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Soler-Cedeño O, Alton H, Bi GH, Linz E, Ji L, Makriyannis A, Xi ZX. AM6527, a neutral CB1 receptor antagonist, suppresses opioid taking and seeking, as well as cocaine seeking in rodents without aversive effects. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01861-y. [PMID: 38600154 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01861-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical research has demonstrated the efficacy of CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonists in reducing drug-taking behavior. However, clinical trials with rimonabant, a CB1R antagonist with inverse agonist profile, failed due to severe adverse effects, such as depression and suicidality. As a result, efforts have shifted towards developing novel neutral CB1R antagonists without an inverse agonist profile for treating substance use disorders. Here, we assessed AM6527, a CB1R neutral antagonist, in addiction animal models. Our findings revealed that AM6527 did not affect cocaine self-administration under fixed-ratio reinforcement schedules but dose-dependently inhibited it under progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules. Additionally, AM6527 dose-dependently inhibited heroin self-administration under both fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules and oral sucrose self-administration under a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule, as well as cocaine- or heroin-triggered reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in rats. However, chronic AM6527 administration for five consecutive days significantly inhibited heroin self-administration only during the initial two days, indicating tolerance development. Notably, AM6527 did not produce rewarding or aversive effects by itself in classical electrical intracranial self-stimulation and conditioned place preference tests. However, in optical intracranial self-stimulation (oICSS) maintained by optogenetic stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons in DAT-cre mice, both AM6527 and rimonabant dose-dependently inhibited dopamine-dependent oICSS behavior. Together, these findings suggest that AM6527 effectively reduces drug-taking and seeking behaviors without rimonabant-like adverse effects. Thus, AM6527 warrants further investigation as a potential pharmacotherapy for opioid and cocaine use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Soler-Cedeño
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Postdoctoral Research Associate Training (PRAT) Fellow, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Alton
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily Linz
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lipin Ji
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Scott-Dennis M, Rafani FA, Yi Y, Perera T, Harwood CR, Guba W, Rufer AC, Grether U, Veprintsev DB, Sykes DA. Development of a membrane-based Gi-CASE biosensor assay for profiling compounds at cannabinoid receptors. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1158091. [PMID: 37637423 PMCID: PMC10450933 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1158091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The cannabinoid receptor (CBR) subtypes 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R) are key components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), playing a central role in the control of peripheral pain, inflammation and the immune response, with further roles in the endocrine regulation of food intake and energy balance. So far, few medicines targeting these receptors have reached the clinic, suggesting that a better understanding of the receptor signalling properties of existing tool compounds and clinical candidates may open the door to the development of more effective and safer treatments. Both CB1R and CB2R are Gαi protein-coupled receptors but detecting Gαi protein signalling activity reliably and reproducibly is challenging. This is due to the inherent variability in live cell-based assays and restrictions around the use of radioactive [35S]-GTPγS, a favoured technology for developing higher-throughput membrane-based Gαi protein activity assays. Methods: Here, we describe the development of a membrane-based Gαi signalling system, produced from membrane preparations of HEK293TR cells, stably overexpressing CB1R or CB2R, and components of the Gαi-CASE biosensor. This BRET-based system allows direct detection of Gαi signalling in both cells and membranes by monitoring bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) between the α and the βγ subunits. Cells and membranes were subject to increasing concentrations of reference cannabinoid compounds, with 10 μM furimazine added to generate RET signals, which were detected on a PHERAstar FSX plate reader, then processed using MARS software and analysed in GraphPad PRISM 9.2. Results: In membranes expressing the Gi-CASE biosensor, the cannabinoid ligands profiled were found to show agonist and inverse agonist activity. Agonist activity elicited a decrease in the BRET signal, indicative of receptor activation and G protein dissociation. Inverse agonist activity caused an increase in BRET signal, indicative of receptor inactivation, and the accumulation of inactive G protein. Our membrane-based Gi-CASE NanoBRET system successfully characterised the potency (pEC50) and efficacy (Emax) of CBR agonists and inverse agonists in a 384-well screening format. Values obtained were in-line with whole-cell Gi-CASE assays and consistent with literature values obtained in the GTPγS screening format. Discussion: This novel, membrane-based Gαi protein activation assay is applicable to other Gαi-coupled GPCRs, including orphan receptors, allowing real-time higher-throughput measurements of receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Scott-Dennis
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Fikri A. Rafani
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Yicheng Yi
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Themiya Perera
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Clare R. Harwood
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfgang Guba
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arne C. Rufer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dmitry B. Veprintsev
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
- Z7 Biotech Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Sykes
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
- Z7 Biotech Limited, London, United Kingdom
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3
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AlKhelb D, Kirunda A, Ho TC, Makriyannis A, Desai RI. Effects of the cannabinoid CB 1-receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 and antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant on fentanyl discrimination in male rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 240:109646. [PMID: 36191533 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests the existence of a functional interaction between endogenous cannabinoid (CB) and opioid systems. Thus, targeting CB1 receptors might be a viable approach to develop new medications for opioid use disorders (OUD). The present studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the neutral CB1 antagonist AM4113 and the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant in male rats trained to discriminate 0.032 mg/kg fentanyl from saline under a 10-response fixed-ratio (FR-10) schedule of food reinforcement. Results show that the µ-opioid agonists (fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine) substituted fully and dose-dependently for fentanyl, whereas pretreatment with the µ-opioid antagonist naltrexone antagonized fentanyl's discriminative-stimulus effects. In interaction studies, AM4113 (0.32 or 1.0 mg/kg) was more effective in blocking fentanyl discrimination at 10-fold lower doses that did not modify rates of food-maintained responding, whereas rimonabant (1.0-10 mg/kg) produced some attenuation of fentanyl's discriminative-stimulus effects at the highest dose tested which also significantly decreased response rates. These results extend our recent work showing that AM4113 can effectively block the behavioral effects of heroin without producing rimonabant-like adverse effects. Taken together, these data suggests that CB1 neutral antagonists effectively block the behavioral effects of structurally distinct morphinan (heroin) and phenylpiperidine-based (fentanyl) opioids and may provide a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal AlKhelb
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 12371, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andre Kirunda
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thanh C Ho
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Rajeev I Desai
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Biology Program, Integrative Neurochemistry Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Neutral CB1 Receptor Antagonists as Pharmacotherapies for Substance Use Disorders: Rationale, Evidence, and Challenge. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203262. [PMID: 36291128 PMCID: PMC9600259 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) has been one of the major targets in medication development for treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Early studies indicated that rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist with an inverse agonist profile, was highly promising as a therapeutic for SUDs. However, its adverse side effects, such as depression and suicidality, led to its withdrawal from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Consequently, much research interest shifted to developing neutral CB1R antagonists based on the recognition that rimonabant’s side effects may be related to its inverse agonist profile. In this article, we first review rimonabant’s research background as a potential pharmacotherapy for SUDs. Then, we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying its therapeutic anti-addictive effects versus its adverse effects. Lastly, we discuss the rationale for developing neutral CB1R antagonists as potential treatments for SUDs, the supporting evidence in recent research, and the challenges of this strategy. We conclude that developing neutral CB1R antagonists without inverse agonist profile may represent attractive strategies for the treatment of SUDs.
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5
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Therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a novel CB1 receptor neutral antagonist, for cocaine use disorder: evidence from preclinical research. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:286. [PMID: 35851573 PMCID: PMC9293959 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02059-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) have been major targets in medication development for the treatment of substance use disorders. However, clinical trials with rimonabant, a CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, failed due to severe side effects. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a neutral CB1R antagonist lacking an inverse agonist profile, against cocaine's behavioral effects in experimental animals. We found that systemic administration of PIMSR dose-dependently inhibited cocaine self-administration under fixed-ratio (FR5), but not FR1, reinforcement, shifted the cocaine self-administration dose-response curve downward, decreased incentive motivation to seek cocaine under progressive-ratio reinforcement, and reduced cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. PIMSR also inhibited oral sucrose self-administration. Importantly, PIMSR alone is neither rewarding nor aversive as assessed by place conditioning. We then used intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) to explore the possible involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine system in PIMSR's action. We found that PIMSR dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-enhanced ICSS maintained by electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle in rats. PIMSR itself failed to alter electrical ICSS, but dose-dependently inhibited ICSS maintained by optical stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons in transgenic DAT-Cre mice, suggesting the involvement of dopamine-dependent mechanisms. Lastly, we examined the CB1R mechanisms underlying PIMSR's action. We found that PIMSR pretreatment attenuated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)- or ACEA (a selective CB1R agonist)-induced reduction in optical ICSS. Together, our findings suggest that the neutral CB1R antagonist PIMSR deserves further research as a promising pharmacotherapeutic for cocaine use disorder.
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6
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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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7
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Lowe H, Toyang N, Steele B, Bryant J, Ngwa W. The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Various Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9472. [PMID: 34502379 PMCID: PMC8430969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis, a balance in internal environment (temperature, mood, and immune system) and energy input and output in living, biological systems. In addition to regulating physiological processes, the ECS directly influences anxiety, feeding behaviour/appetite, emotional behaviour, depression, nervous functions, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, reward, cognition, learning, memory, pain sensation, fertility, pregnancy, and pre-and post-natal development. The ECS is also involved in several pathophysiological diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the ECS has gained significant interest in medicine, research, and drug discovery and development. The distribution of the components of the ECS system throughout the body, and the physiological/pathophysiological role of the ECS-signalling pathways in many diseases, all offer promising opportunities for the development of novel cannabinergic, cannabimimetic, and cannabinoid-based therapeutic drugs that genetically or pharmacologically modulate the ECS via inhibition of metabolic pathways and/or agonism or antagonism of the receptors of the ECS. This modulation results in the differential expression/activity of the components of the ECS that may be beneficial in the treatment of a number of diseases. This manuscript in-depth review will investigate the potential of the ECS in the treatment of various diseases, and to put forth the suggestion that many of these secondary metabolites of Cannabis sativa L. (hereafter referred to as "C. sativa L." or "medical cannabis"), may also have potential as lead compounds in the development of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals for a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lowe
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
- Vilotos Pharmaceuticals Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
- Flavocure Biotech Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Ngeh Toyang
- Vilotos Pharmaceuticals Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
- Flavocure Biotech Inc., Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
| | - Blair Steele
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Joseph Bryant
- Biotech R & D Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona 99999, Jamaica; (H.L.); (J.B.)
| | - Wilfred Ngwa
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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8
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Luján MÁ, Cheer JF, Melis M. Choosing the right drug: status and future of endocannabinoid research for the prevention of drug-seeking reinstatement. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 56:29-38. [PMID: 33068883 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to drugs of abuse leads to severe alterations in mesocorticolimbic dopamine circuitry deeply implicated in substance use disorders. Despite considerable efforts, few medications to reduce relapse rates are currently available. To solve this issue, researchers are uncovering therapeutic opportunities offered by the endocannabinoid system. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), and its endogenous ligands, participate in orchestration of cue-triggered and stress-triggered responses leading to obtain natural and drug rewards. Here, we review the evidence supporting the use of CB1R neutral antagonists, allosteric modulators, indirect agonists, as well as multi-target compounds, as improved alternatives compared to classical CB1R antagonists. The promising therapeutic value of other substrates participating in endocannabinoid signaling, like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, is also covered. Overall, a wide body of pre-clinical evidence avails novel pharmacological strategies interacting with the endocannabinoid system as clinically amenable candidates able to counteract drug-induced dopamine maladaptations contributing to increased risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á Luján
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy.
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9
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Kunos G. Interactions Between Alcohol and the Endocannabinoid System. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:790-805. [PMID: 32056226 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are lipid mediators that interact with the same cannabinoid receptors that recognize Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive constituent of marijuana, to induce similar effects in the brain and periphery. Alcohol and THC are both addictive substances whose acute use elicits rewarding effects that can lead to chronic and compulsive use via engaging similar signaling pathways in the brain. In the liver, both alcohol and endocannabinoids activate lipogenic gene expression leading to fatty liver disease. This review focuses on evidence accumulated over the last 2 decades to indicate that both the addictive neural effects of ethanol and its organ toxic effects in the liver and elsewhere are mediated, to a large extent, by endocannabinoids signaling via cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1 R). The therapeutic potential of CB1 R blockade globally or in peripheral tissues only is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kunos
- From the, Division of Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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10
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Nguyen T, Thomas BF, Zhang Y. Overcoming the Psychiatric Side Effects of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Antagonists: Current Approaches for Therapeutics Development. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1418-1435. [PMID: 31284863 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190708164841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor (CB1R) is involved in a variety of physiological pathways and has long been considered a golden target for therapeutic manipulation. A large body of evidence in both animal and human studies suggests that CB1R antagonism is highly effective for the treatment of obesity, metabolic disorders and drug addiction. However, the first-in-class CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, rimonabant, though demonstrating effectiveness for obesity treatment and smoking cessation, displays serious psychiatric side effects, including anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation, resulting in its eventual withdrawal from the European market. Several strategies are currently being pursued to circumvent the mechanisms leading to these side effects by developing neutral antagonists, peripherally restricted ligands, and allosteric modulators. In this review, we describe the progress in the development of therapeutics targeting the CB1R in the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
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11
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Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health crisis worldwide, and effective treatment options are limited. During the past 2 decades, researchers have investigated the impact of a variety of pharmacological approaches to treat SUD, one of which is the use of medical cannabis or cannabinoids. Significant progress was made with the discovery of rimonabant, a selective CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist (also an inverse agonist), as a promising therapeutic for SUDs and obesity. However, serious adverse effects such as depression and suicidality led to the withdrawal of rimonabant (and almost all other CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists) from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Since then, much research interest has shifted to other cannabinoid-based strategies, such as peripheral CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists, neutral CB1R antagonists, allosteric CB1R modulators, CB2R agonists, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors, fatty acid binding protein (FABP) inhibitors, or nonaddictive phytocannabinoids with CB1R or CB2R-binding profiles, as new therapeutics for SUDs. In this article, we first review recent progress in research regarding the endocannabinoid systems, cannabis reward versus aversion, and the underlying receptor mechanisms. We then review recent progress in cannabinoid-based medication development for the treatment of SUDs. As evidence continues to accumulate, neutral CB1R antagonists (such as AM4113), CB2R agonists (JWH133, Xie2-64), and nonselective phytocannabinoids (cannabidiol, β-caryophyllene, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabivarin) have shown great therapeutic potential for SUDs, as shown in experimental animals. Several cannabinoid-based medications (e.g., dronabinol, nabilone, PF-04457845) that entered clinical trials have shown promising results in reducing withdrawal symptoms in cannabis and opioid users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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12
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Cannabinoid CB 1 receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 inhibits heroin self-administration without depressive side effects in rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:365-373. [PMID: 29967454 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) have been shown to be a promising target in medication development for the treatment of addiction. However, clinical trials with SR141716A (rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist) for the treatment of obesity and smoking cessation failed due to unwanted side effects, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. Recent preclinical studies suggest that the neutral CB1R antagonist AM4113 may retain the therapeutic anti-addictive effects of SR141716A in nicotine self-administration models and possibly has fewer unwanted side effects. However, little is known about whether AM4113 is also effective for other drugs of abuse, such as opioids and psychostimulants, and whether it produces depressive side effects similar to SR141716A in experimental animals. In this study, we demonstrated that systemic administration of AM4113 (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited the self-administration of intravenous heroin but not cocaine or methamphetamine, whereas SR141716A (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited the self-administration of heroin and methamphetamine but not cocaine. In the electrical brain-stimulation reward (BSR) paradigm, SR141716A (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased the BSR stimulation threshold (i.e., decreased the stimulation reward), but AM4113 had no effect on BSR at the same doses, suggesting that SR141716A may produce aversive effects while AM4113 may not. Together, these findings show that neutral CB1R antagonists such as AM4113 deserve further research as a new class of CB1R-based medications for the treatment of opioid addiction without SR141716A-like aversive effects.
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Maccioni P, Colombo G, Lorrai I, Zaru A, Carai MAM, Gessa GL, Brizzi A, Mugnaini C, Corelli F. Suppressing effect of COR659 on alcohol, sucrose, and chocolate self-administration in rats: involvement of the GABA B and cannabinoid CB 1 receptors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:2525-2543. [PMID: 28536867 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES COR659 [methyl2-(4-chlorophenylcarboxamido)-4-ethyl-5-methylthiophene-3-carboxylate] is a new, positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the GABAB receptor. This study evaluated whether COR659 shared with previously tested GABAB PAMs the capacity to reduce alcohol self-administration in rats. RESULTS Treatment with non-sedative doses of COR659 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; i.p.) suppressed lever-responding for alcohol (15% v/v) in Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats under the fixed ratio (FR) 4 (FR4) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement; COR659 was more potent and effective than the reference GABAB PAM, GS39783. Treatment with COR659, but not GS39783, suppressed (a) lever-responding for a sucrose solution (1-3% w/v) in sP rats under the FR4 and PR schedules, (b) lever-responding for a chocolate solution [5% (w/v) Nesquik®] in Wistar rats under the FR10 and PR schedules, and (c) cue-induced reinstatement of chocolate seeking in Wistar rats. Treatment with COR659 was completely ineffective on lever-responding (FR10) for regular food pellets in food-deprived Wistar rats. Pretreatment with the GABAB receptor antagonist, SCH50911, partially blocked COR659-induced reduction of alcohol self-administration, being ineffective on reduction of chocolate self-administration. Pretreatment with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, AM4113, fully blocked COR659-induced reduction of chocolate self-administration, being ineffective on reduction of alcohol self-administration. CONCLUSIONS COR659 might exert its behavioral effects via a composite mechanism: (i) positive allosteric modulation of the GABAB receptor, responsible for a large proportion of reduction of alcohol self-administration; (ii) an action at other receptor system(s), including the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, through which COR659 affects seeking and consumption of highly palatable foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy.
| | - Irene Lorrai
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Alessandro Zaru
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Mauro A M Carai
- Cagliari Pharmacological Research, 09127, Cagliari (CA), Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena (SI), Italy
| | - Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena (SI), Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena (SI), Italy
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Blockade of Nicotine and Cannabinoid Reinforcement and Relapse by a Cannabinoid CB1-Receptor Neutral Antagonist AM4113 and Inverse Agonist Rimonabant in Squirrel Monkeys. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2283-93. [PMID: 26888056 PMCID: PMC4946059 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine, the main psychoactive component of tobacco, and (-)-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, play major roles in tobacco and marijuana dependence as reinforcers of drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior. Drugs that act as inverse agonists of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the brain can attenuate the rewarding and abuse-related effects of nicotine and THC, but their clinical use is hindered by potentially serious side effects. The recently developed CB1-receptor neutral antagonists may provide an alternative therapeutic approach to nicotine and cannabinoid dependence. Here we compare attenuation of nicotine and THC reinforcement and reinstatement in squirrel monkeys by the CB1-receptor inverse agonist rimonabant and by the recently developed CB1-receptor neutral antagonist AM4113. Both rimonabant and AM4113 reduced two effects of nicotine and THC that play major roles in tobacco and marijuana dependence: (1) maintenance of high rates of drug-taking behavior, and (2) priming- or cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in abstinent subjects (models of relapse). In contrast, neither rimonabant nor AM4113 modified cocaine-reinforced or food-reinforced operant behavior under similar experimental conditions. However, both rimonabant and AM4113 reduced cue-induced reinstatement in monkeys trained to self-administer cocaine, suggesting the involvement of a common cannabinoid-mediated mechanism in the cue-induced reinstatement for different drugs of abuse. These findings point to CB1-receptor neutral antagonists as a new class of medications for treatment of both tobacco dependence and cannabis dependence.
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Permanent suppression of cortical oscillations in mice after adolescent exposure to cannabinoids: receptor mechanisms. Neuropharmacology 2014; 86:161-73. [PMID: 25036610 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana use in adolescence, but not adulthood, may permanently impair cognitive functioning and increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. Cortical oscillations are patterns of neural network activity implicated in cognitive processing, and are abnormal in patients with schizophrenia. We have recently reported that cortical oscillations are suppressed in adult mice that were treated with the cannabinoids WIN55,212-2 (WIN) or Δ(9)tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in adolescence, but not adulthood. WIN and THC are cannabinoid-1 (CB1R) and CB2R agonists, and also have activity at non-cannabinoid receptor targets. However, as acute WIN and THC administration can suppress oscillations through CB1Rs, we hypothesize that a similar mechanism underlies the permanent suppression of oscillations by repeated cannabinoid exposure in adolescence. Here we test the prediction that cannabinoid exposure in adolescence permanently suppresses cortical oscillations by acting through CB1Rs, and that these suppressive effects can be antagonized by a CB1R antagonist. We treated adolescent mice with various cannabinoid compounds, and pharmacologically-evoked oscillations in local field potentials (LFPs) in vitro in adults. We find that WIN exposure for six days in early adolescence suppresses oscillations preferentially in adult medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) via CB1Rs, and that a similar CB1R mechanism accounts for the suppressive effects of long-term (20 day) adolescent THC in adult somatosensory cortex (SCx). Unexpectedly, we also find that CB2Rs may be involved in the suppression of oscillations in both mPFC and SCx by long-term adolescent cannabinoid exposure, and that non-cannabinoid receptors may also contribute to oscillation suppression in adult mPFC. These findings represent a novel attempt to antagonize the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on neural network activity, and reveal the contribution of non-CB1R targets to the suppression of cortical oscillations.
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Almeida V, Peres FF, Levin R, Suiama MA, Calzavara MB, Zuardi AW, Hallak JE, Crippa JA, Abílio VC. Effects of cannabinoid and vanilloid drugs on positive and negative-like symptoms on an animal model of schizophrenia: the SHR strain. Schizophr Res 2014; 153:150-9. [PMID: 24556469 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Studies have suggested that the endocannabinoid system is implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We have recently reported that Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs) present a deficit in social interaction that is ameliorated by atypical antipsychotics. In addition, SHRs display hyperlocomotion - reverted by atypical and typical antipsychotics. These results suggest that this strain could be useful to study negative symptoms (modeled by a decrease in social interaction) and positive symptoms (modeled by hyperlocomotion) of schizophrenia and the effects of potential drugs with an antipsychotic profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of WIN55-212,2 (CB1/CB2 agonist), ACEA (CB1 agonist), rimonabant (CB1 inverse agonist), AM404 (anandamide uptake/metabolism inhibitor), capsaicin (agonist TRPV1) and capsazepine (antagonist TRPV1) on the social interaction and locomotion of control animals (Wistar rats) and SHRs. The treatment with rimonabant was not able to alter either the social interaction or the locomotion presented by Wistar rats (WR) and SHR at any dose tested. The treatment with WIN55-212,2 decreased locomotion (1mg/kg) and social interaction (0.1 and 0.3mg/kg) of WR, while the dose of 1mg/kg increased social interaction of SHR. The treatment with ACEA increased (0.3mg/kg) and decreased (1mg/kg) locomotion of both strain. The administration of AM404 increased social interaction and decreased locomotion of SHR (5mg/kg), and decreased social interaction and increased locomotion in WR (1mg/kg). The treatment with capsaicin (2.5mg/kg) increased social interaction of both strain and decreased locomotion of SHR (2.5mg/kg) and WR (0.5mg/kg and 2.5mg/kg). In addition, capsazepine (5mg/kg) decreased locomotion of both strains and increased (5mg/kg) and decreased (10mg/kg) social interaction of WR. Our results indicate that the schizophrenia-like behaviors displayed by SHR are differently altered by cannabinoid and vanilloid drugs when compared to control animals and suggest the endocannabinoid and the vanilloid systems as a potential target for the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéria Almeida
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil; Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Peres
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil; Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil
| | - Raquel Levin
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil; Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil
| | - Mayra A Suiama
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil; Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil
| | - Mariana B Calzavara
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil
| | - Antônio W Zuardi
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaime E Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José A Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vanessa C Abílio
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil; Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil.
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Wright FL, Rodgers RJ. Low dose naloxone attenuates the pruritic but not anorectic response to rimonabant in male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 226:415-31. [PMID: 23142959 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous research suggests that the acute anorectic effect of cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonists may be secondary to response competition from the compulsive scratching and grooming syndrome characteristic of these agents. OBJECTIVES As the pruritic effect of rimonabant can be attenuated by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, these studies test the prediction that naloxone co-treatment should prevent acute rimonabant anorexia. METHODS Two experiments comprehensively profiled the behavioural effects of an anorectic dose of rimonabant (1.5 mg/kg) in the absence or presence of naloxone (experiment 1: 0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg; experiment 2: 0.05 mg/kg). RESULTS In both experiments, rimonabant not only significantly suppressed food intake and time spent eating but also induced compulsive scratching and grooming. In experiment 1, although the lower dose of naloxone seemed to weakly attenuate the effects of rimonabant both on ingestive and compulsive behaviours, the higher dose more strongly suppressed the compulsive elements but did not significantly affect the anorectic response. The results of experiment 2 showed that naloxone at a dose which markedly attenuated rimonabant-induced grooming and scratching did not alter the effects of the compound on food intake or time spent feeding. The apparent independence of the ingestive and compulsive effects of rimonabant was confirmed by the observation that despite a 'normalising' effect of naloxone co-treatment on behavioural structure (BSS), the opioid antagonist did not impact the suppressant effect of rimonabant on peak feeding. CONCLUSION The acute anorectic response to rimonabant would not appear to be secondary to compulsive scratching and grooming.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Wright
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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Kirilly E, Gonda X, Bagdy G. CB1 receptor antagonists: new discoveries leading to new perspectives. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2011.02402.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Kirilly
- Department of Pharmacodynamics; Semmelweis University; Budapest; Hungary
| | - X. Gonda
- Department of Clinical and Theoretical Mental Health; Kútvölgyi Clinical Center; Semmelweis University; Budapest; Hungary
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Hassanzadeh P, Hassanzadeh A. The CB1 Receptor-Mediated Endocannabinoid Signaling and NGF: The Novel Targets of Curcumin. Neurochem Res 2012; 37:1112-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0716-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2011] [Revised: 12/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Involvement of the neurotrophin and cannabinoid systems in the mechanisms of action of neurokinin receptor antagonists. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2011; 21:905-17. [PMID: 21316930 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of the neurokinin (NK) receptor antagonists have been shown in behavioral studies. According to the involvement of neurotrophin signaling in the mechanisms of action of psychotropic agents, we aimed to investigate whether the selective NK(1), NK(2), or NK(3) receptor antagonists (GR-205171, SR48968, and SR142801, respectively) affect nerve growth factor (NGF) contents in the brain regions involved in the modulation of emotions. To gain a mechanistical insight into the process by which the NK antagonists regulate brain NGF levels, we evaluated the role of the cannabinoid system which is linked to depression and/or antidepressant effects and appears to interact with neurotrophin signaling. According to the results, single injection of the NK receptor antagonists (3, 5, and 10mg/kg, i.p.) into gerbils did not alter NGF or endocannabinoid (eCB) levels quantified by Bio-Rad protein assay and isotope-dilution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, respectively. Three-week administration of 10mg/kg NK antagonists significantly elevated both NGF and eCB levels in brain-region specific fashion. Pre-application of the CB(1) receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 (5.6mg/kg) prevented the elevation of NGF or eCB induced by the NK antagonists. AM4113 showed no effect by itself. We conclude that the cannabinoid system is implicated in the mechanisms of action of NK receptor antagonists including the upregulation of brain NGF levels.
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Janero DR, Lindsley L, Vemuri VK, Makriyannis A. Cannabinoid 1 G protein-coupled receptor (periphero-)neutral antagonists: emerging therapeutics for treating obesity-driven metabolic disease and reducing cardiovascular risk. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2011; 6:995-1025. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2011.608063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Järbe TUC, LeMay BJ, Vemuri VK, Vadivel SK, Zvonok A, Makriyannis A. Central mediation and differential blockade by cannabinergics of the discriminative stimulus effects of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 216:355-65. [PMID: 21369753 PMCID: PMC3727221 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2226-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Discovery of an endocannabinoid signaling system launched the development of the blocker rimonabant, a cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB(1)R) antagonist/inverse agonist. Due to untoward effects, this medication was withdrawn and efforts have been directed towards discovering chemicals with more benign profiles. OBJECTIVE This study aims to comparatively evaluate new ligands using a rimonabant discriminated drinking aversion procedure. METHODS Rats discriminated between rimonabant (5.6 mg/kg) and vehicle. The 30 min saccharin (0.1%) drinking after rimonabant pretreatment was followed by injection of lithium chloride (120 mg/kg) in the experimental animals. After vehicle pretreatment, experimental animals were given i.p. NaCl (10 ml/kg). Postdrinking treatment for controls was NaCl, irrespective of pretreatment condition (rimonabant or vehicle). RESULTS The centrally acting neutral CB(1)R antagonist AM4113, but not the limited brain penetrating CB(1)R neutral antagonist AM6545, substituted for rimonabant. The CB(1)R agonists THC (1-10 mg/kg), AM1346 (1-10 mg/kg) did not substitute. The rimonabant-induced conditioned suppression of saccharin drinking was attenuated when CB(1)R agonists AM5983 (0.01-1 mg/kg) and THC (10 mg/kg), but not the CB(1)R agonist AM1346 (0.1-18 mg/kg), were combined with rimonabant (5.6 mg/kg). By varying the injection-to-test interval, we gauged the relative duration of the cueing effects of rimonabant, and the in vivo functional half-life was estimated to be approximately 1.5 h. CONCLUSION A neutral CB(1)R antagonist (AM4113) produced cueing effects similar to those of rimonabant and generalization likely was centrally mediated. The functional cueing effects of rimonabant are relatively short-acting, pharmacologically selective, and differentially blocked by cannabinergics.
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CB1 receptors mediate rimonabant-induced pruritic responses in mice: investigation of locus of action. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 216:323-31. [PMID: 21340468 PMCID: PMC3606913 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2224-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabinoids have recently been identified as potential neuronal modulators of pruritic response, representing a potential target in the treatment of itch associated with a variety of pathophysiologic conditions. While the selective CB(1) receptor antagonist rimonabant is an established pruritic agent in both animal and clinical testing, its receptor mechanism of action and anatomical loci remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether CB(1) receptor blockade is critical to rimonabant-induced scratching and to identify differences in scratching response based on different routes of administration. Furthermore, experiments were designed to elucidate any evidence as to whether rimonabant elicits scratching behavior through common immunologic hypersensitivity mechanisms. RESULTS Rimonabant was equally effective at producing scratching via intraperitoneal and local subcutaneous injection. This compound also produced an intense scratching response when administered intrathecally, but had no effects after intracerebroventricular administration. Repeated administration of rimonabant led to a decreased magnitude of scratching. While rimonabant-induced scratching was not attenuated either by pretreatment with the H(1) receptor antagonist loratadine or in mast cell-deficient mice, it lacked efficacy in CB(1) (-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS Rimonabant is a potent and fully effective pruritogen when administered spinally or systemically and requires CB(1) receptors to induce scratching, suggesting an important spinal CB(1) receptor component of action. The lack of responsiveness to H(1) antagonism or mast cell deficiency supports previous findings that cannabinoids modulate itch through neuronal mechanisms, and not by traditional hypersensitivity activation.
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Ward SJ, Raffa RB. Rimonabant redux and strategies to improve the future outlook of CB1 receptor neutral-antagonist/inverse-agonist therapies. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2011; 19:1325-34. [PMID: 21475141 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2011.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jane Ward
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Antagonism of ∆⁹-THC induced behavioral effects by rimonabant: time course studies in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 648:133-8. [PMID: 20854804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to examine the time course of the cannabinoid 1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant's ability to antagonize in vivo cannabinergic agonist effects. We used two behavioral procedures sensitive to the effects of ∆⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆⁹-THC): rat drug discrimination (EXP-1) and suppression of fixed-ratio responding (FR) for food reinforcement (EXP-2). Two training doses of ∆⁹-THC (1.8 and 3 mg/kg) served as discriminative cues in two groups discriminating ∆⁹-THC from vehicle; injections were i.p. 20 min before session onset. Tests assessed the dose-response functions of ∆⁹-THC and the time course for rimonabant in its ability to block the discriminative stimulus effects of ∆⁹-THC. For antagonism testing, the training doses of ∆⁹-THC were used and the rimonabant dose was 1mg/kg. Tests were 20, 60, 120, and 240 min post rimonabant administration; ∆⁹-THC was always administered 20 min prior to testing. For EXP-2, only one response lever was activated and every 10th (FR-10) press on that lever resulted in food delivery. Once the response rate stabilized, tests occurred with ∆⁹-THC, rimonabant and combinations of the drugs. The ED(50) estimates for the dose-response functions were 0.38 (±0.28-0.51) and 0.50 (±0.40-0.63) mg/kg for the training doses of 1.8 and 3 mg/kg ∆⁹-THC, respectively. The time course studies suggested functional half-life estimates of 128.4 (±95.7-172.2) and 98.4 (±64.2-150.7) min by rimonabant for the two groups in EXP-1, respectively. Similarly, the functional half-life of rimonabant was 118.9 (±66.1-213.9) min in EXP-2. Thus, antagonism of ∆⁹-THC by rimonabant is relatively short lasting.
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Evidence that spatial memory deficits following bilateral vestibular deafferentation in rats are probably permanent. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2010; 94:402-13. [PMID: 20736074 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2010.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2010] [Revised: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies of rats with bilateral vestibular deafferentation (BVD) have demonstrated spatial memory deficits, suggesting adverse effects on the hippocampus. However, the longest post-operative time interval that has been studied was approx. 5-7 months post-surgery. In this study, we investigated whether rats exhibited spatial memory deficits at 14 months following BVD and whether these deficits could be exacerbated by administration of cannabinoid (CB) drugs. Twenty-eight adult rats were divided into four groups: (1) sham surgery+vehicle; (2) sham surgery+the CB1/CB(2) receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 ('WIN'); (3) BVD+vehicle; and (4) BVD+WIN. WIN (1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg/day) or vehicle, was administered (s.c.) on days 1-10 and 11-20 (respectively), 30 min before the rats performed in a foraging task. On day 21, the CB receptor inverse agonist, AM251 (3.0 mg/kg, s.c.), was administered before WIN or vehicle. To our surprise, BVD animals were impaired in using the visual cues during the probe test in light. In the dark trials, when visual cues were unavailable, BVD animals were unable to use self-movement cues in homing. However, WIN at 2 mg/kg, significantly improved BVD animals' homing time and number of errors in the dark through strategies other than the improvement in using self-movement cues. Furthermore, AM251 significantly improved heading angle in vehicle-treated animals and the first home choice in WIN-treated animals. These results suggest that at 14 months post-BVD, the animals are not only impaired in path integration, but also piloting and that the spatial memory deficits may be permanent. The involvement of the cannabinoid system is more complicated than expected.
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Zheng Y, Stiles L, Hamilton E, Smith PF, Darlington CL. The effects of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, WIN55,212-2 and CP55,940, on salicylate-induced tinnitus in rats. Hear Res 2010; 268:145-50. [PMID: 20630477 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2010.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2010] [Revised: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies in animals and humans have shown that, in some cases at least, anti-epileptic drugs can reduce the severity of tinnitus. Given that cannabinoid receptor agonists have been shown to exert anti-epileptic effects in some circumstances, we investigated whether two synthetic CB(1)/CB(2) receptor agonists, WIN55,212-2, and CP55,940, could inhibit the behavioural manifestations of salicylate-induced tinnitus in rats in a conditioned suppression task. We found that neither WIN55,212-2 (3.0 mg/kg s.c) nor CP55,940 (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg s.c), significantly reduced conditioned behaviour associated with tinnitus. However, both 3 mg/kg WIN55,212-2 and 0.3 mg/kg CP55,940 did significantly increase tinnitus-related behaviour compared to the vehicle control groups. These results suggest that cannabinoid receptor agonists may not be useful in the treatment of salicylate-induced tinnitus and that at certain doses, they could actually exacerbate the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago Medical School, PO Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Sink KS, Segovia KN, Sink J, Randall PA, Collins LE, Correa M, Markus EJ, Vemuri VK, Makriyannis A, Salamone JD. Potential anxiogenic effects of cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists in rats: comparisons between AM4113, AM251, and the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG-7142. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 20:112-22. [PMID: 20015619 PMCID: PMC2817975 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Revised: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 11/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 inverse agonists suppress food-motivated behaviors, but may also induce psychiatric effects such as depression and anxiety. To evaluate behaviors potentially related to anxiety, the present experiments assessed the CB1 inverse agonist AM251 (2.0-8.0mg/kg), the CB1 antagonist AM4113 (3.0-12.0mg/kg), and the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG-7142 (10.0-20.0mg/kg), using the open field test and the elevated plus maze. Although all three drugs affected open field behavior, these effects were largely due to actions on locomotion. In the elevated plus maze, FG-7142 and AM251 both produced anxiogenic effects. FG-7142 and AM251 also significantly increased c-Fos activity in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens shell. In contrast, AM4113 failed to affect performance in the plus maze, and did not induce c-Fos immunoreactivity. The weak effects of AM4113 are consistent with biochemical data showing that AM4113 induces little or no intrinsic cellular activity. This research may lead to the development of novel appetite suppressants with reduced anxiogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Sink
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
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29
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Harrod SB, Van Horn ML. Sex differences in tolerance to the locomotor depressant effects of lobeline in periadolescent rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2009; 94:296-304. [PMID: 19766134 PMCID: PMC2766100 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2009.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Revised: 08/12/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lobeline is being tested in clinical trials as a pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine abuse and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Preclinical research demonstrates that lobeline produces locomotor hypoactivity apart from its therapeutic effects; however, the hypothesis that there are sex differences in hypoactivity or in the development of tolerance to its locomotor depressant effects has not been investigated. Periadolescent rats were injected with saline to determine baseline locomotor activity. Animals received saline or lobeline (1.0-10mg/kg) daily for 7 consecutive days (post natal days 29-35), and were challenged with saline 24h later to assess baseline activity. Lobeline produced hypoactivity in total horizontal activity and center distance travelled. Tolerance developed to the lobeline-induced hypoactivity and sex differences in lobeline tolerance were observed on both measures. Females acquired tolerance to lobeline 5.6 mg/kg at a slower rate than males. Saline challenge revealed a linear dose-dependent trend of hyperactivity on both measures, which indicates that rats exhibited altered locomotor behavior 24h after the final lobeline treatment. These findings demonstrate sex differences in the hypoactive response to lobeline prior to puberty and suggest that females may experience more locomotor depressant effects than males. Chronic lobeline may induce hyperactivity following cessation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven B Harrod
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, United States.
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Janero DR, Makriyannis A. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists: pharmacological opportunities, clinical experience, and translational prognosis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2009; 14:43-65. [PMID: 19249987 DOI: 10.1517/14728210902736568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid (CB) (endocannabinoid) signaling system is involved in a variety of (patho)physiological processes, primarily by virtue of natural, arachidonic acid-derived lipids (endocannabinoids) that activate G protein-coupled CB1 and CB2 receptors. A hyperactive endocannabinoid system appears to contribute to the etiology of several disease states that constitute significant global threats to human health. Consequently, mounting interest surrounds the design and profiling of receptor-targeted CB antagonists as pharmacotherapeutics that attenuate endocannabinoid transmission for salutary gain. Experimental and clinical evidence supports the therapeutic potential of CB1 receptor antagonists to treat overweight/obesity, obesity-related cardiometabolic disorders, and substance abuse. Laboratory data suggest that CB2 receptor antagonists might be effective immunomodulatory and, perhaps, anti-inflammatory drugs. One CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, rimonabant, has emerged as the first-in-class drug approved outside the United States for weight control. Select follow-on agents (taranabant, otenabant, surinabant, rosonabant, SLV-319, AVE1625, V24343) have also been studied in the clinic. However, rimonabant's market withdrawal in the European Union and suspension of rimonabant's, taranabant's, and otenabant's ongoing development programs have highlighted some adverse clinical side effects (especially nausea and psychiatric disturbances) of CB1 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists. Novel CB1 receptor ligands that are peripherally directed and/or exhibit neutral antagonism (the latter not affecting constitutive CB1 receptor signaling) may optimize the benefits of CB1 receptor antagonists while minimizing any risk. Indeed, CB1 receptor-neutral antagonists appear from preclinical data to offer efficacy comparable to or better than that of prototype CB1 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists, with less propensity to induce nausea. Continued pharmacological profiling, as the prelude to first-in-man testing of CB1 receptor antagonists with unique modes of targeting/pharmacological action, represents an exciting translational frontier in the critical path to CB receptor blockers as medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Janero
- Northeastern University, Center for Drug Discovery, Boston, MA 02115-5000, USA.
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