1
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Urbi B, Lee Y, Hughes I, Thorning S, Broadley SA, Sabet A, Heshmat S. Effects of cannabinoids in Parkinson's disease animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 6:e100302. [PMID: 36618606 PMCID: PMC9812814 DOI: 10.1136/bmjos-2022-100302] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cannabis has been proposed as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) due to its neuroprotective benefits. However, there has been no rigorous review of preclinical studies to evaluate any potential treatment effect. This systematic review was undertaken to provide evidence in support or against a treatment effect of cannabinoids in animal models of PD. Methods Databases were searched for any controlled comparative studies that assessed the effects of any cannabinoid, cannabinoid-based treatment or endocannabinoid transport blocker on behavioural symptoms in PD animal models. Results A total of 41 studies were identified to have met the criteria for this review. 14 of these studies were included in meta-analyses of rotarod, pole and open field tests. Meta-analysis of rotarod tests showed a weighted mean difference of 31.63 s for cannabinoid-treated group compared with control. Meta-analysis of pole tests also showed a positive treatment effect, evidenced by a weighted mean difference of -1.51 s for cannabinoid treat group compared with control. However, meta-analysis of open field test demonstrated a standardised mean difference of only 0.36 indicating no benefit. Conclusion This review demonstrates cannabinoid treatment effects in alleviating motor symptoms of PD animal models and supports the conduct of clinical trials of cannabis in PD population. However, there is no guarantee of successful clinical translation of this outcome because of the many variables that might have affected the results, such as the prevalent unclear and high risk of bias, the different study methods, PD animal models and cannabinoids used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berzenn Urbi
- Office for Research Governance and Development, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia,Medicine, Griffith University Faculty of Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yunjoo Lee
- Medicine, Griffith University Faculty of Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ian Hughes
- Office for Research Governance and Development, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Thorning
- Office for Research Governance and Development, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simon A Broadley
- Medicine, Griffith University Faculty of Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia,Department of Neurology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Arman Sabet
- Medicine, Griffith University Faculty of Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia,Department of Neurology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Saman Heshmat
- Department of Neurology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Kelly R, Bemelmans AP, Joséphine C, Brouillet E, McKernan DP, Dowd E. Time-Course of Alterations in the Endocannabinoid System after Viral-Mediated Overexpression of α-Synuclein in the Rat Brain. Molecules 2022; 27:507. [PMID: 35056822 PMCID: PMC8778740 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of α-synuclein as the major component in Lewy bodies, research into this protein in the context of Parkinson's disease pathology has been exponential. Cannabinoids are being investigated as potential therapies for Parkinson's disease from numerous aspects, but still little is known about the links between the cannabinoid system and the pathogenic α-synuclein protein; understanding these links will be necessary if cannabinoid therapies are to reach the clinic in the future. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the time-course of alterations in components of the endocannabinoid system after viral-mediated α-synuclein overexpression in the rat brain. Rats were given unilateral intranigral injections of AAV-GFP or AAV-α-synuclein and sacrificed 4, 8 and 12 weeks later for qRT-PCR and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of the endocannabinoid system, in addition to histological visualization of α-synuclein expression along the nigrostriatal pathway. As anticipated, intranigral delivery of AAV-α-synuclein induced widespread overexpression of human α-synuclein in the nigrostriatal pathway, both at the mRNA level and the protein level. However, despite this profound α-synuclein overexpression, we detected no differences in CB1 or CB2 receptor expression in the nigrostriatal pathway; however, interestingly, there was a reduction in the expression of neuroinflammatory markers. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG and the related lipid immune mediator OEA at week 12 post-surgery, indicating that α-synuclein overexpression triggers dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system. Although this research does show that the endocannabinoid system is impacted by α-synuclein, further research is necessary to more comprehensively understand the link between the cannabinoid system and the α-synuclein aspect of Parkinson's disease pathology in order for cannabinoid-based therapies to be feasible for the treatment of this disease in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (R.K.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Paris-Saclay University, CEA, CNRS, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.-P.B.); (C.J.); (E.B.)
| | - Charlène Joséphine
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Paris-Saclay University, CEA, CNRS, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.-P.B.); (C.J.); (E.B.)
| | - Emmanuel Brouillet
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Paris-Saclay University, CEA, CNRS, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; (A.-P.B.); (C.J.); (E.B.)
| | - Declan P. McKernan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (R.K.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Eilís Dowd
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (R.K.); (D.P.M.)
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3
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Apweiler M, Streyczek J, Saliba SW, Ditrich J, Muñoz E, Fiebich BL. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Effects of AM404 in IL-1β-Stimulated SK-N-SH Neuroblastoma Cells. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:789074. [PMID: 34867421 PMCID: PMC8635764 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.789074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
An emerging number of studies address the involvement of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Different cytokines and molecules, such as prostaglandin (PG) E2, are associated with neuroinflammatory processes. The active acetaminophen metabolite AM404 has been shown to prevent inflammation and neuroinflammation in primary microglia and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. However, its effects on pathophysiological conditions in the CNS and especially on neurons are still poorly understood. In this study, we therefore evaluated the effects of AM404 and acetaminophen on the arachidonic acid cascade and oxidative stress induced by interleukin (IL)-1β in human SK-N-SH neuronal cells. We observed that AM404 and acetaminophen significantly and concentration-dependent inhibited IL-1β-induced release of PGE2, independent of cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 and COX-2 enzymatic activity as well as COX-2 mRNA and protein levels in SK-N-SH-cells. The reduction of IL-1β-induced PGE2-release by AM404 and acetaminophen treatment might be mediated by the 8-iso-PGF2α pathway since IL-1β-induced synthesis of this free radical marker is dose-dependently reduced by both compounds, respectively. Therefore, understanding of the potential therapeutic properties of AM404 in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress might lead to future treatment options of different neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Apweiler
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jana Streyczek
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Soraya Wilke Saliba
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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4
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Soti M, Ranjbar H, Kohlmeier KA, Shabani M. Parkinson's disease related alterations in cannabinoid transmission. Brain Res Bull 2021; 178:82-96. [PMID: 34808322 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) by neurodegeneration. Recent findings in animal models of PD propose tonic inhibition of the remaining DA neurons through GABA release from reactive glial cells. Movement dysfunctions could be ameliorated by promotion of activity in dormant DA cells. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is extensively present in basal ganglia (BG) and is known as an indirect modulator of DAergic neurotransmission, thus drugs designed to target this system have shown promising therapeutic potential in PD patients. Interestingly, down/up-regulation of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) varies across the different stages of PD, suggesting that some of the motor/ non-motor deficits may be related to changes in CBRs. Determination of the profile of changes of these receptors across the different stages of PD as well as their neural distribution within the BG could improve understanding of PD and identify pathways important in disease pathobiology. In this review, we focus on temporal and spatial alterations of CBRs during PD in the BG. At present, as inconclusive, but suggestive results have been obtained, future investigations should be conducted to extend preclinical studies examining CBRs changes within each stage in controlled clinical trials in order to determine the potential of targeting CBRs in management of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monavareh Soti
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hoda Ranjbar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Kristi A Kohlmeier
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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5
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On the Biomedical Properties of Endocannabinoid Degradation and Reuptake Inhibitors: Pre-clinical and Clinical Evidence. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:2072-2097. [PMID: 34741755 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00424-z] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of endogenous cannabinoids; components involved in their synthesis, transport, and degradation; and an expansive variety of cannabinoid receptors. Hypofunction or deregulation of the ECS is related to pathological conditions. Consequently, endogenous enhancement of endocannabinoid levels and/or regulation of their metabolism represent promising therapeutic approaches. Several major strategies have been suggested for the modulation of the ECS: (1) blocking endocannabinoids degradation, (2) inhibition of endocannabinoid cellular uptake, and (3) pharmacological modulation of cannabinoid receptors as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we focused in this review on degradation/reuptake inhibitors over cannabinoid receptor modulators in order to provide an updated synopsis of contemporary evidence advancing mechanisms of endocannabinoids as pharmacological tools with therapeutic properties for the treatment of several disorders. For this purpose, we revisited the available literature and reported the latest advances regarding the biomedical properties of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We also highlighted anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol reuptake inhibitors with promising results in pre-clinical studies using in vitro and animal models as an outlook for future research in clinical trials.
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6
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Abstract
The endocannabinoids are lipid-derived messengers that play a diversity of regulatory roles in mammalian physiology. Dysfunctions in their activity have been implicated in various disease conditions, attracting attention to the endocannabinoid system as a possible source of therapeutic drugs. This signaling complex has three components: the endogenous ligands, anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG); a set of enzymes and transporters that generate, eliminate, or modify such ligands; and selective cell surface receptors that mediate their biological actions. We provide an overview of endocannabinoid formation, deactivation, and biotransformation and outline the properties and therapeutic potential of pharmacological agents that interfere with those processes. We describe small-molecule inhibitors that target endocannabinoid-producing enzymes, carrier proteins that transport the endocannabinoids into cells, and intracellular endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes. We briefly discuss selected agents that simultaneously interfere with components of the endocannabinoid system and with other functionally related signaling pathways. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 62 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA; .,Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Alex Mabou Tagne
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA;
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7
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In vivo Bidirectional Modulation of Cannabinoid on the Activity of Globus Pallidus in Rats. Neuroscience 2021; 468:123-138. [PMID: 34129911 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are bioactive substances which participate in central motor control. The globus pallidus (GP) is a major nucleus in the basal ganglia circuit, which plays an important function in movement regulation. Both cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) are expressed in the GP suggesting GP as a main action area of endocannabinoids. To investigate the direct electrophysiological and behavioral effects of cannabinoids in GP, in vivo single unit extracellular recordings and behavioral tests were performed in rats. Administration of WIN 55,212-2 exerted three neuronal response patterns from all sampled neurons of GP, including (1) increase of the firing rate; (2) decrease of the firing rate; (3) increase and then decrease of the firing rate. Selectively blocking CB1R by AM 251 decreased the firing rate and increased the firing rate. Selectively blocking CB2R by AM 630 did not change the firing rate significantly, which suggested that endocannabinoids modulated the spontaneous firing activity of pallidal neurons mainly via CB1R. Furthermore, co-application of AM 251, but not AM 630, blocked WIN 55,212-2-induced modulation of firing activity of pallidal neurons. Finally, both haloperidol-induced postural behavioral test and elevated body swing test (EBST) showed that unilateral microinjection of WIN 55,212-2 mainly induced contralateral-biased swing and deflection behaviors. Meanwhile, AM 251 produced opposite effect. The present in vivo study revealed that cannabinoids produced complicated electrophysiological and behavioral effects in the GP, which further demonstrated that the GP is a major functional region of endocannabinoid.
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8
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Komeili G, Haghparast E, Sheibani V. Marijuana improved motor impairments and changes in synaptic plasticity-related molecules in the striatum in 6-OHDA-treated rats. Behav Brain Res 2021; 410:113342. [PMID: 33961911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Using marijuana has become popular and is allowed for medical purposes in some countries. The effect of marijuana on Parkinson's disease is controversial and Medical marijuana may benefit for motor and non-motor symptoms of patients with Parkinson's disease. No research has been conducted to fully prove the benefits, risks, and uses of marijuana as a treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease. In the present study, several different approaches, including behavioral measures and the western blot method for protein level assay, were used to investigate whether exposure to marijuana affects the motor and synaptic plasticity impairment induced by 6-OHDA. Marijuana consumption significantly decreased apomorphine-induced contralateral rotation, beam travel time, beam freeze time, and catalepsy time, but significantly increased latency to fall in the rotarod test, balance time, and protein level of PSD-95 and dopamine receptor D1 in the 6-OHDA + marijuana group. These results suggest that marijuana may be helpful for motor disorders and synaptic changes in patients with Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Komeili
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Elham Haghparast
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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9
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Mahdi O, Baharuldin MTH, Nor NHM, Chiroma SM, Jagadeesan S, Moklas MAM. The Neuroprotective Properties, Functions, and Roles of Cannabis sativa in Selected Diseases Related to the Nervous System. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:20-38. [PMID: 33504317 DOI: 10.2174/1871524921666210127110028] [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: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis and its extracts are now being explored due to their huge health benefits. Although, the effect they elicit, whether on humans or rodents, may vary based on the age of the animal/subject and or the time in which the extract is administered. However, several debates exist concerning the various medical applications of these compounds. Nonetheless, their applicability as therapeutics should not be clouded based on their perceived negative biological actions. METHODS Articles from reliable databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Ovid were searched. Specific search methods were employed using multiple keywords: ''Medicinal Cannabis; endocannabinoid system; cannabinoids receptors; cannabinoids and cognition; brain disorders; neurodegenerative diseases''. For the inclusion/exclusion criteria, only relevant articles related to medicinal Cannabis and its various compounds were considered. RESULTS The current review highlights the role, effects, and involvement of Cannabis, cannabinoids, and endocannabinoids in preventing selected neurodegenerative diseases and possible amelioration of cognitive impairments. Furthermore, it also focuses on Cannabis utilization in many disease conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease among others. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the usage of Cannabis should be further explored as accumulating evidence suggests that it could be effective and somewhat safe, especially when adhered to the recommended dosage. Furthermore, in-depth studies should be conducted in order to unravel the specific mechanism underpinning the involvement of cannabinoids at the cellular level and their therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onesimus Mahdi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Selangor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Sri Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad T H Baharuldin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Selangor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Sri Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Huda M Nor
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Selangor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Sri Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Samaila M Chiroma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Selangor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Sri Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Saravanan Jagadeesan
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Selangor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Sri Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad A M Moklas
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Selangor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Sri Serdang 43400, Malaysia
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10
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Distinctive Evidence Involved in the Role of Endocannabinoid Signalling in Parkinson's Disease: A Perspective on Associated Therapeutic Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176235. [PMID: 32872273 PMCID: PMC7504186 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Current pharmacotherapy of Parkinson's disease (PD) is symptomatic and palliative, with levodopa/carbidopa therapy remaining the prime treatment, and nevertheless, being unable to modulate the progression of the neurodegeneration. No available treatment for PD can enhance the patient's life-quality by regressing this diseased state. Various studies have encouraged the enrichment of treatment possibilities by discovering the association of the effects of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in PD. These reviews delineate the reported evidence from the literature on the neuromodulatory role of the endocannabinoid system and expression of cannabinoid receptors in symptomatology, cause, and treatment of PD progression, wherein cannabinoid (CB) signalling experiences alterations of biphasic pattern during PD progression. Published papers to date were searched via MEDLINE, PubMed, etc., using specific key words in the topic of our manuscript. Endocannabinoids regulate the basal ganglia neuronal circuit pathways, synaptic plasticity, and motor functions via communication with dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic signalling systems bidirectionally in PD. Further, gripping preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the context regarding the cannabinoid compounds, which is supported by various evidence (neuroprotection, suppression of excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, glial activation, and additional benefits) provided by cannabinoid-like compounds (much research addresses the direct regulation of cannabinoids with dopamine transmission and other signalling pathways in PD). More data related to endocannabinoids efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic profiles need to be explored, providing better insights into their potential to ameliorate or even regress PD.
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11
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Ferreira C, Almeida C, Tenreiro S, Quintas A. Neuroprotection or Neurotoxicity of Illicit Drugs on Parkinson's Disease. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10060086. [PMID: 32545328 PMCID: PMC7344445 DOI: 10.3390/life10060086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is currently the most rapid growing neurodegenerative disease and over the past generation, its global burden has more than doubled. The onset of PD can arise due to environmental, sporadic or genetic factors. Nevertheless, most PD cases have an unknown etiology. Chemicals, such as the anthropogenic pollutant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and amphetamine-type stimulants, have been associated with the onset of PD. Conversely, cannabinoids have been associated with the treatment of the symptoms'. PD and medical cannabis is currently under the spotlight, and research to find its benefits on PD is on-going worldwide. However, the described clinical applications and safety of pharmacotherapy with cannabis products are yet to be fully supported by scientific evidence. Furthermore, the novel psychoactive substances are currently a popular alternative to classical drugs of abuse, representing an unknown health hazard for young adults who may develop PD later in their lifetime. This review addresses the neurotoxic and neuroprotective impact of illicit substance consumption in PD, presenting clinical evidence and molecular and cellular mechanisms of this association. This research area is utterly important for contemporary society since illicit drugs' legalization is under discussion which may have consequences both for the onset of PD and for the treatment of its symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreira
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (C.F.); (C.A.)
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário–Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, P-4200–319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Almeida
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (C.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- CEDOC–Chronic Diseases Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, P-1150-082 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Alexandre Quintas
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (C.F.); (C.A.)
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário–Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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12
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Reddy V, Grogan D, Ahluwalia M, Salles ÉL, Ahluwalia P, Khodadadi H, Alverson K, Nguyen A, Raju SP, Gaur P, Braun M, Vale FL, Costigliola V, Dhandapani K, Baban B, Vaibhav K. Targeting the endocannabinoid system: a predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine-directed approach to the management of brain pathologies. EPMA J 2020; 11:217-250. [PMID: 32549916 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-020-00203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis-inspired medical products are garnering increasing attention from the scientific community, general public, and health policy makers. A plethora of scientific literature demonstrates intricate engagement of the endocannabinoid system with human immunology, psychology, developmental processes, neuronal plasticity, signal transduction, and metabolic regulation. Despite the therapeutic potential, the adverse psychoactive effects and historical stigma, cannabinoids have limited widespread clinical application. Therefore, it is plausible to weigh carefully the beneficial effects of cannabinoids against the potential adverse impacts for every individual. This is where the concept of "personalized medicine" as a promising approach for disease prediction and prevention may take into the account. The goal of this review is to provide an outline of the endocannabinoid system, including endocannabinoid metabolizing pathways, and will progress to a more in-depth discussion of the therapeutic interventions by endocannabinoids in various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamsi Reddy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Dayton Grogan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Meenakshi Ahluwalia
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Évila Lopes Salles
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Pankaj Ahluwalia
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Hesam Khodadadi
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Katelyn Alverson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Andy Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Srikrishnan P Raju
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA.,Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Pankaj Gaur
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA.,Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Molly Braun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA.,VISN 20 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, USA
| | - Fernando L Vale
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | | | - Krishnan Dhandapani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
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Saliba SW, Bonifacino T, Serchov T, Bonanno G, de Oliveira ACP, Fiebich BL. Neuroprotective Effect of AM404 Against NMDA-Induced Hippocampal Excitotoxicity. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:566. [PMID: 31920563 PMCID: PMC6932953 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Different studies have demonstrated that inflammation and alterations in glutamate neurotransmission are two events contributing to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative or neurological disorders. There are evidences that N-arachidonoylphenolamine (AM404), a cannabinoid system modulator and paracetamol metabolite, modulates inflammation and exerts neuroprotective effects on Huntington's (HD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD), and ischemia. However, the effects of AM404 on the production of inflammatory mediators and excitotoxicity in brain tissue stimulated with N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) are not elucidated. In this present study, we investigated the effects of AM404 on the production of inflammatory mediators and neuronal cell death induced by NMDA in organotypic hippocampal slices cultures (OHSC) using qPCR, western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, to comprehend the mechanism of excitotoxicity, we evaluated the effects of AM404 on glutamate release in hippocampal synaptosomes and the NMDA-induced calcium responses in acute hippocampal slices. Our results showed that AM404 led to a significant decrease in cell death induced by NMDA, through a mechanism possibly involving the reduction of glutamate release and the calcium ions responses. Furthermore, it decreased the expression of the interleukin (IL)-1β. This study provides new significant insights about the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotection effects of AM404 on NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. To understand the effects of AM404 in these processes might contribute to the therapeutic potential of AM404 in diseases with involvement of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration and might lead to a possible future treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Wilke Saliba
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tsvetan Serchov
- Laboratory of Stereotaxy and Interventional Neuroscience, Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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14
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Ceccarini J, Casteels C, Ahmad R, Crabbé M, Van de Vliet L, Vanhaute H, Vandenbulcke M, Vandenberghe W, Van Laere K. Regional changes in the type 1 cannabinoid receptor are associated with cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2019; 46:2348-2357. [PMID: 31342135 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-019-04445-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The endocannabinoid system plays a regulatory role in a number of physiological functions, including motor control but also mood, emotion, and cognition. A number of preclinical studies in Parkinson's disease (PD) models demonstrated that modulating the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) may improve motor symptoms and components of cognitive processing. However, the relation between CB1R, cognitive decline and behavioral symptoms has not been investigated in PD patients so far. The aim of this study was to examine whether CB1R availability is associated with measures of cognitive and behavioral function in PD patients. METHODS Thirty-eight PD patients and ten age- and gender-matched controls underwent a [18F]MK-9470 PET scan to assess CB1R availability, as well as volumetric MR imaging. Neuropsychological symptoms were evaluated using an extensive cognitive and behavioral battery covering the five cognitive domains, depression, anxiety, apathy, and psychiatric complications, and were correlated to CB1R availability using vowel-wise regression analysis (P < 0.05, corrected for familywise error). RESULTS PD patients with poorer performance in episodic memory, executive functioning, speed and mental flexibility (range P 0.003-0.03) showed lower CB1R availability in predominantly the midcingulate cortex and middle to superior frontal gyrus (Tpeak-level > 4.0). Also, PD patients with more severe visuospatial dysfunction showed decreased CB1R availability in the precuneus, midcingulate, supplementary motor cortex, inferior orbitofrontal gyrus and thalamus (Tpeak-level = 5.5). These correlations were not related to cortical gray matter atrophy. No relationship was found between CB1R availability and mood or behavioral symptom scores. CONCLUSIONS Decreased CB1R availability in the prefrontal and midcingulate cortex in PD patients is strongly correlated with disturbances in executive functioning, episodic memory, and visuospatial functioning. Further investigation of regional CB1R expression in groups of PD patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia is warranted in order to further investigate the role of CB1R expression in different levels of cognitive impairment in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Ceccarini
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Cindy Casteels
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rawaha Ahmad
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melissa Crabbé
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Van de Vliet
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heleen Vanhaute
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Old Age Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vandenbulcke
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Vandenberghe
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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15
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Buhmann C, Mainka T, Ebersbach G, Gandor F. Evidence for the use of cannabinoids in Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2019; 126:913-924. [PMID: 31131434 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-019-02018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid formulations have now been legally approved in several countries for treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Hence, PD patients consult physicians more frequently for prescription of cannabinoids to alleviate symptoms that might not respond well to dopaminergic treatment. Despite the increasing volume of research generated in the field of cannabinoids and their effect on Parkinson's disease, there is still paucity of sufficient clinical data about the efficacy and safety in PD patients. There is increasing understanding of the endocannabinoid system, and the distribution of cannabinoid receptors in basal ganglia structures might suggest potential benefit on parkinsonian symptoms. Concerning clinical research, only one of to date four conducted randomized placebo-controlled trials showed an effect on motor symptoms with alleviation of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. There are a growing number of uncontrolled trials and case reports that suggest beneficial effects of cannabinoids in PD patients. However, the variety of substances investigated, the varying routes of intake, differing doses and time courses make it difficult to compare data. We here provide an overview of the current literature in this field and discuss a pragmatic approach for the clinical use of cannabinoids in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Buhmann
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tina Mainka
- Department of Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Ebersbach
- Movement Disorders Clinic, Kliniken Beelitz GmbH, Straße nach Fichtenwalde 16, 14547, Beelitz-Heilstätten, Germany
| | - Florin Gandor
- Movement Disorders Clinic, Kliniken Beelitz GmbH, Straße nach Fichtenwalde 16, 14547, Beelitz-Heilstätten, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
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16
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Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons from the nigrostriatal pathway, formation of Lewy bodies, and microgliosis. During the past decades multiple cellular pathways have been associated with PD pathology (i.e., oxidative stress, endosomal-lysosomal dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and immune response), yet disease-modifying treatments are not available. We have recently used genetic data from familial and sporadic cases in an unbiased approach to build a molecular landscape for PD, revealing lipids as central players in this disease. Here we extensively review the current knowledge concerning the involvement of various subclasses of fatty acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols, and lipoproteins in PD pathogenesis. Our review corroborates a central role for most lipid classes, but the available information is fragmented, not always reproducible, and sometimes differs by sex, age or PD etiology of the patients. This hinders drawing firm conclusions about causal or associative effects of dietary lipids or defects in specific steps of lipid metabolism in PD. Future technological advances in lipidomics and additional systematic studies on lipid species from PD patient material may improve this situation and lead to a better appreciation of the significance of lipids for this devastating disease.
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17
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Aymerich MS, Aso E, Abellanas MA, Tolon RM, Ramos JA, Ferrer I, Romero J, Fernández-Ruiz J. Cannabinoid pharmacology/therapeutics in chronic degenerative disorders affecting the central nervous system. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:67-84. [PMID: 30121249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) exerts a modulatory effect of important functions such as neurotransmission, glial activation, oxidative stress, or protein homeostasis. Dysregulation of these cellular processes is a common neuropathological hallmark in aging and in neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The broad spectrum of actions of cannabinoids allows targeting different aspects of these multifactorial diseases. In this review, we examine the therapeutic potential of the ECS for the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. First, we describe the localization of the molecular components of the ECS and how they are altered under neurodegenerative conditions, either contributing to or protecting cells from degeneration. Second, we address recent advances in the modulation of the ECS using experimental models through different strategies including the direct targeting of cannabinoid receptors with agonists or antagonists, increasing the endocannabinoid tone by the inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis, and activation of cannabinoid receptor-independent effects. Preclinical evidence indicates that cannabinoid pharmacology is complex but supports the therapeutic potential of targeting the ECS. Third, we review the clinical evidence and discuss the future perspectives on how to bridge human and animal studies to develop cannabinoid-based therapies for each neurodegenerative disorder. Finally, we summarize the most relevant opportunities of cannabinoid pharmacology related to each disease and the multiple unexplored pathways in cannabinoid pharmacology that could be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Aymerich
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Genética, Pamplona, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Neurociencias, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Spain.
| | - Ester Aso
- Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Miguel A Abellanas
- Universidad de Navarra, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Genética, Pamplona, Spain; Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Programa de Neurociencias, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rosa M Tolon
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Jose A Ramos
- CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Julian Romero
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; IRYCIS, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Enhanced endocannabinoid tone as a potential target of pharmacotherapy. Life Sci 2018; 204:20-45. [PMID: 29729263 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is up-regulated in numerous pathophysiological states such as inflammatory, neurodegenerative, gastrointestinal, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, pain, and cancer. It has been suggested that this phenomenon primarily serves an autoprotective role in inhibiting disease progression and/or diminishing signs and symptoms. Accordingly, enhancement of endogenous endocannabinoid tone by inhibition of endocannabinoid degradation represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of many diseases. Importantly, this allows for the avoidance of unwanted psychotropic side effects that accompany exogenously administered cannabinoids. The effects of endocannabinoid metabolic pathway modulation are complex, as endocannabinoids can exert their actions directly or via numerous metabolites. The two main strategies for blocking endocannabinoid degradation are inhibition of endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes and inhibition of endocannabinoid cellular uptake. To date, the most investigated compounds are inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme that degrades the endocannabinoid anandamide. However, application of FAAH inhibitors (and consequently other endocannabinoid degradation inhibitors) in medicine became questionable due to a lack of therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials and serious adverse effects evoked by one specific compound. In this paper, we discuss multiple pathways of endocannabinoid metabolism, changes in endocannabinoid levels across numerous human diseases and corresponding experimental models, pharmacological strategies for enhancing endocannabinoid tone and potential therapeutic applications including multi-target drugs with additional targets outside of the endocannabinoid system (cyclooxygenase-2, cholinesterase, TRPV1, and PGF2α-EA receptors), and currently used medicines or medicinal herbs that additionally enhance endocannabinoid levels. Ultimately, further clinical and preclinical studies are warranted to develop medicines for enhancing endocannabinoid tone.
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19
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Stampanoni Bassi M, Sancesario A, Morace R, Centonze D, Iezzi E. Cannabinoids in Parkinson's Disease. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2017; 2:21-29. [PMID: 28861502 PMCID: PMC5436333 DOI: 10.1089/can.2017.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays a regulatory role in a number of physiological processes and has been found altered in different pathological conditions, including movement disorders. The interactions between cannabinoids and dopamine in the basal ganglia are remarkably complex and involve both the modulation of other neurotransmitters (γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, opioids, peptides) and the activation of different receptors subtypes (cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2). In the last years, experimental studies contributed to enrich this scenario reporting interactions between cannabinoids and other receptor systems (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 cation channel, adenosine receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors). The improved knowledge, adding new interpretation on the biochemical interaction between cannabinoids and other signaling pathways, may contribute to develop new pharmacological strategies. A number of preclinical studies in different experimental Parkinson's disease (PD) models demonstrated that modulating the cannabinoid system may be useful to treat some motor symptoms. Despite new cannabinoid-based medicines have been proposed for motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD, so far, results from clinical studies are controversial and inconclusive. Further clinical studies involving larger samples of patients, appropriate molecular targets, and specific clinical outcome measures are needed to clarify the effectiveness of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Stampanoni Bassi
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sancesario
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Roberta Morace
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ennio Iezzi
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Units, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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20
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Suryadevara U, Bruijnzeel DM, Nuthi M, Jagnarine DA, Tandon R, Bruijnzeel AW. Pros and Cons of Medical Cannabis use by People with Chronic Brain Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:800-814. [PMID: 27804883 PMCID: PMC5652027 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666161101095325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the world and there is growing concern about the mental health effects of cannabis use. These concerns are at least partly due to the strong increase in recreational and medical cannabis use and the rise in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels. Cannabis is widely used to self-medicate by older people and people with brain disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of the perceived benefits and adverse mental health effects of cannabis use in people with ALS, MS, AD, PD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. RESULTS The reviewed studies indicate that cannabis use diminishes some symptoms associated with these disorders. Cannabis use decreases pain and spasticity in people with MS, decreases tremor, rigidity, and pain in people with PD, and improves the quality of life of ALS patients by improving appetite, and decreasing pain and spasticity. Cannabis use is more common among people with schizophrenia than healthy controls. Cannabis use is a risk factor for schizophrenia which increases positive symptoms in schizophrenia patients and diminishes negative symptoms. Cannabis use worsens bipolar disorder and there is no evidence that bipolar patients derive any benefit from cannabis. In late stage Alzheimer's patients, cannabis products may improve food intake, sleep quality, and diminish agitation. CONCLUSION Cannabis use diminishes some of the adverse effects of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, chronic cannabis use may lead to cognitive impairments and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Suryadevara
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Meena Nuthi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Rajiv Tandon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Adriaan W. Bruijnzeel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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21
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Park HY, Ryu YK, Go J, Son E, Kim KS, Kim MR. Palmitoyl Serotonin Inhibits L-dopa-induced Abnormal Involuntary Movements in the Mouse Parkinson Model. Exp Neurobiol 2016; 25:174-84. [PMID: 27574484 PMCID: PMC4999423 DOI: 10.5607/en.2016.25.4.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is the most common treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, long term use of L-DOPA for PD therapy lead to abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) known as dyskinesia. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is enriched protein in basal ganglia, and inhibition of the protein reduces dyskinetic behavior of mice. Palmitoyl serotonin (PA-5HT) is a hybrid molecule patterned after arachidonoyl serotonin, antagonist of FAAH. However, the effect of PA-5HT on L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in PD have not yet been elucidated. To investigate whether PA-5HT relieve LID in PD and decrease hyperactivation of dopamine D1 receptors, we used the 6-hydroxydopomine (6-OHDA)-lesioned mouse model of PD and treated the L-DOPA (20 mg/kg) for 10 days with PA-5HT (0.3 mg/kg/day). The number of wall contacts with the forelimb in the cylinder test was significantly decreased by 6-OHDA lesion in mice and the pharmacotherapeutic effect of L-DOPA was also revealed in PA-5HT-treated mice. Moreover, in AIMs test, PA-5HT-treated mice showed significant reduction of locomotive, axial, limb, and orofacial AIMs score compared to the vehicle-treated mice. LID-induced hyper-phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and overexpression of FosB/ΔFosB was markedly decreased in 6-OHDA-lesioned striatum of PA-5HT-treated mice, indicating that PA-5HT decreased the dopamine D1 receptor-hyperactivation induced by chronic treatment of L-DOPA in dopamine-denervated striatum. These results suggest that PA-5HT effectively attenuates the development of LID and enhance of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and FosB/ΔFosB expression in the hemi-parkinsonian mouse model. PA-5HT may have beneficial effect on the LID in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Yeon Park
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea.; Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Nam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Young-Kyoung Ryu
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jun Go
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Eunjung Son
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Nam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Shim Kim
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea.; University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Mee Ree Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Nam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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23
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Kluger B, Triolo P, Jones W, Jankovic J. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for movement disorders. Mov Disord 2015; 30:313-27. [PMID: 25649017 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of marijuana (cannabis) and cannabinoid-based chemicals within the medical community and, particularly, for neurological conditions. This interest is driven both by changes in the legal status of cannabis in many areas and increasing research into the roles of endocannabinoids within the central nervous system and their potential as symptomatic and/or neuroprotective therapies. We review basic science as well as preclinical and clinical studies on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids specifically as it relates to movement disorders. The pharmacology of cannabis is complex, with over 60 neuroactive chemicals identified to date. The endocannabinoid system modulates neurotransmission involved in motor function, particularly within the basal ganglia. Preclinical research in animal models of several movement disorders have shown variable evidence for symptomatic benefits, but more consistently suggest potential neuroprotective effects in several animal models of Parkinson's (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). Clinical observations and clinical trials of cannabinoid-based therapies suggests a possible benefit of cannabinoids for tics and probably no benefit for tremor in multiple sclerosis or dyskinesias or motor symptoms in PD. Data are insufficient to draw conclusions regarding HD, dystonia, or ataxia and nonexistent for myoclonus or RLS. Despite the widespread publicity about the medical benefits of cannabinoids, further preclinical and clinical research is needed to better characterize the pharmacological, physiological, and therapeutic effects of this class of drugs in movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benzi Kluger
- Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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24
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Martinez AA, Morgese MG, Pisanu A, Macheda T, Paquette MA, Seillier A, Cassano T, Carta AR, Giuffrida A. Activation of PPAR gamma receptors reduces levodopa-induced dyskinesias in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 74:295-304. [PMID: 25486547 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term administration of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (levodopa), the mainstay treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD), is accompanied by fluctuations in its duration of action and motor complications (dyskinesia) that dramatically affect the quality of life of patients. Levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID) can be modeled in rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesions via chronic administration of levodopa, which causes increasingly severe axial, limb, and orofacial abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) over time. In previous studies, we showed that the direct activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors alleviated rat AIMs. Interestingly, elevation of the endocannabinoid anandamide by URB597 (URB), an inhibitor of endocannabinoid catabolism, produced an anti-dyskinetic response that was only partially mediated via CB1 receptors and required the concomitant blockade of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channels by capsazepine (CPZ) (Morgese et al., 2007). In this study, we showed that the stimulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), a family of transcription factors activated by anandamide, contributes to the anti-dyskinetic effects of URB+CPZ, and that the direct activation of the PPARγ subtype by rosiglitazone (RGZ) alleviates levodopa-induced AIMs in 6-OHDA rats. AIM reduction was associated with an attenuation of levodopa-induced increase of dynorphin, zif-268, and of ERK phosphorylation in the denervated striatum. RGZ treatment did not decrease striatal levodopa and dopamine bioavailability, nor did it affect levodopa anti-parkinsonian activity. Collectively, these data indicate that PPARγ may represent a new pharmacological target for the treatment of LID.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - M G Morgese
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71100, Italy
| | - A Pisanu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - T Macheda
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - M A Paquette
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - A Seillier
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - T Cassano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71100, Italy
| | - A R Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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Pinna A, Bonaventura J, Farré D, Sánchez M, Simola N, Mallol J, Lluís C, Costa G, Baqi Y, Müller CE, Cortés A, McCormick P, Canela EI, Martínez-Pinilla E, Lanciego JL, Casadó V, Armentero MT, Franco R. L-DOPA disrupts adenosine A(2A)-cannabinoid CB(1)-dopamine D(2) receptor heteromer cross-talk in the striatum of hemiparkinsonian rats: biochemical and behavioral studies. Exp Neurol 2014; 253:180-91. [PMID: 24412491 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Long-term therapy with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), still the most effective treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD), is associated with severe motor complications such as dyskinesia. Experimental and clinical data have indicated that adenosine A2A receptor antagonists can provide symptomatic improvement by potentiating L-DOPA efficacy and minimizing its side effects. It is known that the G-protein-coupled adenosine A2A, cannabinoid CB1 and dopamine D2 receptors may interact and form functional A2A-CB1-D2 receptor heteromers in co-transfected cells as well as in rat striatum. These data suggest that treatment with a combination of drugs or a single compound selectively acting on A2A-CB1-D2 heteromers may represent an alternative therapeutic treatment of PD. We investigated the expression of A2A-CB1-D2 receptor heteromers in the striatum of both naïve and hemiparkinsonian rats (HPD-rats) bearing a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion, and assessed how receptor heteromer expression and biochemical properties were affected by L-DOPA treatment. Radioligand binding data showed that A2A-CB1-D2 receptor heteromers are present in the striatum of both naïve and HPD-rats. However, behavioral results indicated that the combined administration of A2A (MSX-3 or SCH58261) and CB1 (rimonabant) receptor antagonists, in the presence of L-DOPA does not produce a response different from administration of the A2A receptor antagonist alone. These behavioral results prompted identification of heteromers in L-DOPA-treated animals. Interestingly, the radioligand binding results in samples from lesioned animals suggest that the heteromer is lost following acute or chronic treatment with L-DOPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Pinna
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Jordi Bonaventura
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain
| | - Daniel Farré
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain
| | - Marta Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Josefa Mallol
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain
| | - Carme Lluís
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Younis Baqi
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Christa E Müller
- PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Antoni Cortés
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain
| | - Peter McCormick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain
| | - Enric I Canela
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Pinilla
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - José L Lanciego
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain; Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Vicent Casadó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Spain
| | - Marie-Therese Armentero
- Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, via Mondino 2, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rafael Franco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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Gamaleddin I, Guranda M, Goldberg SR, Le Foll B. The selective anandamide transport inhibitor VDM11 attenuates reinstatement of nicotine seeking behaviour, but does not affect nicotine intake. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 164:1652-60. [PMID: 21501143 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01440.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The endocannabinoid system appears to play a pivotal role in mediating the rewarding and reinforcing effects of nicotine. Recent studies have shown that the inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) attenuates reinstatement of nicotine-seeking induced by nicotine priming and nicotine-associated cues. FAAH hydrolyses the endogenous endocannabinoid anandamide, as well as other non-cannabinoid ligands such as oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). As OEA and PEA can attenuate both nicotine-taking and nicotine-seeking behaviour, the specific role of anandamide remains unclear. In this study, we have tested the selective anadamide uptake inhibitor, VDM11, which elevates anandamide levels without affecting levels of OEA/PEA, on nicotine-taking and nicotine-seeking behaviour. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used a nicotine intravenous self-administration model in rats to assess the effect of VDM11, given i.p., on nicotine taking using fixed and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement as well as on reinstatement of nicotine-seeking induced by nicotine priming and nicotine-associated cues. KEY RESULTS VDM11 did not affect levels of responding for nicotine under fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement. In contrast, VDM11 dose-dependently attenuated reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behaviour induced by nicotine-associated cues and nicotine priming. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results indicate that ligands elevating anandamide levels could have therapeutic value for preventing relapse into nicotine-seeking behaviour and should be tested in humans trying to quit smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Gamaleddin
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
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García C, Palomo-Garo C, García-Arencibia M, Ramos J, Pertwee R, Fernández-Ruiz J. Symptom-relieving and neuroprotective effects of the phytocannabinoid Δ⁹-THCV in animal models of Parkinson's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1495-506. [PMID: 21323909 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous findings have indicated that a cannabinoid, such as Δ(9)-THCV, which has antioxidant properties and the ability to activate CB(2) receptors but to block CB(1) , might be a promising therapy for alleviating symptoms and delaying neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The ability of Δ(9)-THCV to reduce motor inhibition and provide neuroprotection was investigated in rats lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine and in mice lesioned with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). KEY RESULTS Acute administration of Δ(9)-THCV attenuated the motor inhibition caused by 6-hydroxydopamine, presumably through changes in glutamatergic transmission. Moreover, chronic administration of Δ(9)-THCV attenuated the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurones caused by 6-hydroxydopamine in the substantia nigra, through an effect related to its antioxidant properties (it was reproduced by cannabidiol -enriched botanical extract). In addition, CB(2) receptor-deficient mice responded to 6-hydroxydopamine in a similar manner to wild-type animals, and CB(2) receptors were poorly up-regulated in the rat substantia nigra in response to 6-hydroxydopamine. By contrast, the substantia nigra of mice that had been injected with LPS exhibited a greater up-regulation of CB(2) receptors. In these animals, Δ(9)-THCV also caused preservation of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurones. This effect probably involved CB(2) receptors as it was also elicited by the selective CB(2) receptor agonist, HU-308, and CB(2) receptor-deficient mice were more vulnerable to LPS lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB(2) but to block CB(1) receptors, Δ(9)-THCV has a promising pharmacological profile for delaying disease progression in PD and also for ameliorating parkinsonian symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Iravani MM, Jenner P. Mechanisms underlying the onset and expression of levodopa-induced dyskinesia and their pharmacological manipulation. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2011; 118:1661-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-011-0698-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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The effects of cannabinoid drugs on abnormal involuntary movements in dyskinetic and non-dyskinetic 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats. Brain Res 2010; 1363:40-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 09/22/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Melis M, Pistis M. Endocannabinoid signaling in midbrain dopamine neurons: more than physiology? Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 5:268-77. [PMID: 19305743 PMCID: PMC2644494 DOI: 10.2174/157015907782793612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2006] [Revised: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 04/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Different classes of neurons in the CNS utilize endogenous cannabinoids as retrograde messengers to shape afferent activity in a short- and long-lasting fashion. Transient suppression of excitation and inhibition as well as long-term depression or potentiation in many brain regions require endocannabinoids to be released by the postsynaptic neurons and activate presynaptic CB1 receptors. Memory consolidation and/or extinction and habit forming have been suggested as the potential behavioral consequences of endocannabinoid-mediated synaptic modulation. HOWEVER, ENDOCANNABINOIDS HAVE A DUAL ROLE: beyond a physiological modulation of synaptic functions, they have been demonstrated to participate in the mechanisms of neuronal protection under circumstances involving excessive excitatory drive, glutamate excitotoxicity, hypoxia-ischemia, which are key features of several neurodegenerative disorders. In this framework, the recent discovery that the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol is released by midbrain dopaminergic neurons, under both physiological synaptic activity to modulate afferent inputs and pathological conditions such as ischemia, is particularly interesting for the possible implication of these molecules in brain functions and dysfunctions. Since dopamine dysfunctions underlie diverse neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, psychoses, and drug addiction, the importance of better understanding the correlation between an unbalanced endocannabinoid signal and the dopamine system is even greater. Additionally, we will review the evidence of the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, where neuroprotective actions of cannabinoid-acting compounds may prove beneficial.The modulation of the endocannabinoid system by pharmacological agents is a valuable target in protection of dopamine neurons against functional abnormalities as well as against their neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Melis
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience and Center of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042, Italy
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31
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Abstract
There is now a large volume of data indicating that compounds activating cannabinoid CB(1) receptors, either directly or indirectly by preventing the breakdown of endogenous cannabinoids, can protect against neuronal damage produced by a variety of neuronal "insults". Given that such neurodegenerative stimuli result in increased endocannabinoid levels and that animals with genetic deletions of CB(1) receptors are more susceptible to the deleterious effects of such stimuli, a case can be made for an endogenous neuroprotective role of endocannabinoids. However, this is an oversimplification of the current literature, since (a) compounds released together with the endocannabinoids can contribute to the neuroprotective effect; (b) other proteins, such as TASK-1 and PPARalpha, are involved; (c) the CB(1) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant has also been reported to have neuroprotective properties in a number of animal models of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the CB(2) receptor located on peripheral immune cells and activated microglia are potential targets for novel therapies. In terms of the clinical usefulness of targeting the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, data are emerging, but important factors to be considered are windows of opportunity (for acute situations such as trauma and ischemia) and the functionality of the target receptors (for chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease).
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In vivo type 1 cannabinoid receptor mapping in the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease. Brain Res 2009; 1316:153-62. [PMID: 20026090 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors are expressed in high concentrations in the central nervous system, including the basal ganglia, and could have direct or indirect effects on motor behavior through modulation of dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABA-ergic neurotransmission. Using the CB1 receptor radioligand [(18)F]MK-9470 and small-animal PET, we investigated for the first time in vivo cerebral changes in [(18)F]MK-9470 binding in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD), parallel to dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining, and behavioral measurements. In the 6-OHDA model, relative [(18)F]MK-9470 PET binding decreased in the contralateral cerebellum (-9%, p<0.0004) and caudate-putamen bilaterally (ipsilateral -8%, contralateral -7%; p=0.001 and p<0.0003, respectively). The number of TH(+) neurons in the substantia nigra was inversely correlated to CB1 receptor binding in the ipsilateral cerebellum (p=1.10(-6)). The behavioral outcome was positively related to regional CB1 receptor binding in the contralateral somatosensory cortex (p=4.10(-6)). In vivo [(18)F]MK-9470 PET imaging points to changes in endocannabinoid transmission, specifically for CB1 receptors in the 6-OHDA model of PD, with mainly involvement of the caudate-putamen, but also distant regions of the motor circuitry, including the cerebellum and somatosensory cortex.
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Ligresti A, Petrosino S, Di Marzo V. From endocannabinoid profiling to ‘endocannabinoid therapeutics’. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2009; 13:321-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Accepted: 04/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Fernández-Ruiz J. The endocannabinoid system as a target for the treatment of motor dysfunction. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 156:1029-40. [PMID: 19220290 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2008.00088.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that cannabinoid-based medicines that are selective for different targets in the cannabinoid signalling system (e.g. receptors, inactivation mechanism, enzymes) might be beneficial in basal ganglia disorders, namely Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). These benefits not only include the alleviation of specific motor symptoms [e.g. choreic movements with cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB(1))/transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 agonists in HD; bradykinesia with CB(1) antagonists and tremor with CB(1) agonists in PD], but also the delay of disease progression due to the neuroprotective properties demonstrated for cannabinoids (e.g. CB(1) agonists reduce excitotoxicity; CB(2) agonists limit the toxicity of reactive microglia; and antioxidant cannabinoids attenuate oxidative damage). In addition, extensive biochemical, anatomical, physiological and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that: (i) the different elements of the cannabinoid system are abundant in basal ganglia structures and they are affected by these disorders; (ii) the cannabinoid system plays a prominent role in basal ganglia function by modulating the neurotransmitters that operate in the basal ganglia circuits, both in healthy and pathological conditions; and (iii) the activation and/or inhibition of the cannabinoid system is associated with important motor responses that are maintained and even enhanced in conditions of malfunctioning and/or degeneration. In this article we will review the available data regarding the relationship between the cannabinoid system and basal ganglia activity, both in healthy and pathological conditions and will also try to identify future lines of research expected to increase current knowledge about the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting this system in PD, HD and other basal ganglia disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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Trezza V, Vanderschuren LJMJ. Divergent effects of anandamide transporter inhibitors with different target selectivity on social play behavior in adolescent rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 328:343-50. [PMID: 18948500 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.141069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the modulation of affect, motivation, and emotion. Social play behavior is a natural reinforcer in adolescent rats, and we have recently shown that interacting endocannabinoid, opioid, and dopamine systems modulate social play. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that, in contrast to administration of exogenous cannabinoid agonists, increasing local endocannabinoid signaling through anandamide transporter inhibition enhances social play. To this aim, we tested the effects of two anandamide transporter inhibitors with different target selectivity on social play behavior in adolescent rats. Interestingly, we found that the prototypical anandamide transporter inhibitor N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM404) reduced social play, whereas its more selective analog N-arachidonoyl-(2-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)amine (VDM11) enhanced it. The effects of AM404 were not mediated through its known pharmacological targets, since they were not blocked by the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride (SR141716A), the CB(2) cannabinoid receptor antagonist N-(1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo(2.2.1)heptan-2-yl)-5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR144528), or by the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor antagonist capsazepine. In contrast, the increase in social play induced by VDM11 was dependent on cannabinoid, opioid, and dopaminergic neurotransmission, since it was blocked by the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716A, the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, and the dopamine receptor antagonist alpha-flupenthixol. These findings support the notion that anandamide plays an important role in the modulation of social interaction in adolescent rats, and they suggest that selective anandamide transporter inhibitors might be useful for the treatment of social dysfunctions. Furthermore, these results suggest that off-target effects may be responsible for some of the conflicting effects of anandamide transporter inhibitors on behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Trezza
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Di Marzo V. Targeting the endocannabinoid system: to enhance or reduce? Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008; 7:438-55. [PMID: 18446159 DOI: 10.1038/nrd2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 612] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As our understanding of the endocannabinoids improves, so does the awareness of their complexity. During pathological states, the levels of these mediators in tissues change, and their effects vary from those of protective endogenous compounds to those of dysregulated signals. These observations led to the discovery of compounds that either prolong the lifespan of endocannabinoids or tone down their action for the potential future treatment of pain, affective and neurodegenerative disorders, gastrointestinal inflammation, obesity and metabolic dysfunctions, cardiovascular conditions and liver diseases. When moving to the clinic, however, the pleiotropic nature of endocannabinoid functions will require careful judgement in the choice of patients and stage of the disorder for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council (CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.
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Morera-Herreras T, Ruiz-Ortega J, Gómez-Urquijo S, Ugedo L. Involvement of subthalamic nucleus in the stimulatory effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on dopaminergic neurons. Neuroscience 2008; 151:817-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2007] [Revised: 10/22/2007] [Accepted: 11/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Zani A, Braida D, Capurro V, Sala M. Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and AM 404 protect against cerebral ischaemia in gerbils through a mechanism involving cannabinoid and opioid receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 152:1301-11. [PMID: 17965746 PMCID: PMC2189998 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2007] [Revised: 09/07/2007] [Accepted: 09/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE It has been suggested that the endocannabinoid system elicits neuroprotection against excitotoxic brain damage. In the present study the therapeutic potential of AM 404 on ischaemia-induced neuronal injury was investigated in vivo and compared with that of the classical cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) agonist, delta 9-tetraydrocannabinol (THC), using a model of transient global cerebral ischaemia in the gerbil. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of AM 404 (0.015-2 mg kg(-1)) and THC (0.05-2 mg kg(-1)), given 5 min after ischaemia, were measured from 1 h to 7 days in terms of electroencephalographic (EEG) total spectral power, spontaneous motor activity, memory function, rectal temperature and hippocampal CA1 neuronal count. KEY RESULTS Over the dose range tested, AM 404 (2 mg kg(-1)) and THC (1 mg kg(-1)) completely reversed the ischaemia-induced behavioural, EEG and histological damage. Only THC (1 and 2 mg kg(-1)) induced a decrease of body temperature. Pretreatment with the selective CB1 receptor antagonist, AM 251 (1 mg kg(-1)) and the opioid antagonist, naloxone (2 mg kg(-1)) reversed the protective effect induced by both AM 404 and THC while the TRPV1 vanilloid antagonist, capsazepine (0.01 mg kg(-1)), was ineffective. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings demonstrate that AM 404 and THC reduce neuronal damage caused by bilateral carotid occlusion in gerbils and that this protection is mediated through an interaction with CB1 and opioid receptors. Endocannabinoids might form the basis for the development of new neuroprotective drugs useful for the treatment of stroke and other neurodegenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zani
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Bisogno T, Di Marzo V. Short- and long-term plasticity of the endocannabinoid system in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Pharmacol Res 2007; 56:428-42. [PMID: 17933549 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2007.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2007] [Accepted: 09/05/2007] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The activity of the endocannabinoid system, in terms of the levels of the endocannabinoids and of cannabinoid receptors, or of the functional coupling of the latter to a biological response, undergoes to remodelling during pathological conditions. In the CNS, these changes, depending also on the nature of the disorder, can be transient or long-lasting, occur only in those tissues involved in the pathological condition and usually aim at restoring the physiological homeostasis by reducing excitotoxicity, inflammation and neuronal death. However, during chronic disorders, prolonged activation of the endocannabinoid system might also contribute to the symptoms of the pathology. Whilst acute changes of the tissue levels of the endocannabinoids reflect the "on demand" nature of their biosynthesis and release, and hence are effected mostly through regulation of the biosynthetic enzymes, chronic changes seem to be mostly due to longer-lasting alterations in the expression of anabolic and catabolic enzymes. The possibility of obtaining therapeutic advantage from endocannabinoid plasticity in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders is discussed in this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
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Lee J, Di Marzo V, Brotchie JM. A role for vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and endocannabinnoid signalling in the regulation of spontaneous and L-DOPA induced locomotion in normal and reserpine-treated rats. Neuropharmacology 2006; 51:557-65. [PMID: 16806299 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2006.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2005] [Revised: 04/05/2006] [Accepted: 04/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although most commonly associated with actions at cannabinoid CB1 receptors on the extracellular surface of the plasma membrane, the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) is also transported into the cell, by the putative anandamide membrane transporter (AMT), and activates the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) at an intracellular site. AEA is then inactivated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). As systemic administration of TRPV1 ligands reduces locomotor activity in normal rodents, we hypothesised that activation of TRPV1 by endocannabinoids could play a role in the control of voluntary movement and that such actions could be regulated by AMT and FAAH. Motor activity was assessed in normal, in reserpine-treated, and in reserpine-treated rats treated with L-DOPA. In normal rats, the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin (1 mg/kg) or the FAAH inhibitor URB597 (10 mg/kg) caused a significant reduction in movement in both the horizontal (locomotion) and vertical (rearing) planes (-45% and -53% respectively with capsaicin; -33% and -37% for URB597). Capsaicin-induced hypolocomotion was attenuated by the TRPV1 antagonist, capsazepine. There was no effect of capsaicin, URB597 or the AMT inhibitor OMDM-2 on motor activity in reserpine-treated rats. L-DOPA treatment of reserpine-treated rats elicited high levels of motor activity in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Horizontal activity was attenuated by capsaicin (1 mg/kg, -60%), but not by URB597 (10 mg/kg) or OMDM-2 (5 mg/kg). Vertical activity was attenuated by capsaicin (1 mg/kg, -61%) and by URB597 (10 mg/kg, -54%), but not by OMDM-2. These data suggest that activation of the TRPV1 system can suppress spontaneous locomotion in normal animals and modulates several L-DOPA-induced behaviours in reserpine-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohyung Lee
- Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, MC 11-419, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada
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Hill MN, Froese LM, Morrish AC, Sun JC, Floresco SB. Alterations in behavioral flexibility by cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists and antagonists. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 187:245-59. [PMID: 16752140 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0421-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2006] [Accepted: 04/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cannabinoid CB1 receptors are expressed in the prefrontal cortex, but their role in mediating executive functions such as behavioral flexibility is unclear. OBJECTIVE The present study examined the effect of pharmacological activation or blockade of the cannabinoid CB1 receptors on behavioral flexibility using a strategy set-shifting task conducted on a cross maze. MATERIALS AND METHODS In experiment 1, rats initially were trained to turn left or right while ignoring the visual cue to obtain a food; on the second test day, rats had to inhibit the previously learned rule and approach the cue to obtain the food. In experiment 2, the order of discrimination training was reversed. RESULTS Administration of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist HU-210 before the set-shift on day 2 elicited dose-dependent effects on performance. A 20-microg/kg dose of HU-210 increased perseverative errors, whereas the effects of a lower, 5-microg/kg dose caused differential effects depending on whether rats were required to shift from a response to a visual-cue discrimination strategy or vice versa. Conversely, administration of a 2-mg/kg, but not a 5-mg/kg dose of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 reduced perseverative errors. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate a biphasic and dose-sensitive role for the cannabinoid system in behavioral flexibility, which in turn may have clinical implications for the role of the endocannabinoid system in psychiatric disorders where behavioral flexibility is compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Hill
- Department of Psychology and the Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T1Z4, BC, Canada
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Bahr BA, Karanian DA, Makanji SS, Makriyannis A. Targeting the endocannabinoid system in treating brain disorders. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2006; 15:351-65. [PMID: 16548785 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.15.4.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Recent cannabinoid research has a primary focus on developing therapeutics against human diseases. Many studies on cannabinoids indicate important progress for protection against several neurodegenerative disorders. Agonists of cannabinoid receptors activate signalling pathways in the brain that are linked to neuronal repair and cell maintenance, and endogenous ligands can also activate neuroprotective responses. These endocannabinoids are bioactive fatty acid amides and esters that are synthesised in the brain and include arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. Endocannabinoids are released in response to pathogenic events, thus representing a potential compensatory repair mechanism. Enhancing this on-demand action of endocannabinoids is a strategy with which to promote endogenous repair signalling. For such enhancement, considerable work has gone into modulating the availability of endocannabinoids by blocking the processes of their deactivation. The targets include the anandamide-hydrolysing enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase, the carrier-mediated anandamide transport system and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol-deactivating enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase. The activity of endocannabinoids is terminated through transport and degradation and, accordingly, selective inhibitors of these processes effectively exploit the protective nature of cannabinergic responses. This review highlights recent studies implicating the endocannabinoid system in neuroprotection against different disorders of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben A Bahr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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Tzavara ET, Li DL, Moutsimilli L, Bisogno T, Di Marzo V, Phebus LA, Nomikos GG, Giros B. Endocannabinoids activate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptors to reduce hyperdopaminergia-related hyperactivity: therapeutic implications. Biol Psychiatry 2006; 59:508-15. [PMID: 16199010 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2005] [Revised: 07/26/2005] [Accepted: 08/09/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knockout (KO) mice invalidated for the dopamine transporter (DAT) constitute a powerful animal model of neurobiological alterations associated with hyperdopaminergia relevant to schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS Because of continuously increasing evidence for a neuromodulatory role of endocannabinoids in dopamine-related pathophysiological responses, we assessed endocannabinoid signaling in DAT KO mice and evaluated the ability of endocannabinoid ligands to normalize behavioral deficits, namely spontaneous hyperlocomotion in these mice. RESULTS In DAT KO mice, we found markedly reduced anandamide levels, specifically in striatum, the dopamine nerve terminal region. Furthermore, three distinct indirect endocannabinoid agonists, the selective anandamide reuptake inhibitors AM404 and VDM11 and the fatty acid amidohydrolase inhibitor AA5HT, attenuated spontaneous hyperlocomotion in DAT KO mice. The hypolocomotor effects of AM404, VDM11, and AA5HT were significantly attenuated by co-administration of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist capsazepine but not the selective cannabinoid type 1 (CB1)receptor antagonist AM251. Interestingly, TRPV1 binding was increased in the striatum of DAT KO mice, while CB1 receptor binding was unaffected. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate a dysregulated striatal endocannabinoid neurotransmission associated with hyperdopaminergic state. Restoring endocannabinoid homeostasis in active synapses might constitute an alternative therapeutic strategy for disorders associated with hyperdopaminergia. In this process, TRPV1 receptors seem to play a key role and represent a novel promising pharmacological target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni T Tzavara
- INSERM U-513, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Université de Médecine, Créteil, France
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Karanian DA, Brown QB, Makriyannis A, Kosten TA, Bahr BA. Dual modulation of endocannabinoid transport and fatty acid amide hydrolase protects against excitotoxicity. J Neurosci 2006; 25:7813-20. [PMID: 16120783 PMCID: PMC6725251 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2347-05.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been suggested to elicit signals that defend against several disease states including excitotoxic brain damage. Besides direct activation with CB1 receptor agonists, cannabinergic signaling can be modulated through inhibition of endocannabinoid transport and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), two mechanisms of endocannabinoid inactivation. To test whether the transporter and FAAH can be targeted pharmacologically to modulate survival/repair responses, the transport inhibitor N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM404) and the FAAH inhibitor palmitylsulfonyl fluoride (AM374) were assessed for protection against excitotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. AM374 and AM404 both enhanced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in cultured hippocampal slices. Interestingly, combining the distinct inhibitors produced additive effects on CB1 signaling and associated neuroprotection. After an excitotoxic insult in the slices, infusing the AM374/AM404 combination protected against cytoskeletal damage and synaptic decline, and the protection was similar to that produced by the stable CB1 agonist AM356 (R-methanandamide). AM374/AM404 and the agonist also elicited cytoskeletal and synaptic protection in vivo when coinjected with excitotoxin into the dorsal hippocampus. Correspondingly, potentiating endocannabinoid responses with the AM374/AM404 combination prevented behavioral alterations and memory impairment that are characteristic of excitotoxic damage. The protective effects mediated by AM374/AM404 were (1) evident 7 d after insult, (2) correlated with the preservation of CB1-linked MAPK signaling, and (3) were blocked by a selective CB1 antagonist. These results indicate that dual modulation of the endocannabinoid system with AM374/AM404 elicits neuroprotection through the CB1 receptor. The transporter and FAAH are modulatory sites that may be exploited to enhance cannabinergic signaling for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Karanian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
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Abstract
The therapeutic use of cannabinoids, the components of cannabis sativa L., was investigated in numerous researches in detail. Animal studies revealed that cannabinoid receptor agonists alter pain-associated behaviour, have immune-suppressive properties, suppress tumor growth, modulate sensitisation processes and influence memory and learning. Those effects are mediated by two membrane-bound cannabinoid receptors and as mechanisms of signal transduction blockade of ion channels, inhibition of adenylate cyclase and retrograde inhibition of neurotransmitter release are currently being discussed. In clinical studies oral administration of cannabinoids indicated beneficial results during the therapy of multiple sclerosis, weight loss, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and intractable pruritus. However, therapy of chronic pain conditions revealed conflicting results and unequivocal success could not have been delivered due to unwanted side effects. Further multicentre studies are required to estimate cannabinoids as novel therapeutic tools for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rukwied
- Institut für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Klinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg.
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Solinas M, Panlilio LV, Tanda G, Makriyannis A, Matthews SA, Goldberg SR. Cannabinoid agonists but not inhibitors of endogenous cannabinoid transport or metabolism enhance the reinforcing efficacy of heroin in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2005; 30:2046-57. [PMID: 15870833 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system is involved in the reinforcing effects of heroin. In rats intravenously self-administering heroin, we investigated effects of cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists and compounds that block transport or metabolism of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide. The natural cannnabinoid CB1 receptor agonist delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 0.3-3 mg/kg i.p.) did not alter self-administration of heroin under a fixed-ratio one (FR1) schedule, except at a high 3 mg/kg dose which decreased heroin self-administration. Under a progressive-ratio schedule, however, THC dose-dependently increased the number of 50 mug/kg heroin injections self-administered per session and the maximal ratio completed (break-point), with peak increases at 1 mg/kg THC. In addition, 1 mg/kg THC increased break-points and injections self-administered over a wide range of heroin injection doses (25-100 microg/kg), indicating an increase in heroin's reinforcing efficacy and not its potency. The synthetic cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (0.3-3 mg/kg i.p.) had effects similar to THC under the progressive-ratio schedule. In contrast, AM-404 (1-10 mg/kg i.p.), an inhibitor of transport of anandamide, and URB-597 (0.01-0.3 mg/kg i.p.), an inhibitor of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) that degrades anandamide, or their combination, did not increase reinforcing efficacy of heroin at any dose tested. Thus, activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors facilitates the reinforcing efficacy of heroin and this appears to be mediated by interactions between cannabinoid CB1 receptors and mu-opioid receptors and their signaling pathways, rather than by an opioid-induced release of endogenous cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Solinas
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Pertwee RG. The therapeutic potential of drugs that target cannabinoid receptors or modulate the tissue levels or actions of endocannabinoids. AAPS J 2005; 7:E625-54. [PMID: 16353941 PMCID: PMC2751266 DOI: 10.1208/aapsj070364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2005] [Accepted: 07/21/2005] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are at least 2 types of cannabinoid receptor, CB(1) and CB(2), both G protein coupled. CB(1) receptors are expressed predominantly at nerve terminals and mediate inhibition of transmitter release, whereas CB(2) receptors are found mainly on immune cells, their roles including the modulation of cytokine release and of immune cell migration. Endogenous agonists for cannabinoid receptors also exist. These "endocannabinoids" are synthesized on demand and removed from their sites of action by cellular uptake and intracellular enzymic hydrolysis. Endocannabinoids and their receptors together constitute the endocannabinoid system. This review summarizes evidence that there are certain central and peripheral disorders in which increases take place in the release of endocannabinoids onto their receptors and/or in the density or coupling efficiency of these receptors and that this upregulation is protective in some disorders but can have undesirable consequences in others. It also considers therapeutic strategies by which this upregulation might be modulated to clinical advantage. These strategies include the administration of (1) a CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist or antagonist that does or does not readily cross the blood brain barrier; (2) a CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist intrathecally or directly to some other site outside the brain; (3) a partial CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist rather than a full agonist; (4) a CB(1) and/or CB(2) receptor agonist together with a noncannabinoid, for example, morphine or codeine; (5) an inhibitor or activator of endocannabinoid biosynthesis, cellular uptake, or metabolism; (6) an allosteric modulator of the CB(1) receptor; and (7) a CB(2) receptor inverse agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
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van der Stelt M, Fox SH, Hill M, Crossman AR, Petrosino S, Di Marzo V, Brotchie JM. A role for endocannabinoids in the generation of parkinsonism and levodopa-induced dyskinesia in MPTP-lesioned non-human primate models of Parkinson's disease. FASEB J 2005; 19:1140-2. [PMID: 15894565 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-3010fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids and cannabinoid CB1 receptors play a role in the control of movement by modulating GABA, glutamate, and other neurotransmitters throughout the basal ganglia. Roles for abnormalities in endocannabinoid signaling in Parkinson's disease (PD) and the major side effect of current treatments, levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID), have been suggested by rodent studies. Here we show that signaling by endocannabinoids contributes to the pathophysiology of parkinsonism and LID in MPTP-lesioned, non-human primate models of Parkinson's disease. In MPTP-lesioned marmosets previously treated with levodopa to establish LID, attenuation of CB1 signaling by systemic administration of rimonabant (1 and 3 mg/kg) had anti-parkinsonian actions, equivalent to a 71% increase in motor activity at 3 mg/kg. Rimonabant did not elicit dyskinesia. Co-administration of levodopa (8 mg/kg) and rimonabant (1 and 3 mg/kg) resulted in significantly less dyskinesia than levodopa alone, without significantly affecting the anti-parkinsonian action of levodopa. These data suggest that enhanced endocannabinoid signaling may be involved in the pathophysiology of both parkinsonism and LID. To define potential mechanisms by which such a role might be mediated, we determined the levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) throughout the basal ganglia in normal and three groups of MPTP-lesioned cynomolgus monkeys (untreated; acutely treated with L-DOPA, non-dyskinetic; long-term treated, with levodopa-induced dyskinesia). In the untreated, MPTP-lesioned primate, parkinsonism was associated with increases in both 2-AG (+88%) and anandamide (+49%) in the striatum, and of 2-AG (+97%) in the substantia nigra, changes that are consistent with the previously suggested role for endocannabinoids in mechanisms attempting to compensate for loss of dopamine in untreated parkinsonism. Increased levels of anandamide (+34%) in the external globus pallidus of MPTP-lesioned animals were normalized by levodopa treatment and may contribute to the generation of parkinsonian symptoms. However, no clear alteration in endocannabinoid levels could be correlated with the expression of LID. These data highlight the potential roles played by endocannabinoids and CB1 in PD and LID and suggest the need for further research to pursue the multiple therapeutic opportunities for manipulating this system in movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario van der Stelt
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
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Battista N, Gasperi V, Fezza F, Maccarrone M. The anandamide membrane transporter and the therapeutic implications of its inhibition. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.2217/14750708.2.1.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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