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Soler-Cedeño O, Alton H, Bi GH, Linz E, Ji L, Makriyannis A, Xi ZX. AM6527, a neutral CB1 receptor antagonist, suppresses opioid taking and seeking, as well as cocaine seeking in rodents without aversive effects. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01861-y. [PMID: 38600154 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01861-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical research has demonstrated the efficacy of CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonists in reducing drug-taking behavior. However, clinical trials with rimonabant, a CB1R antagonist with inverse agonist profile, failed due to severe adverse effects, such as depression and suicidality. As a result, efforts have shifted towards developing novel neutral CB1R antagonists without an inverse agonist profile for treating substance use disorders. Here, we assessed AM6527, a CB1R neutral antagonist, in addiction animal models. Our findings revealed that AM6527 did not affect cocaine self-administration under fixed-ratio reinforcement schedules but dose-dependently inhibited it under progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules. Additionally, AM6527 dose-dependently inhibited heroin self-administration under both fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules and oral sucrose self-administration under a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule, as well as cocaine- or heroin-triggered reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in rats. However, chronic AM6527 administration for five consecutive days significantly inhibited heroin self-administration only during the initial two days, indicating tolerance development. Notably, AM6527 did not produce rewarding or aversive effects by itself in classical electrical intracranial self-stimulation and conditioned place preference tests. However, in optical intracranial self-stimulation (oICSS) maintained by optogenetic stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons in DAT-cre mice, both AM6527 and rimonabant dose-dependently inhibited dopamine-dependent oICSS behavior. Together, these findings suggest that AM6527 effectively reduces drug-taking and seeking behaviors without rimonabant-like adverse effects. Thus, AM6527 warrants further investigation as a potential pharmacotherapy for opioid and cocaine use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Soler-Cedeño
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Postdoctoral Research Associate Training (PRAT) Fellow, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Alton
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily Linz
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lipin Ji
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Migliaro M, Ruiz-Contreras AE, Herrera-Solís A, Méndez-Díaz M, Prospéro-García OE. Endocannabinoid system and aggression across animal species. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105375. [PMID: 37643683 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105375] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review article summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and aggression across multiple vertebrate species. Experimental evidence indicates that acute administration of phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and the pharmacological enhancement of endocannabinoid signaling decreases aggressive behavior in several animal models. However, research on the chronic effects of cannabinoids on animal aggression has yielded inconsistent findings, indicating a need for further investigation. Cannabinoid receptors, particularly cannabinoid receptor type 1, appear to be an important part of the endogenous mechanism involved in the dampening of aggressive behavior. Overall, this review underscores the importance of the ECS in regulating aggressive behavior and provides a foundation for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Migliaro
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Alejandra E Ruiz-Contreras
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Neurogenómica Cognitiva, Unidad de Investigación en Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Coordinación de Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Facultad de Psicología, UNAM, Mexico
| | - Andrea Herrera-Solís
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Efectos Terapéuticos de los Cannabinoides, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico
| | - Mónica Méndez-Díaz
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico
| | - Oscar E Prospéro-García
- Grupo de Neurociencias: Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico
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Maccarrone M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Grether U, Howlett AC, Hua T, Makriyannis A, Piomelli D, Ueda N, van der Stelt M. Goods and Bads of the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target: Lessons Learned after 30 Years. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:885-958. [PMID: 37164640 PMCID: PMC10441647 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the world population). In recent years, there has been a marked transformation in society regarding the risk perception of cannabis, driven by its legalization and medical use in many states in the United States and worldwide. Compelling research evidence and the Food and Drug Administration cannabis-derived cannabidiol approval for severe childhood epilepsy have confirmed the large therapeutic potential of cannabidiol itself, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). Of note, our body has a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS)-made of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters-that is also regulated by phytocannabinoids. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered 30 years ago was anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine); since then, distinct elements of the ECS have been the target of drug design programs aimed at curing (or at least slowing down) a number of human diseases, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Here a critical review of our knowledge of the goods and bads of the ECS as a therapeutic target is presented to define the benefits of ECS-active phytocannabinoids and ECS-oriented synthetic drugs for human health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endocannabinoid system plays important roles virtually everywhere in our body and is either involved in mediating key processes of central and peripheral diseases or represents a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of the components of this complex system, and in particular of key receptors (like cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2) and metabolic enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), will advance our understanding of endocannabinoid signaling and activity at molecular, cellular, and system levels, providing new opportunities to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Uwe Grether
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Tian Hua
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
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4
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Scott-Dennis M, Rafani FA, Yi Y, Perera T, Harwood CR, Guba W, Rufer AC, Grether U, Veprintsev DB, Sykes DA. Development of a membrane-based Gi-CASE biosensor assay for profiling compounds at cannabinoid receptors. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1158091. [PMID: 37637423 PMCID: PMC10450933 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1158091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The cannabinoid receptor (CBR) subtypes 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R) are key components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), playing a central role in the control of peripheral pain, inflammation and the immune response, with further roles in the endocrine regulation of food intake and energy balance. So far, few medicines targeting these receptors have reached the clinic, suggesting that a better understanding of the receptor signalling properties of existing tool compounds and clinical candidates may open the door to the development of more effective and safer treatments. Both CB1R and CB2R are Gαi protein-coupled receptors but detecting Gαi protein signalling activity reliably and reproducibly is challenging. This is due to the inherent variability in live cell-based assays and restrictions around the use of radioactive [35S]-GTPγS, a favoured technology for developing higher-throughput membrane-based Gαi protein activity assays. Methods: Here, we describe the development of a membrane-based Gαi signalling system, produced from membrane preparations of HEK293TR cells, stably overexpressing CB1R or CB2R, and components of the Gαi-CASE biosensor. This BRET-based system allows direct detection of Gαi signalling in both cells and membranes by monitoring bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) between the α and the βγ subunits. Cells and membranes were subject to increasing concentrations of reference cannabinoid compounds, with 10 μM furimazine added to generate RET signals, which were detected on a PHERAstar FSX plate reader, then processed using MARS software and analysed in GraphPad PRISM 9.2. Results: In membranes expressing the Gi-CASE biosensor, the cannabinoid ligands profiled were found to show agonist and inverse agonist activity. Agonist activity elicited a decrease in the BRET signal, indicative of receptor activation and G protein dissociation. Inverse agonist activity caused an increase in BRET signal, indicative of receptor inactivation, and the accumulation of inactive G protein. Our membrane-based Gi-CASE NanoBRET system successfully characterised the potency (pEC50) and efficacy (Emax) of CBR agonists and inverse agonists in a 384-well screening format. Values obtained were in-line with whole-cell Gi-CASE assays and consistent with literature values obtained in the GTPγS screening format. Discussion: This novel, membrane-based Gαi protein activation assay is applicable to other Gαi-coupled GPCRs, including orphan receptors, allowing real-time higher-throughput measurements of receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Scott-Dennis
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Fikri A. Rafani
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Yicheng Yi
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Themiya Perera
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Clare R. Harwood
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfgang Guba
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arne C. Rufer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dmitry B. Veprintsev
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
- Z7 Biotech Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Sykes
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Nottingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
- Z7 Biotech Limited, London, United Kingdom
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5
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AlKhelb D, Kirunda A, Ho TC, Makriyannis A, Desai RI. Effects of the cannabinoid CB 1-receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 and antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant on fentanyl discrimination in male rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 240:109646. [PMID: 36191533 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests the existence of a functional interaction between endogenous cannabinoid (CB) and opioid systems. Thus, targeting CB1 receptors might be a viable approach to develop new medications for opioid use disorders (OUD). The present studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the neutral CB1 antagonist AM4113 and the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist rimonabant in male rats trained to discriminate 0.032 mg/kg fentanyl from saline under a 10-response fixed-ratio (FR-10) schedule of food reinforcement. Results show that the µ-opioid agonists (fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine) substituted fully and dose-dependently for fentanyl, whereas pretreatment with the µ-opioid antagonist naltrexone antagonized fentanyl's discriminative-stimulus effects. In interaction studies, AM4113 (0.32 or 1.0 mg/kg) was more effective in blocking fentanyl discrimination at 10-fold lower doses that did not modify rates of food-maintained responding, whereas rimonabant (1.0-10 mg/kg) produced some attenuation of fentanyl's discriminative-stimulus effects at the highest dose tested which also significantly decreased response rates. These results extend our recent work showing that AM4113 can effectively block the behavioral effects of heroin without producing rimonabant-like adverse effects. Taken together, these data suggests that CB1 neutral antagonists effectively block the behavioral effects of structurally distinct morphinan (heroin) and phenylpiperidine-based (fentanyl) opioids and may provide a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal AlKhelb
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 12371, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andre Kirunda
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thanh C Ho
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Rajeev I Desai
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Biology Program, Integrative Neurochemistry Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Neutral CB1 Receptor Antagonists as Pharmacotherapies for Substance Use Disorders: Rationale, Evidence, and Challenge. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203262. [PMID: 36291128 PMCID: PMC9600259 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) has been one of the major targets in medication development for treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Early studies indicated that rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist with an inverse agonist profile, was highly promising as a therapeutic for SUDs. However, its adverse side effects, such as depression and suicidality, led to its withdrawal from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Consequently, much research interest shifted to developing neutral CB1R antagonists based on the recognition that rimonabant’s side effects may be related to its inverse agonist profile. In this article, we first review rimonabant’s research background as a potential pharmacotherapy for SUDs. Then, we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying its therapeutic anti-addictive effects versus its adverse effects. Lastly, we discuss the rationale for developing neutral CB1R antagonists as potential treatments for SUDs, the supporting evidence in recent research, and the challenges of this strategy. We conclude that developing neutral CB1R antagonists without inverse agonist profile may represent attractive strategies for the treatment of SUDs.
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7
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CB1 Ligand AM251 Induces Weight Loss and Fat Reduction in Addition to Increased Systemic Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911447. [PMID: 36232744 PMCID: PMC9569643 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diet-induced obesity (DIO) reduces fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle and decreases circulating levels of adiponectin. Endocannabinoid signaling is overactive in obesity, with some effects abated by antagonism of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). This research aimed to determine if treatment with the global CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist, AM251, in high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats influenced adiponectin signaling in skeletal muscle and a “browning” of white adipose tissue (WAT) defined by UCP1 expression levels. Male Sprague Dawley rats consumed an HFD (21% fat) for 9 weeks before receiving daily intraperitoneal injections with vehicle or AM251 (3 mg/kg) for 6 weeks. mRNA expression of genes involved in metabolic functions were measured in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, and blood was harvested for the measurement of hormones and cytokines. Muscle citrate synthase activity was also measured. AM251 treatment decreased fat pad weight (epididymal, peri-renal, brown), and plasma levels of leptin, glucagon, ghrelin, and GLP-1, and increased PAI-1 along with a range of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines; however, AM251 did not alter plasma adiponectin levels, skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity or mRNA expression of the genes measured in muscle. AM251 treatment had no effect on white fat UCP1 expression levels. AM251 decreased fat pad mass, altered plasma hormone levels, but did not induce browning of WAT defined by UCP1 mRNA levels or alter gene expression in muscle treated acutely with adiponectin, demonstrating the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and metabolism. The CB1 ligand AM251 increased systemic inflammation suggesting limitations on its use in metabolic disorders.
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Therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a novel CB1 receptor neutral antagonist, for cocaine use disorder: evidence from preclinical research. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:286. [PMID: 35851573 PMCID: PMC9293959 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02059-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) have been major targets in medication development for the treatment of substance use disorders. However, clinical trials with rimonabant, a CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, failed due to severe side effects. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a neutral CB1R antagonist lacking an inverse agonist profile, against cocaine's behavioral effects in experimental animals. We found that systemic administration of PIMSR dose-dependently inhibited cocaine self-administration under fixed-ratio (FR5), but not FR1, reinforcement, shifted the cocaine self-administration dose-response curve downward, decreased incentive motivation to seek cocaine under progressive-ratio reinforcement, and reduced cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. PIMSR also inhibited oral sucrose self-administration. Importantly, PIMSR alone is neither rewarding nor aversive as assessed by place conditioning. We then used intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) to explore the possible involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine system in PIMSR's action. We found that PIMSR dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-enhanced ICSS maintained by electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle in rats. PIMSR itself failed to alter electrical ICSS, but dose-dependently inhibited ICSS maintained by optical stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons in transgenic DAT-Cre mice, suggesting the involvement of dopamine-dependent mechanisms. Lastly, we examined the CB1R mechanisms underlying PIMSR's action. We found that PIMSR pretreatment attenuated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)- or ACEA (a selective CB1R agonist)-induced reduction in optical ICSS. Together, our findings suggest that the neutral CB1R antagonist PIMSR deserves further research as a promising pharmacotherapeutic for cocaine use disorder.
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Angelidi AM, Belanger MJ, Kokkinos A, Koliaki CC, Mantzoros CS. Novel Noninvasive Approaches to the Treatment of Obesity: From Pharmacotherapy to Gene Therapy. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:507-557. [PMID: 35552683 PMCID: PMC9113190 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent insights into the pathophysiologic underlying mechanisms of obesity have led to the discovery of several promising drug targets and novel therapeutic strategies to address the global obesity epidemic and its comorbidities. Current pharmacologic options for obesity management are largely limited in number and of modest efficacy/safety profile. Therefore, the need for safe and more efficacious new agents is urgent. Drugs that are currently under investigation modulate targets across a broad range of systems and tissues, including the central nervous system, gastrointestinal hormones, adipose tissue, kidney, liver, and skeletal muscle. Beyond pharmacotherapeutics, other potential antiobesity strategies are being explored, including novel drug delivery systems, vaccines, modulation of the gut microbiome, and gene therapy. The present review summarizes the pathophysiology of energy homeostasis and highlights pathways being explored in the effort to develop novel antiobesity medications and interventions but does not cover devices and bariatric methods. Emerging pharmacologic agents and alternative approaches targeting these pathways and relevant research in both animals and humans are presented in detail. Special emphasis is given to treatment options at the end of the development pipeline and closer to the clinic (ie, compounds that have a higher chance to be added to our therapeutic armamentarium in the near future). Ultimately, advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology and interindividual variation of obesity may lead to multimodal and personalized approaches to obesity treatment that will result in safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss until the root causes of the problem are identified and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki M Angelidi
- Section of Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Belanger
- Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Kokkinos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysi C Koliaki
- First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Section of Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Effects of the CB1 Receptor Antagonists AM6545 and AM4113 on Insulin Resistance in a High-Fructose High-Salt Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56110573. [PMID: 33138155 PMCID: PMC7692885 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Insulin resistance (IR) is a serious condition leading to development of diabetes and cardiovascular complications. Hyper-activation of cannabinoid receptors-1 (CB1) has been linked to the development of metabolic disorders such as IR. Therefore, the effect of blocking CB1 on the development of IR was investigated in the present study. Materials and Methods: A 12-week high-fructose/high-salt feeding model of metabolic syndrome was used to induce IR in male Wistar rats. For this purpose, two different CB1-antagonists were synthesized and administered to the rats during the final four weeks of the study, AM6545, the peripheral neutral antagonist and AM4113, the central neutral antagonist. Results: High-fructose/salt feeding for 12 weeks led to development of IR while both AM6545 and AM4113, administered in the last 4 weeks, significantly inhibited IR. This was correlated with increased animal body weight wherein both AM6545 and AM4113 decreased body weight in IR animals but with loss of IR/body weight correlation. While IR animals showed significant elevations in serum cholesterol and triglycerides with no direct correlation with IR, both AM6545 and AM4113 inhibited these elevations, with direct IR/cholesterol correlation in case of AM6545. IR animals had elevated serum uric acid, which was reduced by both AM6545 and AM4113. In addition, IR animals had decreased adiponectin levels and elevated liver TNFα content with strong IR/adiponectin and IR/TNFα correlations. AM6545 inhibited the decreased adiponectin and the increased TNFα levels and retained the strong IR/adiponectin correlation. However, AM4113 inhibited the decreased adiponectin and the increased TNFα levels, but with loss of IR/adiponectin and IR/TNFα correlations. Conclusions: Both CB1 neutral antagonists alleviated IR peripherally, and exerted similar effects on rats with metabolic syndrome. They also displayed anti-dyslipidemic, anti-hyperurecemic and anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, these results should assist in the development of CB1 neutral antagonists with improved safety profiles for managing metabolic disorders.
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Luján MÁ, Cheer JF, Melis M. Choosing the right drug: status and future of endocannabinoid research for the prevention of drug-seeking reinstatement. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 56:29-38. [PMID: 33068883 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to drugs of abuse leads to severe alterations in mesocorticolimbic dopamine circuitry deeply implicated in substance use disorders. Despite considerable efforts, few medications to reduce relapse rates are currently available. To solve this issue, researchers are uncovering therapeutic opportunities offered by the endocannabinoid system. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), and its endogenous ligands, participate in orchestration of cue-triggered and stress-triggered responses leading to obtain natural and drug rewards. Here, we review the evidence supporting the use of CB1R neutral antagonists, allosteric modulators, indirect agonists, as well as multi-target compounds, as improved alternatives compared to classical CB1R antagonists. The promising therapeutic value of other substrates participating in endocannabinoid signaling, like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, is also covered. Overall, a wide body of pre-clinical evidence avails novel pharmacological strategies interacting with the endocannabinoid system as clinically amenable candidates able to counteract drug-induced dopamine maladaptations contributing to increased risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á Luján
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy.
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González-Naranjo P, Pérez C, Girón R, Sánchez-Robles EM, Martín-Fontelles MI, Carrillo-López N, Martín-Vírgala J, Naves M, Campillo NE, Páez JA. New cannabinoid receptor antagonists as pharmacological tool. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115672. [PMID: 32912440 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115672] [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: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a new series of cannabinoid receptor antagonists of indazole ether derivatives have been performed. Pharmacological evaluation includes radioligand binding assays with [3H]-CP55940 for CB1 and CB2 receptors and functional activity for cannabinoid receptors on isolated tissue. In addition, functional activity of the two synthetic cannabinoids antagonists 18 (PGN36) and 17 (PGN38) were carried out in the osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 that is able to express CB2R upon osteogenic conditions. Both antagonists abolished the increase in collagen type I gene expression by the well-known inducer of bone activity, the HU308 agonist. The results of pharmacological tests have revealed that four of these derivatives behave as CB2R cannabinoid antagonists. In particular, the compounds 17 (PGN38) and 18 (PGN36) highlight as promising candidates as pharmacological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Concepción Pérez
- Instituto de Química Médica (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Girón
- Área de Farmacología, Nutrición y Bromatología, Unidad Asociada al IQM y al CIAL (CSIC), Departamento de C.C. Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Eva M Sánchez-Robles
- Área de Farmacología, Nutrición y Bromatología, Unidad Asociada al IQM y al CIAL (CSIC), Departamento de C.C. Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - María I Martín-Fontelles
- Área de Farmacología, Nutrición y Bromatología, Unidad Asociada al IQM y al CIAL (CSIC), Departamento de C.C. Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Natalia Carrillo-López
- U.G.C de Metabolismo Óseo, RedinREN del ISC III, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias del Principado de Asturias, Edificio FINBA, Planta primera F1.1 (Aula 14), Avenida de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Julia Martín-Vírgala
- U.G.C de Metabolismo Óseo, RedinREN del ISC III, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias del Principado de Asturias, Edificio FINBA, Planta primera F1.1 (Aula 14), Avenida de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Manuel Naves
- U.G.C de Metabolismo Óseo, RedinREN del ISC III, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias del Principado de Asturias, Edificio FINBA, Planta primera F1.1 (Aula 14), Avenida de Roma s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nuria E Campillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan A Páez
- Instituto de Química Médica (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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Murphy T, Le Foll B. Targeting the Endocannabinoid CB1 Receptor to Treat Body Weight Disorders: A Preclinical and Clinical Review of the Therapeutic Potential of Past and Present CB1 Drugs. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060855. [PMID: 32512776 PMCID: PMC7356944 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity rates are increasing worldwide and there is a need for novel therapeutic treatment options. The endocannabinoid system has been linked to homeostatic processes, including metabolism, food intake, and the regulation of body weight. Rimonabant, an inverse agonist for the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, was effective at producing weight loss in obese subjects. However, due to adverse psychiatric side effects, rimonabant was removed from the market. More recently, we reported an inverse relationship between cannabis use and BMI, which has now been duplicated by several groups. As those results may appear contradictory, we review here preclinical and clinical studies that have studied the impact on body weight of various cannabinoid CB1 drugs. Notably, we will review the impact of CB1 inverse agonists, agonists, partial agonists, and neutral antagonists. Those findings clearly point out the cannabinoid CB1 as a potential effective target for the treatment of obesity. Recent preclinical studies suggest that ligands targeting the CB1 may retain the therapeutic potential of rimonabant without the negative side effect profile. Such approaches should be tested in clinical trials for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Murphy
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Acute Care Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Brain and Therapeutics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-535-8501
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14
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Simone JJ, Baumbach JL, McPherson J, McCormick CM. Adolescent CB1 receptor antagonism influences subsequent social interactions and neural activity in female rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:319-333. [PMID: 32220094 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that repeated exposure to the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 in adolescence (PND 30-44) increased social interactions in female rats when tested 48 h after the final exposure to the antagonist. Here, we investigated whether the increased sociality would be present after a longer drug washout period (5 days) in both male and female rats (experiment 1), and sought to identify candidate brain regions that may explain the observed differences in social behaviours between AM251 and vehicle-treated female rats (experiment 2). While drug-free, adolescent AM251 treatment increased social interactions in females and not in males. AM251 female rats had increased neural activity (as measured by the expression of early growth response protein-1; EGR-1) in the nucleus accumbens shell and cingulate gyrus of the medial prefrontal cortex, with no observed differences in EGR-1 expression in the dorsal hippocampus, nucleus accumbens core, or prelimbic and infralimbic subdivisions of the medial prefrontal cortex relative to vehicle rats. Together, these results demonstrate a sex-specific role of adolescent endocannabinoid signalling in the normative development of social behaviours and provide further support for adolescence as a vulnerable period for the effects of altered endocannabinoid signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Simone
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jennet L Baumbach
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | | | - Cheryl M McCormick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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15
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Müller GA, Herling AW, Wied S, Müller TD. CB1 Receptor-Dependent and Independent Induction of Lipolysis in Primary Rat Adipocytes by the Inverse Agonist Rimonabant (SR141716A). Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25040896. [PMID: 32085406 PMCID: PMC7070561 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Acute administration of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) inverse agonist Rimonabant (SR141716A) to fed Wistar rats was shown to elicit a rapid and short-lasting elevation of serum free fatty acids. (2) Methods: The effect of Rimonabant on lipolysis in isolated primary rat adipocytes was studied to raise the possibility for direct mechanisms not involving the (hypothalamic) CB1R. (3) Results: Incubation of these cells with Rimonabant-stimulated lipolysis to up to 25% of the maximal isoproterenol effect, which was based on both CB1R-dependent and independent mechanisms. The CB1R-dependent one was already effective at Rimonabant concentrations of less than 1 µM and after short-term incubation, partially additive to β-adrenergic agonists and blocked by insulin and, in part, by adenosine deaminase, but not by propranolol. It was accompanied by protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated association of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) with lipid droplets (LD) and dissociation of perilipin-1 from LD. The CB1R-independent stimulation of lipolysis was observed only at Rimonabant concentrations above 1 µM and after long-term incubation and was not affected by insulin. It was recapitulated by a cell-free system reconstituted with rat adipocyte LD and HSL. Rimonabant-induced cell-free lipolysis was not affected by PKA-mediated phosphorylation of LD and HSL, but abrogated by phospholipase digestion or emulsification of the LD. Furthermore, LD isolated from adipocytes and then treated with Rimonabant (>1 µM) were more efficient substrates for exogenously added HSL compared to control LD. The CB1R-independent lipolysis was also demonstrated in primary adipocytes from fed rats which had been treated with a single dose of Rimonabant (30 mg/kg). (4) Conclusions: These data argue for interaction of Rimonabant (at high concentrations) with both the LD surface and the CB1R of primary rat adipocytes, each leading to increased access of HSL to LD in phosphorylation-independent and dependent fashion, respectively. Both mechanisms may lead to direct and acute stimulation of lipolysis at peripheral tissues upon Rimonabant administration and represent targets for future obesity therapy which do not encompass the hypothalamic CB1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter A. Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO), Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HDC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany;
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Department Biology I, Genetics, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-3187-2048
| | - Andreas W. Herling
- Sanofi Pharma Germany GmbH, Diabetes Research, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.W.H.); (S.W.)
| | - Susanne Wied
- Sanofi Pharma Germany GmbH, Diabetes Research, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.W.H.); (S.W.)
| | - Timo D. Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO), Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HDC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany;
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Eberhard Karls University Hospitals and Clinics, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Nguyen T, Thomas BF, Zhang Y. Overcoming the Psychiatric Side Effects of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Antagonists: Current Approaches for Therapeutics Development. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1418-1435. [PMID: 31284863 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190708164841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor (CB1R) is involved in a variety of physiological pathways and has long been considered a golden target for therapeutic manipulation. A large body of evidence in both animal and human studies suggests that CB1R antagonism is highly effective for the treatment of obesity, metabolic disorders and drug addiction. However, the first-in-class CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, rimonabant, though demonstrating effectiveness for obesity treatment and smoking cessation, displays serious psychiatric side effects, including anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation, resulting in its eventual withdrawal from the European market. Several strategies are currently being pursued to circumvent the mechanisms leading to these side effects by developing neutral antagonists, peripherally restricted ligands, and allosteric modulators. In this review, we describe the progress in the development of therapeutics targeting the CB1R in the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
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Kangas BD, Zakarian AS, Vemuri K, Alapafuja SO, Jiang S, Nikas SP, Makriyannis A, Bergman J. Cannabinoid Antagonist Drug Discrimination in Nonhuman Primates. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 372:119-127. [PMID: 31641018 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.261818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a growing acceptance that withdrawal symptoms can emerge following discontinuation of cannabis products, especially in high-intake chronic users, there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment options. Drug development has been hampered by difficulties studying cannabis withdrawal in laboratory animals. One preclinical approach that has been effective in studying withdrawal from drugs in several pharmacological classes is antagonist drug discrimination. The present studies were designed to examine this paradigm in squirrel monkeys treated daily with the long-acting CB1 agonist AM2389 (0.01 mg/kg) and trained to discriminate the CB1 inverse agonist/antagonist rimonabant (0.3 mg/kg) from saline. The discriminative-stimulus effects of rimonabant were both dose and time dependent and, importantly, could be reproduced by discontinuation of agonist treatment. Antagonist substitution tests with the CB1 neutral antagonists AM4113 (0.03-0.3 mg/kg), AM6527 (0.03-1.0 mg/kg), and AM6545 (0.03-1.0 mg/kg) confirmed that the rimonabant discriminative stimulus also could be reproduced by CB1 antagonists lacking inverse agonist action. Agonist substitution tests with the phytocannabinoid ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (0.1-1.0 mg/kg), synthetic CB1 agonists nabilone (0.01-0.1 mg/kg), AM4054 (0.01-0.03 mg/kg), K2/Spice compound JWH-018 (0.03-0.3 mg/kg), FAAH-selective inhibitors AM3506 (0.3-5.6 mg/kg), URB597 (3.0-5.6 mg/kg), and nonselective FAAH/MGL inhibitor AM4302 (3.0-10.0 mg/kg) revealed that only agonists with CB1 affinity were able to reduce the rimonabant-like discriminative stimulus effects of withholding daily agonist treatment. Although the present studies did not document physiologic disturbances associated with withdrawal, the results are consistent with the view that the cannabinoid antagonist drug discrimination paradigm provides a useful screening procedure for examining the ability of candidate medications to attenuate the interoceptive stimuli provoked by cannabis discontinuation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite a growing acceptance that withdrawal symptoms can emerge following the discontinuation of cannabis products, especially in high-intake chronic users, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies to assist those seeking treatment. The present studies systematically examined cannabinoid antagonist drug discrimination, a preclinical animal model that is designed to appraise the ability of candidate medications to attenuate the interoceptive effects that accompany abrupt cannabis abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Kangas
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (B.D.K., J.B.); Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (B.D.K., A.S.Z., J.B.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (K.V., S.O.A., S.J., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Ani S Zakarian
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (B.D.K., J.B.); Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (B.D.K., A.S.Z., J.B.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (K.V., S.O.A., S.J., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Kiran Vemuri
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (B.D.K., J.B.); Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (B.D.K., A.S.Z., J.B.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (K.V., S.O.A., S.J., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Shakiru O Alapafuja
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (B.D.K., J.B.); Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (B.D.K., A.S.Z., J.B.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (K.V., S.O.A., S.J., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (B.D.K., J.B.); Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (B.D.K., A.S.Z., J.B.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (K.V., S.O.A., S.J., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Spyros P Nikas
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (B.D.K., J.B.); Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (B.D.K., A.S.Z., J.B.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (K.V., S.O.A., S.J., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (B.D.K., J.B.); Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (B.D.K., A.S.Z., J.B.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (K.V., S.O.A., S.J., S.P.N., A.M.)
| | - Jack Bergman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (B.D.K., J.B.); Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (B.D.K., A.S.Z., J.B.); and Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (K.V., S.O.A., S.J., S.P.N., A.M.)
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Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major public health crisis worldwide, and effective treatment options are limited. During the past 2 decades, researchers have investigated the impact of a variety of pharmacological approaches to treat SUD, one of which is the use of medical cannabis or cannabinoids. Significant progress was made with the discovery of rimonabant, a selective CB1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist (also an inverse agonist), as a promising therapeutic for SUDs and obesity. However, serious adverse effects such as depression and suicidality led to the withdrawal of rimonabant (and almost all other CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists) from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Since then, much research interest has shifted to other cannabinoid-based strategies, such as peripheral CB1R antagonists/inverse agonists, neutral CB1R antagonists, allosteric CB1R modulators, CB2R agonists, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors, fatty acid binding protein (FABP) inhibitors, or nonaddictive phytocannabinoids with CB1R or CB2R-binding profiles, as new therapeutics for SUDs. In this article, we first review recent progress in research regarding the endocannabinoid systems, cannabis reward versus aversion, and the underlying receptor mechanisms. We then review recent progress in cannabinoid-based medication development for the treatment of SUDs. As evidence continues to accumulate, neutral CB1R antagonists (such as AM4113), CB2R agonists (JWH133, Xie2-64), and nonselective phytocannabinoids (cannabidiol, β-caryophyllene, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabivarin) have shown great therapeutic potential for SUDs, as shown in experimental animals. Several cannabinoid-based medications (e.g., dronabinol, nabilone, PF-04457845) that entered clinical trials have shown promising results in reducing withdrawal symptoms in cannabis and opioid users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Molecular Targets and Medication Discoveries Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Cannabinoid CB 1 receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 inhibits heroin self-administration without depressive side effects in rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:365-373. [PMID: 29967454 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) have been shown to be a promising target in medication development for the treatment of addiction. However, clinical trials with SR141716A (rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist) for the treatment of obesity and smoking cessation failed due to unwanted side effects, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. Recent preclinical studies suggest that the neutral CB1R antagonist AM4113 may retain the therapeutic anti-addictive effects of SR141716A in nicotine self-administration models and possibly has fewer unwanted side effects. However, little is known about whether AM4113 is also effective for other drugs of abuse, such as opioids and psychostimulants, and whether it produces depressive side effects similar to SR141716A in experimental animals. In this study, we demonstrated that systemic administration of AM4113 (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited the self-administration of intravenous heroin but not cocaine or methamphetamine, whereas SR141716A (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited the self-administration of heroin and methamphetamine but not cocaine. In the electrical brain-stimulation reward (BSR) paradigm, SR141716A (3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased the BSR stimulation threshold (i.e., decreased the stimulation reward), but AM4113 had no effect on BSR at the same doses, suggesting that SR141716A may produce aversive effects while AM4113 may not. Together, these findings show that neutral CB1R antagonists such as AM4113 deserve further research as a new class of CB1R-based medications for the treatment of opioid addiction without SR141716A-like aversive effects.
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Tai S, Vasiljevik T, Sherwood AM, Eddington S, Wilson CD, Prisinzano TE, Fantegrossi WE. Assessment of rimonabant-like adverse effects of purported CB1R neutral antagonist / CB2R agonist aminoalkylindole derivatives in mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 192:285-293. [PMID: 30300803 PMCID: PMC6475911 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids may be useful in the treatment of CNS disorders including drug abuse and addiction, where both CB1R antagonists / inverse agonists and CB2R agonists have shown preclinical efficacy. TV-5-249 and TV-6-41, two novel aminoalkylindoles with dual action as neutral CB1R antagonists and CB2R agonists, previously attenuated abuse-related effects of ethanol in mice. PURPOSE To further characterize these drugs, TV-5-249 and TV-6-41 were compared with the CB1R antagonist / inverse agonist rimonabant in assays relevant to adverse effects and cannabinoid withdrawal. PROCEDURES AND FINDINGS The cannabinoid tetrad confirmed that TV-5-249 and TV-6-41 were devoid of CB1R agonist effects at behaviorally-relevant doses, and neither of the novel drugs induced rimonabant-like scratching. Generalized aversive effects were assessed, and rimonabant and TV-5-249 induced taste aversion, but TV-6-41 did not. Schedule-controlled responding and observation of somatic signs were used to assess withdrawal-like effects precipitated by rimonabant or TV-6-41 in mice previously treated with the high-efficacy CB1R agonist JWH-018 or vehicle. Rimonabant and TV-6-41 dose-dependently suppressed response rates in all subjects, but TV-6-41 did so more potently in JWH-018-treated mice than in vehicle-treated mice, while rimonabant equally suppressed responding in both groups. Importantly, rimonabant elicited dramatic withdrawal signs, but TV-6-41 did not. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest differences in both direct adverse effects and withdrawal-related effects elicited by rimonabant, TV-5-249, and TV-6-41, which could relate to neutral CB1R antagonism, CB2R agonism, or a combination of both. Both mechanisms should be explored and exploited in future drug design efforts to develop pharmacotherapies for drug dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherrica Tai
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tamara Vasiljevik
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Dr., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Alexander M Sherwood
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Dr., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Sarah Eddington
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Catheryn D Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Dr., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - William E Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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Endocannabinoids in Body Weight Control. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11020055. [PMID: 29849009 PMCID: PMC6027162 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of body weight is fundamental to maintain one's health and to promote longevity. Nevertheless, it appears that the global obesity epidemic is still constantly increasing. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid messengers that are involved in overall body weight control by interfering with manifold central and peripheral regulatory circuits that orchestrate energy homeostasis. Initially, blocking of eCB signaling by first generation cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) inverse agonists such as rimonabant revealed body weight-reducing effects in laboratory animals and men. Unfortunately, rimonabant also induced severe psychiatric side effects. At this point, it became clear that future cannabinoid research has to decipher more precisely the underlying central and peripheral mechanisms behind eCB-driven control of feeding behavior and whole body energy metabolism. Here, we will summarize the most recent advances in understanding how central eCBs interfere with circuits in the brain that control food intake and energy expenditure. Next, we will focus on how peripheral eCBs affect food digestion, nutrient transformation and energy expenditure by interfering with signaling cascades in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, fat depots and endocrine glands. To finally outline the safe future potential of cannabinoids as medicines, our overall goal is to address the molecular, cellular and pharmacological logic behind central and peripheral eCB-mediated body weight control, and to figure out how these precise mechanistic insights are currently transferred into the development of next generation cannabinoid medicines displaying clearly improved safety profiles, such as significantly reduced side effects.
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Richey JM, Woolcott O. Re-visiting the Endocannabinoid System and Its Therapeutic Potential in Obesity and Associated Diseases. Curr Diab Rep 2017; 17:99. [PMID: 28913816 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-017-0924-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of the review was to revisit the possibility of the endocannabinoid system being a therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity by focusing on the peripheral roles in regulating appetite and energy metabolism. RECENT FINDINGS Previous studies with the global cannabinoid receptor blocker rimonabant, which has both central and peripheral properties, showed that this drug has beneficial effects on cardiometabolic function but severe adverse psychiatric side effects. Consequently, focus has shifted to peripherally restricted cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor blockers as possible therapeutic agents that mitigate or eliminate the untoward effects in the central nervous system. Targeting the endocannabinoid system using novel peripheral CB1 receptor blockers with negligible penetrance across the blood-brain barrier may prove to be effective therapy for obesity and its co-morbidities. Perhaps the future of blockers targeting CB1 receptors will be tissue-specific neutral antagonists (e.g., skeletal muscle specific to treat peripheral insulin resistance, adipocyte-specific to treat fat excess, liver-specific to treat fatty liver and hepatic insulin resistance).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce M Richey
- USC Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, 2250 Alcazar Street, Suite 213, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Orison Woolcott
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Thalians E103, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
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Chen B, Hu N. Rimonabant improves metabolic parameters partially attributed to restoration of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in skeletal muscle in HFD-fed mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 50:e6141. [PMID: 28492810 PMCID: PMC5441279 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20176141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) inhibition tends to be one of the promising strategies for the treatment of obesity and other related metabolic disorders. Although CB1R inhibition may cause adverse psychiatric effects including depression and anxiety, the investigation of the role of peripheral CB1R on weight loss and related metabolic parameters are urgently needed. We first explored the effect of rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, on some metabolic parameters in high fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Then, real-time PCR and electrophysiology were used to explore the contribution of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (HVACCs), especially Cav1.1, on rimonabant's effect in skeletal muscle (SM) in HFD-induced obesity. Five-week HFD feeding caused body weight gain, and decreased glucose/insulin tolerance in mice compared to those in the regular diet group (P<0.05), which was restored by rimonabant treatment compared to the HFD group (P<0.05). Interestingly, HVACCs and Cav1.1 were decreased in soleus muscle cells in the HFD group compared to the control group. Daily treatment with rimonabant for 5 weeks was shown to counter such decrease (P<0.05). Collectively, our findings provided a novel understanding for peripheral CB1R's role in the modulation of body weight and glucose homeostasis and highlight peripheral CB1R as well as Cav1.1 in the SM as potential targets for obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - N Hu
- Department of Concurrent Chemoradiation Lymphatic Hematopoietic Comprehensive Ward, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Ford BM, Tai S, Fantegrossi WE, Prather PL. Synthetic Pot: Not Your Grandfather's Marijuana. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2017; 38:257-276. [PMID: 28162792 PMCID: PMC5329767 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In the early 2000s in Europe and shortly thereafter in the USA, it was reported that 'legal' forms of marijuana were being sold under the name K2 and/or Spice. Active ingredients in K2/Spice products were determined to be synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs), producing psychotropic actions via CB1 cannabinoid receptors, similar to those of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary active constituent in marijuana. Often abused by adolescents and military personnel to elude detection in drug tests due to their lack of structural similarity to Δ9-THC, SCBs are falsely marketed as safe marijuana substitutes. Instead, SCBs are a highly structural diverse group of compounds, easily synthesized, which produce very dangerous adverse effects occurring by, as of yet, unknown mechanisms. Therefore, available evidence indicates that K2/Spice products are clearly not safe marijuana alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Ford
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Sherrica Tai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William E Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Paul L Prather
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Lynch JJ, Van Vleet TR, Mittelstadt SW, Blomme EAG. Potential functional and pathological side effects related to off-target pharmacological activity. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2017; 87:108-126. [PMID: 28216264 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Most pharmaceutical companies test their discovery-stage proprietary molecules in a battery of in vitro pharmacology assays to try to determine off-target interactions. During all phases of drug discovery and development, various questions arise regarding potential side effects associated with such off-target pharmacological activity. Here we present a scientific literature curation effort undertaken to determine and summarize the most likely functional and pathological outcomes associated with interactions at 70 receptors, enzymes, ion channels and transporters with established links to adverse effects. To that end, the scientific literature was reviewed using an on-line database, and the most commonly reported effects were summarized in tabular format. The resultant table should serve as a practical guide for research scientists and clinical investigators for the prediction and interpretation of adverse side effects associated with molecules interacting with components of this screening battery.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Lynch
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | | | | | - Eric A G Blomme
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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Gueye AB, Pryslawsky Y, Trigo JM, Poulia N, Delis F, Antoniou K, Loureiro M, Laviolette SR, Vemuri K, Makriyannis A, Le Foll B. The CB1 Neutral Antagonist AM4113 Retains the Therapeutic Efficacy of the Inverse Agonist Rimonabant for Nicotine Dependence and Weight Loss with Better Psychiatric Tolerability. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 19:pyw068. [PMID: 27493155 PMCID: PMC5203757 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyw068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies suggest a pivotal role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating the reinforcing effects of various substances of abuse. Rimonabant, a CB1 inverse agonist found to be effective for smoking cessation, was associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Here we evaluated the effects of the CB1 neutral antagonist AM4113 on the abuse-related effects of nicotine and its effects on anxiety and depressive-like behavior in rats. METHODS Rats were trained to self-administer nicotine under a fixed-ratio 5 or progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement. A control group was trained to self-administer food. The acute/chronic effects of AM4113 pretreatment were evaluated on nicotine taking, motivation for nicotine, and cue-, nicotine priming- and yohimbine-induced reinstatement of nicotine-seeking. The effects of AM4113 in the basal firing and bursting activity of midbrain dopamine neurons were evaluated in a separate group of animals treated with nicotine. Anxiety/depression-like effects of AM4113 and rimonabant were evaluated 24h after chronic (21 days) pretreatment (0, 1, 3, and 10mg/kg, 1/d). RESULTS AM4113 significantly attenuated nicotine taking, motivation for nicotine, as well as cue-, priming- and stress-induced reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior. These effects were accompanied by a decrease of the firing and burst rates in the ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons in response to nicotine. On the other hand, AM4113 pretreatment did not have effects on operant responding for food. Importantly, AM4113 did not have effects on anxiety and showed antidepressant-like effects. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that AM4113 could be a promising therapeutic option for the prevention of relapse to nicotine-seeking while lacking anxiety/depression-like side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory (Dr Gueye, Mr Pryslawsky, Dr Trigo, and Dr Le Foll), Alcohol Research and Treatment Clinic, Addiction Medicine Services, Ambulatory Care and Structured Treatments (Dr Le Foll), and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute (Dr Le Foll), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, and Department of Psychiatry, Division of Brain and Therapeutics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada (Dr Le Foll); Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada (Dr Le Foll); Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Greece (Ms Poulia and Drs Delis and Antoniou); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada (Drs Loureiro and Laviolette); Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA (Drs Vemuri and Makriyannis).
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Blockade of Nicotine and Cannabinoid Reinforcement and Relapse by a Cannabinoid CB1-Receptor Neutral Antagonist AM4113 and Inverse Agonist Rimonabant in Squirrel Monkeys. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2283-93. [PMID: 26888056 PMCID: PMC4946059 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine, the main psychoactive component of tobacco, and (-)-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, play major roles in tobacco and marijuana dependence as reinforcers of drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior. Drugs that act as inverse agonists of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the brain can attenuate the rewarding and abuse-related effects of nicotine and THC, but their clinical use is hindered by potentially serious side effects. The recently developed CB1-receptor neutral antagonists may provide an alternative therapeutic approach to nicotine and cannabinoid dependence. Here we compare attenuation of nicotine and THC reinforcement and reinstatement in squirrel monkeys by the CB1-receptor inverse agonist rimonabant and by the recently developed CB1-receptor neutral antagonist AM4113. Both rimonabant and AM4113 reduced two effects of nicotine and THC that play major roles in tobacco and marijuana dependence: (1) maintenance of high rates of drug-taking behavior, and (2) priming- or cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in abstinent subjects (models of relapse). In contrast, neither rimonabant nor AM4113 modified cocaine-reinforced or food-reinforced operant behavior under similar experimental conditions. However, both rimonabant and AM4113 reduced cue-induced reinstatement in monkeys trained to self-administer cocaine, suggesting the involvement of a common cannabinoid-mediated mechanism in the cue-induced reinstatement for different drugs of abuse. These findings point to CB1-receptor neutral antagonists as a new class of medications for treatment of both tobacco dependence and cannabis dependence.
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Modulation of food consumption and sleep-wake cycle in mice by the neutral CB1 antagonist ABD459. Behav Pharmacol 2015; 26:289-303. [PMID: 25356730 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The brain endocannabinoid system is a potential target for the treatment of psychiatric and metabolic conditions. Here, a novel CB1 receptor antagonist (ABD459) was synthesized and assayed for pharmacological efficacy in vitro and for modulation of food consumption, vigilance staging and cortical electroencephalography in the mouse. ABD459 completely displaced the CB1 agonist CP99540 at a Ki of 8.6 nmol/l, and did not affect basal, but antagonized CP55940-induced GTPγS binding with a KB of 7.7 nmol/l. Acute ABD459 (3-20 mg/kg) reliably inhibited food consumption in nonfasted mice, without affecting motor activity. Active food seeking was reduced for 5-6 h postdrug, with no rebound after washout. Epidural recording of electroencephalogram confirmed that ABD459 (3 mg/kg) robustly reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, with no alterations of wakefulness or non-REM sleep. Effects were strongest during 3 h postdrug, followed by a progressive washout period. The CB1 antagonist AM251 (3 mg/kg) and agonist WIN-55,212-2 (WIN-2: 3 mg/kg) also reduced REM, but variously affected other vigilance stages. WIN-2 caused a global suppression of normalized spectral power. AM251 and ABD459 lowered delta power and increased power in the theta band in the hippocampus, but not the prefrontal cortex. The neutral antagonist ABD459 thus showed a specific role of endocannabinoid release in attention and arousal, possibly through modulation of cholinergic activity.
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Cluny NL, Keenan CM, Reimer RA, Le Foll B, Sharkey KA. Prevention of Diet-Induced Obesity Effects on Body Weight and Gut Microbiota in Mice Treated Chronically with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144270. [PMID: 26633823 PMCID: PMC4669115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Acute administration of cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists, or the ingestion of cannabis, induces short-term hyperphagia. However, the incidence of obesity is lower in frequent cannabis users compared to non-users. Gut microbiota affects host metabolism and altered microbial profiles are observed in obese states. Gut microbiota modifies adipogenesis through actions on the endocannabinoid system. This study investigated the effect of chronic THC administration on body weight and gut microbiota in diet-induced obese (DIO) and lean mice. Methods Adult male DIO and lean mice were treated daily with vehicle or THC (2mg/kg for 3 weeks and 4 mg/kg for 1 additional week). Body weight, fat mass, energy intake, locomotor activity, whole gut transit and gut microbiota were measured longitudinally. Results THC reduced weight gain, fat mass gain and energy intake in DIO but not lean mice. DIO-induced changes in select gut microbiota were prevented in mice chronically administered THC. THC had no effect on locomotor activity or whole gut transit in either lean or DIO mice. Conclusions Chronic THC treatment reduced energy intake and prevented high fat diet-induced increases in body weight and adiposity; effects that were unlikely to be a result of sedation or altered gastrointestinal transit. Changes in gut microbiota potentially contribute to chronic THC-induced actions on body weight in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina L. Cluny
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute of Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine M. Keenan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute of Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raylene A. Reimer
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keith A. Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute of Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Tai S, Nikas SP, Shukla VG, Vemuri K, Makriyannis A, Järbe TU. Cannabinoid withdrawal in mice: inverse agonist vs neutral antagonist. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:2751-61. [PMID: 25772338 PMCID: PMC4504748 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3907-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous reports shows rimonabant's inverse properties may be a limiting factor for treating cannabinoid dependence. To overcome this limitation, neutral antagonists were developed, to address mechanisms by which an inverse agonist and neutral antagonist elicit withdrawal. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to introduce an animal model to study cannabinoid dependence by incorporating traditional methodologies and profiling novel cannabinoid ligands with distinct pharmacological properties/modes of action by evaluating their pharmacological effects on CB1-receptor (CB1R) related physiological/behavioral endpoints. METHODS The cannabinergic AM2389 was acutely characterized in the tetrad (locomotor activity, analgesia, inverted screen/catalepsy bar test, and temperature), with some comparisons made to Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Tolerance was measured in mice repeatedly administered AM2389. Antagonist-precipitated withdrawal was characterized in cannabinoid-adapted mice induced by either centrally acting antagonists, rimonabant and AM4113, or an antagonist with limited brain penetration, AM6545. RESULTS In the tetrad, AM2389 was more potent and longer acting than THC, suggesting a novel approach for inducing dependence. Repeated administration of AM2389 led to tolerance by attenuating hypothermia that was induced by acute AM2389 administration. Antagonist-precipitated withdrawal signs were induced by rimonabant or AM4113, but not by AM6545. Antagonist-precipitated withdrawal was reversed by reinstating AM2389 or THC. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest cannabinoid-precipitated withdrawal may not be ascribed to the inverse properties of rimonabant, but rather to rapid competition with the agonist at the CB1R. This withdrawal syndrome is likely centrally mediated, since only the centrally acting CB1R antagonists elicited withdrawal, i.e., such responses were absent after the purported peripherally selective CB1R antagonist AM6545.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherrica Tai
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA,
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CB1 antagonism: interference with affective properties of acute naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:4291-300. [PMID: 24770676 PMCID: PMC4209202 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3575-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Modulation of the endocannabinoid system has been found to interfere with opiate withdrawal. The potential of activation and blockade of the endocannabinoid system to prevent the aversive-affective state of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal (MWD) was investigated in a one-trial conditioned place aversion (CPA) paradigm. OBJECTIVE CPA provides a sensitive measure of the motivational effects of acute MWD. The potential of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, URB597 and PF-3845, the CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist, AM251, and the neutral CB1 antagonists, AM4113 and AM6527 (oral), to interfere with establishment of a MWD-induced CPA was investigated. As well, the potential of AM251 and AM4113 to interfere with reinstatement of a previously established MWD-induced CPA was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a one-trial place conditioning paradigm, rats were administered naloxone (1 mg/kg, subcutaneous (s.c.)) 24 h after receiving a high dose of morphine (20 mg/kg, s.c.) and were placed on the conditioning floor. To determine the effect of each pretreatment drug on the establishment of the MWD-induced CPA, URB597 (0.3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)), PF-3845 (10 mg/kg, i.p.), AM251 (1 or 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), AM4113 (1 or 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), and AM6527 (5 mg/kg, oral) were administered prior to conditioning. RESULTS AM251 (2.5, but not 1 mg/k), AM4113, and AM6527, but not URB597 or PF-3845, interfered with the establishment of the MWD-induced CPA. AM251 and AM4113 did not prevent reinstatement of the CPA. CONCLUSIONS Neutral antagonism of the CB1 receptor reduces the aversive affective properties of morphine withdrawal.
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Rock EM, Sticht MA, Duncan M, Stott C, Parker LA. Evaluation of the potential of the phytocannabinoids, cannabidivarin (CBDV) and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), to produce CB1 receptor inverse agonism symptoms of nausea in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:671-8. [PMID: 23902479 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The cannabinoid 1 (CB1 ) receptor inverse agonists/antagonists, rimonabant (SR141716, SR) and AM251, produce nausea and potentiate toxin-induced nausea by inverse agonism (rather than antagonism) of the CB1 receptor. Here, we evaluated two phytocannabinoids, cannabidivarin (CBDV) and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), for their ability to produce these behavioural effect characteristics of CB1 receptor inverse agonism in rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In experiment 1, we investigated the potential of THCV and CBDV to produce conditioned gaping (measure of nausea-induced behaviour) in the same manner as SR and AM251. In experiment 2, we investigated the potential of THCV and CBDV to enhance conditioned gaping produced by a toxin in the same manner as CB1 receptor inverse agonists. KEY RESULTS SR (10 and 20 mg·kg(-1) ) and AM251 (10 mg·kg(-1) ) produced conditioned gaping; however, THCV (10 or 20 mg·kg(-1) ) and CBDV (10 or 200 mg·kg(-1) ) did not. At a subthreshold dose for producing nausea, SR (2.5 mg·kg(-1) ) enhanced lithium chloride (LiCl)-induced conditioned gaping, whereas Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 2.5 and 10 mg·kg(-1) ), THCV (2.5 or 10 mg·kg(-1) ) and CBDV (2.5 or 200 mg·kg(-1) ) did not; in fact, THC (2.5 and 10 mg·kg(-1) ), THCV (10 mg·kg(-1) ) and CBDV (200 mg·kg(-1) ) suppressed LiCl-induced conditioned gaping, suggesting anti-nausea potential. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The pattern of findings indicates that neither THCV nor CBDV produced a behavioural profile characteristic of CB1 receptor inverse agonists. As well, these compounds may have therapeutic potential in reducing nausea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Rock
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Permanent suppression of cortical oscillations in mice after adolescent exposure to cannabinoids: receptor mechanisms. Neuropharmacology 2014; 86:161-73. [PMID: 25036610 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana use in adolescence, but not adulthood, may permanently impair cognitive functioning and increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. Cortical oscillations are patterns of neural network activity implicated in cognitive processing, and are abnormal in patients with schizophrenia. We have recently reported that cortical oscillations are suppressed in adult mice that were treated with the cannabinoids WIN55,212-2 (WIN) or Δ(9)tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in adolescence, but not adulthood. WIN and THC are cannabinoid-1 (CB1R) and CB2R agonists, and also have activity at non-cannabinoid receptor targets. However, as acute WIN and THC administration can suppress oscillations through CB1Rs, we hypothesize that a similar mechanism underlies the permanent suppression of oscillations by repeated cannabinoid exposure in adolescence. Here we test the prediction that cannabinoid exposure in adolescence permanently suppresses cortical oscillations by acting through CB1Rs, and that these suppressive effects can be antagonized by a CB1R antagonist. We treated adolescent mice with various cannabinoid compounds, and pharmacologically-evoked oscillations in local field potentials (LFPs) in vitro in adults. We find that WIN exposure for six days in early adolescence suppresses oscillations preferentially in adult medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) via CB1Rs, and that a similar CB1R mechanism accounts for the suppressive effects of long-term (20 day) adolescent THC in adult somatosensory cortex (SCx). Unexpectedly, we also find that CB2Rs may be involved in the suppression of oscillations in both mPFC and SCx by long-term adolescent cannabinoid exposure, and that non-cannabinoid receptors may also contribute to oscillation suppression in adult mPFC. These findings represent a novel attempt to antagonize the effects of adolescent cannabinoid exposure on neural network activity, and reveal the contribution of non-CB1R targets to the suppression of cortical oscillations.
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Le Foll B, Pushparaj A, Pryslawsky Y, Forget B, Vemuri K, Makriyannis A, Trigo JM. Translational strategies for therapeutic development in nicotine addiction: rethinking the conventional bench to bedside approach. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 52:86-93. [PMID: 24140878 PMCID: PMC4002666 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco produces an impressive burden of disease resulting in premature death in half of users. Despite effective smoking cessation medications (nicotine replacement therapies, bupropion and varenicline), there is a very high rate of relapse following quit attempts. The use of efficient strategies for the development of novel treatments is a necessity. A 'bench to bedside strategy' was initially used to develop cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists for the treatment of nicotine addiction. Unfortunately, after being tested on experimental animals, what seemed to be an interesting approach for the treatment of nicotine addiction resulted in serious unwanted side effects when tested in humans. Current research is focusing again on pre-clinical models in an effort to eliminate unwanted side effects while preserving the initially observed efficacy. A 'bed side to bench strategy' was used to study the role of the insula (part of the frontal cortex) in nicotine addiction. This line of research started based on clinical observations that patients suffering stroke-induced lesions to the insula showed a greater likelihood to report immediate smoking cessation without craving or relapse. Subsequently, animal models of addiction are used to explore the role of insula in addiction. Due to the inherent limitations existing in clinical versus preclinical studies, the possibility of close interaction between both models seems to be critical for the successful development of novel therapeutic strategies for nicotine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; Alcohol Research and Treatment Clinic, Addiction Medicine Services, Ambulatory Care and Structured Treatments, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Abhiram Pushparaj
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Yaroslaw Pryslawsky
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
| | - Benoit Forget
- Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic Systems, Department of Neuroscience, Pasteur Institute, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, Paris 75724, France
| | - Kiran Vemuri
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115-5005, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115-5005, United States; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115-5005, United States
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115-5005, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115-5005, United States; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115-5005, United States
| | - Jose M Trigo
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
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Makriyannis A. 2012 Division of medicinal chemistry award address. Trekking the cannabinoid road: a personal perspective. J Med Chem 2014; 57:3891-911. [PMID: 24707904 DOI: 10.1021/jm500220s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
My involvement with the field of cannabinoids spans close to 3 decades and covers a major part of my scientific career. It also reflects the robust progress in this initially largely unexplored area of biology. During this period of time, I have witnessed the growth of modern cannabinoid biology, starting from the discovery of its two receptors and followed by the characterization of its endogenous ligands and the identification of the enzyme systems involved in their biosynthesis and biotransformation. I was fortunate enough to start at the beginning of this new era and participate in a number of the new discoveries. It has been a very exciting journey. With coverage of some key aspects of my work during this period of "modern cannabinoid research," this Award Address, in part historical, intends to give an account of how the field grew, the key discoveries, and the most promising directions for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University , 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Nasser Y, Bashashati M, Andrews CN. Toward modulation of the endocannabinoid system for treatment of gastrointestinal disease: FAAHster but not "higher". Neurogastroenterol Motil 2014; 26:447-54. [PMID: 24641009 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis has been used to treat various afflictions throughout the centuries, including nausea, vomiting, and pain. It has also been used recreationally for its psychotropic properties, which can include a pleasurable 'high' feeling and a decrease in anxiety and tension; however, other may experience dysphoria. Changes in cognition and psychomotor performance are also well-known with cannabis use. In recent years, our understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has progressed dramatically; the objective of identifying agents which may allow modulation of the ECS without significant psychotropic side effects may be possible. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an important enzyme for the degradation of anandamide and other endogenous cannabinoids, is a promising target to achieve this goal. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Fichna and colleagues report on a novel selective FAAH inhibitor, PF-3845, with potent antinociceptive and antidiarrheal effects in a mouse model. In this context, we briefly review the components of the ECS, discuss pharmacologic targets for indirect cannabinoid receptor stimulation, and describe recent research with cannabinoids for gut disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Nasser
- Division of Gastroenterology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Sharkey KA, Darmani NA, Parker LA. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 722:134-46. [PMID: 24184696 PMCID: PMC3883513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.09.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nausea and vomiting (emesis) are important elements in defensive or protective responses that animals use to avoid ingestion or digestion of potentially harmful substances. However, these neurally-mediated responses are at times manifested as symptoms of disease and they are frequently observed as side-effects of a variety of medications, notably those used to treat cancer. Cannabis has long been known to limit or prevent nausea and vomiting from a variety of causes. This has led to extensive investigations that have revealed an important role for cannabinoids and their receptors in the regulation of nausea and emesis. With the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, novel ways to regulate both nausea and vomiting have been discovered that involve the production of endogenous cannabinoids acting centrally. Here we review recent progress in understanding the regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, and we discuss the potential to utilize the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of these frequently debilitating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1.
| | - Nissar A Darmani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Linda A Parker
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Kangas BD, Delatte MS, Vemuri VK, Thakur GA, Nikas SP, Subramanian KV, Shukla VG, Makriyannis A, Bergman J. Cannabinoid discrimination and antagonism by CB(1) neutral and inverse agonist antagonists. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 344:561-7. [PMID: 23287700 PMCID: PMC3583508 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.112.201962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB(1)) inverse agonists (e.g., rimonabant) have been reported to produce adverse effects including nausea, emesis, and anhedonia that limit their clinical applications. Recent laboratory studies suggest that the effects of CB(1) neutral antagonists differ from those of such inverse agonists, raising the possibility of improved clinical utility. However, little is known regarding the antagonist properties of neutral antagonists. In the present studies, the CB(1) inverse agonist SR141716A (rimonabant) and the CB(1) neutral antagonist AM4113 were compared for their ability to modify CB(1) receptor-mediated discriminative stimulus effects in nonhuman primates trained to discriminate the novel CB(1) full agonist AM4054. Results indicate that AM4054 serves as an effective CB(1) discriminative stimulus, with an onset and time course of action comparable with that of the CB(1) agonist Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, and that the inverse agonist rimonabant and the neutral antagonist AM4113 produce dose-related rightward shifts in the AM4054 dose-effect curve, indicating that both drugs surmountably antagonize the discriminative stimulus effects of AM4054. Schild analyses further show that rimonabant and AM4113 produce highly similar antagonist effects, as evident in comparable pA(2) values (6.9). Taken together with previous studies, the present data suggest that the improved safety profile suggested for CB(1) neutral antagonists over inverse agonists is not accompanied by a loss of antagonist action at CB(1) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Kangas
- Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
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Alonso M, Serrano A, Vida M, Crespillo A, Hernandez-Folgado L, Jagerovic N, Goya P, Reyes-Cabello C, Perez-Valero V, Decara J, Macías-González M, Bermúdez-Silva FJ, Suárez J, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Pavón FJ. Anti-obesity efficacy of LH-21, a cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist with poor brain penetration, in diet-induced obese rats. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:2274-91. [PMID: 21951309 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01698.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Peripheral blockade of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors has been proposed as a safe and effective therapy against obesity, putatively devoid of the adverse psychiatric side effects of centrally acting CB(1) receptor antagonists. In this study we analysed the effects of LH-21, a peripherally acting neutral cannabinoid receptor antagonist with poor brain penetration, in an animal model of diet-induced obesity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To induce obesity, male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 60 kcal% fat) whereas controls received a standard diet (SD; 10 kcal% fat). Following 10 weeks of feeding, animals received a daily i.p. injection of vehicle or 3 mg·kg(-1) LH-21 for 10 days. Plasma and liver samples were used for biochemical analyses whereas visceral fat-pad samples were analysed for lipid metabolism gene expression using real-time RT-PCR. In addition, the potential of LH-21 to interact with hepatic cytochrome P450 isoforms and cardiac human Ether-à-go-go Related Gene (hERG) channels was evaluated. KEY RESULTS LH-21 reduced feeding and body weight gain in HFD-fed animals compared with the control group fed SD. In adipose tissue, this effect was associated with decreased gene expression of: (i) leptin; (ii) lipogenic enzymes, including SCD-1; (iii) CB(1) receptors; and (iv) both PPARα and PPARγ. Although there were no significant differences in plasma parameters between HFD- and SD-fed rats, LH-21 did not seem to induce hepatic, cardiac or renal toxicity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results support the hypothesis that treatment with the peripherally neutral acting CB(1) receptor antagonist, LH-21, may promote weight loss through modulation of visceral adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Alonso
- Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya, Fundación IMABIS, Málaga, Spain
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Silvestri C, Di Marzo V. Second generation CB1 receptor blockers and other inhibitors of peripheral endocannabinoid overactivity and the rationale of their use against metabolic disorders. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2012; 21:1309-22. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2012.704019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristoforo Silvestri
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry – CNR, Endocannabinoid Research Group,
Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy ;
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry – CNR, Endocannabinoid Research Group,
Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy ;
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Rohrbach K, Thomas MA, Glick S, Fung EN, Wang V, Watson L, Gregory P, Antel J, Pelleymounter MA. Ibipinabant attenuates β-cell loss in male Zucker diabetic fatty rats independently of its effects on body weight. Diabetes Obes Metab 2012; 14:555-64. [PMID: 22268426 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2012.01563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIM To test the antidiabetic efficacy of ibipinabant, this new cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist was compared with food-restriction-induced weight loss, rosiglitazone (4 mg/kg) and rimonabant (3 and 10 mg/kg), using parameters of glycaemic control in male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. METHODS Body weight, food and water intake, fasted and non-fasted glucose and insulin, glucose tolerance and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were all assessed over the course of the 9-week study. Pancreatic insulin content and islet area were also evaluated. RESULTS At the end of the study, vehicle-treated ZDF rats were severely hyperglycaemic and showed signs of β-cell decline, including dramatic reductions in unfasted insulin levels. Ibipinanbant (10 mg/kg) reduced the following relative to vehicle controls: fasting glucose (-61%), glucose excursion area under the curve (AUC) in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT, -44%) and HbA1c (-50%). Furthermore, non-fasting insulin, islet area and islet insulin content were all increased (71, 40 and 76%, respectively) relative to vehicle controls by the end of the study. All of these effects were similar to those of rimonabant and rosiglitazone, where ibipinabant was slightly more effective than rimonabant at the lowest dose and somewhat less effective than rosiglitazone at all doses. These antidiabetic effects appear independent of weight loss because none of the parameters above were consistently improved by the comparable weight loss induced by food restriction. CONCLUSIONS Ibipinabant may have weight loss-independent antidiabetic effects and may have the potential to attenuate β-cell loss in a model of progressive β-cell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rohrbach
- Department of Metabolic Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Hopewell, NJ, USA
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Janero DR. Cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) blockers as medicines: beyond obesity and cardiometabolic disorders to substance abuse/drug addiction with CB1R neutral antagonists. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2012; 17:17-29. [DOI: 10.1517/14728214.2012.660916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Involvement of the neurotrophin and cannabinoid systems in the mechanisms of action of neurokinin receptor antagonists. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2011; 21:905-17. [PMID: 21316930 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of the neurokinin (NK) receptor antagonists have been shown in behavioral studies. According to the involvement of neurotrophin signaling in the mechanisms of action of psychotropic agents, we aimed to investigate whether the selective NK(1), NK(2), or NK(3) receptor antagonists (GR-205171, SR48968, and SR142801, respectively) affect nerve growth factor (NGF) contents in the brain regions involved in the modulation of emotions. To gain a mechanistical insight into the process by which the NK antagonists regulate brain NGF levels, we evaluated the role of the cannabinoid system which is linked to depression and/or antidepressant effects and appears to interact with neurotrophin signaling. According to the results, single injection of the NK receptor antagonists (3, 5, and 10mg/kg, i.p.) into gerbils did not alter NGF or endocannabinoid (eCB) levels quantified by Bio-Rad protein assay and isotope-dilution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, respectively. Three-week administration of 10mg/kg NK antagonists significantly elevated both NGF and eCB levels in brain-region specific fashion. Pre-application of the CB(1) receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 (5.6mg/kg) prevented the elevation of NGF or eCB induced by the NK antagonists. AM4113 showed no effect by itself. We conclude that the cannabinoid system is implicated in the mechanisms of action of NK receptor antagonists including the upregulation of brain NGF levels.
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Janero DR, Lindsley L, Vemuri VK, Makriyannis A. Cannabinoid 1 G protein-coupled receptor (periphero-)neutral antagonists: emerging therapeutics for treating obesity-driven metabolic disease and reducing cardiovascular risk. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2011; 6:995-1025. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2011.608063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Parker LA, Rock EM, Limebeer CL. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 163:1411-22. [PMID: 21175589 PMCID: PMC3165951 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01176.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Revised: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence demonstrates that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea and vomiting in humans and other animals. The anti-emetic effect of cannabinoids has been shown across a wide variety of animals that are capable of vomiting in response to a toxic challenge. CB(1) agonism suppresses vomiting, which is reversed by CB(1) antagonism, and CB(1) inverse agonism promotes vomiting. Recently, evidence from animal experiments suggests that cannabinoids may be especially useful in treating the more difficult to control symptoms of nausea and anticipatory nausea in chemotherapy patients, which are less well controlled by the currently available conventional pharmaceutical agents. Although rats and mice are incapable of vomiting, they display a distinctive conditioned gaping response when re-exposed to cues (flavours or contexts) paired with a nauseating treatment. Cannabinoid agonists (Δ(9) -THC, HU-210) and the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, URB-597, suppress conditioned gaping reactions (nausea) in rats as they suppress vomiting in emetic species. Inverse agonists, but not neutral antagonists, of the CB(1) receptor promote nausea, and at subthreshold doses potentiate nausea produced by other toxins (LiCl). The primary non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), also suppresses nausea and vomiting within a limited dose range. The anti-nausea/anti-emetic effects of CBD may be mediated by indirect activation of somatodendritic 5-HT(1A) receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus; activation of these autoreceptors reduces the release of 5-HT in terminal forebrain regions. Preclinical research indicates that cannabinioids, including CBD, may be effective clinically for treating both nausea and vomiting produced by chemotherapy or other therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Parker
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada. DA-9789
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Järbe TUC, LeMay BJ, Vemuri VK, Vadivel SK, Zvonok A, Makriyannis A. Central mediation and differential blockade by cannabinergics of the discriminative stimulus effects of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 216:355-65. [PMID: 21369753 PMCID: PMC3727221 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2226-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Discovery of an endocannabinoid signaling system launched the development of the blocker rimonabant, a cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB(1)R) antagonist/inverse agonist. Due to untoward effects, this medication was withdrawn and efforts have been directed towards discovering chemicals with more benign profiles. OBJECTIVE This study aims to comparatively evaluate new ligands using a rimonabant discriminated drinking aversion procedure. METHODS Rats discriminated between rimonabant (5.6 mg/kg) and vehicle. The 30 min saccharin (0.1%) drinking after rimonabant pretreatment was followed by injection of lithium chloride (120 mg/kg) in the experimental animals. After vehicle pretreatment, experimental animals were given i.p. NaCl (10 ml/kg). Postdrinking treatment for controls was NaCl, irrespective of pretreatment condition (rimonabant or vehicle). RESULTS The centrally acting neutral CB(1)R antagonist AM4113, but not the limited brain penetrating CB(1)R neutral antagonist AM6545, substituted for rimonabant. The CB(1)R agonists THC (1-10 mg/kg), AM1346 (1-10 mg/kg) did not substitute. The rimonabant-induced conditioned suppression of saccharin drinking was attenuated when CB(1)R agonists AM5983 (0.01-1 mg/kg) and THC (10 mg/kg), but not the CB(1)R agonist AM1346 (0.1-18 mg/kg), were combined with rimonabant (5.6 mg/kg). By varying the injection-to-test interval, we gauged the relative duration of the cueing effects of rimonabant, and the in vivo functional half-life was estimated to be approximately 1.5 h. CONCLUSION A neutral CB(1)R antagonist (AM4113) produced cueing effects similar to those of rimonabant and generalization likely was centrally mediated. The functional cueing effects of rimonabant are relatively short-acting, pharmacologically selective, and differentially blocked by cannabinergics.
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Seely KA, Prather PL, James LP, Moran JH. Marijuana-based drugs: innovative therapeutics or designer drugs of abuse? Mol Interv 2011; 11:36-51. [PMID: 21441120 DOI: 10.1124/mi.11.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The principal psychoactive component of marijuana, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), activates CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs). Unfortunately, pharmacological research into the design of effective THC analogs has been hampered by psychiatric side effects. THC-based drug design of a less academic nature, however, has led to the marketing of "synthetic marijuana," labeled as K2 or "Spice," among other terms, which elicits psychotropic actions via CB1R activation. Because of structural dissimilarity to THC, the active ingredients of K2/Spice preparations are widely unregulated. The K2/Spice "phenomenon" provides a context for considering whether marijuana-based drugs will truly provide innovative therapeutics or merely perpetuate drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Seely
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Ward SJ, Raffa RB. Rimonabant redux and strategies to improve the future outlook of CB1 receptor neutral-antagonist/inverse-agonist therapies. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2011; 19:1325-34. [PMID: 21475141 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2011.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jane Ward
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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The cannabinergic system is implicated in the upregulation of central NGF protein by psychotropic drugs. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 215:129-41. [PMID: 21170518 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-2120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Studies on the regulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) levels by psychotropics are limited in scope and the mechanism(s) remain elusive which merit further elucidation. OBJECTIVES We aimed to perform a more comprehensive investigation on the possible effects of pharmacologically heterogeneous groups of psychotropic drugs on NGF contents in the brain regions involved in the modulation of emotions. As a mechanistic approach, we looked at the role of the cannabinergic system which is linked to depression and/or antidepressant effect and appears to interact with neurotrophin signaling. METHODS Following psychotropic treatment, NGF or endocannabinoid (eCB) contents were quantified by Bio-Rad protein assay and isotope-dilution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, respectively. In case of any significant change, the effects of pretreatment with the CB(1) receptor neutral antagonist AM4113 were investigated. RESULTS Single injection of nortriptyline, isocarboxazid, citalopram, diazepam, risperidone (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, each), and fluphenazine (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg) into rats did not alter NGF or eCB contents. Following 4-week treatment, all drugs except diazepam elevated NGF or eCB levels in dose-dependent and brain region-specific fashion. Pretreatment with the highest dose of AM4113 (5.6 mg/kg) prevented psychotropic-induced NGF or eCB elevation. AM4113 had no effect by itself. CONCLUSIONS The cannabinergic system is implicated in the mechanisms of action of certain psychotropic drugs including the upregulation of brain NGF levels. This provides a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders, leading to novel drug design.
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