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Igwe JK, Alaribe U. Cannabis use associated with lower mortality among hospitalized Covid-19 patients using the national inpatient sample: an epidemiological study. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:18. [PMID: 38582889 PMCID: PMC10998318 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00228-w] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior reports indicate that modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may have a protective benefit for Covid-19 patients. However, associations between cannabis use (CU) or CU not in remission (active cannabis use (ACU)), and Covid-19-related outcomes among hospitalized patients is unknown. METHODS In this multicenter retrospective observational cohort analysis of adults (≥ 18 years-old) identified from 2020 National Inpatient Sample database, we utilize multivariable regression analyses and propensity score matching analysis (PSM) to analyze trends and outcomes among Covid-19-related hospitalizations with CU and without CU (N-CU) for primary outcome of interest: Covid-19-related mortality; and secondary outcomes: Covid-19-related hospitalization, mechanical ventilation (MV), and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) compared to all-cause admissions; for CU vs N-CU; and for ACU vs N-ACU. RESULTS There were 1,698,560 Covid-19-related hospitalizations which were associated with higher mortality (13.44% vs 2.53%, p ≤ 0.001) and worse secondary outcomes generally. Among all-cause hospitalizations, 1.56% of CU and 6.29% of N-CU were hospitalized with Covid-19 (p ≤ 0.001). ACU was associated with lower odds of MV, PE, and death among the Covid-19 population. On PSM, ACU(N(unweighted) = 2,382) was associated with 83.97% lower odds of death compared to others(N(unweighted) = 282,085) (2.77% vs 3.95%, respectively; aOR:0.16, [0.10-0.25], p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the ECS may represent a viable target for modulation of Covid-19. Additional studies are needed to further explore these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph-Kevin Igwe
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Ugo Alaribe
- Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine, 5600 N River Rd Suite 800, Rosemont, IL, 60018, USA
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2
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Szulc M, Kujawski R, Pacholak A, Poprawska M, Czora-Poczwardowska K, Geppert B, Mikołajczak PŁ. Cannabidiol as a Modulator of the Development of Alcohol Tolerance in Rats. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071702. [PMID: 37049542 PMCID: PMC10097131 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to explore in vivo the influence of cannabidiol (CBD) on the development of alcohol tolerance in rats. Rats were treated with ethanol (3.0 g/kg, i.p.) and CBD (20 mg/kg, p.o.) for nine successive days, and rectal body temperature, sedation (sleeping time), and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) were measured. In the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, the cannabinoid (CB1R and CB2R) and dopaminergic (DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, DRD5) receptors’ mRNA level changes were analyzed using the quantitative RT-PCR method. CBD inhibited the development of tolerance to the hypothermic and sedative action of alcohol, coupled with BAC elevation. On a molecular level, the most pronounced effects of the CBD + ethanol interaction in the striatum were observed, where CBD reversed the downregulation of CB2R gene transcription caused by ethanol. For CB1R, DRD1, and DRD2 mRNAs, the CBD + ethanol interaction produced opposite effects than for CB2R ones. In turn, for the transcription of genes encoding dopaminergic receptors, the most potent effect of alcohol as CBD occurred in the hippocampus. However, the combined CBD and alcohol administration showed the same effect for each substance administered separately. Since tolerance is considered a prelude to drug addiction, obtained results allow us to emphasize the thesis that CBD can inhibit the development of alcohol dependence in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Szulc
- Department of Pharmacology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Radosław Kujawski
- Department of Pharmacology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Amanda Pacholak
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Poprawska
- Department of Pharmacology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Bogna Geppert
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, Zyty 28, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Przemysław Ł. Mikołajczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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3
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F Amil A, Rubio Ballester B, Maier M, F M J Verschure P. Chronic use of cannabis might impair sensory error processing in the cerebellum through endocannabinoid dysregulation. Addict Behav 2022; 131:107297. [PMID: 35417840 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic use of cannabis leads to both motor deficits and the downregulation of CB1 receptors (CB1R) in the cerebellum. In turn, cerebellar damage is often related to impairments in motor learning and control. Further, a recent motor learning task that measures cerebellar-dependent adaptation has been shown to distinguish well between healthy subjects and chronic cannabis users. Thus, the deteriorating effects of chronic cannabis use in motor performance point to cerebellar adaptation as a key process to explain such deficits. We review the literature relating chronic cannabis use, the endocannabinoid system in the cerebellum, and different forms of cerebellar-dependent motor learning, to suggest that CB1R downregulation leads to a generalized underestimation and misprocessing of the sensory errors driving synaptic updates in the cerebellar cortex. Further, we test our hypothesis with a computational model performing a motor adaptation task and reproduce the behavioral effect of decreased implicit adaptation that appears to be a sign of chronic cannabis use. Finally, we discuss the potential of our hypothesis to explain similar phenomena related to motor impairments following chronic alcohol dependency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián F Amil
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Martina Maier
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Paul F M J Verschure
- Donders Center for Neuroscience (DCN) - Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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4
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Abstract
PURPOSE A growing body of evidence has implicated the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in the acute, chronic, and withdrawal effects of alcohol/ethanol on synaptic function. These eCB-mediated synaptic effects may contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol exposure causes neurobiological alterations similar to those elicited by chronic cannabinoid (CB) exposure. Like alcohol, cannabinoids alter many central processes, such as cognition, locomotion, synaptic transmission, and neurotransmitter release. There is a strong need to elucidate the effects of ethanol on the eCB system in different brain regions to understand the role of eCB signaling in AUD. SEARCH METHODS For the scope of this review, preclinical studies were identified through queries of the PubMed database. SEARCH RESULTS This search yielded 459 articles. Clinical studies and papers irrelevant to the topic of this review were excluded. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The endocannabinoid system includes, but is not limited to, cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1), among the most abundantly expressed neuronal receptors in the brain; cannabinoid receptors 2 (CB2); and endogenously formed CB1 ligands, including arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA; anandamide), and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The development of specific CB1 agonists, such as WIN 55,212-2 (WIN), and antagonists, such as SR 141716A (rimonabant), provide powerful pharmacological tools for eCB research. Alcohol exposure has brain region-specific effects on the eCB system, including altering the synthesis of endocannabinoids (e.g., AEA, 2-AG), the synthesis of their precursors, and the density and coupling efficacy of CB1. These alcohol-induced alterations of the eCB system have subsequent effects on synaptic function including neuronal excitability and postsynaptic conductance. This review will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the current literature on the synaptic interactions of alcohol exposure and eCB signaling systems, with an emphasis on molecular and physiological synaptic effects of alcohol on the eCB system. A limited volume of studies has focused on the underlying interactions of alcohol and the eCB system at the synaptic level in the brain. Thus, the data on synaptic interactions are sparse, and future research addressing these interactions is much needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Valentina Vozella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
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5
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The interactions of alcohol and cocaine regulate the expression of genes involved in the GABAergic, glutamatergic and endocannabinoid systems of male and female rats. Neuropharmacology 2021; 206:108937. [PMID: 34965406 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although the pharmacological and behavioural interactions between cocaine and alcohol are well established, less is known about how polyconsumption of these drugs affects the neurotransmitter systems involved in their psychoactive effects and in particular, in the process of addiction. Here, rats of both sexes at two stages of development were studied under a chronic regime of intravenous cocaine and/or alcohol administration. Brain samples from the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus and amygdala were extracted to analyse the mRNA expression of genes encoding subunits of the GABA, NMDA and AMPA receptors, as well as the expression of the CB1 receptor, and that of enzymes related to the biosynthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids. Moreover, two synaptic scaffold proteins related to GABA and NMDA receptors, gephyrin and PSD-95, were quantified in Western blots. Significant interactions between cocaine and alcohol were common, affecting the GABAergic and endocannabinoid systems in the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala of young adults, whereas such interactions were evident in the glutamatergic and endocannabinoid systems in adults, as well as a more pronounced sex effect. Significant interactions between these drugs affecting the scaffold proteins were evident in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of young adults, and in the nucleus accumbens and amygdala of adults, but not in the hippocampus. These results highlight the importance of considering the interactions between cocaine and alcohol on neurotransmitter systems in the context of polyconsumption, specifically when treating problems of abuse of these two substances.
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Fu R, Tang Y, Li W, Ren Z, Li D, Zheng J, Zuo W, Chen X, Zuo QK, Tam KL, Zou Y, Bachmann T, Bekker A, Ye JH. Endocannabinoid signaling in the lateral habenula regulates pain and alcohol consumption. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:220. [PMID: 33854035 PMCID: PMC8046806 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperalgesia, which often occurs in people suffering from alcohol use disorder, may drive excessive drinking and relapse. Emerging evidence suggests that the lateral habenula (LHb) may play a significant role in this condition. Previous research suggests that endocannabinoid signaling (eCBs) is involved in drug addiction and pain, and that the LHb contains core components of the eCBs machinery. We report here our findings in rats subjected to chronic ethanol vapor exposure. We detected a substantial increase in endocannabinoid-related genes, including Mgll and Daglb mRNA levels, as well as monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) protein levels, as well as a decrease in Cnr1 mRNA and type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) protein levels, in the LHb of ethanol-exposed rats. Also, rats withdrawing from ethanol exposure displayed hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal nociceptive stimuli. Conversely, intra-LHb injection of the MAGL inhibitor JZL184, the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597, or the CB1R agonist WIN55,212-2 produced an analgesic effect, regardless of ethanol or air exposure history, implying that alcohol exposure does not change eCB pain responses. Intra-LHb infusion of the CB1R inverse agonist rimonabant eliminated the analgesic effect of these chemicals. Rimonabant alone elicited hyperalgesia in the air-, but not ethanol-exposed animals. Moreover, intra-LHb JZL184, URB597, or WIN55,212-2 reduced ethanol consumption in both homecages and operant chambers in rats exposed to ethanol vapor but not air. These findings suggest that LHb eCBs play a pivotal role in nociception and facilitating LHb eCBs may attenuate pain in drinkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Wenfu Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Zhiheng Ren
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Ding Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jiayi Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Xuejun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qi Kang Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Kelsey L Tam
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yucong Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Thomas Bachmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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7
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Forner-Piquer I, Santangeli S, Maradonna F, Rabbito A, Piscitelli F, Habibi HR, di Marzo V, Carnevali O. Comments on Disruption of the gonadal endocannabinoid system in zebrafish exposed to diisononyl phthalate - Forner-Piquer et al. (2018)": rebuttal to Prosser CM. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 261:114028. [PMID: 32085902 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Forner-Piquer
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e Dell'ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Santangeli
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e Dell'ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Maradonna
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy; INBB, Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Consorzio Interuniversitario, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rabbito
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Hamid R Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Vincezo di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy; INBB, Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Consorzio Interuniversitario, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Sanchez-Marin L, Gavito AL, Decara J, Pastor A, Castilla-Ortega E, Suarez J, de la Torre R, Pavon FJ, Rodriguez de Fonseca F, Serrano A. Impact of intermittent voluntary ethanol consumption during adolescence on the expression of endocannabinoid system and neuroinflammatory mediators. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 33:126-138. [PMID: 32057593 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The adolescent brain displays high vulnerability to the deleterious effects of ethanol, including greater risk of developing alcohol use disorder later in life. Here, we characterized the gene expression of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and relevant signaling systems associated with neuroinflammation and emotional behaviors in the brain of young adult control and ethanol-exposed (EtOH) rats. We measured mRNA levels of candidate genes using quantitative real time PCR in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala and hippocampus. EtOH rats were generated by maintenance on an intermittent and voluntary ethanol consumption during adolescence using the two-bottle choice paradigm (4 days/week for 4 weeks) followed by 2 week-withdrawal, a time-point of withdrawal with no physical symptoms. Mean differences and effect sizes were calculated using t-test and Cohen's d values. In the mPFC and hippocampus, EtOH rats had significantly higher mRNA expression of endocannabinoid-signaling (mPFC: Ppara, Dagla, Daglb and Napepld; and hippocampus: Cnr2, Dagla and Mgll) and neuroinflammation-associated genes (mPFC: Gfap; and hippocampus: Aif1) than in controls. Moreover, EtOH rats had significantly higher mRNA expression of neuropeptide Y receptor genes (Npy1r, Npy2r and Npy5r) in the hippocampus. Finally, EtOH rats also displayed higher plasma endocannabinoid levels than controls. In conclusion, these results suggest that adolescent ethanol exposure can lead to long-term alterations in the gene expression of the ECS and other signaling systems involved in neuroinflammation and regulation of emotional behaviors in key brain areas for the development of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sanchez-Marin
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Avda. Carlos Haya 82, Sótano, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - A L Gavito
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Avda. Carlos Haya 82, Sótano, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - J Decara
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Avda. Carlos Haya 82, Sótano, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - A Pastor
- Programa de Neurociencias, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Castilla-Ortega
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Avda. Carlos Haya 82, Sótano, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - J Suarez
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Avda. Carlos Haya 82, Sótano, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - R de la Torre
- Programa de Neurociencias, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - F J Pavon
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Avda. Carlos Haya 82, Sótano, Málaga 29010, Spain; Unidad Gestión Clínica del Corazón, IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - F Rodriguez de Fonseca
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Avda. Carlos Haya 82, Sótano, Málaga 29010, Spain.
| | - A Serrano
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Avda. Carlos Haya 82, Sótano, Málaga 29010, Spain.
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9
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Kunos G. Interactions Between Alcohol and the Endocannabinoid System. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:790-805. [PMID: 32056226 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are lipid mediators that interact with the same cannabinoid receptors that recognize Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive constituent of marijuana, to induce similar effects in the brain and periphery. Alcohol and THC are both addictive substances whose acute use elicits rewarding effects that can lead to chronic and compulsive use via engaging similar signaling pathways in the brain. In the liver, both alcohol and endocannabinoids activate lipogenic gene expression leading to fatty liver disease. This review focuses on evidence accumulated over the last 2 decades to indicate that both the addictive neural effects of ethanol and its organ toxic effects in the liver and elsewhere are mediated, to a large extent, by endocannabinoids signaling via cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1 R). The therapeutic potential of CB1 R blockade globally or in peripheral tissues only is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kunos
- From the, Division of Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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10
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Basavarajappa BS, Joshi V, Shivakumar M, Subbanna S. Distinct functions of endogenous cannabinoid system in alcohol abuse disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:3085-3109. [PMID: 31265740 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal active component in Cannabis sativa extracts such as marijuana, participates in cell signalling by binding to cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors on the cell surface. The CB1 receptors are present in both inhibitory and excitatory presynaptic terminals and the CB2 receptors are found in neuronal subpopulations in addition to microglial cells and astrocytes and are present in both presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals. Subsequent to the discovery of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, studies have suggested that alcohol alters the eCB system and that this system plays a major role in the motivation to abuse alcohol. Preclinical studies have provided evidence that chronic alcohol consumption modulates eCBs and expression of CB1 receptors in brain addiction circuits. In addition, studies have further established the distinct function of the eCB system in the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This review provides a recent and comprehensive assessment of the literature related to the function of the eCB system in alcohol abuse disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S Basavarajappa
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vikram Joshi
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Madhu Shivakumar
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
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11
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Endocannabinoid System and Alcohol Abuse Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1162:89-127. [PMID: 31332736 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary active component in Cannabis sativa preparations such as hashish and marijuana, signals by binding to cell surface receptors. Two types of receptors have been cloned and characterized as cannabinoid (CB) receptors. CB1 receptors (CB1R) are ubiquitously present in the central nervous system (CNS) and are present in both inhibitory interneurons and excitatory neurons at the presynaptic terminal. CB2 receptors (CB2R) are demonstrated in microglial cells, astrocytes, and several neuron subpopulations and are present in both pre- and postsynaptic terminals. The majority of studies on these receptors have been conducted in the past two and half decades after the identification of the molecular constituents of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system that started with the characterization of CB1R. Subsequently, the seminal discovery was made, which suggested that alcohol (ethanol) alters the eCB system, thus establishing the contribution of the eCB system in the motivation to consume ethanol. Several preclinical studies have provided evidence that CB1R significantly contributes to the motivational and reinforcing properties of ethanol and that the chronic consumption of ethanol alters eCB transmitters and CB1R expression in the brain nuclei associated with addiction pathways. Additionally, recent seminal studies have further established the role of the eCB system in the development of ethanol-induced developmental disorders, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). These results are augmented by in vitro and ex vivo studies, showing that acute and chronic treatment with ethanol produces physiologically relevant alterations in the function of the eCB system during development and in the adult stage. This chapter provides a current and comprehensive review of the literature concerning the role of the eCB system in alcohol abuse disorders (AUD).
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Ieong HFH. Commentary: Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Persistently Alters Endocannabinoid Signaling and Endocannabinioid-Mediated Excitatory Synaptic Plasticity in Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:364. [PMID: 29163039 PMCID: PMC5675883 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Garcia-Marchena N, Pavon FJ, Pastor A, Araos P, Pedraz M, Romero-Sanchiz P, Calado M, Suarez J, Castilla-Ortega E, Orio L, Boronat A, Torrens M, Rubio G, de la Torre R, Rodriguez de Fonseca F, Serrano A. Plasma concentrations of oleoylethanolamide and other acylethanolamides are altered in alcohol-dependent patients: effect of length of abstinence. Addict Biol 2017; 22:1366-1377. [PMID: 27212249 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Acylethanolamides are a family of endogenous lipid mediators that are involved in physiological and behavioral processes associated with addiction. Recently, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) has been reported to reduce alcohol intake and relapse in rodents but the contribution of OEA and other acylethanolamides in alcohol addiction in humans is unknown. The present study is aimed to characterize the plasma acylethanolamides in alcohol dependence. Seventy-nine abstinent alcohol-dependent subjects (27 women) recruited from outpatient treatment programs and age-/sex-/body mass-matched healthy volunteers (28 women) were clinically assessed with the diagnostic interview PRISM according to the DSM-IV-TR after blood extraction for quantification of acylethanolamide concentrations in the plasma. Our results indicate that all acylethanolamides were significantly increased in alcohol-dependent patients compared with control subjects (p < 0.001). A logistic model based on these acylethanolamides was developed to distinguish alcohol-dependent patients from controls and included OEA, arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and docosatetraenoylethanolamide (DEA), providing a high discriminatory power according to area under the curve [AUC = 0.92 (95%CI: 0.87-0.96), p < 0.001]. Additionally, we found a significant effect of the duration of alcohol abstinence on the concentrations of OEA, AEA and DEA using a regression model (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively), which was confirmed by a negative correlation (rho = -0.31, -0.40 and -0.44, respectively). However, acylethanolamides were not influenced by the addiction alcohol severity, duration of problematic alcohol use or diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidity. Our results support the preclinical studies and suggest that OEA, AEA and DEA are altered in alcohol-dependence during abstinence and that might act as potential markers for predicting length of alcohol abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Garcia-Marchena
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Francisco J. Pavon
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Grup de Recerca en Farmacología Integrada i Neurociencia de Sistemes, Programa de Recerca en Neurociencia; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute); Spain
- Department de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Terapeutica, Facultat de Medicina; Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona; Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBERObn); ISCIII; Spain
| | - Pedro Araos
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Maria Pedraz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Pablo Romero-Sanchiz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Montserrat Calado
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Juan Suarez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Estela Castilla-Ortega
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Laura Orio
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología; Universidad Complutense; Spain
| | - Anna Boronat
- Grup de Recerca en Farmacología Integrada i Neurociencia de Sistemes, Programa de Recerca en Neurociencia; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute); Spain
- Department de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Terapeutica, Facultat de Medicina; Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona; Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBERObn); ISCIII; Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD) del Parc de Salut MAR; Spain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute); Barcelona Spain
- Department of Psychiatry; Univ Autonoma de Barcelona; Spain
| | - Gabriel Rubio
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Facultad de Medicina; Universidad Complutense; Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre; Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Grup de Recerca en Farmacología Integrada i Neurociencia de Sistemes, Programa de Recerca en Neurociencia; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute); Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBERObn); ISCIII; Spain
- Facultat de Ciencies de la Salut i de la Vida; Universidat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF); Spain
| | - Fernando Rodriguez de Fonseca
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA); Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
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Sanchez-Marin L, Pavon FJ, Decara J, Suarez J, Gavito A, Castilla-Ortega E, Rodriguez de Fonseca F, Serrano A. Effects of Intermittent Alcohol Exposure on Emotion and Cognition: A Potential Role for the Endogenous Cannabinoid System and Neuroinflammation. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:15. [PMID: 28223925 PMCID: PMC5293779 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermittent alcohol exposure is a common pattern of adolescent alcohol use that can lead to binge drinking episodes. Alcohol use is known to modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in neuronal communication, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and behavior. Adolescent male Wistar rats were exposed to 4-week intermittent alcohol intoxication (3 g/kg injections for 4 days/week) or saline (N = 12 per group). After alcohol deprivation, adult rats were assessed for emotionality and cognition and the gene expression of the ECS and other factors related to behavior and neuroinflammation was examined in the brain. Alcohol-exposed rats exhibited anxiogenic-like responses and impaired recognition memory but no motor alterations. There were brain region-dependent changes in the mRNA levels of the ECS and molecular signals compared with control rats. Thus, overall, alcohol-exposed rats expressed higher mRNA levels of endocannabinoid synthetic enzymes (N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D and diacylglycerol lipases) in the medial-prefrontal cortex (mPFC) but lower mRNA levels in the amygdala. Furthermore, we observed lower mRNA levels of receptors CB1 CB2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α in the striatum. Regarding neuropeptide signaling, alcohol-exposed rats displayed lower mRNA levels of the neuropeptide Y signaling, particularly NPY receptor-2, in the amygdala and hippocampus and higher mRNA levels of corticotropin-releasing factor in the hippocampus. Additionally, we observed changes of several neuroinflammation-related factors. Whereas, the mRNA levels of toll-like receptor-4, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were significantly increased in the mPFC, the mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were decreased in the striatum and hippocampus. However, nuclear factor-κβ mRNA levels were lower in the mPFC and striatum and allograft inflammatory factor-1 levels were differentially expressed in the amygdala and hippocampus. In conclusion, rats exposed to adolescent intermittent alcohol displayed anxiety-like behavior and cognitive deficits in adulthood and these alterations were accompanied by brain region-dependent changes in the gene expression of the ECS and other signals associated with neuroinflammation and behavior. An intermittent adolescent alcohol exposure has behavioral and molecular consequences in the adult brain, which might be linked to higher vulnerability to addictive behaviors and psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sanchez-Marin
- Unidad de Gestion Clinica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Universidad de Malaga Malaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J Pavon
- Unidad de Gestion Clinica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Universidad de Malaga Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan Decara
- Unidad de Gestion Clinica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Universidad de Malaga Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suarez
- Unidad de Gestion Clinica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Universidad de Malaga Malaga, Spain
| | - Ana Gavito
- Unidad de Gestion Clinica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Universidad de Malaga Malaga, Spain
| | - Estela Castilla-Ortega
- Unidad de Gestion Clinica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Universidad de Malaga Malaga, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodriguez de Fonseca
- Unidad de Gestion Clinica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Universidad de Malaga Malaga, Spain
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Unidad de Gestion Clinica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Universidad de Malaga Malaga, Spain
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15
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Pavón FJ, Marco EM, Vázquez M, Sánchez L, Rivera P, Gavito A, Mela V, Alén F, Decara J, Suárez J, Giné E, López-Moreno JA, Chowen J, Rodríguez-de-Fonseca F, Serrano A, Viveros MP. Effects of Adolescent Intermittent Alcohol Exposure on the Expression of Endocannabinoid Signaling-Related Proteins in the Spleen of Young Adult Rats. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163752. [PMID: 27662369 PMCID: PMC5035052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermittent alcohol exposure is a common pattern of alcohol consumption among adolescents and alcohol is known to modulate the expression of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in metabolism and inflammation. However, it is unknown whether this pattern may have short-term consequences on the ECS in the spleen. To address this question, we examined the plasma concentrations of metabolic and inflammatory signals and the splenic ECS in early adult rats exposed to alcohol during adolescence. A 4-day drinking in the dark (DID) procedure for 4 weeks was used as a model of intermittent forced-alcohol administration (20%, v/v) in female and male Wistar rats, which were sacrificed 2 weeks after the last DID session. First, there was no liver damage or alterations in plasma metabolic parameters. However, certain plasma inflammatory signals were altered according to sex and alcohol exposition. Whereas fractalkine [chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1] was only affected by sex with lower concentration in male rats, there was an interaction between sex and alcohol exposure in the TNF-α and interleukin-6 concentrations and only female rats displayed changes. Regarding the mRNA and protein expression of the ECS, the receptors and endocannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes were found to be altered with area-specific expression patterns in the spleen. Overall, whereas the expression of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 and the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPARα were lower in alcohol-exposed rats compared to control rats, the CB2 expression was higher. Additionally, the N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D expression was high in female alcohol-exposed rats and low in male alcohol-exposed rats. In conclusion, intermittent alcohol consumption during adolescence may be sufficient to induce short-term changes in the expression of splenic endocannabinoid signaling-related proteins and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines in young adult rats with a strong sexual dimorphism. The potential impact of these alterations in early adulthood remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Pavón
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Eva María Marco
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariam Vázquez
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Patricia Rivera
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Ana Gavito
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Virginia Mela
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Alén
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Decara
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Elena Giné
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Julie Chowen
- Servicio de Pediatría y Endocrinología Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (IP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-de-Fonseca
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga-Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- * E-mail: (ASC); (MPV)
| | - María Paz Viveros
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal II), Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (ASC); (MPV)
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16
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Bilbao A, Serrano A, Cippitelli A, Pavón FJ, Giuffrida A, Suárez J, García-Marchena N, Baixeras E, Gómez de Heras R, Orio L, Alén F, Ciccocioppo R, Cravatt BF, Parsons LH, Piomelli D, Rodríguez de Fonseca F. Role of the satiety factor oleoylethanolamide in alcoholism. Addict Biol 2016; 21:859-72. [PMID: 26037332 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a satiety factor that controls motivational responses to dietary fat. Here we show that alcohol administration causes the release of OEA in rodents, which in turn reduces alcohol consumption by engaging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α). This effect appears to rely on peripheral signaling mechanisms as alcohol self-administration is unaltered by intracerebral PPAR-α agonist administration, and the lesion of sensory afferent fibers (by capsaicin) abrogates the effect of systemically administered OEA on alcohol intake. Additionally, OEA is shown to block cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior (an animal model of relapse) and reduce the severity of somatic withdrawal symptoms in alcohol-dependent animals. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a homeostatic role for OEA signaling in the behavioral effects of alcohol exposure and highlight OEA as a novel therapeutic target for alcohol use disorders and alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Bilbao
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto IBIMA-Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
- Institute of Psychopharmacology; Central Institute of Mental Health; Medical Faculty of Mannheim; University of Heidelberg; Germany
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto IBIMA-Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla CA USA
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- School of Pharmacy; Pharmacology Unit; University of Camerino; Italy
| | - Francisco J. Pavón
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto IBIMA-Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla CA USA
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; San Antonio TX USA
| | - Juan Suárez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto IBIMA-Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Nuria García-Marchena
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto IBIMA-Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología; Facultad de Psicología; Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Spain
| | - Elena Baixeras
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto IBIMA-Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
| | - Raquel Gómez de Heras
- Departamento de Psicobiología; Facultad de Psicología; Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Spain
| | - Laura Orio
- Departamento de Psicobiología; Facultad de Psicología; Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Spain
| | - Francisco Alén
- Departamento de Psicobiología; Facultad de Psicología; Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Spain
| | | | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical Physiology; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla CA USA
| | - Loren H. Parsons
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla CA USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Pharmacology, and Biological Chemistry; University of California; Irvine CA USA
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development; Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Italy
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental; Instituto IBIMA-Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga; Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología; Facultad de Psicología; Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Spain
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Dabur R, Mittal A. Detection and qualitative analysis of fatty acid amides in the urine of alcoholics using HPLC-QTOF-MS. Alcohol 2016; 52:71-78. [PMID: 27139240 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid amides (FAAs) in alcoholism lead to liver diseases. These amides have been reported in plasma and in other organs of the body, while their detection or presence in the urine is still unknown. Therefore, the focus of the current study was to detect and analyze FAAs qualitatively in urine samples of alcoholics. Furthermore, the effects of Tinospora cordifolia (hepatoprotective medicinal plant) intervention on FAA levels in moderate alcoholics were also analyzed. In the study, asymptomatic chronic alcoholics (n = 22) without chronic liver disease and nonalcoholic healthy volunteers (n = 24) with a mean age of 39 ± 2.0 years were selected. The first-pass urine and fasting blood samples were collected in the morning on day 0 and day 14 after T. cordifolia water extract (TCE) treatment and analyzed using automated biochemistry analyzer and HPLC-QTOF-MS. Results indicated the increased levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver function enzymes in alcoholic subjects, which were significantly down-regulated by TCE intervention. Multivariate discrimination analysis of QTOF-MS data showed increased urinary levels of oleoamide (2.55-fold), palmitamide (5.6-fold), and erucamide (1.6-fold) in alcoholics as compared to control subjects. Levels of oleamide (1.8-fold), palmitamide (1.7-fold), and linoleamide (1.5-fold) were found to be increased in plasma. Treatment with TCE in alcoholics (3.0 g lyophilized water extract/day) significantly decreased the plasma and urinary levels of all FAAs except linoleamide. The HPLC-QTOF-MS approach for FAAs analysis in both urinary and plasma samples of alcoholics worked very well. Moreover, findings (i.e., increased levels of FAAs in urine and in plasma) further support other findings that these amides play a very important role in alcoholism. Further, like our previous findings, TCE proved its hepatoprotective effect against alcoholism not only by lowering the levels of these detected FAAs, but also by decreasing the level of liver-specific enzymes and lipids.
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Cannabinoid CB1 receptor inhibition blunts adolescent-typical increased binge alcohol and sucrose consumption in male C57BL/6J mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 143:11-7. [PMID: 26800788 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Increased binge alcohol consumption has been reported among adolescents as compared to adults in both humans and rodent models, and has been associated with serious long-term health consequences. However, the neurochemical mechanism for age differences in binge drinking between adolescents and adults has not been established. The present study was designed to evaluate the mechanistic role of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in adolescent and adult binge drinking. Binge consumption was established in adolescent and adult male C57BL/6J mice by providing access to 20% alcohol or 1% sucrose for 4h every other day. Pretreatment with the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist AM-251 (0, 1, 3, and 10mg/kg) in a Latin square design dose-dependently reduced adolescent alcohol consumption to adult levels without altering adult intake. AM-251 (3mg/kg) also reduced adolescent but not adult sucrose consumption. Adolescent reductions in alcohol and sucrose were not associated with alterations in open-field locomotor activity or thigmotaxis. These findings point to age differences in CB1 receptor activity as a functional mediator of adolescent-typical increased binge drinking as compared to adults. Developmental alterations in endocannabinoid signaling in the adolescent brain may therefore be responsible for the drinking phenotype seen in this age group.
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Acute and chronic ethanol exposure differentially regulate CB1 receptor function at glutamatergic synapses in the rat basolateral amygdala. Neuropharmacology 2015; 108:474-84. [PMID: 26707595 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) system has been suggested to play a key role in ethanol preference and intake, the acute effects of ethanol, and in the development of withdrawal symptoms following ethanol dependence. Ethanol-dependent alterations in glutamatergic signaling within the lateral/basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) are critical for the development and expression of withdrawal-induced anxiety. Notably, the eCB system significantly regulates both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic activity within the BLA. Chronic ethanol exposure significantly alters eCB system expression within regions critical to the expression of emotionality and anxiety-related behavior, including the BLA. Here, we investigated specific interactions between the BLA eCB system and its functional regulation of synaptic activity during acute and chronic ethanol exposure. In tissue from ethanol naïve-rats, a prolonged acute ethanol exposure caused a dose dependent inhibition of glutamatergic synaptic activity via a presynaptic mechanism that was occluded by CB1 antagonist/inverse agonists SR141716a and AM251. Importantly, this acute ethanol inhibition was attenuated following 10 day chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure (CIE). CIE exposure also significantly down-regulated CB1-mediated presynaptic inhibition at glutamatergic afferent terminals but spared CB1-inhibition of GABAergic synapses arising from local inhibitory-interneurons. CIE also significantly elevated BLA N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA or anandamide) levels and decreased CB1 receptor protein levels. Collectively, these data suggest a dynamic regulation of the BLA eCB system by acute and chronic ethanol.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Potential Role of Endocannabinoids Signaling. Brain Sci 2015; 5:456-93. [PMID: 26529026 PMCID: PMC4701023 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci5040456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the unique features of prenatal alcohol exposure in humans is impaired cognitive and behavioral function resulting from damage to the central nervous system (CNS), which leads to a spectrum of impairments referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Human FASD phenotypes can be reproduced in the rodent CNS following prenatal ethanol exposure. Several mechanisms are expected to contribute to the detrimental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing fetus, particularly in the developing CNS. These mechanisms may act simultaneously or consecutively and differ among a variety of cell types at specific developmental stages in particular brain regions. Studies have identified numerous potential mechanisms through which alcohol can act on the fetus. Among these mechanisms are increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, interference with the activity of growth factors, glia cells, cell adhesion molecules, gene expression during CNS development and impaired function of signaling molecules involved in neuronal communication and circuit formation. These alcohol-induced deficits result in long-lasting abnormalities in neuronal plasticity and learning and memory and can explain many of the neurobehavioral abnormalities found in FASD. In this review, the author discusses the mechanisms that are associated with FASD and provides a current status on the endocannabinoid system in the development of FASD.
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Cannabinoid Ligands and Alcohol Addiction: A Promising Therapeutic Tool or a Humbug? Neurotox Res 2015; 29:173-96. [PMID: 26353844 PMCID: PMC4701763 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9555-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The vast therapeutic potential of cannabinoids of both synthetic and plant-derived origins currently makes these compounds the focus of a growing interest. Although cannabinoids are still illicit drugs, their possible clinical usefulness, including treatment of acute or neuropathic pain, have been suggested by several studies. In addition, some observations indicate that cannabinoid receptor antagonists may be useful for the treatment of alcohol dependence and addiction, which is a major health concern worldwide. While the synergism between alcohol and cannabinoid agonists (in various forms) creates undesirable side effects when the two are consumed together, the administration of CB1 antagonists leads to a significant reduction in alcohol consumption. Furthermore, cannabinoid antagonists also mitigate alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Herein, we present an overview of studies focusing on the effects of cannabinoid ligands (agonists and antagonists) during acute or chronic consumption of ethanol.
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22
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Subbanna S, Nagre NN, Umapathy NS, Pace BS, Basavarajappa BS. Ethanol exposure induces neonatal neurodegeneration by enhancing CB1R Exon1 histone H4K8 acetylation and up-regulating CB1R function causing neurobehavioral abnormalities in adult mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 18:pyu028. [PMID: 25609594 PMCID: PMC4376538 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyu028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol exposure to rodents during postnatal day 7 (P7), which is comparable to the third trimester of human pregnancy, induces long-term potentiation and memory deficits. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these deficits are still poorly understood. METHODS In the present study, we explored the potential role of epigenetic changes at cannabinoid type 1 (CB1R) exon1 and additional CB1R functions, which could promote memory deficits in animal models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. RESULTS We found that ethanol treatment of P7 mice enhances acetylation of H4 on lysine 8 (H4K8ace) at CB1R exon1, CB1R binding as well as the CB1R agonist-stimulated GTPγS binding in the hippocampus and neocortex, two brain regions that are vulnerable to ethanol at P7 and are important for memory formation and storage, respectively. We also found that ethanol inhibits cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) expression in neonatal and adult mice. The blockade or genetic deletion of CB1Rs prior to ethanol treatment at P7 rescued CREB phosphorylation and Arc expression. CB1R knockout mice exhibited neither ethanol-induced neurodegeneration nor inhibition of CREB phosphorylation or Arc expression. However, both neonatal and adult mice did exhibit enhanced CREB phosphorylation and Arc protein expression. P7 ethanol-treated adult mice exhibited impaired spatial and social recognition memory, which were prevented by the pharmacological blockade or deletion of CB1Rs at P7. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings suggest that P7 ethanol treatment induces CB1R expression through epigenetic modification of the CB1R gene, and that the enhanced CB1R function induces pCREB, Arc, spatial, and social memory deficits in adult mice.
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MESH Headings
- AIDS-Related Complex/metabolism
- Acetylation/drug effects
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn/metabolism
- Animals, Newborn/psychology
- CREB-Binding Protein/metabolism
- Central Nervous System Depressants/toxicity
- Epigenesis, Genetic/drug effects
- Ethanol/toxicity
- Exons/drug effects
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Histones/genetics
- Male
- Memory Disorders/chemically induced
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neocortex/drug effects
- Neocortex/metabolism
- Neurodegenerative Diseases/chemically induced
- Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism
- Neurodegenerative Diseases/psychology
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/deficiency
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/drug effects
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Social Behavior
- Up-Regulation/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivakumar Subbanna
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY (Drs Subbanna, Nagre, and Basavarajappa); Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Umapathy); Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Pace); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa); Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa)
| | - Nagaraja N Nagre
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY (Drs Subbanna, Nagre, and Basavarajappa); Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Umapathy); Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Pace); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa); Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa)
| | - Nagavedi S Umapathy
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY (Drs Subbanna, Nagre, and Basavarajappa); Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Umapathy); Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Pace); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa); Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa)
| | - Betty S Pace
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY (Drs Subbanna, Nagre, and Basavarajappa); Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Umapathy); Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Pace); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa); Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa)
| | - Balapal S Basavarajappa
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY (Drs Subbanna, Nagre, and Basavarajappa); Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Umapathy); Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA (Dr Pace); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa); Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY (Dr Basavarajappa).
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23
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Changes in cerebral CB1 receptor availability after acute and chronic alcohol abuse and monitored abstinence. J Neurosci 2014; 34:2822-31. [PMID: 24553924 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0849-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Involvement of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) in the effects of alcohol on the brain is supported by animal experiments, but how in vivo CB1R levels are altered in alcoholic patients is still unclear. To assess the short-time effects of a binge drinking episode on CB1R availability, 20 healthy social drinkers underwent [(18)F]MK-9470-positron emission tomography (PET) at baseline and after intravenous ethanol administration (ALC ACU). Moreover, 26 alcoholic patients underwent sequential CB1R PET after chronic heavy drinking (ALC CHR) and after 1 month of abstinence (ALC ABST). Seventeen healthy subjects served as controls. Compared with baseline, ALC ACU resulted in a global increase of CB1R availability (+15.8%). In contrast, a global decreased CB1R availability was found in ALC CHR patients (-16.1%) compared with controls, which remained unaltered after abstinence (-17.0%). Voxel-based analysis showed that ALC CHR patients had reduced CB1R availability, especially in the cerebellum and parieto-occipital cortex. After abstinence, reduced CB1R availability extended also to other areas such as the ventral striatum and mesotemporal lobe. In conclusion, whereas the acute alcohol effect is an increase in CB1R availability, chronic heavy drinking leads to reduced CB1R availability that is not reversible after 1 month of abstinence. Longer follow-up is required to differentiate whether this is a compensatory effect of repeated endocannabinoid overstimulation or an enduring trait-like feature. An enhanced CB1R signaling may offer a new therapeutic direction for treatment of the negative affective state produced by alcohol withdrawal and abstinence, which is critical for the maintenance of alcohol addiction.
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24
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McPartland JM, Guy GW, Di Marzo V. Care and feeding of the endocannabinoid system: a systematic review of potential clinical interventions that upregulate the endocannabinoid system. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89566. [PMID: 24622769 PMCID: PMC3951193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The “classic” endocannabinoid (eCB) system includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the eCB ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their metabolic enzymes. An emerging literature documents the “eCB deficiency syndrome” as an etiology in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, psychological disorders, and other conditions. We performed a systematic review of clinical interventions that enhance the eCB system—ways to upregulate cannabinoid receptors, increase ligand synthesis, or inhibit ligand degradation. Methodology/Principal Findings We searched PubMed for clinical trials, observational studies, and preclinical research. Data synthesis was qualitative. Exclusion criteria limited the results to 184 in vitro studies, 102 in vivo animal studies, and 36 human studies. Evidence indicates that several classes of pharmaceuticals upregulate the eCB system, including analgesics (acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, glucocorticoids), antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants. Clinical interventions characterized as “complementary and alternative medicine” also upregulate the eCB system: massage and manipulation, acupuncture, dietary supplements, and herbal medicines. Lifestyle modification (diet, weight control, exercise, and the use of psychoactive substances—alcohol, tobacco, coffee, cannabis) also modulate the eCB system. Conclusions/Significance Few clinical trials have assessed interventions that upregulate the eCB system. Many preclinical studies point to other potential approaches; human trials are needed to explore these promising interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. McPartland
- GW Pharmaceuticals, Porton Down Science Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Geoffrey W. Guy
- GW Pharmaceuticals, Porton Down Science Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomoleculare, CNR, Via Campi Flegrei, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
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25
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Carvajal F, Sanchez-Amate MDC, Lerma-Cabrera JM, Cubero I. Effects of a single high dose of Chlorpyrifos in long-term feeding, ethanol consumption and ethanol preference in male Wistar rats with a previous history of continued ethanol drinking. J Toxicol Sci 2014; 39:425-35. [DOI: 10.2131/jts.39.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Carvajal
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Chile
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Almería
| | | | - José Manuel Lerma-Cabrera
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Chile
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Almería
| | - Inmaculada Cubero
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Chile
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Almería
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26
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Ceccarini J, Casteels C, Koole M, Bormans G, Van Laere K. Transient changes in the endocannabinoid system after acute and chronic ethanol exposure and abstinence in the rat: a combined PET and microdialysis study. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2013; 40:1582-94. [PMID: 23740372 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-013-2456-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent biochemical and post-mortem evidence suggests involvement of the endocannabinoid system in alcohol drinking behaviour and dependence. Using [(18)F]MK-9470 small-animal PET imaging, our primary objective was to evaluate in vivo type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) binding changes in rats subjected to several ethanol conditions: (1) at baseline, (2) after acute intraperitoneal administration of ethanol (4 g/kg) or saline, (3) after 7 days of forced chronic ethanol consumption, and (4) after abstinence for 7 and 14 days. Secondly, levels of anandamide (AEA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) were investigated in the same animals using in vivo microdialysis and correlated with the changes in CB1R binding. METHODS In total, 28 male Wistar rats were investigated. Small-animal PET was done on a FOCUS-220 tomograph with [(18)F]MK-9470. Parametric images of [(18)F]MK-9470 binding based on standard uptake values (SUV, as a measure of CB1R binding) were generated. Images were normalized to Paxinos space and analysed voxel-wise using SPM8 (p(height) = 0.005; k(ext) = 200). The AEA content was quantified using HPLC with tandem mass spectrometry detection. RESULTS Acute ethanol administration increased relative CB1R binding in the NAcc that was positively correlated with the change in AEA levels of that region. In contrast, compared to rats at baseline, AEA levels in the NAcc were not significantly different in rats after chronic ethanol consumption or after a 14-day abstinence period. Chronic ethanol consumption decreased relative CB1R binding in the hippocampus and caudate-putamen, whereas same regions showed increased relative CB1R binding after 7 and 14 days of abstinence compared to the baseline condition. After 7 and 14 days of abstinence, relative CB1R binding additionally decreased in the orbitofrontal cortex. The magnitude of the hippocampal and frontal changes was highly correlated with daily ethanol intake. CONCLUSION This study provides in vivo evidence that acute ethanol consumption is associated with enhanced endocannabinoid signalling in the NAcc, indicated by an increased CB1R binding and AEA content. In addition, chronic ethanol exposure leads to regional dysfunctions in CB1R levels, involving the hippocampus and caudate-putamen that are reversible within 2 weeks in this animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Ceccarini
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium,
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27
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Anandamide-CB1 receptor signaling contributes to postnatal ethanol-induced neonatal neurodegeneration, adult synaptic, and memory deficits. J Neurosci 2013; 33:6350-66. [PMID: 23575834 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3786-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transient exposure of immature rodents to ethanol during postnatal day 7 (P7), which is comparable with the third trimester in human pregnancy, induces synaptic dysfunctions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these dysfunctions are still poorly understood. Although the endocannabinoid system has been shown to be an important modulator of ethanol sensitivity in adult mice, its potential role in synaptic dysfunctions in mice exposed to ethanol during early brain development is not examined. In this study, we investigated the potential role of endocannabinoids and the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) in neonatal neurodegeneration and adult synaptic dysfunctions in mice exposed to ethanol at P7. Ethanol treatment at P7, which induces neurodegeneration, increased anandamide (AEA) but not 2-arachidonylglycerol biosynthesis and CB1R protein expression in the hippocampus and cortex, two brain areas that are important for memory formation and storage, respectively. N-Arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine-phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), glycerophosphodiesterase (GDE1), and CB1R protein expression were enhanced by transcriptional activation of the genes encoding NAPE-PLD, GDE1, and CB1R proteins, respectively. In addition, ethanol inhibited ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation. The blockade of CB1Rs before ethanol treatment at P7 relieved ERK1/2 but not AKT phosphorylation and prevented neurodegeneration. CB1R knock-out mice exhibited no ethanol-induced neurodegeneration and inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The protective effects of CB1R blockade through pharmacological or genetic deletion resulted in normal adult synaptic plasticity and novel object recognition memory in mice exposed to ethanol at P7. The AEA/CB1R/pERK1/2 signaling pathway may be directly responsible for the synaptic and memory deficits associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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28
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Vasiljevik T, Franks LN, Ford BM, Douglas JT, Prather PL, Fantegrossi WE, Prisinzano TE. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of aminoalkylindole derivatives as cannabinoid receptor ligands with potential for treatment of alcohol abuse. J Med Chem 2013; 56:4537-50. [PMID: 23631463 DOI: 10.1021/jm400268b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Attenuation of increased endocannabinoid signaling with a CB1R neutral antagonist might offer a new therapeutic direction for treatment of alcohol abuse. We have recently reported that a monohydroxylated metabolite of the synthetic aminoalkylindole cannabinoid JHW-073 (3) exhibits neutral antagonist activity at CB1Rs and thus may serve as a promising lead for the development of novel alcohol abuse therapies. In the current study, we show that systematic modification of an aminoalkylindole scaffold identified two new compounds with dual CB1R antagonist/CB2R agonist activity. Similar to the CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant, analogues 27 and 30 decrease oral alcohol self-administration without affecting total fluid intake and block the development of alcohol-conditioned place preference. Collectively, these initial findings suggest that design and systematic modification of aminoalkylindoles such as 3 may lead to development of novel cannabinoid ligands with dual CB1R antagonist/CB2R agonist activity with potential for use as treatments of alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Vasiljevik
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA
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29
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Panlilio LV, Justinova Z, Goldberg SR. Inhibition of FAAH and activation of PPAR: new approaches to the treatment of cognitive dysfunction and drug addiction. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 138:84-102. [PMID: 23333350 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing the effects of endogenously-released cannabinoid ligands in the brain might provide therapeutic effects more safely and effectively than administering drugs that act directly at the cannabinoid receptor. Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) prevent the breakdown of endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), prolonging and enhancing the effects of these ligands when they are naturally released. This review considers recent research on the effects of FAAH inhibitors and PPAR activators in animal models of addiction and cognition (specifically learning and memory). These studies show that FAAH inhibitors can produce potentially therapeutic effects, some through cannabinoid receptors and some through PPAR. These effects include enhancing certain forms of learning, counteracting the rewarding effects of nicotine and alcohol, relieving symptoms of withdrawal from cannabis and other drugs, and protecting against relapse-like reinstatement of drug self-administration. Since FAAH inhibition might have a wide range of therapeutic actions but might also share some of the adverse effects of cannabis, it is noteworthy that at least one FAAH-inhibiting drug (URB597) has been found to have potentially beneficial effects but no indication of liability for abuse or dependence. Although these areas of research are new, the preliminary evidence indicates that they might lead to improved therapeutic interventions and a better understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying addiction and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh V Panlilio
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research 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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30
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Endocannabinoid system: A newer molecular target for the treatment of alcohol-related behaviors. World J Pharmacol 2012; 1:44-49. [DOI: 10.5497/wjp.v1.i3.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid (CB) receptors, endocannabinoids (eCB) and their synthesizing and catabolizing enzymes and the proteins involved in their transport, constitute what is now recognized as the eCB system. The eCBs are a class of lipids that have been identified as retrograde messengers and produce their effects via presynaptic CB receptors. The major function of the eCBs has been suggested to be that of modulating the release of several neurotransmitters implicated in a number of biological functions that include reward and reinforcement. There is now significant evidence to suggest that the eCB system plays an important role in the development of alcohol tolerance, dependence and relapse. Recent studies suggest that the pharmacological manipulation of the eCB system has the potential not only to block the direct reinforcing properties of alcohol but also alleviate behavioral abnormalities associated with relapse. There is also accumulating evidence that points to the possible utility of the eCB system targeted drugs in the treatment of alcoholism-related behavioral disorders. The agents that block CB1 receptor function or inhibit the synthesis of eCBs are attractive candidate drugs that need to be explored. Further understanding of the role of the eCB system in molecular mechanism/s that underlies alcoholism-related behaviors should lead to a better treatment of this devastating disorder.
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31
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Pava MJ, Woodward JJ. A review of the interactions between alcohol and the endocannabinoid system: implications for alcohol dependence and future directions for research. Alcohol 2012; 46:185-204. [PMID: 22459871 PMCID: PMC3327810 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past fifty years a significant body of evidence has been compiled suggesting an interaction between the endocannabinoid (EC) system and alcohol dependence. However, much of this work has been conducted only in the past two decades following the elucidation of the molecular constituents of the EC system that began with the serendipitous discovery of the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1). Since then, novel pharmacological and genetic tools have enabled researchers to manipulate select components of the EC system, to determine their contribution to the motivation to consume ethanol. From these preclinical studies, it is evident that CB1 contributes the motivational and reinforcing properties of ethanol, and chronic consumption of ethanol alters EC transmitter levels and CB1 expression in brain nuclei associated with addiction pathways. These results are augmented by in vitro and ex vivo studies showing that acute and chronic treatment with ethanol produces physiologically relevant alterations in the function of the EC system. This report provides a current and comprehensive review of the literature regarding the interactions between ethanol and the EC system. We begin be reviewing the studies published prior to the discovery of the EC system that compared the behavioral and physiological effects of cannabinoids with ethanol in addition to cross-tolerance between these drugs. Next, a brief overview of the molecular constituents of the EC system is provided as context for the subsequent review of more recent studies examining the interaction of ethanol with the EC system. These results are compiled into a summary providing a scheme for the known changes to the components of the EC system in different stages of alcohol dependence. Finally, future directions for research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Pava
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
| | - John J. Woodward
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
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32
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Feuerecker M, Hauer D, Gresset T, Lassas S, Kaufmann I, Vogeser M, Briegel J, Hornuss C, Choukèr A, Schelling G. Effect of an acute consumption of a moderate amount of ethanol on plasma endocannabinoid levels in humans. Alcohol Alcohol 2012; 47:226-32. [PMID: 22278319 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agr162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Animal experiments have shown that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in the regulation of ethanol intake. We investigated these effects in healthy volunteers who consumed a moderate amount of ethanol (red wine) and measured plasma levels of the endocannabinoids (ECs) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) to test whether alcohol consumption influences the ECS in humans. Grape juice or plain non-sparkling water served as non-alcoholic control liquids. METHODS In total, 55 adults were enrolled in this study and assigned to one of three groups drinking either 250 ml of red wine (28.0 g of ethanol, <0.8 g of sugar and 187.5 kcal), grape juice (41.0 g of sugar, 187.5 kcal) or plain water within 10 min. Twenty minutes and 45 min thereafter, AEA, 2-AG, ethanol and glucose levels were determined from venous plasma samples. RESULTS AEA, 2-AG and plasma glucose levels were significantly reduced after red wine consumption. AEA had its maximal decline at 20 min (from 0.23 ± 0.12 to 0.18 ± 0.07 ng/ml, P < 0.01), whereas the nadir of 2-AG was seen after 45 min and dropped from 6.68 ± 4.13 to 5.49 ± 3.22 ng/ml (P < 0.05). Grape juice highly affected blood glucose level after 20 min, with a return to baseline after 45 min. ECs remained almost unchanged by this intervention. Water intake had no significant effect on AEA (0.21 ± 0.08 at baseline and 0.19 ± 0.06 after 45 min) but resulted in a gradual reduction in 2-AG concentrations which became significant at 45 min when compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS The consumption of a moderate amount of red wine reduces plasma AEA and 2-AG concentrations, whereas the volume and caloric equivalent of the sugar containing, non-alcoholic liquid grape juice does not affect plasma ECs. Plain water has a differential effect on the ECS by reducing 2-AG concentrations without affecting AEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Feuerecker
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Klinikum Grosshadern, University of Munich, Germany.
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33
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Pava MJ, Blake EM, Green ST, Mizroch BJ, Mulholland PJ, Woodward JJ. Tolerance to cannabinoid-induced behaviors in mice treated chronically with ethanol. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 219:137-47. [PMID: 21701813 PMCID: PMC3249519 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2387-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 06/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Chronic ethanol (EtOH) treatment decreases the motor-impairing effects of cannabinoids and downregulates the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor. However, these studies have been limited to measures of ataxia and analysis of CB1 expression from whole-brain or hippocampal preparations. OBJECTIVE To more fully assess the interactions between ethanol and cannabinoids, a tetrad of four well-characterized cannabinoid-induced behaviors (hypolocomotion, antinociception, hypothermia, and catalepsy) was measured in mice following EtOH treatment. Additionally, immunoblotting assessed CB1 protein in tissue from nine brain regions associated with these behaviors and the addiction neurocircuitry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male C57Bl/6J mice were administered EtOH (0, 2, or 4 g/kg; intraperitoneally (i.p.)) twice daily for 10 days. Tetrad behaviors induced by the CB1 agonist WIN 55212-2 (3 mg/kg, i.p.) were measured in subjects 1 or 10 days following the last EtOH injection. In a separate group of animals, tissue was collected at the same time points for immunoblot analysis. RESULTS EtOH-treated mice were less sensitive to the hypothermic, hypolocomotive, and antinociceptive effects of WIN, and this effect reversed to control levels over a 10-day abstinence period. EtOH treatment did not affect WIN-induced catalepsy. CB1 protein expression was significantly altered in several brain areas including the hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray, ventral tegmental area, and cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS These results show that chronic EtOH treatment significantly affects the behavioral sensitivity to cannabinoid drugs and alters CB1 expression in several brain regions. Furthermore, these effects are selective as some behaviors and brain regions display an altered response while others do not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Pava
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Emily M. Blake
- Program in Neuroscience, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
| | | | | | - Patrick J. Mulholland
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - John J. Woodward
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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Serrano A, Rivera P, Pavon FJ, Decara J, Suárez J, Rodriguez de Fonseca F, Parsons LH. Differential effects of single versus repeated alcohol withdrawal on the expression of endocannabinoid system-related genes in the rat amygdala. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 36:984-94. [PMID: 22141465 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01686.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endogenous cannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) exert important regulatory influences on neuronal signaling, participate in short- and long-term forms of neuroplasticity, and modulate stress responses and affective behavior in part through the modulation of neurotransmission in the amygdala. Alcohol consumption alters brain endocannabinoid levels, and alcohol dependence is associated with dysregulated amygdalar function, stress responsivity, and affective control. METHODS The consequence of long-term alcohol consumption on the expression of genes related to endocannabinoid signaling was investigated using quantitative RT-PCR analyses of amygdala tissue. Two groups of ethanol (EtOH)-exposed rats were generated by maintenance on an EtOH liquid diet (10%): the first group received continuous access to EtOH for 15 days, whereas the second group was given intermittent access to the EtOH diet (5 d/wk for 3 weeks). Control subjects were maintained on an isocaloric EtOH-free liquid diet. To provide an initial profile of acute withdrawal, amygdala tissue was harvested following either 6 or 24 hours of EtOH withdrawal. RESULTS Acute EtOH withdrawal was associated with significant changes in mRNA expression for various components of the endogenous cannabinoid system in the amygdala. Specifically, reductions in mRNA expression for the primary clearance routes for anandamide and 2-AG (fatty acid amide hydrolase [FAAH] and monoacylglycerol lipase [MAGL], respectively) were evident, as were reductions in mRNA expression for CB(1) , CB(2) , and GPR55 receptors. Although similar alterations in FAAH mRNA were evident following either continuous or intermittent EtOH exposure, alterations in MAGL and cannabinoid receptor-related mRNA (e.g., CB(1) , CB(2) , GPR55) were more pronounced following intermittent exposure. In general, greater withdrawal-associated deficits in mRNA expression were evident following 24 versus 6 hours of withdrawal. No significant changes in mRNA expression for enzymes involved in 2-AG biosynthesis (e.g., diacylglicerol lipase-α/β) were found in any condition. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that EtOH dependence and withdrawal are associated with dysregulated endocannabinoid signaling in the amygdala. These alterations may contribute to withdrawal-related dysregulation of amygdalar neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Serrano
- Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya, Fundacion IMABIS, 29010 Malaga, Spain
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Erdozain AM, Callado LF. Involvement of the endocannabinoid system in alcohol dependence: the biochemical, behavioral and genetic evidence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2011; 117:102-10. [PMID: 21414731 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in the understanding of alcohol dependence suggest that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this pathology. METHODS The aim of the present review is to show the currently available biochemical, behavioral and genetic evidence on the involvement of the ECS in alcohol dependence. DISCUSSION Firstly, biochemical studies have shown that both chronic and acute administration of ethanol produce alterations in different elements of this neurotransmission system. Secondly, the pharmacological and genetic manipulation of the ECS in rodents result in altered ethanol-related behavior. Furthermore, rodent strains with different preference for ethanol differ in their ECS state. Also, genetic studies have described that particular polymorphisms in the genes coding for some elements of this system are associated with some phenotypes of alcohol dependence. Finally, the possible efficacy of cannabinoid receptor blockers in the prevention of relapse to alcohol has been tested in clinical trials. CONCLUSION Altogether, these multiple lines of evidence suggest that the ECS is implicated in the development of alcohol abuse and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia M Erdozain
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
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Rubio M, Villain H, Docagne F, Roussel BD, Ramos JA, Vivien D, Fernandez-Ruiz J, Ali C. Pharmacological activation/inhibition of the cannabinoid system affects alcohol withdrawal-induced neuronal hypersensitivity to excitotoxic insults. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23690. [PMID: 21886913 PMCID: PMC3158793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cessation of chronic ethanol consumption can increase the sensitivity of the brain to excitotoxic damages. Cannabinoids have been proposed as neuroprotectants in different models of neuronal injury, but their effect have never been investigated in a context of excitotoxicity after alcohol cessation. Here we examined the effects of the pharmacological activation/inhibition of the endocannabinoid system in an in vitro model of chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal followed by an excitotoxic challenge. Ethanol withdrawal increased N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked neuronal death, probably by altering the ratio between GluN2A and GluN2B NMDA receptor subunits. The stimulation of the endocannabinoid system with the cannabinoid agonist HU-210 decreased NMDA-induced neuronal death exclusively in ethanol-withdrawn neurons. This neuroprotection could be explained by a decrease in NMDA-stimulated calcium influx after the administration of HU-210, found exclusively in ethanol-withdrawn neurons. By contrast, the inhibition of the cannabinoid system with the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant (SR141716) during ethanol withdrawal increased death of ethanol-withdrawn neurons without any modification of NMDA-stimulated calcium influx. Moreover, chronic administration of rimonabant increased NMDA-stimulated toxicity not only in withdrawn neurons, but also in control neurons. In summary, we show for the first time that the stimulation of the endocannabinoid system is protective against the hyperexcitability developed during alcohol withdrawal. By contrast, the blockade of the endocannabinoid system is highly counterproductive during alcohol withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Rubio
- INSERM U919 Serine Protease and Pathophysiology of the Neurovascular Unit, UMR CNRS 6232 CINAPS, Caen, France.
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Serrano A, Parsons LH. Endocannabinoid influence in drug reinforcement, dependence and addiction-related behaviors. Pharmacol Ther 2011; 132:215-41. [PMID: 21798285 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid system is an important regulatory system involved in physiological homeostasis. Endocannabinoid signaling is known to modulate neural development, immune function, metabolism, synaptic plasticity and emotional state. Accumulating evidence also implicates brain endocannabinoid signaling in the etiology of drug addiction which is characterized by compulsive drug seeking, loss of control in limiting drug intake, emergence of a negative emotional state in the absence of drug use and a persistent vulnerability toward relapse to drug use during protracted abstinence. In this review we discuss the effects of drug intake on brain endocannabinoid signaling, evidence implicating the endocannabinoid system in the motivation for drug consumption, and drug-induced alterations in endocannabinoid function that may contribute to various aspects of addiction including dysregulated synaptic plasticity, increased stress responsivity, negative affective states, drug craving and relapse to drug taking. Current knowledge of genetic variants in endocannabinoid signaling associated with addiction is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Serrano
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Howard RJ, Slesinger PA, Davies DL, Das J, Trudell JR, Harris RA. Alcohol-binding sites in distinct brain proteins: the quest for atomic level resolution. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:1561-73. [PMID: 21676006 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Defining the sites of action of ethanol on brain proteins is a major prerequisite to understanding the molecular pharmacology of this drug. The main barrier to reaching an atomic-level understanding of alcohol action is the low potency of alcohols, ethanol in particular, which is a reflection of transient, low-affinity interactions with their targets. These mechanisms are difficult or impossible to study with traditional techniques such as radioligand binding or spectroscopy. However, there has been considerable recent progress in combining X-ray crystallography, structural modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis to define the sites and mechanisms of action of ethanol and related alcohols on key brain proteins. We review such insights for several diverse classes of proteins including inwardly rectifying potassium, transient receptor potential, and neurotransmitter-gated ion channels, as well as protein kinase C epsilon. Some common themes are beginning to emerge from these proteins, including hydrogen bonding of the hydroxyl group and van der Waals interactions of the methylene groups of ethanol with specific amino acid residues. The resulting binding energy is proposed to facilitate or stabilize low-energy state transitions in the bound proteins, allowing ethanol to act as a "molecular lubricant" for protein function. We discuss evidence for characteristic, discrete alcohol-binding sites on protein targets, as well as evidence that binding to some proteins is better characterized by an interaction region that can accommodate multiple molecules of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Howard
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 77812, USA.
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CB1 receptors regulate alcohol-seeking behavior and alcohol self-administration of alcohol-preferring (P) rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 97:669-75. [PMID: 21110997 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The endogenous cannabinoid (CB) system mediates a number of behaviors associated with drug-seeking and drug self-administration. In this study the effects of CB1 receptor manipulations on operant ethanol (EtOH) responding during EtOH-seeking, EtOH-relapse as well as on-going EtOH self-administration were determined. METHODS Alcohol-preferring (P) rats were trained in 2-lever operant chambers to self-administer 15% EtOH (v/v) and water on a concurrent fixed-ratio 5-fixed-ratio 1 (FR5-FR1) schedule of reinforcement in daily 1-h sessions. After 10 weeks, rats underwent 7 extinction sessions, followed by 2 weeks in their home cages without access to EtOH or operant chambers. Rats were then returned to the operant chambers for testing of EtOH-seeking behavior (no EtOH present) for 4 sessions. After a week in their home cages following the EtOH-seeking test, rats were returned to the operant chambers with access to EtOH and water (relapse). Rats were then maintained in the operant chambers for daily 1-h sessions with access to 15% EtOH and water for several weeks. RESULTS The CB1 receptor antagonist (SR141716A), at doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p. reduced EtOH-seeking and transiently reduced EtOH self-administration during relapse and maintenance. Conversely, treatment with the CB1 receptor agonist CP 55, 940, at doses of 1 and 10 μg/kg i.p., increased EtOH-seeking and EtOH self-administration during relapse. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate that activation of CB1 receptors are involved in regulating EtOH-seeking as well as the reinforcing effects of EtOH under relapse and on-going self-administration conditions.
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Combined effects of acute, very-low-dose ethanol and delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy human volunteers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 97:627-31. [PMID: 21110996 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Revised: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies examining the combined effects of ethanol and cannabis, or its primary psychoactive ingredient, ∆⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have provided mixed results. Data from an in vitro study suggests that combined, sub-threshold doses of these drugs may interact to produce synergistic effects. Very low doses of the two drugs in combination have not been tested in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study assessed whether combinations of acute, very low doses of ethanol and THC produce synergistic effects on subjective, cognitive, and physiological measures. Healthy volunteers (n=11) received capsules containing placebo or THC (2.5 mg), and beverages containing placebo or ethanol (0.1 and 0.2 g/kg) alone, and in combination, across separate sessions, in a within-subjects, randomized, double-blind design. During each session, participants completed measures of working memory, psychomotor ability, and simple reaction time, and provided subjective mood and drug effect ratings. Cardiovascular measures were obtained at regular intervals. RESULTS As intended, when administered alone, these very low doses of ethanol and THC had only moderate effects on isolated measures. The combined effects of these drugs were not synergistic, and in some cases appeared to be less-than-additive. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide no evidence for synergistic effects of acute combinations of very-low-dose ethanol and THC on subjective or physiologic response, or on cognitive performance.
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Kryger R, Wilce PA. The effects of alcoholism on the human basolateral amygdala. Neuroscience 2010; 167:361-71. [PMID: 20153402 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol affects gene expression in several brain regions. The amygdala is a key structure in the brain's emotional system and in recent years the crucial importance of the amygdala in drug-seeking and relapse has been increasingly recognized. In this study gene expression screening was used to identify genes involved in alcoholism in the human basolateral amygdala of male patients. The results show that alcoholism affects a broad range of genes and many systems including genes involved in synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter transport, structural plasticity, metabolism, energy production, transcription and RNA processing and the circadian cycle. In particular, genes involved in the glutamate system were affected in the alcoholic patients. In the amygdala the glutamate system is involved in the acquisition, consolidation, expression and extinction of associative learning, which is a vital part of addiction, and in alcohol abusers it is associated with withdrawal anxiety and neurodegeneration. Downregulation of the excitatory amino acid transporters GLAST, GLT-1 and the AMPA glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) revealed by the microarray were confirmed by Western blots. The decreased expression of GLAST, GLT-1 and GluR2 in the alcoholic patients may increase glutamate tone and activity in the basolateral amygdala and this may contribute to neurodegeneration as well as the expression of associative memories and anxiety which underlie continued drug-seeking and chronic relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kryger
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Femenía T, García-Gutiérrez MS, Manzanares J. CB1 receptor blockade decreases ethanol intake and associated neurochemical changes in fawn-hooded rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2009; 34:131-41. [PMID: 19860799 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.01074.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was undertaken to identify the neurochemical changes underlying the attenuation of voluntary ethanol intake induced by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 in fawn-hooded rats. METHODS Rats were exposed to the 2-bottle-choice paradigm (ethanol 10% v/v or water) for 15 days. After this period, rats received AM251 (3 to 6 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle. RESULTS Voluntary ethanol intake decreased (30%) with the administration of incremental dosages of AM251 (3 mg/kg, 5 days and 6 mg/kg, 5 days) in rats with acquired high preferring ethanol consumption (>3.5 g of ethanol/kg/d). Ethanol intake significantly decreased proopiomelanocortin expression in the arcuate nucleus (38.31%) and micro-opioid-DAMGO-stimulated [(35)S]-GTPgamma binding in the caudate-putamen (40%), nucleus accumbens core (AccC) (32.87%), and shell (AccS) (34.21%). Moreover, ethanol intake increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression in the substantia nigra (24%) and ventral tegmental area (23%) and corticotrophin-releasing gene expression in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (41.6%). The reduction of ethanol intake induced by AM251 was associated with blockade or significant reduction of the changes produced by ethanol in the expression of these genes in key regions related to drug dependence. Interestingly, treatment with AM251 reduced (20%) TH gene expression in rats drinking only water. In this respect, the action of AM251 in reducing TH gene expression may not be specific. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results revealed that blockade of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1r) decreased voluntary ethanol intake in ethanol-habituated rats by normalizing the neurochemical alterations induced by ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Femenía
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
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Alvarez-Jaimes L, Stouffer DG, Parsons LH. Chronic ethanol treatment potentiates ethanol-induced increases in interstitial nucleus accumbens endocannabinoid levels in rats. J Neurochem 2009; 111:37-48. [PMID: 19650871 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06301.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We employed in vivo microdialysis to characterize the effect of an ethanol challenge injection on endocannabinoid levels in the nucleus accumbens of ethanol-naïve and chronic ethanol-treated rats. Ethanol (0.75 and 2 g/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently increased dialysate 2-arachidonoylglycerol (to a maximum 157 +/- 20% of baseline) and decreased anandamide (to a minimum 52 +/- 9% of baseline) in ethanol-naïve rats. The endocannabinoid clearance inhibitor N-(4-hydrophenyl) arachidonoylamide (AM404; 3 mg/kg) potentiated ethanol effects on 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels but did not alter ethanol-induced decreases in anandamide. AM404 alone did not alter dialysate levels of either endocannabinoid. Then, we characterized the effect of ethanol challenge on nucleus accumbens endocannabinoid levels in rats previously maintained on an ethanol-containing liquid diet. Ethanol challenge produced a greater and more prolonged increase in 2-arachidonoylglycerol (to a maximum 394 +/- 135% of baseline) in ethanol-experienced than in ethanol-naïve rats. The profile in ethanol-experienced rats was similar to that produced by AM404 pre-treatment in ethanol-naïve rats. AM404 in ethanol-experienced rats led to a further enhancement in the 2-arachidonoylglycerol response to ethanol challenge (to a maximum 704 +/- 174% of baseline). Our findings demonstrate that ethanol-induced increases in nucleus accumbens 2-arachidonoylglycerol are potentiated in animals with a history of ethanol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Alvarez-Jaimes
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
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Prestifilippo JP, Fernández-Solari J, Medina V, Rettori V, Elverdin JC. Role of the endocannabinoid system in ethanol-induced inhibition of salivary secretion. Alcohol Alcohol 2009; 44:443-8. [PMID: 19589828 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agp040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study was to determine whether the endocannabinoid system could be involved in the ethanol-induced inhibition of salivation in adult male Wistar rats. METHODS Salivary secretion induced by different concentrations of methacholine, a cholinergic agonist, and the endocannabinoid arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide, AEA) production in the submandibular gland (SMG) were determined in rats after ethanol (3 g/kg) administration by gastric gavage. To study the participation of cannabinod receptors in ethanol action, we evaluated methacholine-induced salivary secretion after ethanol administration when CB1 or CB2 receptors were blocked by intra-SMG injections of their selective antagonists AM251 and AM630, respectively. Additionally, we evaluated the in vitro effect of ethanol (0.1 M) on SMG production of cAMP, alone or combined with AM251 or AM630. RESULTS Acute ethanol administration increased AEA production in SMG and also inhibited the methacholine-induced saliva secretion that was partially restored by intraglandular injection of AM251 or AM630. In addition, ethanol significantly reduced the forskolin-induced increase in cAMP content in SMG in vitro while treatment with AM251 blocked this response. CONCLUSION We conclude that the inhibitory effect produced by ethanol on submandibular gland salivary secretion is mediated, at least in part, by the endocannabinoid system.
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Malinen H, Lehtonen M, Hyytiä P. Modulation of brain endocannabinoid levels by voluntary alcohol consumption in alcohol-preferring AA rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2009; 33:1711-20. [PMID: 19572983 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.01008.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The central nervous system cannabinoid CB1 receptors have been implicated in regulation of alcohol consumption. Less data are available on the role of the endogenous ligands for these receptors, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), in alcohol-related behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of voluntary alcohol consumption on the levels of these endocannabinoids in key brain areas mediating alcohol reinforcement. METHODS Female and male alcohol-preferring AA (Alko, Alcohol) rats were trained to drink 10% (v/v) alcohol during 90-min limited access sessions every second day. Following establishment of stable alcohol drinking, half of the subjects were killed immediately before the daily alcohol access ("pre-session" group), while the other half was killed after the drinking session ("post-session" group). A separate control group consisted of water-drinking rats. AEA and 2-AG levels were measured from prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), caudate putamen (CPu), amygdala, and hippocampus using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). RESULTS Voluntary alcohol drinking caused widespread alterations in the levels of both AEA and 2-AG. Compared to the water group, increased AEA levels were seen in the pre-session group, but they were decreased immediately following limited access drinking in the female AA rats. Also 2-AG levels were significantly elevated after long alcohol exposure, and an additional increase was found after limited access drinking in PFC. In males, however, the only alterations caused by alcohol drinking were significantly elevated AEA levels in NAc and CPu in the post-session group. No changes were seen in the levels of 2-AG. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that voluntary alcohol drinking modulates the levels of endocannabinoids in several brain areas implicated in alcohol reinforcement. AEA and 2-AG were differentially affected, suggesting that they could have partially separate modulatory roles. Alterations were more widespread in females than males, possibly reflecting their higher alcohol intake. Taken together, alcohol-induced release of endocannabinoids may have an important role in alcohol reinforcement and development of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Malinen
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
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Basavarajappa BS, Nixon RA, Arancio O. Endocannabinoid system: emerging role from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration. Mini Rev Med Chem 2009; 9:448-62. [PMID: 19356123 DOI: 10.2174/138955709787847921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, including endogenous ligands ('endocannabinoids' ECs), their receptors, synthesizing and degrading enzymes, as well as transporter molecules, has been detected from the earliest stages of embryonic development and throughout pre- and postnatal development. ECs are bioactive lipids, which comprise amides, esters and ethers of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine; AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the best studied ECs, and act as agonists of cannabinoid receptors. Thus, AEA and 2-AG mimic several pharmacological effects of the exogenous cannabinoid delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), the psychoactive principle of cannabis sativa preparations like hashish and marijuana. Recently, however, several lines of evidence have suggested that the EC system may play an important role in early neuronal development as well as a widespread role in neurodegeneration disorders. Many of the effects of cannabinoids and ECs are mediated by two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CB1 and CB2, although additional receptors may be implicated. Both CB1 and CB2 couple primarily to inhibitory G proteins and are subject to the same pharmacological influences as other GPCRs. This new system is briefly presented in this review, in order to put in a better perspective the role of the EC pathway from neurodevelopment to neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, the potential exploitation of antagonists of CB1 receptors, or of inhibitors of EC metabolism, as next-generation therapeutics is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S Basavarajappa
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
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Abstract
The vanilloid receptor TRPV1 is activated by ethanol and this may be important for some of the central and peripheral actions of ethanol. To determine if this receptor has a role in ethanol-mediated behaviors, we studied null mutant mice in which the Trpv1 gene was deleted. Mice lacking this gene showed significantly higher preference for ethanol and consumed more ethanol in a two-bottle choice test as compared with wild type littermates. Null mutant mice showed shorter duration of loss of righting reflex induced by low doses of ethanol (3.2 and 3.4 g/kg) and faster recovery from motor incoordination induced by ethanol (2 g/kg). However, there were no differences between null mutant and wild type mice in severity of ethanol-induced acute withdrawal (4 g/kg) or conditioned taste aversion to ethanol (2.5 g/kg). Two behavioral phenotypes (decreased sensitivity to ethanol-induced sedation and faster recovery from ethanol-induced motor incoordination) seen in null mutant mice were reproduced in wild type mice by injection of a TRPV1 antagonist, capsazepine (10 mg/kg). These two ethanol behaviors were changed in the opposite direction after injection of capsaicin, a selective TRPV1 agonist, in wild type mice. The studies provide the first evidence that TRPV1 is important for specific behavioral actions of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y A Blednov
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas, 1 University Station A4800, Austin, TX 78712-0159, USA.
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Melis M, Pillolla G, Perra S, Colombo G, Muntoni AL, Pistis M. Electrophysiological properties of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area of Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 201:471-81. [PMID: 18777018 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1309-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2008] [Accepted: 08/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) or -nonpreferring (sNP) rats are one of the few pairs of lines of rats selectively bred for their voluntary alcohol preference or aversion, respectively. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons have long been implicated in many drug-related behaviors, including alcohol self-administration. However, the electrophysiological properties of these cells in sP and sNP rats remain unknown. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to examine the properties of posterior VTA DA neurons and to unveil functional differences between sP and sNP rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The electrophysiological properties of DA cells were examined performing either single-cell extracellular recordings in anesthetized rats or whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in slices. RESULTS Extracellular single-unit recordings revealed an increased spontaneous activity in sP rats. However, a corresponding difference was not found in vitro. Moreover, DA cells of sP and sNP rats showed similar intrinsic properties, suggesting changes at synaptic level. Therefore, inhibitory- and excitatory-mediated currents were studied. A decreased probability of GABA release was found in sP rats. Additionally, sP rats showed a reduced depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition, which is an endocannabinoid-mediated form of short-term plasticity. Additionally, the effect of cannabinoid-type 1 (CB1) receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 on GABAA IPSCs was smaller in sP rats, suggesting either a reduced number or functionality of CB1 receptors in the VTA. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that both decreased GABA release and endocannabinoid transmission in the VTA play a role in the increased impulse activity of DA cells and, ultimately, in alcohol preference displayed by sP rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Melis
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Italy.
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Rubio M, de Miguel R, Fernández-Ruiz J, Gutiérrez-López D, Carai MAM, Ramos JA. Effects of a short-term exposure to alcohol in rats on FAAH enzyme and CB1 receptor in different brain areas. Drug Alcohol Depend 2009; 99:354-8. [PMID: 18922654 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2008] [Revised: 07/23/2008] [Accepted: 08/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute alcohol exposure in rats (8% ethanol in the liquid diet for a period of 24 h) is associated with a decrease in the levels of endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol) as well as in various N-acylethanolamines, in different brain regions. In the present study, we wanted to further explore: (i) whether these decreases might be caused by an increase in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme involved in the degradation of N-acylethanolamines including anandamide, and (ii) whether the changes in endocannabinoid levels are accompanied by parallel changes in the major cannabinoid receptor type, the CB(1) receptor, activated by these ligands in the brain. Our data proved that FAAH activity did not increase in any of the four regions analyzed, even it was reduced in the hypothalamus and the prefrontal cortex. Paradoxically, FAAH levels increased in the hypothalamus and, to a lesser extent, in the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, but not in the caudate-putamen. By contrast, the levels of CB(1) receptors were markedly reduced in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex of these rats, although no changes were seen in the hypothalamus and the caudate-putamen. These results suggest that reductions in the levels of endocannabinoids and related N-acylethanolamines caused by acute alcohol exposure are not originated by an enhanced degradation by FAAH enzyme, but they are associated with low levels of the receptors activated by these ligands, although this parallelism did not occur in all brain regions analyzed. In any case, these observations would support the notion of a general reduction in the activity of the cannabinoid signaling system by acute alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Rubio
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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50
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Basavarajappa BS, Ninan I, Arancio O. Acute ethanol suppresses glutamatergic neurotransmission through endocannabinoids in hippocampal neurons. J Neurochem 2008; 107:1001-13. [PMID: 18796007 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05685.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ethanol exposure during fetal development is a leading cause of long-term cognitive impairments. Studies suggest that ethanol exposure have deleterious effects on the hippocampus, a brain region that is important for learning and memory. Ethanol exerts its effects, in part, via alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission, which is critical for the maturation of neuronal circuits during development. The current literature strongly supports the growing evidence that ethanol inhibits glutamate release in the neonatal CA1 hippocampal region. However, the exact molecular mechanism responsible for this effect is not well understood. In this study, we show that ethanol enhances endocannabinoid (EC) levels in cultured hippocampal neurons, possibly through calcium pathways. Acute ethanol depresses miniature post-synaptic current (mEPSC) frequencies without affecting their amplitude. This suggests that ethanol inhibits glutamate release. The CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) present on pre-synaptic neurons are not altered by acute ethanol. The CB1R antagonist SR 141716A reverses ethanol-induced depression of mEPSC frequency. Drugs that are known to enhance the in vivo function of ECs occlude ethanol effects on mEPSC frequency. Chelation of post-synaptic calcium by EGTA antagonizes ethanol-induced depression of mEPSC frequency. The activation of CB1R with the selective agonist WIN55,212-2 also suppresses the mEPSC frequency. This WIN55,212-2 effect is similar to the ethanol effects and is reversed by SR141716A. In addition, tetani-induced excitatory post-synaptic currents (EPSCs) are depressed by acute ethanol. SR141716A significantly reverses ethanol effects on evoked EPSC amplitude in a dual recording preparation. These observations, taken together, suggest the participation of ECs as retrograde messengers in the ethanol-induced depression of synaptic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S Basavarajappa
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA.
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