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Ciralli B, Malfatti T, Lima TZ, Silva SRB, Cederroth CR, Leao KE. Alterations of auditory sensory gating in mice with noise-induced tinnitus treated with nicotine and cannabis extract. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:1116-1131. [PMID: 37837354 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231200879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a phantom sound perception affecting both auditory and limbic structures. The mechanisms of tinnitus remain unclear and it is debatable whether tinnitus alters attention to sound and the ability to inhibit repetitive sounds, a phenomenon also known as auditory gating. Here we investigate if noise exposure interferes with auditory gating and whether natural extracts of cannabis or nicotine could improve auditory pre-attentional processing in noise-exposed mice. We used 22 male C57BL/6J mice divided into noise-exposed (exposed to a 9-11 kHz narrow band noise for 1 h) and sham (no sound during noise exposure) groups. Hearing thresholds were measured using auditory brainstem responses, and tinnitus-like behavior was assessed using Gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. After noise exposure, mice were implanted with multi-electrodes in the dorsal hippocampus to assess auditory event-related potentials in response to paired clicks. The results showed that mice with tinnitus-like behavior displayed auditory gating of repetitive clicks, but with larger amplitudes and longer latencies of the N40 component of the aERP waveform. The combination of cannabis extract and nicotine improved the auditory gating ratio in noise-exposed mice without permanent hearing threshold shifts. Lastly, the longer latency of the N40 component appears due to an increased sensitivity to cannabis extract in noise-exposed mice compared to sham mice. The study suggests that the altered central plasticity in tinnitus is more sensitive to the combined actions on the cholinergic and the endocannabinoid systems. Overall, the findings contribute to a better understanding of pharmacological modulation of auditory sensory gating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ciralli
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Thawann Malfatti
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Experimental Audiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Thiago Z Lima
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Exact and Earth Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | - Christopher R Cederroth
- Experimental Audiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
- Translational Hearing Research, Tübingen Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katarina E Leao
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
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2
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Singh A, Smith PF, Zheng Y. Targeting the Limbic System: Insights into Its Involvement in Tinnitus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9889. [PMID: 37373034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus is originally derived from the Latin verb tinnire, which means "to ring". Tinnitus, a complex disorder, is a result of sentient cognizance of a sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. It is reported in children, adults, and older populations. Patients suffering from tinnitus often present with hearing loss, anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption in addition to a hissing and ringing in the ear. Surgical interventions and many other forms of treatment have been only partially effective due to heterogeneity in tinnitus patients and a lack of understanding of the mechanisms of tinnitus. Although researchers across the globe have made significant progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of tinnitus over the past few decades, tinnitus is still deemed to be a scientific enigma. This review summarises the role of the limbic system in tinnitus development and provides insight into the development of potential target-specific tinnitus therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yiwen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- The Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance Disorders, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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3
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Wang S, Li Z, Wang X, Li J, Wang X, Chen J, Li Y, Wang C, Qin L. Cortical and thalamic modulation of auditory gating in the posterior parietal cortex of awake mice. Cereb Cortex 2023:7032934. [PMID: 36757182 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac539] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Auditory gating (AG) is an adaptive mechanism for filtering out redundant acoustic stimuli to protect the brain against information overload. AG deficits have been found in many mental illnesses, including schizophrenia (SZ). However, the neural correlates of AG remain poorly understood. Here, we found that the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) shows an intermediate level of AG in auditory thalamocortical circuits, with a laminar profile in which the strongest AG is in the granular layer. Furthermore, AG of the PPC was decreased and increased by optogenetic inactivation of the medial dorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) and auditory cortex (AC), respectively. Optogenetically activating the axons from the MD and AC drove neural activities in the PPC without an obvious AG. These results indicated that AG in the PPC is determined by the integrated signal streams from the MD and AC in a bottom-up manner. We also found that a mouse model of SZ (postnatal administration of noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist) presented an AG deficit in the PPC, which may be inherited from the dysfunction of MD. Together, our findings reveal a neural circuit underlying the generation of AG in the PPC and its involvement in the AG deficit of SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijie Li
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejiao Wang
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhong Li
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueru Wang
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingna Li
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Changming Wang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The People's Hospital of China Medical University (Liaoning Provincial People's Hospital), No.33 Wenyi Road, Shenhe Area, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110067, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning province 110122, People's Republic of China
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4
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Ghosh S, Stansak K, Walters BJ. Cannabinoid Signaling in Auditory Function and Development. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:678510. [PMID: 34079440 PMCID: PMC8165240 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.678510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants of the genus Cannabis have been used by humans for millennia for a variety of purposes. Perhaps most notable is the use of certain Cannabis strains for their psychoactive effects. More recently, several biologically active molecules within the plants of these Cannabis strains, called phytocannabinoids or simply cannabinoids, have been identified. Furthermore, within human cells, endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, as well as the receptors and secondary messengers that give rise to their neuromodulatory effects, have also been characterized. This endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of two primary ligands-anandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol; two primary receptors-cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2; and several enzymes involved in biosynthesis and degradation of endocannabinoid ligands including diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Here we briefly summarize cannabinoid signaling and review what has been discerned to date with regard to cannabinoid signaling in the auditory system and its roles in normal physiological function as well as pathological conditions. While much has been uncovered regarding cannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system, less attention has been paid to the auditory system specifically. Still, evidence is emerging to suggest that cannabinoid signaling is critical for the development, maturation, function, and survival of cochlear hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Furthermore, cannabinoid signaling can have profound effects on synaptic connectivity in CNS structures related to auditory processing. While clinical cases demonstrate that endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids impact auditory function, this review highlights several areas, such as SGN development, where more research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Ghosh
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Kendra Stansak
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Bradley J Walters
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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5
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Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) products have gained popularity as abused drugs over the past decade in many countries. The SCs broadly impact psychological state (e.g., mood, suicidal thoughts and psychosis) and physiological functions (e.g., cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and urinary). This review is about the effects of SCs on psychotic symptoms in clinical settings and the potentially relevant chemistry and mechanisms of action for SCs. Induction of psychotic symptoms after consuming SC products were reported, including new-onset psychosis and psychotic relapses. The role of SCs in psychosis is more complex than any single chemical component might explain, and these effects may not be a simple extension of the typical effects of cannabis or natural cannabinoids.
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6
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Xiao C, Liu Y, Xu J, Gan X, Xiao Z. Septal and Hippocampal Neurons Contribute to Auditory Relay and Fear Conditioning. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:102. [PMID: 29713265 PMCID: PMC5911473 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus has been thought to process auditory information. However, the properties, pathway, and role of hippocampal auditory responses are unclear. With loose-patch recordings, we found that hippocampal neurons are mainly responsive to noise and are not tonotopically organized. Their latencies are shorter than those of primary auditory cortical (A1) neurons but longer than those of medial septal (MS) neurons, suggesting that hippocampal auditory information comes from MS neurons rather than from A1 neurons. Silencing the MS blocks both hippocampal auditory responses and memory of auditory fear conditioning trained with noise and tone. Auditory fear conditioning was associated with some cues but not with a specific frequency of sound, as demonstrated by animals trained with noise, 2.5-, 5-, 10-, 15-, or 30-kHz tones, and tested with these sounds. Therefore, the noise responses of hippocampal neurons have identified a population of neurons that can be associated with auditory fear conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiyu Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong Gan
- Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongju Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders of Guangdong Province, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Skosnik PD, Hajós M, Cortes-Briones JA, Edwards CR, Pittman BP, Hoffmann WE, Sewell AR, D'Souza DC, Ranganathan M. Cannabinoid receptor-mediated disruption of sensory gating and neural oscillations: A translational study in rats and humans. Neuropharmacology 2018; 135:412-423. [PMID: 29604295 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has been associated with altered sensory gating and neural oscillations. However, it is unclear which constituent in cannabis is responsible for these effects, or whether these are cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) mediated. Therefore, the present study in humans and rats examined whether cannabinoid administration would disrupt sensory gating and evoked oscillations utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) and local field potentials (LFPs), respectively. Human subjects (n = 15) completed four test days during which they received intravenous delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-THC + CBD, or placebo. Subjects engaged in a dual-click paradigm, and outcome measures included P50 gating ratio (S2/S1) and evoked power to S1 and S2. In order to examine CB1R specificity, rats (n = 6) were administered the CB1R agonist CP-55940, CP-55940+AM-251 (a CB1R antagonist), or vehicle using the same paradigm. LFPs were recorded from CA3 and entorhinal cortex. Both Δ9-THC (p < 0.007) and Δ9-THC + CBD (p < 0.004) disrupted P50 gating ratio compared to placebo, while CBD alone had no effect. Δ9-THC (p < 0.048) and Δ9-THC + CBD (p < 0.035) decreased S1 evoked theta power, and in the Δ9-THC condition, S1 theta negatively correlated with gating ratios (r = -0.629, p < 0.012 (p < 0.048 adjusted)). In rats, CP-55940 disrupted gating in both brain regions (p < 0.0001), and this was reversed by AM-251. Further, CP-55940 decreased evoked theta (p < 0.0077) and gamma (p < 0.011) power to S1, which was partially blocked by AM-251. These convergent human/animal data suggest that CB1R agonists disrupt sensory gating by altering neural oscillations in the theta-band. Moreover, this suggests that the endocannabinoid system mediates theta oscillations relevant to perception and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Mihály Hajós
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jose A Cortes-Briones
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Chad R Edwards
- Developmental Neuropsychological Services, P.C., South Bend, IN 46615, USA
| | - Brian P Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - William E Hoffmann
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Andrew R Sewell
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Deepak C D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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8
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Qi R, Li J, Wu X, Geng X, Chen N, Yu H. Effects of Ketamine on Basal Gamma Band Oscillation and Sensory Gating in Prefrontal Cortex of Awake Rats. Neurosci Bull 2018; 34:457-464. [PMID: 29380249 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma band oscillation (GBO) and sensory gating (SG) are associated with many cognitive functions. Ketamine induces deficits of GBO and SG in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, the time-courses of the effects of different doses of ketamine on GBO power and SG are poorly understood. Studies have indicated that GBO power and SG have a common substrate for their generation and abnormalities. In this study, we found that (1) ketamine administration increased GBO power in the PFC in rats differently in the low- and high-dose groups; (2) auditory SG was significantly lower than baseline in the 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg groups, but not in the 15 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg groups; and (3) changes in SG and basal GBO power were significantly correlated in awake rats. These results indicate a relationship between mechanisms underlying auditory SG and GBO power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renli Qi
- Second Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Jinghui Li
- Second Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Xujun Wu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xin Geng
- Second Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Nanhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
| | - Hualin Yu
- Second Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China.
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9
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Wang N, Gan X, Liu Y, Xiao Z. Balanced Noise-Evoked Excitation and Inhibition in Awake Mice CA3. Front Physiol 2017; 8:931. [PMID: 29209230 PMCID: PMC5702325 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is known as a neuronal structure involved in learning, memory and spatial navigation using multi-sensory cues. However, the basic features of its response to acoustic stimuli without any behavioral tasks (conditioning) remains poorly studied. Here, we investigated the CA3 response to auditory stimuli using in vivo loose-patch recordings in awake and anesthetized C57 mice. Different acoustic stimuli in addition to broadband noise such as click, FM sound and pure tone were applied to test the response of CA3 in awake animals. It was found that the wakefulness of the animal is important for the recorded neurons to respond. The CA3 neurons showed a stronger response to broadband noise rather than the other type of stimuli which suggested that auditory information arrived at CA3 via broadband pathways. Finally, we investigated the excitatory and inhibitory inputs to CA3 neurons by using in vivo whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques with the membrane potential holding at −70 and 0 mV, respectively. In awake animals, the excitatory and inhibitory inputs CA3 neurons receive induced by noise are balanced by showing stable intervals and proportional changes of their latencies and peak amplitudes as a function of the stimulation intensities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningqian Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong Gan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongju Xiao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Berger JI, Coomber B, Hill S, Alexander SPH, Owen W, Palmer AR, Wallace MN. Effects of the cannabinoid CB 1 agonist ACEA on salicylate ototoxicity, hyperacusis and tinnitus in guinea pigs. Hear Res 2017; 356:51-62. [PMID: 29108871 PMCID: PMC5714060 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids have been suggested as a therapeutic target for a variety of brain disorders. Despite the presence of their receptors throughout the auditory system, little is known about how cannabinoids affect auditory function. We sought to determine whether administration of arachidonyl-2′-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a highly-selective CB1 agonist, could attenuate a variety of auditory effects caused by prior administration of salicylate, and potentially treat tinnitus. We recorded cortical resting-state activity, auditory-evoked cortical activity and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), from chronically-implanted awake guinea pigs, before and after salicylate + ACEA. Salicylate-induced reductions in click-evoked ABR amplitudes were smaller in the presence of ACEA, suggesting that the ototoxic effects of salicylate were less severe. ACEA also abolished salicylate-induced changes in cortical alpha band (6–10 Hz) oscillatory activity. However, salicylate-induced increases in cortical evoked activity (suggestive of the presence of hyperacusis) were still present with salicylate + ACEA. ACEA administered alone did not induce significant changes in either ABR amplitudes or oscillatory activity, but did increase cortical evoked potentials. Furthermore, in two separate groups of non-implanted animals, we found no evidence that ACEA could reverse behavioural identification of salicylate- or noise-induced tinnitus. Together, these data suggest that while ACEA may be potentially otoprotective, selective CB1 agonists are not effective in diminishing the presence of tinnitus or hyperacusis. CB1 agonist (ACEA) effects were assessed in awake guinea pigs following salicylate. Salicylate-induced decreases in brainstem response amplitudes were tempered by ACEA. Decreases in alpha band oscillations were not evident following salicylate + ACEA. ACEA did not eliminate salicylate-induced increases in cortical evoked potentials. ACEA failed to prevent or reverse salicylate- or noise-induced tinnitus behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel I Berger
- Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing Research, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
| | - Ben Coomber
- Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing Research, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Hill
- Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing Research, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Steve P H Alexander
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - William Owen
- Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing Research, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Alan R Palmer
- Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing Research, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Mark N Wallace
- Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing Research, School of Medicine, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
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11
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Ruggiero RN, Rossignoli MT, De Ross JB, Hallak JEC, Leite JP, Bueno-Junior LS. Cannabinoids and Vanilloids in Schizophrenia: Neurophysiological Evidence and Directions for Basic Research. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:399. [PMID: 28680405 PMCID: PMC5478733 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of our knowledge of the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia comes from behavioral measures in rodents, like prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle and open-field locomotion, which are commonly used along with neurochemical approaches or drug challenge designs. Such methods continue to map fundamental mechanisms of sensorimotor gating, hyperlocomotion, social interaction, and underlying monoaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic disturbances. These strategies will require, however, a greater use of neurophysiological tools to better inform clinical research. In this sense, electrophysiology and viral vector-based circuit dissection, like optogenetics, can further elucidate how exogenous cannabinoids worsen (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) or ameliorate (e.g., cannabidiol, CBD) schizophrenia symptoms, like hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive deficits. Also, recent studies point to a complex endocannabinoid-endovanilloid interplay, including the influence of anandamide (endogenous CB1 and TRPV1 agonist) on cognitive variables, such as aversive memory extinction. In fact, growing interest has been devoted to TRPV1 receptors as promising therapeutic targets. Here, these issues are reviewed with an emphasis on the neurophysiological evidence. First, we contextualize imaging and electrographic findings in humans. Then, we present a comprehensive review on rodent electrophysiology. Finally, we discuss how basic research will benefit from further combining psychopharmacological and neurophysiological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael N Ruggiero
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus T Rossignoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jana B De Ross
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute for Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Joao P Leite
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lezio S Bueno-Junior
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
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12
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Skosnik PD, Cortes-Briones JA, Hajós M. It's All in the Rhythm: The Role of Cannabinoids in Neural Oscillations and Psychosis. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:568-77. [PMID: 26850792 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Evidence has accumulated over the past several decades suggesting that both exocannabinoids and endocannabinoids play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The current article presents evidence suggesting that one of the mechanisms whereby cannabinoids induce psychosis is through the alteration in synchronized neural oscillations. Neural oscillations, particularly in the gamma (30-80 Hz) and theta (4-7 Hz) ranges, are disrupted in schizophrenia and are involved in various areas of perceptual and cognitive function. Regarding cannabinoids, preclinical evidence from slice and local field potential recordings has shown that central cannabinoid receptor (cannabinoid receptor type 1) agonists decrease the power of neural oscillations, particularly in the gamma and theta bands. Further, the administration of cannabinoids during critical stages of neural development has been shown to disrupt the brain's ability to generate synchronized neural oscillations in adulthood. In humans, studies examining the effects of chronic cannabis use (utilizing electroencephalography) have shown abnormalities in neural oscillations in a pattern similar to those observed in schizophrenia. Finally, recent studies in humans have also shown disruptions in neural oscillations after the acute administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive constituent in cannabis. Taken together, these data suggest that both acute and chronic cannabinoids can disrupt the ability of the brain to generate synchronized oscillations at functionally relevant frequencies. Hence, this may represent one of the primary mechanisms whereby cannabinoids induce disruptions in attention, working memory, sensory-motor integration, and many other psychosis-related behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Jose A Cortes-Briones
- Department of Psychiatry, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mihály Hajós
- Laboratory of Translational Neuropharmacology, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Aguilar DD, Giuffrida A, Lodge DJ. THC and endocannabinoids differentially regulate neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the subchronic PCP model of schizophrenia. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:169-81. [PMID: 26510449 PMCID: PMC5252830 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115612239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use has been associated with an increased risk to develop schizophrenia as well as symptom exacerbation in patients. In contrast, clinical studies have revealed an inverse relationship between the cerebrospinal fluid levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide and symptom severity, suggesting a therapeutic potential for endocannabinoid-enhancing drugs. Indeed, preclinical studies have shown that these drugs can reverse distinct behavioral deficits in a rodent model of schizophrenia. The mechanisms underlying the differences between exogenous and endogenous cannabinoid administration are currently unknown. Using the phencyclidine (PCP) rat model of schizophrenia, we compared the effects on neuronal activity of systematic administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597. Specifically, we found that the inhibitory response in the prefrontal cortex to THC administration was absent in PCP-treated rats. In contrast, an augmented response to endocannabinoid upregulation was observed in the prefrontal cortex of PCP-treated rats. Interestingly, differential effects were also observed at the neuronal population level, as endocannabinoid upregulation induced opposite effects on coordinated activity when compared with THC. Such information is important for understanding why marijuana and synthetic cannabinoid use may be contraindicated in schizophrenia patients while endocannabinoid enhancement may provide a novel therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Smucny J, Stevens KE, Olincy A, Tregellas JR. Translational utility of rodent hippocampal auditory gating in schizophrenia research: a review and evaluation. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e587. [PMID: 26101850 PMCID: PMC4490287 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired gating of the auditory evoked P50 potential is one of the most pharmacologically well-characterized features of schizophrenia. This deficit is most commonly modeled in rodents by implanted electrode recordings from the hippocampus of the rodent analog of the P50, the P20-N40. The validity and effectiveness of this tool, however, has not been systematically reviewed. Here, we summarize findings from studies that have examined the effects of pharmacologic modulation on gating of the rodent hippocampal P20-N40 and the human P50. We show that drug effects on the P20-N40 are highly predictive of human effects across similar dose ranges. Furthermore, mental status (for example, anesthetized vs alert) does not appear to diminish the predictive capacity of these recordings. We then discuss hypothesized neuropharmacologic mechanisms that may underlie gating effects for each drug studied. Overall, this review supports continued use of hippocampal P20-N40 gating as a translational tool for schizophrenia research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Smucny
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - K E Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - A Olincy
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J R Tregellas
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Smucny J, Stevens KE, Tregellas JR. Acute administration of Δ⁹ tetrahydrocannabinol does not prevent enhancement of sensory gating by clozapine in DBA/2 mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 118:22-9. [PMID: 24418217 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite high rates of marijuana abuse in schizophrenia, the physiological interactions between tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and antipsychotic medications are poorly understood. A well-characterized feature of schizophrenia is poor gating of the P50 auditory-evoked potential. This feature has been translationally modeled by the DBA/2 mouse, which exhibits poor suppression of the P20-N40 AEP, the rodent analog of the human P50. Previous work has demonstrated that this deficit is reversed by the antipsychotic clozapine. It is unknown, however, if this effect is altered by THC administration. Using a conditioning-testing paradigm with paired auditory stimuli, the effects of clozapine and dronabinol (a pharmaceutical THC formulation) on inhibitory P20-N40 AEP processing were assessed from in vivo hippocampal CA3 recordings in anesthetized DBA/2 mice. The effects of clozapine (0.33 mg/kg) and dronabinol (10 mg/kg) were assessed alone and in combination (0.33, 1 or 1.83 mg/kg clozapine with 10mg/kg dronabinol). Improved P20-N40 AEP gating was observed after acute administration of 0.33 mg/kg clozapine. Co-injection of 0.33 mg/kg clozapine and 10 mg/kg THC, however, did not improve gating relative to baseline. This effect was overcome by higher doses of clozapine (1 and 1.83 mg/kg), as these doses improved gating relative to baseline in the presence of 10 mg/kg THC. 10 mg/kg THC alone did not affect gating. In conclusion, THC does not prevent improvement of P20-N40 gating by clozapine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Smucny
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Karen E Stevens
- Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jason R Tregellas
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Radhakrishnan R, Wilkinson ST, D'Souza DC. Gone to Pot - A Review of the Association between Cannabis and Psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:54. [PMID: 24904437 PMCID: PMC4033190 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide, with ~5 million daily users worldwide. Emerging evidence supports a number of associations between cannabis and psychosis/psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. These associations-based on case-studies, surveys, epidemiological studies, and experimental studies indicate that cannabinoids can produce acute, transient effects; acute, persistent effects; and delayed, persistent effects that recapitulate the psychopathology and psychophysiology seen in schizophrenia. Acute exposure to both cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids (Spice/K2) can produce a full range of transient psychotomimetic symptoms, cognitive deficits, and psychophysiological abnormalities that bear a striking resemblance to symptoms of schizophrenia. In individuals with an established psychotic disorder, cannabinoids can exacerbate symptoms, trigger relapse, and have negative consequences on the course of the illness. Several factors appear to moderate these associations, including family history, genetic factors, history of childhood abuse, and the age at onset of cannabis use. Exposure to cannabinoids in adolescence confers a higher risk for psychosis outcomes in later life and the risk is dose-related. Individuals with polymorphisms of COMT and AKT1 genes may be at increased risk for psychotic disorders in association with cannabinoids, as are individuals with a family history of psychotic disorders or a history of childhood trauma. The relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia fulfills many but not all of the standard criteria for causality, including temporality, biological gradient, biological plausibility, experimental evidence, consistency, and coherence. At the present time, the evidence indicates that cannabis may be a component cause in the emergence of psychosis, and this warrants serious consideration from the point of view of public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Radhakrishnan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA
| | - Samuel T Wilkinson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT , USA ; Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center , New Haven, CT , USA ; Schizophrenia and Neuropharmacology Research Group, VA Connecticut Healthcare System , West Haven, CT , USA
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Novel song-stimulated dendritic spine formation and Arc/Arg3.1 expression in zebra finch auditory telencephalon are disrupted by cannabinoid agonism. Brain Res 2013; 1541:9-21. [PMID: 24134952 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are well-established to alter processes of sensory perception; however neurophysiological mechanisms responsible remain unclear. Arc, an immediate-early gene (IEG) product involved in dendritic spine dynamics and necessary for plasticity changes such as long-term potentiation, is rapidly induced within zebra finch caudal medial nidopallium (NCM) following novel song exposure, a response that habituates after repeated stimuli. Arc appears unique in its rapid postsynaptic dendritic expression following excitatory input. Previously, we found that vocal development-altering cannabinoid treatments are associated with elevated dendritic spine densities in motor-(HVC) and learning-related (Area X) song regions of zebra finch telencephalon. Given Arc's dendritic morphological role, we hypothesized that cannabinoid-altered spine densities may involve Arc-related signaling. To test this, we examined the ability of the cannabinoid agonist WIN55212-2 (WIN) to (1) acutely disrupt song-induced Arc expression, (2) interfere with habituation to auditory stimuli, and (3) alter dendritic spine densities in auditory regions. We found that WIN (3mg/kg) acutely reduced Arc expression within both NCM and Field L2 in an antagonist-reversible manner. WIN did not alter Arc expression in thalamic auditory relay nucleus ovoidalis (Ov), suggesting that cannabinoid signaling selectively alters responses to auditory stimulation. Novel song stimulation rapidly increased dendritic spine densities within auditory telencephalon, an effect blocked by WIN pretreatments. Taken together, cannabinoid inhibition of both Arc induction and its habituation to repeated stimuli, combined with prevention of rapid increases in dendritic spine densities, implicates cannabinoid signaling in modulation of physiological processes important to auditory responsiveness and memory.
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18
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Broyd SJ, Greenwood LM, Croft RJ, Dalecki A, Todd J, Michie PT, Johnstone SJ, Solowij N. Chronic effects of cannabis on sensory gating. Int J Psychophysiol 2013; 89:381-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Dissanayake DW, Mason R, Marsden CA. Sensory gating, Cannabinoids and Schizophrenia. Neuropharmacology 2013; 67:66-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Fenton G, Spicer C, Halliday D, Mason R, Stevenson C. Basolateral amygdala activity during the retrieval of associative learning under anesthesia. Neuroscience 2013; 233:146-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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21
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Steinmetz AB, Freeman JH. Central cannabinoid receptors modulate acquisition of eyeblink conditioning. Learn Mem 2010; 17:571-6. [PMID: 21030483 DOI: 10.1101/lm.1954710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Delay eyeblink conditioning is established by paired presentations of a conditioned stimulus (CS) such as a tone or light, and an unconditioned stimulus (US) that elicits the blink reflex. Conditioned stimulus information is projected from the basilar pontine nuclei to the cerebellar interpositus nucleus and cortex. The cerebellar cortex, particularly the molecular layer, contains a high density of cannabinoid receptors (CB1R). The CB1Rs are located on the axon terminals of parallel fibers, stellate cells, and basket cells where they inhibit neurotransmitter release. The present study examined the effects of a CB1R agonist WIN55,212-2 and antagonist SR141716A on the acquisition of delay eyeblink conditioning in rats. Rats were given subcutaneous administration of 1, 2, or 3 mg/kg of WIN55,212-2 or 1, 3, or 5 mg/kg of SR141716A before each day of acquisition training (10 sessions). Dose-dependent impairments in acquisition were found for WIN55,212-2 and SR141716A, with no effects on spontaneous or nonassociative blinking. However, the magnitude of impairment was greater for WIN55,212-2 than SR141716A. Dose-dependent impairments in conditioned blink response (CR) amplitude and timing were found with WIN55,212-2 but not with SR141716A. The findings support the hypothesis that CB1Rs in the cerebellar cortex play an important role in plasticity mechanisms underlying eyeblink conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B Steinmetz
- Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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Sciolino NR, Bortolato M, Eisenstein SA, Fu J, Oveisi F, Hohmann AG, Piomelli D. Social isolation and chronic handling alter endocannabinoid signaling and behavioral reactivity to context in adult rats. Neuroscience 2010; 168:371-86. [PMID: 20394803 PMCID: PMC2882942 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Revised: 04/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Social deprivation in early life disrupts emotionality and attentional processes in humans. Rearing rats in isolation reproduces some of these abnormalities, which are attenuated by daily handling. However, the neurochemical mechanisms underlying these responses remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that post-weaning social isolation alters the endocannabinoid system, a neuromodulatory system that controls emotional responding. We characterized behavioral consequences of social isolation and evaluated whether handling would reverse social isolation-induced alterations in behavioral reactivity to context and the endocannabinoid system. At weaning, pups were single or group housed and concomitantly handled or not handled daily until adulthood. Rats were tested in emotionality- and attentional-sensitive behavioral assays (open field, elevated plus maze, startle and prepulse inhibition). Cannabinoid receptor densities and endocannabinoid levels were quantified in a separate group of rats. Social isolation negatively altered behavioral responding. Socially-isolated rats that were handled showed less deficits in the open field, elevated plus maze, and prepulse inhibition tests. Social isolation produced site-specific alterations (supraoptic nucleus, ventrolateral thalamus, rostral striatum) in cannabinoid receptor densities compared to group rearing. Handling altered the endocannabinoid system in neural circuitry controlling emotional expression. Handling altered endocannabinoid content (prefrontal and piriform cortices, nucleus accumbens) and cannabinoid receptor densities (lateral globus pallidus, cingulate and piriform cortices, hippocampus) in a region-specific manner. Some effects of social isolation on the endocannabinoid system were moderated by handling. Isolates were unresponsive to handling-induced increases in cannabinoid receptor densities (caudal striatum, anterior thalamus), but were sensitive to handling-induced changes in endocannabinoid content (piriform, prefrontal cortices), compared to group-reared rats. Our findings suggest alterations in the endocannabinoid system may contribute to the abnormal isolate phenotype. Handling modifies the endocannabinoid system and behavioral reactivity to context, but surmounts only some effects of social isolation. These data implicate a pivotal role for the endocannabinoid system in stress adaptation and emotionality-related disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natale R. Sciolino
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30622 USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sarah A. Eisenstein
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30622 USA
| | - Jin Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Fariba Oveisi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Andrea G. Hohmann
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30622 USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Sewell RA, Skosnik PD, Garcia-Sosa I, Ranganathan M, D'Souza DC. Efeitos comportamentais, cognitivos e psicofisiológicos dos canabinoides: relevância para a psicose e a esquizofrenia. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462010000500005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Avanços recentes no conhecimento sobre a função do receptor de canabinoide renovaram o interesse na associação entre cannabis e psicose. Linhas convergentes de evidências sugerem que os canabinoides podem produzir uma ampla gama de sintomas transitórios positivos, negativos e cognitivos assemelhados aos de esquizofrenia. Os canabinoides também produzem alguns déficits psicofisiológicos sabidamente presentes na esquizofrenia. É igualmente claro que em indivíduos com um transtorno psicótico estabelecido, os canabinoides podem exacerbar sintomas, desencadear recaídas e ter consequências negativas no curso da doença. Evidências crescentes sugerem que a exposição precoce e pesada à cannabis pode aumentar o risco de se desenvolver um transtorno psicótico como a esquizofrenia. A relação entre exposição à cannabis e esquizofrenia preenche alguns, mas não todos os critérios usuais de causalidade. Porém, a maioria das pessoas que utilizam cannabis não desenvolve esquizofrenia e muitas pessoas diagnosticadas com esquizofrenia nunca utilizaram cannabis. Portanto, é provável que a exposição à cannabis seja uma "causa componente" que interage com outros fatores para "causar" esquizofrenia ou outro transtorno psicótico, mas não é nem necessária nem suficiente para fazê-lo sozinha. No entanto, na ausência de causas conhecidas da esquizofrenia e com as implicações de políticas de saúde pública, se tal vínculo for estabelecido, as causas componentes, tais como a exposição a canabinoide, devem continuar sendo um foco de estudos futuros. Finalmente, são necessárias mais pesquisas para identificar os fatores subjacentes à vulnerabilidade à psicose relacionada a canabinoide e para elucidar os mecanismos biológicos subjacentes a esse risco.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Andrew Sewell
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
| | - Patrick D. Skosnik
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
| | - Icelini Garcia-Sosa
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, EUA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, EUA; Yale University School of Medicine, EUA
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Parolaro D, Realini N, Vigano D, Guidali C, Rubino T. The endocannabinoid system and psychiatric disorders. Exp Neurol 2010; 224:3-14. [PMID: 20353783 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The present review summarizes the latest information on the role and the pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid system in mood disorders and its potential implication in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Reduced functionality might be considered a predisposing factor for major depression, so boosting endocannabinoid tone might be a useful alternative therapeutic approach for depressive disorders. The picture regarding endocannabinoids and anxiety is more complicated since either too much or too little anandamide can lead to anxiety states. However, a small rise in its level in specific brain areas might be beneficial for the response to a stressful situation and therefore to tone down anxiety. This effect might be achieved with low doses of cannabinoid indirect agonists, such as blockers of the degradative pathway (i.e. FAAH) or re-uptake inhibitors. Moreover several lines of experimental and clinical evidence point to a dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia. The high anandamide levels found in schizophrenic patients, negatively correlated with psychotic symptoms, point to a protective role, whereas the role of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol is still unclear. There is a potential for pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system as a novel approach for treating schizophrenia, although experimental findings are still controversial, often with different effects depending on the drug, the dose, the species and the model used for simulating positive or negative symptoms. Besides all these limitations, SR141716A and cannabidiol show the most constant antipsychotic properties in dopamine- and glutamate-based models of schizophrenia, with profiles similar to an atypical antipsychotic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Parolaro
- DBSF and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Via A. da Giussano 10, 21052 Busto Arsizio (Varese), Italy.
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Edwards CR, Skosnik PD, Steinmetz AB, O'Donnell BF, Hetrick WP. Sensory gating impairments in heavy cannabis users are associated with altered neural oscillations. Behav Neurosci 2009; 123:894-904. [PMID: 19634950 DOI: 10.1037/a0016328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Central cannabinoid receptors mediate neural oscillations and are localized to networks implicated in auditory P50 sensory gating, including the hippocampus and neocortex. The current study examined whether neural oscillations evoked by the paired clicks (S1, S2) are associated with abnormal P50 gating reported in cannabis users. Seventeen heavy cannabis users and 16 cannabis naïve controls participated. Analyses included P50 amplitudes, and time-frequency analyses (event-related spectral perturbations, ERSPs; intertrial coherence, ITC). Consistent with prior studies, cannabis users exhibited reduced P50 gating. The ERSP analysis yielded attenuated high frequency activity in the beta range (13-29 Hz) post-S1 and in the gamma range (30-50 Hz) post-S2 in the cannabis group, compared with the control group. Greater levels of cannabis use were positively associated with high P50 ratios and negatively with post-S2 ERSP gamma power. Findings suggest that heavy cannabis use is associated with aberrant beta and gamma activity in the dual-click procedure, which corroborates recent work demonstrating disruption of beta/gamma by cannabinoid receptor (CB1) agonists in a rat analogue of this task and highlights the translational potential of the dual-click procedure [corrected]
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad R Edwards
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 21455, USA.
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Fernandez-Espejo E, Viveros MP, Núñez L, Ellenbroek BA, Rodriguez de Fonseca F. Role of cannabis and endocannabinoids in the genesis of schizophrenia. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 206:531-49. [PMID: 19629449 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-009-1612-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabis abuse and endocannabinoids are associated to schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES It is important to discern the association between schizophrenia and exogenous Cannabis sativa, on one hand, and the endogenous cannabinoid system, on the other hand. RESULTS On one hand, there is substantial evidence that cannabis abuse is a risk factor for psychosis in genetically predisposed people, may lead to a worse outcome of the disease, or it can affect normal brain development during adolescence, increasing the risk for schizophrenia in adulthood. Regarding genetic predisposition, alterations affecting the cannabinoid CNR1 gene could be related to schizophrenia. On the other hand, the endogenous cannabinoid system is altered in schizophrenia (i.e., increased density of cannabinoid CB1 receptor binding in corticolimbic regions, enhanced cerebrospinal fluid anandamide levels), and dysregulation of this system can interact with neurotransmitter systems in such a way that a "cannabinoid hypothesis" can be integrated in the neurobiological hypotheses of schizophrenia. Finally, there is also evidence that some genetic alterations of the CNR1 gene can act as a protectant factor against schizophrenia or can induce a better pharmacological response to atypical antipsychotics. CONCLUSIONS Cannabis abuse is a risk factor for psychosis in predisposed people, it can affect neurodevelopment during adolescence leading to schizophrenia, and a dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system can participate in schizophrenia. It is also worth noting that some specific cannabinoid alterations can act as neuroprotectant for schizophrenia or can be a psychopharmacogenetic rather than a vulnerability factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Fernandez-Espejo
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
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No association between chronic cannabis use and loudness dependence of auditory evoked potentials as indicator of central serotonergic neurotransmission. Neurosci Lett 2009; 465:113-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Revised: 09/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Dissanayake DW, Zachariou M, Marsden CA, Mason R. Effects of phencyclidine on auditory gating in the rat hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex. Brain Res 2009; 1298:153-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Revised: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 08/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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