THCP induced hypomotility, analgesia, catalepsy and decreased rectal temperature indicating a THC-like cannabimimetic activity. The presence of this new phytocannabinoid could account for the pharmacological properties of some cannabis varieties difficult to explain by the presence of the sole Δ9-THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Citti
- Mediteknology spin-off company of the National Council of Research (CNR), Via Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research (CNR NANOTEC), Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabiana Russo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, Università della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Laganà
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research (CNR NANOTEC), Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Capriotti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Forni
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research (CNR NANOTEC), Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Institute of Nanotechnology of the National Council of Research (CNR NANOTEC), Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy.
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Abstract
Adaptive thermogenesis is a catabolic process that consumes energy-storing molecules and expends that energy as heat in response to environmental changes. This process occurs primarily in brown and beige adipose tissue. Thermogenesis is regulated by many factors, including lipid derived paracrine and endocrine hormones called lipokines. Recently, technologic advances for identifying new lipid biomarkers of thermogenic activity have shed light on a diverse set of lipokines that act through different pathways to regulate energy expenditure. In this review, we highlight a few examples of lipokines that regulate thermogenesis. The biosynthesis, regulation, and effects of the thermogenic lipokines in several families are reviewed, including oloeylethanolamine, endocannabinoids, prostaglandin E2, and 12,13-diHOME. These thermogenic lipokines present potential therapeutic targets to combat states of excess energy storage, such as obesity and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Lynes
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sean D Kodani
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yu-Hua Tseng
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Correspondence: Yu-Hua Tseng, PhD, Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02215. E-mail:
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48
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Banister SD, Arnold JC, Connor M, Glass M, McGregor IS. Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2160-2175. [PMID: 30689342 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis ( Cannabis sativa) is the most widely used illicit drug in the world, with an estimated 192 million users globally. The main psychoactive component of cannabis is (-)- trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), a compound with a diverse range of pharmacological actions. The unique and distinctive intoxication caused by Δ9-THC primarily reflects partial agonist action at central cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Δ9-THC is an approved therapeutic treatment for a range of conditions, including chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis, and is being investigated in indications such as anorexia nervosa, agitation in dementia, and Tourette's syndrome. It is available as a regulated pharmaceutical in products such as Marinol, Sativex, and Namisol as well as in an ever-increasing range of unregistered medicinal and recreational cannabis products. While cannabis is an ancient medicament, contemporary use is embroiled in legal, scientific, and social controversy, much of which relates to the potential hazards and benefits of Δ9-THC itself. Robust contemporary debate surrounds the therapeutic value of Δ9-THC in different diseases, its capacity to produce psychosis and cognitive impairment, and the addictive and "gateway" potential of the drug. This review will provide a profile of the chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic uses of Δ9-THC as well as the historical and societal import of this unique, distinctive, and ubiquitous psychoactive substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Banister
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science and School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Science and Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Faculty of Science and School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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49
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Hodges EL, Ashpole NM. Aging circadian rhythms and cannabinoids. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 79:110-118. [PMID: 31035036 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Numerous aspects of mammalian physiology exhibit cyclic daily patterns known as circadian rhythms. However, studies in aged humans and animals indicate that these physiological rhythms are not consistent throughout the life span. The simultaneous development of disrupted circadian rhythms and age-related impairments suggests a shared mechanism, which may be amenable to therapeutic intervention. Recently, the endocannabinoid system has emerged as a complex signaling network, which regulates numerous aspects of circadian physiology relevant to the neurobiology of aging. Agonists of cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1) have consistently been shown to decrease neuronal activity, core body temperature, locomotion, and cognitive function. Paradoxically, several lines of evidence now suggest that very low doses of cannabinoids are beneficial in advanced age. One potential explanation for this phenomenon is that these drugs exhibit hormesis-a biphasic dose-response wherein low doses produce the opposite effects of higher doses. Therefore, it is important to determine the dose-, age-, and time-dependent effects of these substances on the regulation of circadian rhythms and other processes dysregulated in aging. This review highlights 3 fields-biological aging, circadian rhythms, and endocannabinoid signaling-to critically assess the therapeutic potential of endocannabinoid modulation in aged individuals. If the hormetic properties of exogenous cannabinoids are confirmed, we conclude that precise administration of these compounds may bidirectionally entrain central and peripheral circadian clocks and benefit multiple aspects of aging physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik L Hodges
- Pharmacology Division, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Oxford, MS, USA
| | - Nicole M Ashpole
- Pharmacology Division, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Oxford, MS, USA.
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50
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Jordan CJ, Xi ZX. Progress in brain cannabinoid CB 2 receptor research: From genes to behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:208-220. [PMID: 30611802 PMCID: PMC6401261 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) was initially regarded as a peripheral cannabinoid receptor. However, recent technological advances in gene detection, alongside the availability of transgenic mouse lines, indicate that CB2Rs are expressed in both neurons and glial cells in the brain under physiological and pathological conditions, and are involved in multiple functions at cellular and behavioral levels. Brain CB2Rs are inducible and neuroprotective via up-regulation in response to various insults, but display species differences in gene and receptor structures, CB2R expression, and receptor responses to various CB2R ligands. CB2R transcripts also differ between the brain and spleen. In the brain, CB2A is the major transcript isoform, while CB2A and CB2B transcripts are present at higher levels in the spleen. These new findings regarding brain versus spleen CB2R isoforms may in part explain why early studies failed to detect brain CB2R gene expression. Here, we review evidence supporting the expression and function of brain CB2R from gene and receptor levels to cellular functioning, neural circuitry, and animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Jordan
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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