Signal transduction of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in a smooth muscle cell line

Cannabinoids and Cardiovascular System

Cannabinoids influence cardiovascular variables in health and disease via multiple mechanisms. The chapter covers the impact of cannabinoids on cardiovascular function in physiology and pathology and presents a critical analysis of the proposed signalling pathways governing regulation of cardiovascular function by endogenously produced and exogenous cannabinoids. We know that endocannabinoid system is overactivated under pathological conditions and plays both a protective compensatory role, such as in some forms of hypertension, atherosclerosis and other inflammatory conditions, and a pathophysiological role, such as in disease states associated with excessive hypotension. This chapter focuses on the mechanisms affecting hemodynamics and vasomotor effects of cannabinoids in health and disease states, highlighting mismatches between some studies. The chapter will first review the effects of marijuana smoking on cardiovascular system and then describe the impact of exogenous cannabinoids on cardiovascular parameters in humans and experimental animals. This will be followed by analysis of the impact of cannabinoids on reactivity of isolated vessels. The article critically reviews current knowledge on cannabinoid induction of vascular relaxation by cannabinoid receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms and dysregulation of vascular endocannabinoid signaling in disease states.

CB1 and CB2 Receptor Pharmacology

The CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R, CB2R) are members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family that were identified over 20 years ago. CB1Rs and CB2Rs mediate the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of marijuana, and subsequently identified endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. CB1Rs and CB2Rs have both similarities and differences in their pharmacology. Both receptors recognize multiple classes of agonist and antagonist compounds and produce an array of distinct downstream effects. Natural polymorphisms and alternative splice variants may also contribute to their pharmacological diversity. As our knowledge of the distinct differences grows, we may be able to target select receptor conformations and their corresponding pharmacological responses. This chapter will discuss their pharmacological characterization, distribution, phylogeny, and signaling pathways. In addition, the effects of extended agonist exposure and how that affects signaling and expression patterns of the receptors are considered.

(Endo)cannabinoids mediate different Ca2+ entry mechanisms in human bronchial epithelial cells

In human bronchial epithelial (16HBE14o(-)) cells, CB(1) and CB(2) cannabinoid receptors are present, and their activation by the endocannabinoid virodhamine and the synthetic non-selective receptor agonist CP55,940 inhibits adenylyl cyclase and cellular interleukin-8 release. Here, we analyzed changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+](i)) evoked by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), CP55,940, and virodhamine in 16HBE14o(-) cells. Delta(9)-THC induced [Ca2+](i) increase and a large transient [Ca2+](i) mobilization, the latter probably reflecting store-depletion-driven capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE). In contrast, CP55,940 induced a rather moderate Ca2+ influx and a sustained [Ca2+](i) mobilization. CP55,940-induced Ca2+ influx was inhibited by Ni2+, indicating CCE, possibly mediated by transient receptor potential channel TRPC1, the mRNA of which is expressed in 16HBE14o(-) cells. CP55,940-induced calcium alterations were mimicked by virodhamine concentrations below 30 microM. Interestingly, higher virodhamine induced an additional Ca2+ entry, insensitive to Ni2+, but sensitive to the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine, the TRPV1-TRPV4 inhibitor ruthenium red, and the non-CCE (NCCE) inhibitors La3+ and Gd3+. Such pharmacological profile is supported by the presence of TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPC6 mRNAs as well as TRPV1 and TRPC6 proteins in 16HBE14o(-) cells. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists increased virodhamine-induced Ca2+ entry. Virodhamine also enhanced arachidonic acid release, which was insensitive to cannabinoid receptor antagonism, but sensitive to the phospholipase A(2) inhibitor quinacrine, and to capsazepine. Arachidonic acid induced [Ca2+](i) increase similar to virodhamine. Collectively, these observations suggest that [Ca2+](i) alterations induced by Delta(9)-THC, CP55,940 and by low concentrations of virodhamine involve mobilization and subsequent CCE mechanisms, whereas such responses by high virodhamine concentrations involve NCCE pathways.

Cannabinoids stimulate fibroblastic colony formation by bone marrow cells indirectly via CB2 receptors

Recently, the cannabinoid receptors CB(1) and CB(2) were shown to modulate bone formation and resorption in vivo, although little is known of the mechanisms underlying this. The effects of cannabinoids on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) recruitment in whole bone marrow were investigated using either the fibroblastic colony-forming unit (CFU-f) assay or high-density cultures of whole bone marrow. Levels of the CB(1) and CB(2) receptors were assessed by flow cytometry. Treatment of CFU-f cultures with the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) dose-dependently increased fibroblastic and differentiated colony formation along with colony size. The nonspecific agonists CP 55,940 and WIN 55,212 both increased colony numbers, as did the CB(2) agonists BML190 and JWH015. The CB(1)-specific agonist ACEA had no effect, whereas the CB(2) antagonist AM630 blocked the effect of the natural cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin, confirming mediation via the CB(2) receptor. Treatment of primary bone marrow cultures with 2-AG stimulated proliferation and collagen accumulation, whereas treatment of subcultures of MSC had no effect, suggesting that the target cell is not the MSC but an accessory cell present in bone marrow. Subcultures of MSCs were negative for CB(1) and CB(2) receptors as shown by flow cytometry, whereas whole bone marrow contained a small population of cells positive for both receptors. These data suggest that cannabinoids may stimulate the recruitment of MSCs from the bone marrow indirectly via an accessory cell and mediated via the CB(2) receptor. This recruitment may be one mechanism responsible for the increased bone formation seen after cannabinoid treatment in vivo.

[Cannabinoids--signal transduction and mode of action]

The therapeutic use of cannabinoids, the components of cannabis sativa L., was investigated in numerous researches in detail. Animal studies revealed that cannabinoid receptor agonists alter pain-associated behaviour, have immune-suppressive properties, suppress tumor growth, modulate sensitisation processes and influence memory and learning. Those effects are mediated by two membrane-bound cannabinoid receptors and as mechanisms of signal transduction blockade of ion channels, inhibition of adenylate cyclase and retrograde inhibition of neurotransmitter release are currently being discussed. In clinical studies oral administration of cannabinoids indicated beneficial results during the therapy of multiple sclerosis, weight loss, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and intractable pruritus. However, therapy of chronic pain conditions revealed conflicting results and unequivocal success could not have been delivered due to unwanted side effects. Further multicentre studies are required to estimate cannabinoids as novel therapeutic tools for the treatment of chronic pain.

Arachidonic acid mediates non-capacitative calcium entry evoked by CB1-cannabinoid receptor activation in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells

Cannabinoid CB1-receptor stimulation in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells induces a rise in [Ca2+]i, which is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and modulated by thapsigargin-sensitive stores, suggesting capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE), and by MAP kinase. Non-capacitative Ca2+ entry (NCCE) stimulated by arachidonic acid (AA) partly mediates histamine H1-receptor-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i in DDT1 MF-2 cells. In the current study, both Ca2+ entry mechanisms and a possible link between MAP kinase activation and increasing [Ca2+]i were investigated. In the whole-cell patch clamp configuration, the CB-receptor agonist CP 55, 940 evoked a transient, Ca2+-dependent K+ current, which was not blocked by the inhibitors of CCE, 2-APB, and SKF 96365. AA, but not its metabolites, evoked a transient outward current and inhibited the response to CP 55,940 in a concentration-dependent manner. CP 55,940 induced a concentration-dependent release of AA, which was inhibited by the CB1 antagonist SR 141716. The non-selective Ca2+ channel blockers La3+ and Gd3+ inhibited the CP 55,940-induced current at concentrations that had no effect on thapsigargin-evoked CCE. La3+ also inhibited the AA-induced current. CP 55,940-induced AA release was abolished by Gd3+ and by phospholipase A2 inhibition using quinacrine; this compound also inhibited the outward current. The CP 55,940-induced AA release was strongly reduced by the MAP kinase inhibitor PD 98059. The data suggest that in DDT1 MF-2 cells, AA is an integral component of the CB1 receptor signaling pathway, upstream of NCCE and, via PLA2, downstream of MAP kinase.

Cannabinoid signalling

After their discovery, the two known cannabinoid receptors, CB(1) and CB(2), have been the focus of research into the cellular signalling mechanisms of cannabinoids. The initial assessment, mainly derived from expression studies, was that cannabinoids, via G(i/o) proteins, negatively modulate cyclic AMP levels, and activate inward rectifying K(+) channels. Recent findings have complicated this assessment on different levels: (1) cannabinoids include a wide range of compounds with varying profiles of affinity and efficacy at the known CB receptors, and these profiles do not necessarily match their biological activity; (2) CB receptors appear to be intrinsically active and possibly coupled to more than one type of G protein; (3) CB receptor signalling mechanisms are diverse and dependent on the system studied; (4) cannabinoids have other targets than CB receptors. The aim of this mini review is to discuss the current literature regarding CB receptor signalling pathways. These include regulation of adenylyl cyclase, MAP kinase, intracellular Ca(2+), and ion channels. In addition, actions of cannabinoids that are not mediated by CB(1) or CB(2) receptors are discussed.

Cardiovascular pharmacology of cannabinoids

Cannabinoids and their synthetic and endogenous analogs affect a broad range of physiological functions, including cardiovascular variables, the most important component of their effect being profound hypotension. The mechanisms of the cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids in vivo are complex and may involve modulation of autonomic outflow in both the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as direct effects on the myocardium and vasculature. Although several lines of evidence indicate that the cardiovascular depressive effects of cannabinoids are mediated by peripherally localized CB1 receptors, recent studies provide strong support for the existence of as-yet-undefined endothelial and cardiac receptor(s) that mediate certain endocannabinoid-induced cardiovascular effects. The endogenous cannabinoid system has been recently implicated in the mechanism of hypotension associated with hemorrhagic, endotoxic, and cardiogenic shock, and advanced liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, cannabinoids have been considered as novel antihypertensive agents. A protective role of endocannabinoids in myocardial ischemia has also been documented. In this chapter, we summarize current information on the cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids and highlight the importance of these effects in a variety of pathophysiological conditions.

Cyclic AMP stimulates fructose transport in neonatal rat small intestine

Intestinal fructose transporter (GLUT5) expression normally increases significantly after completion of weaning in neonatal rats. Increases in GLUT5 mRNA, protein, and activity can be induced in early weaning pups by precocious consumption of dietary fructose or by perfusion of the small intestine with fructose solutions. Little is known about the signal transduction pathway of the dietary fructose-mediated increase in GLUT5 expression during early intestinal development. Recent microarray results indicate that key gluconeogenic enzymes modulated by cAMP are markedly upregulated by fructose perfusion; hence, we tested the hypothesis that cAMP plays an important role in regulating intestinal fructose absorption by simultaneously perfusing adenylyl cyclase, phosphodiesterase, or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors along with fructose. Intestinal fructose uptake rates increased by 100% in rat pups perfused with 8-bromo-cAMP. Simultaneous fructose and dideoxyadenosine (DDA; inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase) perfusion completely inhibited increases in fructose uptake rate induced by perfusion with fructose alone. Fructose perfusion increased intestinal mucosal cAMP concentrations by 27%, but simultaneous perfusion of fructose and DDA inhibited the fructose-induced increase in cAMP. However, GLUT5 and sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) mRNA abundance and glucose transport rates were each not significantly affected by 8-bromo-cAMP and DDA. Moreover, simultaneous perfusion of the small intestine with fructose and PKA inhibitor or N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamid. 2HCl, both inhibitors of PKA, did not prevent the fructose-induced increases in GLUT5 mRNA abundance and fructose uptake rate. Cyclic AMP appears to modulate fructose transport without affecting GLUT5 mRNA abundance, and without involving PKA.

The quest for a vascular endothelial cannabinoid receptor

This review examines pharmacological and biochemical evidence that suggests the existence of an as yet undefined endothelial receptor that mediates endocannabinoid-induced vasodilation. The signaling mechanisms triggered through this receptor and its potential physiological role are also discussed. Since vasodilation is often associated with hypotension, mechanisms involved in the hypotensive actions of cannabinoids, including the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, are also briefly reviewed.

Cannabinoid receptors and their ligands

There are at least two types of cannabinoid receptors, CB(1) and CB(2), both coupled to G proteins. CB(1) receptors exist primarily on central and peripheral neurons, one of their functions being to modulate neurotransmitter release. CB(2) receptors are present mainly on immune cells. Their roles are proving more difficult to establish but seem to include the modulation of cytokine release. Endogenous agonists for cannabinoid receptors (endocannabinoids) have also been discovered, the most important being arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide), 2-arachidonoyl glycerol and 2-arachidonyl glyceryl ether. Other endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor types may also exist. Although anandamide can act through CB(1) and CB(2) receptors, it is also a vanilloid receptor agonist and some of its metabolites may possess yet other important modes of action. The discovery of the system of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids that constitutes the "endocannabinoid system" has prompted the development of CB(1)- and CB(2)-selective agonists and antagonists/inverse agonists. CB(1)/CB(2) agonists are already used clinically, as anti-emetics or to stimulate appetite. Potential therapeutic uses of cannabinoid receptor agonists include the management of multiple sclerosis/spinal cord injury, pain, inflammatory disorders, glaucoma, bronchial asthma, vasodilation that accompanies advanced cirrhosis, and cancer. Following their release onto cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids are removed from the extracellular space by membrane transport and then degraded by intracellular enzymic hydrolysis. Inhibitors of both these processes have been developed. Such inhibitors have therapeutic potential as animal data suggest that released endocannabinoids mediate reductions both in inflammatory pain and in the spasticity and tremor of multiple sclerosis. So too have CB(1) receptor antagonists, for example for the suppression of appetite and the management of cognitive dysfunction or schizophrenia.