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Toniolo EF, Gupta A, Franciosi AC, Gomes I, Devi LA, Dale CS. Interactions between cannabinoid and opioid receptors in a mouse model of diabetic neuropathy. Pain 2022; 163:1414-1423. [PMID: 34724682 PMCID: PMC9043031 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Diabetic neuropathy, often associated with diabetes mellitus, is a painful condition with no known effective treatment except glycemic control. Studies with neuropathic pain models report alterations in cannabinoid and opioid receptor expression levels; receptors whose activation induces analgesia. We examined whether interactions between CB1R and opioid receptors could be targeted for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. For this, we generated antibodies that selectively recognize native CB1R-MOR and CB1R-DOR heteromers using a subtractive immunization strategy. We assessed the levels of CB1R, MOR, DOR, and interacting complexes using a model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy and detected increased levels of CB1R, MOR, DOR, and CB1R-MOR complexes compared with those in controls. An examination of G-protein signaling revealed that activity induced by the MOR, but not the DOR agonist, was potentiated by low nanomolar doses of CB1R ligands, including antagonists, suggesting an allosteric modulation of MOR signaling by CB1R ligands within CB1R-MOR complexes. Because the peptide endocannabinoid, hemopressin, caused a significant potentiation of MOR activity, we examined its effect on mechanical allodynia and found that it blocked allodynia in wild-type mice and mice with diabetic neuropathy lacking DOR (but have CB1R-MOR complexes). However, hemopressin does not alter the levels of CB1R-MOR complexes in diabetic mice lacking DOR but increases the levels of CB1R-DOR complexes in diabetic mice lacking MOR. Together, these results suggest the involvement of CB1R-MOR and CB1R-DOR complexes in diabetic neuropathy and that hemopressin could be developed as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of this painful condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine F. Toniolo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Anatomy, Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Experimental Pain, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Achla Gupta
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Adriano C. Franciosi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Anatomy, Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Experimental Pain, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lakshmi A. Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Camila S. Dale
- Department of Anatomy, Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Experimental Pain, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Keimpema
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels-Centre NUTRISS, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Tibor Harkany
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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3
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de Melo Reis RA, Isaac AR, Freitas HR, de Almeida MM, Schuck PF, Ferreira GC, Andrade-da-Costa BLDS, Trevenzoli IH. Quality of Life and a Surveillant Endocannabinoid System. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:747229. [PMID: 34776851 PMCID: PMC8581450 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.747229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important brain modulatory network. ECS regulates brain homeostasis throughout development, from progenitor fate decision to neuro- and gliogenesis, synaptogenesis, brain plasticity and circuit repair, up to learning, memory, fear, protection, and death. It is a major player in the hypothalamic-peripheral system-adipose tissue in the regulation of food intake, energy storage, nutritional status, and adipose tissue mass, consequently affecting obesity. Loss of ECS control might affect mood disorders (anxiety, hyperactivity, psychosis, and depression), lead to drug abuse, and impact neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's, Parkinson, Huntington, Multiple, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum) disorders. Practice of regular physical and/or mind-body mindfulness and meditative activities have been shown to modulate endocannabinoid (eCB) levels, in addition to other players as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). ECS is involved in pain, inflammation, metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions, general immune responses (asthma, allergy, and arthritis) and tumor expansion, both/either in the brain and/or in the periphery. The reason for such a vast impact is the fact that arachidonic acid, a precursor of eCBs, is present in every membrane cell of the body and on demand eCBs synthesis is regulated by electrical activity and calcium shifts. Novel lipid (lipoxins and resolvins) or peptide (hemopressin) players of the ECS also operate as regulators of physiological allostasis. Indeed, the presence of cannabinoid receptors in intracellular organelles as mitochondria or lysosomes, or in nuclear targets as PPARγ might impact energy consumption, metabolism and cell death. To live a better life implies in a vigilant ECS, through healthy diet selection (based on a balanced omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), weekly exercises and meditation therapy, all of which regulating eCBs levels, surrounded by a constructive social network. Cannabidiol, a diet supplement has been a major player with anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant activities. Cognitive challenges and emotional intelligence might strengthen the ECS, which is built on a variety of synapses that modify human behavior. As therapeutically concerned, the ECS is essential for maintaining homeostasis and cannabinoids are promising tools to control innumerous targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Augusto de Melo Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alinny Rosendo Isaac
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hércules Rezende Freitas
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Macedo de Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Fernanda Schuck
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Costa Ferreira
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Isis Hara Trevenzoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Glasmacher S, Gertsch J. Characterization of pepcan-23 as pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) and stability of hemopressins in mice. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 80:100808. [PMID: 33799079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100808] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressins ((x)-PVNFKLLSH) or peptide endocannabinoids (pepcans) can bind to cannabinoid receptors. RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) was shown to act as endogenous allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptors, with opposite effects on CB1 and CB2, respectively. Moreover, the N-terminally elongated pepcan-23 was detected in different tissues and was postulated to be the pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin. Currently, data about the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and stability of hemopressin-type peptides are lacking. Here we investigated the secondary structure and physiological role of pepcan-23 as precursor of RVD-hemopressin. We assessed the metabolic stability of these peptides, including hemopressin. Using LC-ESI-MS/MS, pepcan-23 was measured in mouse tissues and human whole blood (~50 pmol/mL) and in plasma was the most stable endogenous peptide containing the hemopressin sequence. Using peptide spiked human whole blood, mouse adrenal gland and liver homogenates demonstrate that pepcan-23 acts as endogenous pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin. Furthermore, administered pepcan-23 converted to RVD-hemopressin in mice. In circular dichroism spectroscopy, pepcan-23 showed a helix-unordered-helix structure and efficiently formed complexes with divalent metal ions, in particular Cu(II) and Ni(II). Hemopressin and RVD-hemopressin were not bioavailable to the brain and showed poor stability in plasma, in agreement with their overall poor biodistribution. Acute hemopressin administration (100 mg/kg) did not modulate endogenous RVD-hemopressin/pepcan-23 levels or influence the endocannabinoid lipidome but increased 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol. Overall, we show that pepcan-23 is a biological pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin and divalent metal ions may regulate this process. Given the lack of metabolic stability of hemopressins, administration of pepcan-23 as pro-peptide may be suitable in pharmacological experiments as it is converted to RVD-hemopressin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Glasmacher
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Heimann AS, Dale CS, Guimarães FS, Reis RAM, Navon A, Shmuelov MA, Rioli V, Gomes I, Devi LL, Ferro ES. Hemopressin as a breakthrough for the cannabinoid field. Neuropharmacology 2021; 183:108406. [PMID: 33212113 PMCID: PMC8609950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH in rats, and PVNFKLLSH in humans and mice), a fragment derived from the α-chain of hemoglobin, was the first peptide described to have type 1 cannabinoid receptor activity. While hemopressin was shown to have inverse agonist/antagonistic activity, extended forms of hemopressin (i.e. RVD-hemopressin, also called pepcan-12) exhibit type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptor agonistic/allosteric activity, and recent studies suggest that they can activate intracellular mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors. Therefore, hemopressin and hemopressin-related peptides could have location-specific and biased pharmacological action, which would increase the possibilities for fine-tunning and broadening cannabinoid receptor signal transduction. Consistent with this, hemopressins were shown to play a role in a number of physiological processes including antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, regulation of food intake, learning and memory. The shortest active hemopressin fragment, NFKF, delays the first seizure induced by pilocarpine, and prevents neurodegeneration in an experimental model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These functions of hemopressins could be due to engagement of both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptor systems. Self-assembled nanofibrils of hemopressin have pH-sensitive switchable surface-active properties, and show potential as inflammation and cancer targeted drug-delivery systems. Upon disruption of the self-assembled hemopressin nanofibril emulsion, the intrinsic analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of hemopressin could help bolster the therapeutic effect of anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer formulations. In this article, we briefly review the molecular and behavioral pharmacological properties of hemopressins, and summarize studies on the intricate and unique mode of generation and binding of these peptides to cannabinoid receptors. Thus, the review provides a window into the current status of hemopressins in expanding the repertoire of signaling and activity by the endocannabinoid system, in addition to their new potential for pharmaceutic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila S Dale
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A M Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Federal University, 21949-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ami Navon
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Michal A Shmuelov
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Vanessa Rioli
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (LETA), Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CETICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lakshmi L Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Camargo LL, Denadai-Souza A, Yshii LM, Lima C, Teixeira SA, Cerqueira ARA, Gewehr MCF, Fernandes ES, Schenka AA, Muscará MN, Ferro ES, Costa SKP. The potential anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of rat hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH) in experimental arthritis. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 890:173636. [PMID: 33053380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), stands out as one of the main sources of pain and impairment to the quality of life. The use of hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH; Hp), an inverse agonist of type 1 cannabinoid receptor, has proven to be effective in producing analgesia in pain models, but its effect on neuro-inflammatory aspects of RA is limited. In this study, antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) was evoked by the intraarticular (i.art.) injection of methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-injected ipsilateral knee joints or AIA contralateral were used as control. Nociceptive and inflammatory parameters such as knee joint oedema and leukocyte influx and histopathological changes were carried out in addition to the local measurement of interleukins (IL) IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and the immunoreactivity of the neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in the spinal cord (lumbar L3-5 segments) of AIA rats. For 4 days, AIA rats were treated daily with a single administration of saline, Hp injected (10 or 20 μg/day, i.art.), Hp given orally (20 μg/Kg, p.o.) or indomethacin (Indo; 5 mg/Kg, i.p.). In comparison to the PBS control group, the induction of AIA produced a significant and progressive mono-arthritis condition. The degree of AIA severity progressively compromised the normal walking pattern and impaired mobility over the next four days in relation to PBS-injected rats or contralateral knee joints. In AIA rats, the reduction of the distance between footprints and disturbances of gait evidenced signs of nociception. This response worsened at day 4, and a loss of footprint from the ipsilateral hind paw was evident. Daily treatment of the animals with Hp either i.art. (10 and 20 μg/knee) or p.o. (20 μg/Kg) as well as Indo (5 mg/Kg, i.p.) ameliorated the impaired mobility in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In parallel, the AIA-injected ipsilateral knee joints reach a peak of swelling 24 h after AIA induction, which persisted over the next four days in relation to PBS-injected rats or contralateral knee joints. There was a significant but not dose-dependent inhibitory effect produced by all dosages and routes of Hp treatments on AIA-induced knee joint swelling (P < 0.05). In addition, the increased synovial levels of MPO activity, total leukocytes number and IL-6, but not IL-1β, were significantly reduced by the lower i.art. dose of Hp. In conclusion, these results successfully demonstrate that Hp may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to treat RA, an effect which is unrelated to the proinflammatory actions of the neuropeptides CGRP and SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia L Camargo
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Denadai-Souza
- INSERM UMR U1043 - CNRS U5282, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, 31300, France; KU Leuven, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Laboratory for Intestinal Neuroimmune Interactions, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Lidia M Yshii
- INSERM UMR U1043 - CNRS U5282, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, 31300, France; VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research and KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla Lima
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxicology (CAT/CEPID), Butantan Institute, Avenue Vital Brazil, 1500, Butantan, 05503-009, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone A Teixeira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson R A Cerqueira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayara C F Gewehr
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth S Fernandes
- Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, 80250-060, PR, Brazil; Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Curitiba, 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - André A Schenka
- Faculty of Medical Sciences- Department of Pharmacology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcelo N Muscará
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil; Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Soraia K P Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
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Riquelme-Sandoval A, de Sá-Ferreira CO, Miyakoshi LM, Hedin-Pereira C. New Insights Into Peptide Cannabinoids: Structure, Biosynthesis and Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596572. [PMID: 33362550 PMCID: PMC7759141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous lipids, of which the best known are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their enzyme machinery for synthesis and degradation and their specific receptors, cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor two (CB2). However, endocannabinoids also bind to other groups of receptors. Furthermore, another group of lipids are considered to be endocannabinoids, such as the fatty acid ethanolamides, the fatty acid primary amides and the monoacylglycerol related molecules. Recently, it has been shown that the hemopressin peptide family, derived from α and β chains of hemoglobins, is a new family of cannabinoids. Some studies indicate that hemopressin peptides are expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and act as ligands of these receptors, thus suggesting that they play a physiological role. In this review, we examine new evidence on lipid endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the modulation of their signaling pathways. We focus our discussion on the current knowledge of the pharmacological effects, the biosynthesis of the peptide cannabinoids and the new insights on the activation and modulation of cannabinoid receptors by these peptides. The novel peptide compounds derived from hemoglobin chains and their non-classical activation of cannabinoid receptors are only starting to be uncovered. It will be exciting to follow the ensuing discoveries, not only in reference to what is already known of the classical lipid endocannabinoids revealing more complex aspects of endocannabinoid system, but also as to its possibilities as a future therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Riquelme-Sandoval
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caio O de Sá-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leo M Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Hedin-Pereira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,VPPCB-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Vafaei AA, Safakhah HA, Jafari S, Tavasoli A, Rashidy-Pour A, Ghanbari A, Seyedinia SA, Tarahomi P. Role of Cannabinoid Receptors in Crocin-Induced Hypoalgesia in Neuropathic Pain in Rats. J Exp Pharmacol 2020; 12:97-106. [PMID: 32431552 PMCID: PMC7201010 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s250738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Neuropathic pain involves injury or alteration of the normal sensory and modulatory nervous systems to produce a set of symptoms that are often difficult to treat. Previous study indicates that crocin has anti-inflammatory properties that may be mediated by the neurotransmitter system. In this study, we determine if there is an interaction between crocin and the cannabinoid system on chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in male rats. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, adult male Wistar rats (220–250 g) were used. CCI was induced by setting four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve. In part 1, after nerve lesion, vehicle, crocin (60 mg/kg) or Win 55-212-2 (0.1 mg/kg) as an agonist and AM 251 (0.1 mg/kg) as an antagonist of cannabinoid receptors were injected intraperitoneally daily in separate groups for 2 weeks. In part 2, two weeks after nerve lesion, vehicle (5 µL), crocin (6 µg/5 µL), Win 55-212-2 (0.1 µg/5 µL), AM 251 (0.1 µg/5 µL) were administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) in separate groups. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured using Von Frey filaments and plantar test device, respectively, at day 14. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Sidak’s multiple comparisons post-test. Results Results indicated that centrally administered crocin significantly decreased thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Also, peripheral injection of crocin significantly decreased mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyperalgesia. Central or peripheral administration of Win 55-212-2 or AM 251 modulates the analgesic effect of crocin significantly. Conclusion Our findings showed that crocin has significant analgesic effects that are probably mediated by an endocannabinoid mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hossein Ali Safakhah
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Simin Jafari
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Azin Tavasoli
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanbari
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Seyedinia
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Parnia Tarahomi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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9
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de Araujo CB, Heimann AS, Remer RA, Russo LC, Colquhoun A, Forti FL, Ferro ES. Intracellular Peptides in Cell Biology and Pharmacology. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9040150. [PMID: 30995799 PMCID: PMC6523763 DOI: 10.3390/biom9040150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular peptides are produced by proteasomes following degradation of nuclear, cytosolic, and mitochondrial proteins, and can be further processed by additional peptidases generating a larger pool of peptides within cells. Thousands of intracellular peptides have been sequenced in plants, yeast, zebrafish, rodents, and in human cells and tissues. Relative levels of intracellular peptides undergo changes in human diseases and also when cells are stimulated, corroborating their biological function. However, only a few intracellular peptides have been pharmacologically characterized and their biological significance and mechanism of action remains elusive. Here, some historical and general aspects on intracellular peptides' biology and pharmacology are presented. Hemopressin and Pep19 are examples of intracellular peptides pharmacologically characterized as inverse agonists to cannabinoid type 1 G-protein coupled receptors (CB1R), and hemopressin fragment NFKF is shown herein to attenuate the symptoms of pilocarpine-induced epileptic seizures. Intracellular peptides EL28 (derived from proteasome 26S protease regulatory subunit 4; Rpt2), PepH (derived from Histone H2B type 1-H), and Pep5 (derived from G1/S-specific cyclin D2) are examples of peptides that function intracellularly. Intracellular peptides are suggested as biological functional molecules, and are also promising prototypes for new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane B de Araujo
- Special Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS, Butantan Institute, São Paulo SP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Lilian C Russo
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo 1111, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Alison Colquhoun
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Fábio L Forti
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo 1111, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
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10
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Emendato A, Guerrini R, Marzola E, Wienk H, Boelens R, Leone S, Picone D. Disordered Peptides Looking for Their Native Environment: Structural Basis of CB1 Endocannabinoid Receptor Binding to Pepcans. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:100. [PMID: 30505835 PMCID: PMC6250848 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid peptides, or “pepcans,” are endogenous ligands of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. Depending on their length, they display diverse activity: For instance, the nona-peptide Pepcan-9, also known as hemopressin, is a powerful inhibitor of CB1, whereas the longer variant Pepcan-12, which extends by only three amino acid residues at the N-terminus, acts on both CB1 and CB2 as an allosteric modulator, although with diverse effects. Despite active research on their pharmacological applications, very little is known about structure-activity relationships of pepcans. Different structures have been proposed for the nona-peptide, which has also been reported to form fibrillar aggregates. This might have affected the outcome and reproducibility of bioactivity studies. In an attempt of elucidating the determinants of both biological activity and aggregation propensity of Pepcan-9 and Pepcan-12, we have performed their structure characterization in solvent systems characterized by different polarity and pH. We have found that, while disordered in aqueous environment, both peptides display helical structure in less polar environment, mimicking the proteic receptor milieu. In the case of Pepcan-9, this structure is fully consistent with the observed modulation of the CB1. For Pepcan-12, whose allosteric binding site is still unknown, the presented structure is compatible with the binding at one of the previously proposed allosteric sites on CB1. These findings open the way to structure-driven design of selective peptide modulators of CB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Emendato
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Hans Wienk
- Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rolf Boelens
- Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Serena Leone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Delia Picone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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11
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Dao HM, Chen J, Tucker BS, Thomas V, Jun HW, Li XC, Jo S. Hemopressin-Based pH-Sensitive Hydrogel: A Potential Bioactive Platform for Drug Delivery. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:2435-2442. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huy Minh Dao
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Bernabe S. Tucker
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Vinoy Thomas
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Ho-Wook Jun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Xing-Cong Li
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Seongbong Jo
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, United States
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12
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Remelli M, Ceciliato C, Guerrini R, Kolkowska P, Krzywoszynska K, Salvadori S, Valensin D, Watly J, Kozlowski H. DOES hemopressin bind metal ions in vivo? Dalton Trans 2018; 45:18267-18280. [PMID: 27801457 DOI: 10.1039/c6dt03598a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressin is a neuropeptide, derived from the degradation of the α(1)-chain of hemoglobin, and possesses several pharmacologic properties, such as the ability to block cannabinoid CB1 receptor activity, to cause dose-dependent hypotension and to inhibit food intake. Actually, human hemopressin (PVNFKLLSH) is only the precursor of a class of longer peptides, called "Pepcans", which bear additional residues at their amino-terminus and possess slightly different chemical and biological properties with respect to hemopressin. The presence of a histidyl residue and the free terminal amine imparts to hemopressin and its derivatives good binding properties towards transition metal ions. In this paper, we present a wide investigation on the complex-formation equilibria of human hemopressin and three analogues towards the Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) ions. The study showed that the main coordination site is always the amino terminus (if not protected), while the C-terminal histidine acts only as an anchoring site for the metal ions at acidic pH, with the formation of a macrochelate complex. The presence of additional residues in N-terminal position produces significant differences in the protonation and complex-formation behaviors of these peptides, which can be explained in terms of charge of the ligand and coordination environment. Although the participation of metal ions in the biological activity of hemopressin and Pepcans has not yet been demonstrated, the data reported here can help to shed light on the mechanisms governing the action of these neuropeptides in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Remelli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Carlo Ceciliato
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Paulina Kolkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland. and Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena, Italy
| | - Karolina Krzywoszynska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Daniela Valensin
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena, Italy
| | - Joanna Watly
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Henryk Kozlowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
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13
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Donvito G, Nass SR, Wilkerson JL, Curry ZA, Schurman LD, Kinsey SG, Lichtman AH. The Endogenous Cannabinoid System: A Budding Source of Targets for Treating Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:52-79. [PMID: 28857069 PMCID: PMC5719110 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A great need exists for the development of new medications to treat pain resulting from various disease states and types of injury. Given that the endogenous cannabinoid (that is, endocannabinoid) system modulates neuronal and immune cell function, both of which play key roles in pain, therapeutics targeting this system hold promise as novel analgesics. Potential therapeutic targets include the cannabinoid receptors, type 1 and 2, as well as biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Notably, cannabinoid receptor agonists as well as inhibitors of endocannabinoid-regulating enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase produce reliable antinociceptive effects, and offer opioid-sparing antinociceptive effects in myriad preclinical inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Emerging clinical studies show that 'medicinal' cannabis or cannabinoid-based medications relieve pain in human diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. However, clinical data have yet to demonstrate the analgesic efficacy of inhibitors of endocannabinoid-regulating enzymes. Likewise, the question of whether pharmacotherapies aimed at the endocannabinoid system promote opioid-sparing effects in the treatment of pain reflects an important area of research. Here we examine the preclinical and clinical evidence of various endocannabinoid system targets as potential therapeutic strategies for inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Donvito
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sara R Nass
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jenny L Wilkerson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Zachary A Curry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lesley D Schurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Steven G Kinsey
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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14
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Zheng T, Zhang R, Zhang T, Zhang MN, Xu B, Song JJ, Li N, Tang HH, Wang P, Wang R, Fang Q. CB 1 cannabinoid receptor agonist mouse VD-hemopressin(α) produced supraspinal analgesic activity in the preclinical models of pain. Brain Res 2017; 1680:155-164. [PMID: 29274880 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mouse VD-hemopressin(α) (VD-Hpα) is an undecapeptide that selectively activates CB1 cannabinoid receptor in in vitro functional tests, and exerts CB1-mediated central antinociception in the mouse tail-flick assay. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the analgesic properties of supraspinal mouse VD-Hpα in a range of preclinical pain models. Our results indicated that the classical cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 produced supraspinal analgesia in preclinical pain models, which was selectively antagonized by the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist AM251, but not by the CB2 antagonist AM630. In contrast, in post-operative pain model and phase I of formalin test, intracerebroventricular administration of mouse VD-Hpα induced dose-related analgesia in mice, which were markedly reduced by pretreatment with the CB1 neutral antagonist AM4113, but not AM251, AM630 and the selective antagonists of opioid and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 (TRPV1) receptors. Furthermore, in the acetic acid-induced visceral pain model, supraspinal administration of mouse VD-Hpα dose-dependently produced analgesic activities and the effects were significantly antagonized by both AM4113 and the TRPV1 receptor antagonist SB366791, but not AM251, AM630 and naloxone. In addition, central injection of mouse VD-Hpα did not have significant effect in phase II of formalin test. Taken together, the present work suggests that the CB1 receptor peptidic agonist mouse VD-Hpα produces supraspinal analgesia in preclinical pain models via a novel CB1 receptor-mediated mechanism, in a manner pharmacologically dissociable from WIN 55,212-2. In addition, TRPV1 receptor might also be involved in mouse VD-Hpα-induced analgesia in a visceral pain model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, Gansu Health Vocational College, 60 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Run Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, Gansu Health Vocational College, 60 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Meng-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Biao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jing-Jing Song
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hong-Hai Tang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Pei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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15
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Starowicz K, Finn DP. Cannabinoids and Pain: Sites and Mechanisms of Action. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 80:437-475. [PMID: 28826543 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, consisting of the cannabinoid1 receptor (CB1R) and cannabinoid2 receptor (CB2R), endogenous cannabinoid ligands (endocannabinoids), and metabolizing enzymes, is present throughout the pain pathways. Endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists have antinociceptive effects in animal models of acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain. CB1R and CB2R located at peripheral, spinal, or supraspinal sites are important targets mediating these antinociceptive effects. The mechanisms underlying the analgesic effects of cannabinoids likely include inhibition of presynaptic neurotransmitter and neuropeptide release, modulation of postsynaptic neuronal excitability, activation of the descending inhibitory pain pathway, and reductions in neuroinflammatory signaling. Strategies to dissociate the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids from their analgesic effects have focused on peripherally restricted CB1R agonists, CB2R agonists, inhibitors of endocannabinoid catabolism or uptake, and modulation of other non-CB1R/non-CB2R targets of cannabinoids including TRPV1, GPR55, and PPARs. The large body of preclinical evidence in support of cannabinoids as potential analgesic agents is supported by clinical studies demonstrating their efficacy across a variety of pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starowicz
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Pain Pathophysiology, Krakow, Poland
| | - David P Finn
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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16
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Zheng T, Zhang T, Zhang R, Wang ZL, Han ZL, Li N, Li XH, Zhang MN, Xu B, Yang XL, Fang Q, Wang R. Pharmacological characterization of rat VD-hemopressin(α), an α-hemoglobin-derived peptide exhibiting cannabinoid agonist-like effects in mice. Neuropeptides 2017; 63:83-90. [PMID: 28010996 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressin and related peptides have shown to function as the endogenous ligands or the regulator of cannabinoid receptors. Moreover, hemopressin and its truncated peptides were also reported to produce a slight modulatory effect on opioid system. In the present work, based on the amino acid sequence analyses of hemoglobin subunit α, rat VD-hemopressin(α) [(r)VD-Hpα] was predicted as a cannabinoid peptide derived from rat α-hemoglobin. Furthermore, (r)VD-Hpα was synthesized and characterized in a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. Our results demonstrated that (r)VD-Hpα induced neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A cells via CB1 receptor. In the tail-flick assay, (r)VD-Hpα dose-dependently exerted central antinociception through CB1 receptor, but not CB2 and opioid receptors. In mice, supraspinal administration of (r)VD-Hpα produced dose-dependent hypothermia, which was partially reduced by the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251, but not by the antagonists of CB2 and opioid receptors. In addition, (r)VD-Hpα caused hypoactivity after intracerebroventricular injection, and this effect was insensitive to the antagonists of cannabinoid and opioid receptors. Further assessment of the side-effects demonstrated that (r)VD-Hpα evoked the limited effects on gastrointestinal transit at antinociceptive doses, but repeated i.c.v. injection of (r)VD-Hpα induced development of antinociceptive tolerance. Taken together, these data suggest that the predicted peptide (r)VD-Hpα produces antinociception, hypothermia and hypoactivity via different pharmacological mechanisms, at least partially, which may offer an attractive strategy for separating cannabinoid analgesia from hypoactivity. Moreover, it implies that (r)VD-Hpα has therapeutic potential in pain management with limited side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Run Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Zi-Long Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Zheng-Lan Han
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Xu-Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Meng-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Biao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Xiong-Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
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17
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Veeraraghavan P, Dekanic A, Nistri A. A study of cannabinoid-1 receptors during the early phase of excitotoxic damage to rat spinal locomotor networks in vitro. Neuroscience 2016; 333:214-28. [PMID: 27450568 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids acting on cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1Rs) are proposed to protect brain and spinal neurons from excitotoxic damage. The ability to recover from spinal cord injury (SCI), in which excitotoxicity is a major player, is usually investigated at late times after modulation of CB1Rs whose role in the early phases of SCI remains unclear. Using the rat spinal cord in vitro as a model for studying SCI initial pathophysiology, we investigated if agonists or antagonists of CB1Rs might affect SCI induced by the excitotoxic agent kainate (KA) within 24h from a transient (1h) application of this glutamate agonist. The CB1 agonist anandamide (AEA or pharmacological block of its degradation) did not limit excitotoxic depolarization of spinal networks: cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) assay demonstrated that CB1Rs remained functional 24h later and similarly expressed among dead or survived cells. Locomotor-like network activity recorded from ventral roots could not recover with such treatments and was associated with persistent depression of synaptic transmission. Motoneurons, that are particularly vulnerable to KA, were not protected by AEA. Application of 2-arachidonoylglycerol also did not attenuate the electrophysiological and histological damage. The intensification of damage by the CB1 antagonist AM251 suggested that endocannabinoids were operative after excitotoxic stimulation, yet insufficient to contrast it efficiently. The present data indicate that the early phases of excitotoxic SCI could not be arrested by pharmacologically exploiting the endocannabinoid system, consistent with the notion that AEA and its derivatives are more useful to treat late SCI phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadharishini Veeraraghavan
- Department of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Ana Dekanic
- Department of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Andrea Nistri
- Department of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy.
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18
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Dvorácskó S, Tömböly C, Berkecz R, Keresztes A. Investigation of receptor binding and functional characteristics of hemopressin(1-7). Neuropeptides 2016; 58:15-22. [PMID: 26895730 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The orally active, α-hemoglobin derived hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH, Hp(1-9)) and its truncated (PVNFKFL, Hp(1-7) and PVNFKF, Hp(1-6)) and extended ((R)VDPVNFKFLSH, VD-Hp(1-9) and RVD-Hp(1-9)) derivatives have been postulated to be the endogenous peptide ligands of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). In an attempt to create a versatile peptidic research tool for the direct study of the CB1 receptor-peptide ligand interactions, Hp(1-7) was radiolabeled and in vitro characterized in rat and CB1 knockout mouse brain membrane homogenates. In saturation and competition radioligand binding studies, [(3)H]Hp(1-7) labeled membrane receptors with high densities and displayed specific binding to a receptor protein, but seemingly not to the cannabinoid type 1, in comparison the results with the prototypic JWH-018, AM251, rimonabant, Hp(1-9) and RVD-Hp(1-9) (pepcan 12) ligands in both rat brain and CB1 knockout mouse brain homogenates. Furthermore, functional [(35)S]GTP γS binding studies revealed that Hp(1-7) and Hp(1-9) only weakly activated G-proteins in both brain membrane homogenates. Based on our findings and the latest literature data, we assume that the Hp(1-7) peptide fragment may be an allosteric ligand or indirect regulator of the endocannabinoid system rather than an endogenous ligand of the CB1 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Róbert Berkecz
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Keresztes
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary.
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19
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Sideris A, Piskoun B, Russo L, Norcini M, Blanck T, Recio-Pinto E. Cannabinoid 1 receptor knockout mice display cold allodynia, but enhanced recovery from spared-nerve injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Mol Pain 2016; 12:12/0/1744806916649191. [PMID: 27206660 PMCID: PMC4956369 DOI: 10.1177/1744806916649191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The function of the Cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) in the development of neuropathic pain is not clear. Mounting evidence suggest that CB1R expression and activation may contribute to pain. Cannabinoid 1 receptor knockout mice (CB1R−/−) generated on a C57Bl/6 background exhibit hypoalgesia in the hotplate assay and formalin test. These findings suggest that Cannabinoid 1 receptor expression mediates the responses to at least some types of painful stimuli. By using this mouse line, we sought to determine if the lack of Cannabinoid 1 receptor unveils a general hypoalgesic phenotype, including protection against the development of neuropathic pain. The acetone test was used to measure cold sensitivity, the electronic von Frey was used to measure mechanical thresholds before and after spared-nerve injury, and analysis of footprint patterns was conducted to determine if motor function is differentially affected after nerve-injury in mice with varying levels of Cannabinoid 1 receptor. Results At baseline, CB1R−/− mice were hypersensitive in the acetone test, and this phenotype was maintained after spared-nerve injury. Using calcium imaging of lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cultures, a higher percentage of neurons isolated from CB1R−/− mice were menthol sensitive relative to DRG isolated from wild-type (CB1R+/+) mice. Baseline mechanical thresholds did not differ among genotypes, and mechanical hypersensitivity developed similarly in the first two weeks following spared-nerve injury (SNI). At two weeks post-SNI, CB1R−/− mice recovered significantly from mechanical hypersensitivity, while the CB1R+/+ mice did not. Heterozygous knockouts (CB1R+/−) transiently developed cold allodynia only after injury, but recovered mechanical thresholds to a similar extent as the CB1R−/− mice. Sciatic functional indices, which reflect overall nerve health, and alternation coefficients, which indicate uniformity of strides, were not significantly different among genotypes. Conclusion Cold allodynia and significant recovery from spared-nerve injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity are two novel phenotypes which characterize the global CB1R−/− mice. An increase in transient receptor potential channel of melastatin 8 channel function in DRG neurons may underlie the cold phenotype. Recovery of mechanical thresholds in the CB1R knockouts was independent of motor function. These results indicate that CB1R expression contributes to the development of persistent mechanical hypersensitivity, protects against the development of robust cold allodynia but is not involved in motor impairment following spared-nerve injury in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sideris
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Boris Piskoun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Lori Russo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Monica Norcini
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Blanck
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, NY, USA Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, NYU Langone Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Esperanza Recio-Pinto
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, NY, USA Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Medical Center, NY, USA
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Szlavicz E, Perera PS, Tomboly C, Helyes Z, Zador F, Benyhe S, Borsodi A, Bojnik E. Further Characterization of Hemopressin Peptide Fragments in the Opioid and Cannabinoid Systems. Anesth Analg 2016; 121:1488-94. [PMID: 26465932 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemopressin, so-called because of its hypotensive effect, belongs to the derivatives of the hemoglobin α-chain. It was isolated from rat brain membrane homogenate by the use of catalytically inactive forms of endopeptidase 24.15 and neurolysin. Hemopressin has antihyperalgesic features that cannot be prevented by the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone. METHODS In the present study, we investigated whether hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH) and its C-terminally truncated fragment hemopressin 1-7 (PVNFKFL) have any influence on opioid-dependent signaling. Peptides have been analyzed using G-protein-stimulating functional and receptor bindings in this experimental setup. RESULTS These 2 compounds efficiently activated the G-proteins, and naloxone slightly blocked this stimulation. At the same time, they were able to displace radiolabeled [3H]DAMGO, a selective ligand for μ-opioid system, at micromolar concentrations. Displacement caused by the heptapeptide was more modest compared with hemopressin. Experiments performed on cell lines overexpressing μ-opioid receptors verified the opioid activity of both hemopressins. Moreover, the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, AM251, significantly decreased their G-protein stimulatory effect. CONCLUSIONS Here, we further confirm that hemopressins can modulate CB1 receptors and can have a slight modulatory effect on the opioid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Szlavicz
- From the *Laboratory of Opioid Research, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary; †Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; and ‡Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
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Bojovic O, Bramham CR, Tjølsen A. Stimulation-induced expression of immediate early gene proteins in the dorsal horn is increased in neuropathy. Scand J Pain 2016; 10:43-51. [PMID: 28361770 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjpain.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Peripheral neuropathic pain is described as a pain state caused by an injury or dysfunction of the nervous system, and could have clinical manifestations such as hyperalgesia, allodynia and spontaneous pain. The development of neuropathic pain may depend on long-term forms of neuronal plasticity in the spinal cord (SC). Expression of the immediate early gene proteins (IEGPs) Arc, Zif268, and c-Fos are implicated in establishment of long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by conditioning stimulation (CS) of primary afferent fibres. However, the impact of the neuropathic state (Bennett's model) on CS-induced expression of IEGPs has not been studied. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of Arc, c-Fos and Zif268 immunoreactivity prior to and after conditioning stimulation in animals with developed neuropathic pain, with sham operated, non-ligated controls. METHODS Twenty-four animals were divided equally into the neuropathic and non-neuropathic groups. Neuropathic pain was induced in all animals by conducting a loose ligation of the sciatic nerve with Chromic Catgut 4.0 sutures 7 days prior to conditioning stimulation or sham operation. The loose ligation was performed by placing sutures around the sciatic nerve compressing the nerve slightly just enough to reduce but not completely diminish the perineural circulation. A state of neuropathy was confirmed by a significant decrease in mechanical withdrawal threshold measured by von Frey's fibres. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on transverse sections obtained from the L3-L5 segments of the SC at 2 and 6h post-CS and IEGP positive cells were counted in lamina I and II of the dorsal horn. During statistical analyses, the groups were compared by means of analysis of variance (univariate general linear model). If significant differences were found, each set of animals was compared with the sham group with post hoc Tukey's multiple comparison test. RESULTS Strikingly, all IEGPs exhibited a significant increase in immunoreactivity at both time points compared to time-matched, sham operated controls. Maximal IEGP expression was found 2h after CS in neuropathic rats, and there was a smaller but still significant increase 6h after CS. The unstimulated side of the dorsal horn in stimulated animals did not show any significant change of the number of IEGP positive cells and was approximately at the same level as sham operated animals. The number of IEGP positive cells in sham operated controls (non-neuropathic and non-stimulated animals) showed same immunoreactivity in 2 and 6h post sham operation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The neurophysiological process of neuropathic pain development is complex and needs to be studied further in order to clarify its nature and components. This present study is meant to reveal a step towards further understanding the role of Arc, c-Fos and Zif268 in neuropathic pain. Moreover, this study might contribute to the knowledge base for further research on better therapeutic possibilities for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ognjen Bojovic
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009Bergen, Norway
| | - Clive R Bramham
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009Bergen, Norway
| | - Arne Tjølsen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009Bergen, Norway
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Hofer SC, Ralvenius WT, Gachet MS, Fritschy JM, Zeilhofer HU, Gertsch J. Localization and production of peptide endocannabinoids in the rodent CNS and adrenal medulla. Neuropharmacology 2015; 98:78-89. [PMID: 25839900 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and their endogenous arachidonic acid-derived agonists 2-arachidonoyl glycerol and anandamide, which play important neuromodulatory roles. Recently, a novel class of negative allosteric CB1 receptor peptide ligands, hemopressin-like peptides derived from alpha hemoglobin, has been described, with yet unknown origin and function in the CNS. Using monoclonal antibodies we now identified the localization of RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) and N-terminally extended peptide endocannabinoids (pepcans) in the CNS and determined their neuronal origin. Immunohistochemical analyses in rodents revealed distinctive and specific staining in major groups of noradrenergic neurons, including the locus coeruleus (LC), A1, A5 and A7 neurons, which appear to be major sites of production/release in the CNS. No staining was detected in dopaminergic neurons. Peptidergic axons were seen throughout the brain (notably hippocampus and cerebral cortex) and spinal cord, indicative of anterograde axonal transport of pepcans. Intriguingly, the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla were also strongly stained for pepcans. We found specific co-expression of pepcans with galanin, both in the LC and adrenal gland. Using LC-MS/MS, pepcan-12 was only detected in non-perfused brain (∼ 40 pmol/g), suggesting that in the CNS it is secreted and present in extracellular compartments. In adrenal glands, significantly more pepcan-12 (400-700 pmol/g) was measured in both non-perfused and perfused tissues. Thus, chromaffin cells may be a major production site of pepcan-12 found in blood. These data uncover important areas of peptide endocannabinoid occurrence with exclusive noradrenergic immunohistochemical staining, opening new doors to investigate their potential physiological function in the ECS. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Fluorescent Tools in Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie C Hofer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - William T Ralvenius
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - M Salomé Gachet
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Fritschy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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Anxiogenic-like effects induced by hemopressin in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 129:7-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Pan JX, Wang ZL, Li N, Han ZL, Li XH, Tang HH, Wang P, Zheng T, Fang Q, Wang R. Analgesic tolerance and cross-tolerance to the cannabinoid receptors ligands hemopressin, VD-hemopressin(α) and WIN55,212-2 at the supraspinal level in mice. Neurosci Lett 2014; 578:187-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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