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Patel M, Zheng X, Akinfiresoye LR, Prioleau C, Walker TD, Glass M, Marusich JA. Pharmacological evaluation of new generation OXIZID synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 971:176549. [PMID: 38561104 PMCID: PMC11132922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) remain one the largest classes of new psychoactive substances, and are increasingly associated with severe adverse effects and death compared to the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In the attempt to circumvent the rapid emergence of novel SCRAs, several nations have implemented 'generic' legislations, or 'class-wide' bans based on common structural scaffolds. However, this has only encouraged the incorporation of new chemical entities, including distinct core and linker structures, for which there is a dearth of pharmacological data. The current study evaluated five emergent OXIZID SCRAs for affinity and functional activity at the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1) in HEK 293 cells, as well as pharmacological equivalence with THC in drug discrimination in mice. All OXIZID compounds behaved as agonists in Gαi protein activation and β-arrestin 2 translocation assays, possessing low micromolar affinity at CB1. All ligands also substituted for THC in drug discrimination, where potencies broadly correlated with in vitro activity, with the methylcyclohexane analogue BZO-CHMOXIZID being the most potent. Notably, MDA-19 (BZO-HEXOXIZID) exhibited partial efficacy in vitro, generating an activity profile most similar to that of THC, and partial substitution in vivo. Overall, the examined OXIZIDs were comparatively less potent and efficacious than previous generations of SCRAs. Further toxicological data will elucidate whether the moderate cannabimimetic activity for this series of SCRAs will translate to severe adverse health effects as seen with previous generations of SCRAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Patel
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Xiaoxi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), New Zealand
| | - Luli R Akinfiresoye
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA, USA
| | - Cassandra Prioleau
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA, USA
| | - Teneille D Walker
- United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR), New Zealand.
| | - Julie A Marusich
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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2
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Ryalls B, Patel M, Sparkes E, Banister SD, Finlay DB, Glass M. Investigating selectivity and bias for G protein subtypes and β-arrestins by synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists at the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116052. [PMID: 38354957 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with widespread expression in the central nervous system. This canonically G⍺i/o-coupled receptor mediates the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs). Recreational use of SCRAs is associated with serious adverse health effects, making pharmacological research into these compounds a priority. Several studies have hypothesised that signalling bias may explain the different toxicological profiles between SCRAs and THC. Previous studies have focused on bias between G protein activation measured by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) inhibition and β-arrestin translocation. In contrast, the current study characterises bias between G⍺ subtypes of the G⍺i/o family and β-arrestins; this method facilitates a more accurate assessment of ligand bias by assessing signals that have not undergone major amplification. We have characterised G protein dissociation and translocation of β-arrestin 1 and 2 using real-time BRET reporters. The responses produced by each SCRA across the G protein subtypes tested were consistent with the responses produced by the reference ligand AMB-FUBINACA. Ligand bias was probed by applying the operational analysis to determine biases within the G⍺i/o family, and between G protein subtypes and β-arrestins. Overall, these results confirm SCRAs to be balanced, high-efficacy ligands compared to the low efficacy ligand THC, with only one SCRA, 4CN-MPP-BUT7IACA, demonstrating statistically significant bias in one pathway comparison (towards β-arrestin 1 when compared with G⍺oA/oB). This suggests that the adverse effects caused by SCRAs are due to high potency and efficacy at CB1, rather than biased agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Ryalls
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Monica Patel
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Eric Sparkes
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samuel D Banister
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) Kenepuru Science Centre: 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua 5022, New Zealand.
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3
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Patel M, Grimsey NL, Banister SD, Finlay DB, Glass M. Evaluating signaling bias for synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists at the cannabinoid CB 2 receptor. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2023; 11:e01157. [PMID: 38018694 PMCID: PMC10685394 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid structural evolution and emergence of novel synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in the recreational market remains a key public health concern. Despite representing one of the largest classes of new psychoactive substances, pharmacological data on new SCRAs is limited, particularly at the cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2 ). Hence, the current study aimed to characterize the molecular pharmacology of a structurally diverse panel of SCRAs at CB2 , including 4-cyano MPP-BUT7AICA, 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA, AMB-FUBINACA, JWH-018, MDMB-4en-PINACA, and XLR-11. The activity of SCRAs was assessed in a battery of in vitro assays in CB2 -expressing HEK 293 cells: G protein activation (Gαi3 and GαoB ), phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and β-arrestin 1/2 translocation. The activity profiles of the ligands were further evaluated using the operational analysis to identify ligand bias. All SCRAs activated the CB2 signaling pathways in a concentration-dependent manner, although with varying potencies and efficacies. Despite the detection of numerous instances of statistically significant bias, compound activities generally appeared only subtly distinct in comparison with the reference ligand, CP55940. In contrast, the phytocannabinoid THC exhibited an activity profile distinct from the SCRAs; most notably in the translocation of β-arrestins. These findings demonstrate that CB2 is able to accommodate a structurally diverse array of SCRAs to generate canonical agonist activity. Further research is required to elucidate whether the activation of CB2 contributes to the toxicity of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Patel
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Natasha L. Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Samuel D. Banister
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind CentreUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David B. Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
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4
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Cozier G, Andrews RC, Frinculescu A, Kumar R, May B, Tooth T, Collins P, Costello A, Haines TSF, Freeman TP, Blagbrough IS, Scott J, Shine T, Sutcliffe OB, Husbands SM, Leach J, Bowman RW, Pudney CR. Instant Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids on Physical Matrices, Implemented on a Low-Cost, Ultraportable Device. Anal Chem 2023; 95:13829-13837. [PMID: 37642957 PMCID: PMC10515102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) make up a class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), used predominantly in prisons and homeless communities in the U.K. SCs can have severe side effects, including psychosis, stroke, and seizures, with numerous reported deaths associated with their use. The chemical diversity of SCs presents the major challenge to their detection since approaches relying on specific molecular recognition become outdated almost immediately. Ideally one would have a generic approach to detecting SCs in portable settings. The problem of SC detection is more challenging still because the majority of SCs enter the prison estate adsorbed onto physical matrices such as paper, fabric, or herb materials. That is, regardless of the detection modality used, the necessary extraction step reduces the effectiveness and ability to rapidly screen materials on-site. Herein, we demonstrate a truly instant generic test for SCs, tested against real-world drug seizures. The test is based on two advances. First, we identify a spectrally silent region in the emission spectrum of most physical matrices. Second, the finding that background signals (including from autofluorescence) can be accurately predicted is based on tracking the fraction of absorbed light from the irradiation source. Finally, we demonstrate that the intrinsic fluorescence of a large range of physical substrates can be leveraged to track the presence of other drugs of interest, including the most recent iterations of benzodiazepines and opioids. We demonstrate the implementation of our presumptive test in a portable, pocket-sized device that will find immediate utility in prisons and law enforcement agencies around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyles
E. Cozier
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Rachael C. Andrews
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Anca Frinculescu
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
- TICTAC
Communications Ltd., Room 1.159 Jenner Wing, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, U.K.
| | - Ranjeet Kumar
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Benedict May
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Tom Tooth
- HMP
Bristol, 19 Cambridge
Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 8PS, U.K.
| | - Peter Collins
- Avon
and Somerset Police, Valley Road, Bristol BS20
8JJ, U.K.
| | - Andrew Costello
- MANchester
DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Department of Natural
Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
- Greater
Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street,
Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS, U.K.
| | - Tom S. F. Haines
- Department of Computer Science and Department of
Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Tom P. Freeman
- Department of Computer Science and Department of
Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Ian S. Blagbrough
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Jennifer Scott
- Centre
for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical
School, Bristol BS8 2PN, U.K.
| | - Trevor Shine
- TICTAC
Communications Ltd., Room 1.159 Jenner Wing, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, U.K.
| | - Oliver B. Sutcliffe
- MANchester
DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), Department of Natural
Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Stephen M. Husbands
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Jonathan Leach
- Institute
of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K.
| | - Richard W. Bowman
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Christopher R. Pudney
- Department
of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Centre for Sustainable and Circular
Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
- Centre
for Therapeutic Innovation, University of
Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
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5
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Martínez-Pérez-Cejuela H, García-Atienza P, Simó-Alfonso EF, Herrero-Martínez JM, Armenta S. Micro-paper-based analytical device decorated with metal-organic frameworks for the assay of synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluids coupled to ion mobility spectrometry. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:271. [PMID: 37351649 PMCID: PMC10289984 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05844-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
A new concept of paper-based device has been developed combining the advantages of cellulose supports and the rich surface chemistry of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The composite, named as NH2-UiO-66@paper, has been developed for the isolation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in oral fluids, trying to mimic the interactions of those compounds with the human CB1R and CB2R receptors, mainly governed by hydrogen bonding and π-interactions with serine and histidine residues. MOF selection (UiO-66) and functionalization of the ligand (2-aminoterephthalic acid) has been done according to the following criteria: (i) water stability of the selected MOF, and (ii) promoting appropriate interactions with SCRAs due to the MOF nature. NH2-UiO-66@paper composite has been characterized in depth and the results confirmed that the material is stable at the temperature selected for thermal desorption (230 °C). Furthermore, the developed method provided appropriate precision values (RSD < 12%) and a limit of detection as low as 10 ng using ion mobility spectrometry as analytical technique. Lastly, the method has been successfully applied to the isolation of several synthetic cannabinoids from oral fluids. This method claims to be an interesting approach for expanding the combination of MOFs with sustainable support and represents a promising alternative to sophisticated and non-portable systems due to the negligible sample treatment required and the simplicity of the operation, which can be applied with screening purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia García-Atienza
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Sergio Armenta
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
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6
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Yano H, Chitsazi R, Lucaj C, Tran P, Hoffman AF, Baumann MH, Lupica CR, Shi L. A subtle structural modification of a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist drastically increases its efficacy at the CB1 receptor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.10.544442. [PMID: 37398099 PMCID: PMC10312643 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.10.544442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) as illicit psychoactive substances has posed considerable public health risks that include fatalities. Many SCRAs exhibit much higher efficacy and potency, compared with the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), at the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R), a G protein-coupled receptor involved in modulating neurotransmitter release. In this study, we investigated structure activity relationships (SAR) of aminoalkylindole SCRAs at CB1Rs, focusing on 5F-pentylindoles containing an amide linker attached to different head moieties. Using in vitro bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays, we identified a few of SCRAs exhibiting significantly higher efficacy in engaging the Gi protein and recruiting β-arrestin than the reference CB1R full agonist CP55940. Importantly, adding a methyl group at the head moiety of 5F-MMB-PICA yielded 5F-MDMB-PICA, an agonist exhibiting a large increase in efficacy and potency at the CB1R. This pharmacological observation was supported by a functional assay of the effects of these SCRAs on glutamate field potentials recorded in hippocampal slices. Molecular modeling and simulations of the CB1R bound with either of the SCRAs revealed critical structural determinants contributing to the higher efficacy of 5F-MDMB-PICA, and how these subtle differences propagated to the receptor-G protein interface. Thus, we find that apparently minor structural changes in the head moiety of SCRAs can cause major changes in efficacy. Our results highlight the need for close monitoring of structural modifications of newly emerging SCRAs and their potential for toxic drug responses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Yano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University
| | - Rezvan Chitsazi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Christopher Lucaj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University
| | - Phuong Tran
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Alexander F Hoffman
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Carl R Lupica
- Electrophysiology Research Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
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7
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Lins BR, Anyaegbu CC, Hellewell SC, Papini M, McGonigle T, De Prato L, Shales M, Fitzgerald M. Cannabinoids in traumatic brain injury and related neuropathologies: preclinical and clinical research on endogenous, plant-derived, and synthetic compounds. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:77. [PMID: 36935484 PMCID: PMC10026409 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02734-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury is common, and often results in debilitating consequences. Even mild traumatic brain injury leaves approximately 20% of patients with symptoms that persist for months. Despite great clinical need there are currently no approved pharmaceutical interventions that improve outcomes after traumatic brain injury. Increased understanding of the endocannabinoid system in health and disease has accompanied growing evidence for therapeutic benefits of Cannabis sativa. This has driven research of Cannabis' active chemical constituents (phytocannabinoids), alongside endogenous and synthetic counterparts, collectively known as cannabinoids. Also of therapeutic interest are other Cannabis constituents, such as terpenes. Cannabinoids interact with neurons, microglia, and astrocytes, and exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects which are highly desirable for the management of traumatic brain injury. In this review, we comprehensively appraised the relevant scientific literature, where major and minor phytocannabinoids, terpenes, synthetic cannabinoids, and endogenous cannabinoids were assessed in TBI, or other neurological conditions with pathology and symptomology relevant to TBI, as well as recent studies in preclinical TBI models and clinical TBI populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney R Lins
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Australia.
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, 6009, Australia.
| | - Chidozie C Anyaegbu
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, 6009, Australia
| | - Sarah C Hellewell
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, 6009, Australia
| | - Melissa Papini
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, 6009, Australia
| | - Terence McGonigle
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Australia
| | - Luca De Prato
- MediCann Health Aust Pty Ltd, Osborne Park, 6017, Australia
| | - Matthew Shales
- MediCann Health Aust Pty Ltd, Osborne Park, 6017, Australia
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, 6009, Australia
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8
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Dual Cannabinoid and Orexin Regulation of Anhedonic Behaviour Caused by Prolonged Restraint Stress. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020314. [PMID: 36831860 PMCID: PMC9954020 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020314] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid and orexin systems share many biological functions, including wakefulness, stress response, reward processing, and mood. While these systems work against one another with respect to arousal, chronic stress-induced downregulation of both systems often leads to anhedonia or the inability to experience pleasure from natural rewards. In the current study, a 24 h restraint stress test (24 h RST) reduced sucrose preference in adult male and female C57BL/6 mice. Prior to the stressor, subsets of mice were intraperitoneally administered cannabinoid and orexin receptor agonists, antagonists, and combinations of these drugs. Restraint mice that received the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) antagonist SR141716A, orexin receptor type 2 (OX2R) agonist YNT-185, and the combination of SR141716A and YNT-185, exhibited less anhedonia compared to vehicle/control mice. Thus, the 24 h RST likely decreased orexin signaling, which was then restored by YNT-185. Receptor colocalization analysis throughout mesocorticolimbic brain regions revealed increased CB1R-OX1R colocalization from SR141716A and YNT-185 treatments. Although a previous study from our group showed additive cataleptic effects between CP55,940 and the dual orexin receptor antagonist (TCS-1102), the opposite combination of pharmacological agents proved additive for sucrose preference. Taken together, these results reveal more of the complex interactions between the endocannabinoid and orexin systems.
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9
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Roque-Bravo R, Silva RS, Malheiro RF, Carmo H, Carvalho F, da Silva DD, Silva JP. Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Pharmacological and Toxicological Overview. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:187-209. [PMID: 35914767 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-031122-113758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a chemically diverse group of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) that target the endocannabinoid system, triggering a plethora of actions (e.g., elevated mood sensation, relaxation, appetite stimulation) that resemble, but are more intense than, those induced by cannabis. Although some of these effects have been explored for therapeutic applications, anticipated stronger psychoactive effects than cannabis and reduced risk perception have increased the recreational use of SCs, which have dominated the NPS market in the United States and Europe over the past decade. However, rising SC-related intoxications and deaths represent a major public health concern and embody a major challenge for policy makers. Here, we review the pharmacology and toxicology of SCs. A thorough characterization of SCs' pharmacodynamics and toxicodynamics is important to better understand the main mechanisms underlying acute and chronic effects of SCs, interpret the clinical/pathological findings related to SC use, and improve SC risk awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Roque-Bravo
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Rafaela Sofia Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Rui F Malheiro
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Helena Carmo
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Félix Carvalho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
| | - Diana Dias da Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; , .,Toxicology Research Unit (TOXRUN), University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, and UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ,
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10
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Simultaneous fatal poisoning of two victims with 4F-MDMB-BINACA and ethanol. Forensic Toxicol 2023; 41:151-157. [PMID: 36652056 PMCID: PMC9849308 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-022-00632-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Methyl-2-(1-(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (4F-MDMB-BINACA) is a newly emerging synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA) first described in 2018 in both Europe and the United States. Two fatal cases are reported caused by simultaneous consumption of 4F-MDMB-BINACA and ethanol. METHODS The victims were brothers who were both found deceased after consuming 4F-MDMB-BINACA and ethanol. Post-mortem toxicological analyses of blood and urine were carried out by supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SFC-MS/MS) and headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID). RESULTS The concentration of 4F-MDMB-BINACA in the postmortem blood was 2.50 and 2.34 ng/mL, and blood alcohol concentration was 2.11 and 2.49 g/L, respectively. CONCLUSION According to the reported cases and reviews of the scientific literature, concurrent ethanol consumption should amplify the toxicity of SCRAs. The threshold SCRA concentration for fatal overdose can be estimated ng/mL level (0.37-4.1 ng/mL according to the reported cases) in cases in which 1.5-2.5 g/L of ethanol is present in the blood.
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11
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Bouma J, Soethoudt M, van Gils N, Xia L, van der Stelt M, Heitman LH. Cellular Assay to Study β-Arrestin Recruitment by the Cannabinoid Receptors 1 and 2. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2576:189-199. [PMID: 36152187 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2728-0_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that activate a variety of pathways upon activation by (partial) agonists including the G protein pathway and the recruitment of β-arrestins. Differences in the activation level of these pathways lead to biased signaling. Here, we describe a detailed protocol to characterize the potency and efficacy of ligands to induce or inhibit β-arrestin recruitment to the human CB1R and CB2R using the PathHunter® assay. This is a cellular assay that uses a β-galactosidase complementation system which has a chemiluminescent read-out and can be performed in 384-well plates. We have successfully used this assay to characterize a set of reference ligands (both agonists, antagonists, and an inverse agonist) on human CB1R and CB2R, of which some examples will be presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jara Bouma
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Soethoudt
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Noortje van Gils
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lizi Xia
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Laura H Heitman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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12
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Brandt AL, Garai S, Zagzoog A, Hurst DP, Stevenson LA, Pertwee RG, Imler GH, Reggio PH, Thakur GA, Laprairie RB. Pharmacological evaluation of enantiomerically separated positive allosteric modulators of cannabinoid 1 receptor, GAT591 and GAT593. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:919605. [PMID: 36386195 PMCID: PMC9640980 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.919605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulation of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) has substantial potential to treat both neurological and immune disorders. To date, a few studies have evaluated the structure-activity relationship (SAR) for CB1R positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). In this study, we separated the enantiomers of the previously characterized two potent CB1R ago-PAMs GAT591 and GAT593 to determine their biochemical activity at CB1R. Separating the enantiomers showed that the R-enantiomers (GAT1665 and GAT1667) displayed mixed allosteric agonist-PAM activity at CB1R while the S-enantiomers (GAT1664 and GAT1666) showed moderate activity. Furthermore, we observed that the R and S-enantiomers had distinct binding sites on CB1R, which led to their distinct behavior both in vitro and in vivo. The R-enantiomers (GAT1665 and GAT1667) produced ago-PAM effects in vitro, and PAM effects in the in vivo behavioral triad, indicating that the in vivo activity of these ligands may occur via PAM rather than agonist-based mechanisms. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insight into enantiospecific interaction of 2-phenylindole class of CB1R allosteric modulators, which have shown therapeutic potential in the treatment of pain, epilepsy, glaucoma, and Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher L. Brandt
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Dow P. Hurst
- Center for Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Lesley A. Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Roger G. Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory H. Imler
- Centre for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Patricia H. Reggio
- Center for Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Ganesh A. Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert B. Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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13
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Ceni C, Benko MJ, Mohamed KA, Poli G, Di Stefano M, Tuccinardi T, Digiacomo M, Valoti M, Laprairie RB, Macchia M, Bertini S. Novel Potent and Selective Agonists of the GPR55 Receptor Based on the 3-Benzylquinolin-2(1H)-One Scaffold. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070768. [PMID: 35890067 PMCID: PMC9320067 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence underlines the crucial role of GPR55 in physiological and pathological conditions. In fact, GPR55 has recently emerged as a therapeutic target for several diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. Several lines of evidence highlight GPR55′s involvement in the regulation of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, although the exact molecular mechanism has not been yet elucidated. Nevertheless, there are only a limited number of selective GPR55 ligands reported in the literature. In this work, we designed and synthesized a series of novel GPR55 ligands based on the 3-benzylquinolin-2(1H)-one scaffold, some of which showed excellent binding properties (with Ki values in the low nanomolar range) and almost complete selectivity over cannabinoid receptors. The full agonist profile of all the new derivatives was assessed using the p-ERK activation assay and a computational study was conducted to predict the key interactions with the binding site of the receptor. Our data outline a preliminary structure–activity relationship (SAR) for this class of molecules at GPR55. Some of our compounds are among the most potent GPR55 agonists developed to date and could be useful as tools to validate this receptor as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Ceni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Doctoral School in Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Michael J Benko
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Kawthar A Mohamed
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Miriana Di Stefano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Doctoral School in Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Digiacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Valoti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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14
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Kim HJJ, Zagzoog A, Black T, Baccetto SL, Ezeaka UC, Laprairie RB. Impact of the mouse estrus cycle on cannabinoid receptor agonist-induced molecular and behavioral outcomes. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e00950. [PMID: 35466560 PMCID: PMC9035509 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphisms are observed in cannabinoid pharmacology. It is widely reported that female animals are more sensitive to the cataleptic, hypothermic, antinociceptive, and anti‐locomotive effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists such as CP55,940. Despite awareness of these sex differences, there is little consideration for the pharmacodynamic differences within females. The mouse estrus cycle spans 4–5 days and consists of four sex hormone‐mediated phases: proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus. The endocannabinoid system interacts with female sex hormones including β‐estradiol, which may influence receptor expression throughout the estrus cycle. In the current study, sexually mature female C57BL/6 mice in either proestrus or metestrus were administered either 1 mg/kg i.p. of the cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55,940 or vehicle. Mice then underwent the tetrad battery of behavioral assays measuring catalepsy, internal body temperature, thermal nociception, and locomotion. Compared with female mice in metestrus, those in proestrus were more sensitive to the anti‐nociceptive effects of CP55,940. A similar trend was observed in CP55,940‐induced catalepsy; however, this difference was not significant. As for cannabinoid receptor expression in brain regions underlying antinociception, the spine tissue of proestrus mice that received CP55,940 exhibited increased expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1 relative to treatment‐matched mice in metestrus. These results affirm the importance of testing cannabinoid effects in the context of the female estrus cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Ji J Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Tallan Black
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Sarah L Baccetto
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Udoka C Ezeaka
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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15
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Markham J, Sparkes E, Boyd R, Chen S, Manning JJ, Finlay D, Lai F, McGregor E, Maloney CJ, Gerona RR, Connor M, McGregor IS, Hibbs DE, Glass M, Kevin RC, Banister SD. Defining Steric Requirements at CB 1 and CB 2 Cannabinoid Receptors Using Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists 5F-AB-PINACA, 5F-ADB-PINACA, PX-1, PX-2, NNL-1, and Their Analogues. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1281-1295. [PMID: 35404067 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a diverse class of new psychoactive substances (NPS). They commonly comprise N-alkylated indole, indazole, or 7-azaindole scaffolds with amide-linked pendant amino acid groups. To explore the contribution of the amino acid side chain to the cannabinoid pharmacology of SCRA NPS, a systematic library of side chain-modified SCRAs was prepared based on the recent detections of amino acid derivatives 17 (5F-AB-PINACA), 18 (5F-ADB-PINACA), 15 (PX-1), 19 (PX-2), and 20 (NNL-1). In vitro binding affinities and functional activities at cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptors (CB1 and CB2, respectively) were determined for all the library members using radioligand competition experiments and a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay. Binding affinities and functional activities varied widely across compounds (Ki = 0.32 to >10 000 nM, EC50 = 0.24-1259 nM), with several clear structure-activity relationships (SARs) emerging. Affinity and potency at CB1 changed as a function of the heterocyclic core (indazole > indole > 7-azaindole) and the pendant amino acid side chain (tert-butyl > iso-propyl > iso-butyl > benzyl > ethyl > methyl > hydrogen). Ensemble docking at CB1 revealed a clear steric basis for observed SAR trends. Interestingly, although 15 (PX-1) and 19 (PX-2) have been detected in recreational drug markets, they failed to induce centrally CB1-mediated effects (e.g., hypothermia) in mice using radiobiotelemetry. Together, these data provide insights regarding structural contributions to the cannabimimetic profiles of 17 (5F-AB-PINACA), 18 (5F-ADB-PINACA), 15 (PX-1), 19 (PX-2), 20 (NNL-1), and other SCRA NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Markham
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric Sparkes
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rochelle Boyd
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shuli Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Jamie J. Manning
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - David Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Felcia Lai
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eila McGregor
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2005, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Callan J. Maloney
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roy R. Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2005, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David E. Hibbs
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Richard C. Kevin
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Banister
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Finlay DB, Nguyen T, Gamage TF, Chen S, Barrus DG, Patel PR, Thomas BF, Wiley JL, Zhang Y, Glass M. Exploring determinants of agonist efficacy at the CB1 cannabinoid receptor: Analogues of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist EG-018. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e00901. [PMID: 35041297 PMCID: PMC8929370 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutral antagonists of GPCRs remain relatively rare—indeed, a large majority of GPCR antagonists are actually inverse agonists. The synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) EG‐018 was recently reported as a low efficacy cannabinoid receptor agonist. Here we report a comparative characterization of EG‐018 and 13 analogues along with extant putative neutral antagonists of CB1. In HEK cells stably expressing human CB1, assays for inhibition of cAMP were performed by real‐time BRET biosensor (CAMYEL), G protein cycling was quantified by [35S]GTPγS binding, and stimulation of pERK was characterized by AlphaLISA (PerkinElmer). Signaling outcomes for the EG‐018 analogues were highly variable, ranging from moderate efficacy agonism with high potency, to marginal agonism at lower potency. As predicted by differing pathway sensitivities to differences in ligand efficacy, most EG‐018‐based compounds were completely inactive in pERK alone. The lowest efficacy analogue in cAMP assays, 157, had utility in antagonism assay paradigms. Developing neutral antagonists of the CB1 receptor has been a long‐standing research goal, and such compounds would have utility both as research tools and in therapeutics. Although these results emphasize again the importance of system factors in determining signaling outcomes, some compounds characterized in this study appear among the lowest efficacy agonists described to date and therefore suggest that development of neutral antagonists is an achievable goal for CB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Thuy Nguyen
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shuli Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Daniel G Barrus
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Purvi R Patel
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian F Thomas
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jenny L Wiley
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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17
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McElroy DL, Roebuck AJ, Greba Q, Garai S, Brandt AL, Yilmaz O, Cain SM, Snutch TP, Thakur GA, Laprairie RB, Howland JG. The type 1 cannabinoid receptor positive allosteric modulators GAT591 and GAT593 reduce spike-and-wave discharges in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 12:121-130. [PMID: 35128516 PMCID: PMC8804275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a non-convulsive seizure disorder primarily in children characterized by absence seizures. Absence seizures consist of 2.5–5 Hz spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs) detectable using electroencephalography (EEG). Current drug treatments are only partially effective and adverse side effects have spurred research into alternative treatment approaches. Recent research shows that positive allosteric modulation of the type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) reduces the frequency and duration of SWDs in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS), a model that recapitulates the SWDs in CAE. Here, we tested additional CB1R ago-PAMs, GAT591 and GAT593, for their potential in alleviating SWD activity in GAERS. In vitro experiments confirm that GAT591 and GAT593 exhibit increased potency and selectivity in cell cultures and behave as CB1R allosteric agonists and PAMs. To assess drug effects on SWDs, bilateral electrodes were surgically implanted in the somatosensory cortices of male GAERS and EEGs recorded for 4 h following systemic administration of GAT591 or GAT593 (1.0, 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg). Both GAT591 and GAT593 dose-dependently reduced total SWD duration during the recording period. The greatest effect on SWD activity was observed at 10.0 mg/kg doses, with GAT591 and GAT593 reducing seizure duration by 36% and 34% respectively. Taken together, these results support the continued investigation of CB1R PAMs as a potential therapeutic to alleviate SWDs in absence epilepsy. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of cannabinoid type 1 receptors may help treat absence epilepsy. Two ago-PAMs for CB1Rs were assessed using in vitro and in vivo assays. The increased efficacy of the CB1R-PAMs GAT591 and GAT593 was confirmed in vitro. Systemic injection of either compound reduced spike-and-wave discharges in a rat genetic model of absence epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan L. McElroy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Roebuck
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
- School of Liberal Arts, Yukon University, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5K4, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Asher L. Brandt
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Orhan Yilmaz
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Stuart M. Cain
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Terrance P. Snutch
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ganesh A. Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Robert B. Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Correspondence to: College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36 - 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - John G. Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
- Correspondence to: Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, GD30.7, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
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18
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Kim HJJ, Zagzoog A, Smolyakova AM, Ezeaka UC, Benko MJ, Holt T, Laprairie RB. In vivo Evidence for Brain Region-Specific Molecular Interactions Between Cannabinoid and Orexin Receptors. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:790546. [PMID: 34992518 PMCID: PMC8724524 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.790546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid and orexin neuromodulatory systems serve key roles in many of the same biological functions such as sleep, appetite, pain processing, and emotional behaviors related to reward. The type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) and both subtypes of the orexin receptor, orexin receptor type 1 (OX1R) and orexin receptor type 2 (OX2R) are not only expressed in the same brain regions modulating these functions, but physically interact as heterodimers in recombinant and neuronal cell cultures. In the current study, male and female C57BL/6 mice were co-treated with the cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55,940 and either the OX2R antagonist TCS-OX2-29 or the dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) TCS-1102. Mice were then evaluated for catalepsy, body temperature, thermal anti-nociception, and locomotion, after which their brains were collected for receptor colocalization analysis. Combined treatment with the DORA TCS-1102 and CP55,940 potentiated catalepsy more than CP55,940 alone, but this effect was not observed for changes in body temperature, nociception, locomotion, or via selective OX2R antagonism. Co-treatment with CP55,940 and TCS-1102 also led to increased CB1R-OX1R colocalization in the ventral striatum. This was not seen following co-treatment with TCS-OX2-29, nor in CB1R-OX2R colocalization. The magnitude of effects following co-treatment with CP55,940 and either the DORA or OX2R-selective antagonist was greater in males than females. These data show that CB1R-OX1R colocalization in the ventral striatum underlies cataleptic additivity between CP55,940 and the DORA TCS-1102. Moreover, cannabinoid-orexin receptor interactions are sex-specific with regards to brain region and functionality. Physical or molecular interactions between these two systems may provide valuable insight into drug-drug interactions between cannabinoid and orexin drugs for the treatment of insomnia, pain, and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Ji J. Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Anna Maria Smolyakova
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Udoka C. Ezeaka
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Michael J. Benko
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Teagan Holt
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Robert B. Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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