Gonadal hormone modulation of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced antinociception and metabolism in female versus male rats.

The gonadal hormones testosterone (T) in adult males and estradiol (E2) in adult females have been reported to modulate behavioral effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This study determined whether activational effects of T and E2 are sex-specific, and whether hormones modulate production of the active metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) and the inactive metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH). Adult male and female rats were gonadectomized (GDX) and treated with nothing (0), T (10-mm Silastic capsule/100g body weight), or E2 (1-mm Silastic capsule/rat). Three weeks later, saline or the cytochrome P450 inhibitor proadifen (25mg/kg; to block THC metabolism and boost THC's effects) was injected i.p.; 1h later, vehicle or THC (3mg/kg females, 5mg/kg males) was injected i.p., and rats were tested for antinociceptive and motoric effects 15-240min post-injection. T did not consistently alter THC-induced antinociception in males, but decreased it in females (tail withdrawal test). Conversely, T decreased THC-induced catalepsy in males, but had no effect in females. E2 did not alter THC-induced antinociception in females, but enhanced it in males. The discrepant effects of T and E2 on males' and females' behavioral responses to THC suggests that sexual differentiation of THC sensitivity is not simply due to activational effects of hormones, but also occurs via organizational hormone or sex chromosome effects. Analysis of serum showed that proadifen increased THC levels, E2 increased 11-OH-THC in GDX males, and T decreased 11-OH-THC (and to a lesser extent, THC) in GDX females. Thus, hormone modulation of THC's behavioral effects is caused in part by hormone modulation of THC oxidation to its active metabolite. However, the fact that hormone modulation of metabolism did not alter THC sensitivity similarly on all behavioral measures within each sex suggests that other mechanisms also play a role in gonadal hormone modulation of THC sensitivity in adult rats.

Differential effects of presynaptic versus postsynaptic adenosine A2A receptor blockade on Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) self-administration in squirrel monkeys.

Different doses of an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist MSX-3 [3,7-dihydro-8-[(1E)-2-(3-ethoxyphenyl)ethenyl]-7 methyl-3-[3-(phosphooxy)propyl-1-(2 propynil)-1H-purine-2,6-dione] were found previously to either decrease or increase self-administration of cannabinoids delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or anandamide in squirrel monkeys. It was hypothesized that the decrease observed with a relatively low dose of MSX-3 was related to blockade of striatal presynaptic A2A receptors that modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission, whereas the increase observed with a higher dose was related to blockade of postsynaptic A2A receptors localized in striatopallidal neurons. This hypothesis was confirmed in the present study by testing the effects of the preferential presynaptic and postsynaptic A2A receptor antagonists SCH-442416 [2-(2-furanyl)-7-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propyl]-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-amine] and KW-6002 [(E)-1, 3-diethyl-8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-7-methyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione], respectively, in squirrel monkeys trained to intravenously self-administer THC. SCH-442416 produced a significant shift to the right of the THC self-administration dose-response curves, consistent with antagonism of the reinforcing effects of THC. Conversely, KW-6002 produced a significant shift to the left, consistent with potentiation of the reinforcing effects of THC. These results show that selectively blocking presynaptic A2A receptors could provide a new pharmacological approach to the treatment of marijuana dependence and underscore corticostriatal glutamatergic neurotransmission as a possible main mechanism involved in the rewarding effects of THC.

Inhibition of THC-induced effects on the central nervous system and heart rate by a novel CB1 receptor antagonist AVE1625.

CB1 antagonists such as AVE1625 are potentially useful in the treatment of obesity, smoking cessation and cognitive impairment. Proof of pharmacological action of AVE1625 in the brain can be given by antagonising the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a CB1/CB2 agonist. Inhibition of THC-induced effects by AVE1625 was observed on Visual Analogue Scales 'alertness', 'feeling high', 'external perception', 'body sway' and 'heart rate'. Even the lowest dose of AVE1625 20 mg inhibited most of THC-induced effects. AVE1625 did not have any effect on psychological and behavioural parameters or heart rate by itself. After THC and AVE1625 administration, changes on electroencephalography were observed. This study shows a useful method for studying the effects of CB1 antagonists. AVE1625 penetrates the brain and antagonises THC-induced effects with doses at or above 20 mg.

Cannabinoid receptor type 1- and 2-mediated increase in cyclic AMP inhibits T cell receptor-triggered signaling.

The aim of this study was to characterize inhibitory mechanisms on T cell receptor signaling mediated by the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Both receptors are coupled to G(i/o) proteins, which are associated with inhibition of cyclic AMP formation. In human primary and Jurkat T lymphocytes, activation of CB1 by R(+)-methanandamide, CB2 by JWH015, and both by Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol induced a short decrease in cyclic AMP lasting less than 1 h. However, this decrease was followed by a massive (up to 10-fold) and sustained (at least up to 48 h) increase in cyclic AMP. Mediated by the cyclic AMP-activated protein kinase A and C-terminal Src kinase, the cannabinoids induced a stable phosphorylation of the inhibitory Tyr-505 of the leukocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck). By thus arresting Lck in its inhibited form, the cannabinoids prevented the dephosphorylation of Lck at Tyr-505 in response to T cell receptor activation, which is necessary for the subsequent initiation of T cell receptor signaling. In this way the cannabinoids inhibited the T cell receptor-triggered signaling, i.e. the activation of the zeta-chain-associated protein kinase of 70 kDa, the linker for activation of T cells, MAPK, the induction of interleukin-2, and T cell proliferation. All of the effects of the cannabinoids were blocked by the CB1 and CB2 antagonists AM281 and AM630. These findings help to better understand the immunosuppressive effects of cannabinoids and explain the beneficial effects of these drugs in the treatment of T cell-mediated autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol differently affects striatal c-Fos expression following haloperidol or clozapine administration.

It was previously shown that haloperidol, but not clozapine, induced intense rat catalepsy when co-administered with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The present study investigated whether similar alterations could be observed on striatal c-Fos immunoreactivity after administration of the same drug combinations. Western Blot and immunocytochemistry stereological analyses indicated that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (0.5 mg/kg) increased striatal c-Fos immunoreactivity induced by haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg). Conversely, no significant alterations of striatal c-Fos immunoreactivity were observed after injections of clozapine (10 mg/kg)+vehicle, clozapine+delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or vehicle+delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The present results indicate that the behavioral effects induced by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in haloperidol- and clozapine-treated rats are associated with different striatal c-Fos expressions.

Involvement of the alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor subtype in nicotine-induced attenuation of delta9-THC cerebellar ataxia: role of cerebellar nitric oxide.

We have recently reported that mediation of intracerebellar nicotine-induced attenuation of cerebellar delta9-THC ataxia was via the alpha4beta2 nAChR. The present study was meant to investigate the role of cerebellar nitric oxide (NO)-guanylyl cyclase (GC) signaling in the alpha4beta2-mediated attenuation in CD-1 male mice. Drugs were given via intracerebellar microinfusion using stereotaxically implanted guide cannulas, with ataxia evaluated by Rotorod. Intracerebellar microinfusion of SNP (sodium nitroprusside, NO donor; 15, 30, 60 pg) and SMT (S-methylisothiourea, inhibitor of inducible NO synthase; 70, 140, 280 fg) significantly enhanced and reduced, respectively, intracerebellar RJR-2403 (selective alpha4beta2 agonist)-induced attenuation of delta9-THC ataxia dose-dependently. Intracerebellar isoliquiritigenin (GC-activator; 1, 2, 4 pg) and ODQ (1H[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, GC inhibitor; 200, 400, 800 fg), significantly enhanced and reduced, respectively, intracerebellar RJR-2403-induced attenuation of delta9-THC ataxia dose-dependently. Further support for the role of NO was evidenced via increases in cerebellar NO(x) (nitrate+nitrite) levels following microinfusion of nicotine or RJR-2403 as compared to control, whereas delta9-THC significantly decreased NO(x) levels. "Nicotine/RJR-2403+delta9-THC" treated mice had cerebellar NO(x) levels significantly increased as compared to mice infused with delta9-THC alone. Results of the present investigation support the role of cerebellar NO-GC signaling in alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype-mediated attenuation of delta9-THC ataxia.

The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716 blocks the orexigenic effects of intrahypothalamic ghrelin.

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus plays a key role in the control of appetite and energy balance. Both ghrelin and cannabinoid receptor agonists increase food intake when administered into this nucleus: this study investigated possible interactions between the two systems in relation to eating. The orexigenic effect of ghrelin (100 pmol) when infused in to the PVN was reversed by a small, systemic dose of the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716 (1 mg kg(-1)). This is the first demonstration of a functional relationship between brain ghrelin and endocannabinoid systems, and, although it needs to be further investigated, the effect of ghrelin on food intake when injected into the PVN seems to be mediated by stimulation of cannabinoid release.

Reduction of human monocytic cell neurotoxicity and cytokine secretion by ligands of the cannabinoid-type CB2 receptor.

1 Two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, have been identified. The CB1 receptor is preferentially expressed in brain, and the CB2 receptor in cells of leukocyte lineage. We identified the mRNA for the CB1 receptor in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and the mRNA and protein for the CB2 receptor in human microglia and THP-1 cells. 2 Delta(9)-and Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were toxic when added directly to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The toxicity of Delta(9)- THC was inhibited by the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A but not by the CB2 receptor antagonist SR144528. The endogenous ligand anandamide was also toxic, and this toxicity was enhanced by inhibitors of its enzymatic hydrolysis. 3 The selective CB2 receptor ligands JWH-015 and indomethacin morpholinylamide (BML-190), when added to THP-1 cells before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IFN-gamma, reduced the toxicity of their culture supernatants to SH-SY5Y cells. JWH-015 was more effective against neurotoxicity of human microglia than THP-1 cells. The antineurotoxic activity of JWH-015 was blocked by the selective CB2 receptor antagonist SR144528, but not by the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A. This activity of JWH-015 was synergistic with that of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitor REV 5901. 4 Cannabinoids inhibited secretion of IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by stimulated THP-1 cells, but these effects could not be directly correlated with their antineurotoxic activity. 5 Specific CB2 receptor ligands could be useful anti-inflammatory agents, while avoiding the neurotoxic and psychoactive effects of CB1 receptor ligands such as Delta(9)-THC.

Involvement of the opioid system in the anxiolytic-like effects induced by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol.

RATIONALE: Recent studies have shown that several pharmacological actions induced by cannabinoids, including antinociception and reward, involve the participation of the endogenous opioid system. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to examine the possible involvement of the different opioid receptors in the anxiolytic-like responses induced by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). METHODS: The administration of a low dose of THC (0.3 mg/kg) produced clear anxiolytic-like responses in the light-dark box, as previously reported. The effects of the pretreatment with the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist, SR 141716A (0.5 mg/kg), or the micro -opioid receptor antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine (5 mg/kg), the delta-opioid receptor antagonist, naltrindole (2.5 mg/kg) and the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (2.5 mg/kg) were evaluated on anxiolytic-like responses induced by THC. RESULTS: SR 141716A completely blocked the anxiolytic-like response induced by THC, suggesting that this effect is mediated by CB(1) cannabinoid receptors. The micro -opioid receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine and the delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole, but not the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine, abolished THC anxiolytic-like effects, suggesting an involvement of micro - and delta-opioid receptors in this behavioural response. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the endogenous opioid system is involved in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviour by cannabinoids and provide new findings to clarify further the interaction between these two neuronal systems.

Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced apoptosis of cultured cortical neurones is associated with cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation.

Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component of marijuana, is associated with impaired cognition and altered cortical function. THC transduces its central effects via activation of the G-protein linked cannabinoid receptor CB1. In this study we report that THC induces morphological degenerative changes in cultured cortical neurones, such as membrane blebbing and formation of apoptotic bodies, that are consistent with the apoptotic pathway of cell death. The THC-induced apoptosis was blocked by the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 and pertussis toxin (PTX), suggesting that this effect of THC involves receptor-mediated activation of the G-protein subtypes G(i) or G(o). THC also promoted translocation of mitochondrial cytochrome c to the cytosol and increased the activity of the cysteine protease caspase-3, in a PTX-sensitive manner. The results from this study suggest that coupling of THC to a PTX-sensitive G-protein promotes cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation and subsequent degeneration of cultured cortical neurones. This apoptotic pathway may underlie the compromised neuronal function that is associated with marijuana usage.

Blockade of effects of smoked marijuana by the CB1-selective cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716.

BACKGROUND: SR141716, a recently developed CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, blocks acute effects of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other CB1 cannabinoid agonists in vitro and in animals. These findings suggest that CB1 receptors mediate many of the effects of marijuana, but this has not been evaluated in humans. METHODS: Sixty-three healthy men with a history of marijuana use were randomly assigned to receive oral SR141716 or a placebo in an escalating dose (1, 3, 10, 30, and 90 mg) design. Each subject smoked an active (2.64% THC) or placebo marijuana cigarette 2 hours later. Psychological effects associated with marijuana intoxication and heart rate were measured before and after antagonist and marijuana administration. RESULTS: Single oral doses of SR141716 produced a significant dose-dependent blockade of marijuana-induced subjective intoxication and tachycardia. The 90-mg dose produced 38% to 43% reductions in visual analog scale ratings of "How high do you feel now?" "How stoned on marijuana are you now?" and "How strong is the drug effect you feel now?" and produced a 59% reduction in heart rate. SR141716 alone produced no significant physiological or psychological effects and did not affect peak THC plasma concentration or the area under the time x concentration curve. SR141716 was well tolerated by all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: SR141716 blocked acute psychological and physiological effects of smoked marijuana without altering THC pharmacokinetics. These findings confirm, for the first time in humans, the central role of CB1 receptors in mediating the effects of marijuana.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits antitumor immunity by a CB2 receptor-mediated, cytokine-dependent pathway.

In this study, we show that Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive component of marijuana, suppresses host immune reactivity against lung cancer. In two different weakly immunogenic murine lung cancer models, intermittent administration of THC (5 mg/kg, four times/wk i.p. for 4 wk) led to accelerated growth of tumor implants compared with treatment with diluent alone. In contrast to our findings in immunocompetent mice, THC did not affect tumor growth in tumor-bearing SCID mice. The immune inhibitory cytokines, IL-10 and TGF-beta, were augmented, while IFN-gamma was down-regulated at both the tumor site and in the spleens of THC-treated mice. Administration of either anti-IL-10- or anti-TGF-beta-neutralizing Abs prevented the THC-induced enhancement in tumor growth. Both APC and T cells from THC-treated mice showed limited capacities to generate alloreactivity. Furthermore, lymphocytes from THC-treated mice transferred the effect to normal mice, resulting in accelerated tumor growth similar to that seen in the THC-treated mice. THC decreased tumor immunogenicity, as indicated by the limited capacity for tumor-immunized, THC-treated mice to withstand tumor rechallenge. In vivo administration of a specific antagonist of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor also blocked the effects of THC. Our findings suggest the THC promotes tumor growth by inhibiting antitumor immunity by a CB2 receptor-mediated, cytokine-dependent pathway.

Naltrexone does not block the subjective effects of oral Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans.

Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and opioids have many common effects. In addition, some THC effects in laboratory animals can be blocked or attenuated by opioid antagonists. This suggests that opioid systems mediate or modulate some THC effects. To determine whether opioid systems mediate THC effects in humans, the effects of the opioid antagonist naltrexone on subjective responses to THC were examined in 14 marijuana users. Subjects participated in a double-blinded, cross-over design in which each subject received all combinations of naltrexone (0 or 50 mg) and THC (0, 7.5, or 15 mg). THC increased heart rate and self-reported drug effects, such as euphoria and marijuana-like effects, and decreased psychomotor performance. Naltrexone increased heart rate and decreased self-reported measures of vigor and hunger but did not alter any of the effects of THC. These results suggest that the subjective, physiological, and behavioral effects of THC in humans are not mediated through opioid systems.

Cannabinoid withdrawal is dependent upon PKA activation in the cerebellum.

Region-specific up-regulation of the cyclic AMP pathway is considered an important molecular mechanism in the origin of the somatic manifestations of the withdrawal syndrome to known drugs of abuse. Nevertheless, the existence of a withdrawal syndrome after prolonged cannabinoid administration has long been a controversial issue. Recent studies, in different species, have shown that withdrawal to prolonged cannabinoid exposure precipitated by the cannabinoid antagonist SR141716A is characterized by physical signs underlying impairment of motor coordination. Interestingly, cannabinoid withdrawal is accompanied by an increase of adenylyl cyclase activity in the cerebellum. Here, we investigate the functional role of the cyclic AMP pathway in the cerebellum in the establishment of cannabinoid withdrawal. We show that after SR141716A precipitation of cannabinoid withdrawal, basal and calcium-calmodulin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities as well as active PKA in the cerebellum increase in a transient manner with a temporal profile which matches that of the somatic expression of abstinence. Selectively blocking the up-regulation of the cyclic AMP pathway in the cerebellum, by microinfusing the cyclic AMP blocker Rp-8Br-cAMPS in this region, markedly reduced both PKA activation and the somatic expression of cannabinoid withdrawal. Our results (i) directly link the behavioural manifestations of cannabinoid withdrawal with the up-regulation of the cyclic AMP pathway in the cerebellum, pointing towards common molecular adaptive mechanisms for dependence and withdrawal to most drugs of abuse; (ii) suggest a particular role for the cerebellum as a major neurobiological substrate for cannabinoid withdrawal.

The CB1 cannabinoid receptor is coupled to the activation of protein kinase B/Akt.

Cannabinoids exert most of their effects in the central nervous system through the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor. This G-protein-coupled receptor has been shown to be functionally coupled to inhibition of adenylate cyclase, modulation of ion channels and activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase. Using Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the CB(1) receptor cDNA we show here that Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major active component of marijuana, induces the activation of protein kinase B/Akt (PKB). This effect of THC was also exerted by the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide and the synthetic cannabinoids CP-55940 and HU-210, and was prevented by the selective CB(1) antagonist SR141716. Pertussis toxin and wortmannin blocked the CB(1) receptor-evoked activation of PKB, pointing to the sequential involvement of a G(i)/G(o) protein and phosphoinositide 3'-kinase. The functionality of the cannabinoid-induced stimulation of PKB was proved by the increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 serine 21 observed in cannabinoid-treated cells and its prevention by SR141716 and wortmannin. Cannabinoids activated PKB in the human astrocytoma cell line U373 MG, which expresses the CB(1) receptor, but not in the human promyelocytic cell line HL-60, which expresses the CB(2) receptor. Data indicate that activation of PKB may be responsible for some of the effects of cannabinoids in cells expressing the CB(1) receptor.

Effects of cannabinoid receptor agonist and antagonist ligands on production of inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 in endotoxemic mice.

Previous studies have shown that mice primed with Corynebacterium parvum produce higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than unprimed mice upon challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Herein, we describe experiments in which two cannabinoid (CB) agonists, WIN 55212-2 [(R)-(+)-[2, 3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(4-morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]1, 4-benzoxazin-6-yl](1-naphthyl)methanone) and HU-210 [(-)-11-hydroxy-delta(8) tetrahydrocannabinol-dimethylheptyl], were examined for their effects on LPS-induced cytokines in C. parvum-primed and unprimed mice. These agonists have been reported to bind selectively to the CB2 and CB1 receptor subtypes, respectively. WIN 55212-2 (3.1-50 mg/kg i.p.) and HU-210 (0.05-0.4 mg/kg i.p.) decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-12 (IL-12) and increased IL-10 when administered to mice before LPS. The drugs also protected C. parvum mice (but not unprimed mice) against the lethal effects of LPS. The protection afforded to C. parvum mice could not be attributed to the higher levels of IL-10 present in these mice after agonist treatment. The WIN 55212-2- and HU-210-mediated changes in the responsiveness of mice to LPS were antagonized by SR141716A [N-(piperdin-1-yl)-5-(4-chloropheny)-1-(2, 4-dichloropheny)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride], a selective CB1 receptor antagonist, but not by SR144528 [N-[(1S)-endo-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2. 1]heptan-2-yl]5-(4-choro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)p yrazole-3 -carboxamide], a selective antagonist at the CB2 receptor. Therefore, both CB agonists modulated LPS responses through the CB1 receptor. Surprisingly, SR141716A itself modulated cytokine responses in a manner identical with that of WIN 55212-2 and HU-210 when administered alone to mice. The agonist-like effects of SR141716A, which were more striking in unprimed than in primed mice, suggested that the antagonist also could function as a partial agonist at the CB1 receptor. Our findings indicate a role for the CB1 receptor subtype in cytokine modulation by CB ligands.

Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol increases sequence-specific AP-1 DNA-binding activity and Fos-related antigens in the rat brain.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), the psychoactive principle of marijuana, has been shown to upregulate the mRNA levels of immediate-early genes in the rat brain. Using electrophoretic mobility-shift assay and one-dimensional Western blot, we here report that delta9-THC increases Activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA-binding and Fos-related antigen activity in discrete areas of the rat brain. One hour after the intraperitoneal administration of delta9-THC at a dose of 10 or 15 mg/kg, AP-1 DNA-binding activity in the nucleus accumbens increased by 33 and 49%, respectively, while Western blot showed an increase in both c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1 (Fos-related antigen) and Fra-2. In the cingulate cortex and caudate-putamen, delta9-THC significantly increased AP-1 DNA-binding activity only at the highest dose used (57 and 71%, respectively). While in the caudate-putamen the increase in AP-1 DNA binding was mainly due to an elevation of the c-Fos and FosB proteins, the same phenomenon depended on the FosB, Fra-1 and Fra-2 peptides in the cingulate cortex. The effect of delta9-THC on the AP-1 DNA binding and the Fos-related antigens in the nucleus accumbens was blocked by the specific cannabinoid antagonist SR141716 A (3 mg/kg i.p.). delta9-THC failed to modify Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) DNA-binding activity. The results indicate that delta9-THC activates gene coding for AP-1 DNA-binding proteins by acting on cannabinoid receptors, and induces a different transcriptional program on the early-immediate gene of the Fos family, in different areas in the rat brain, suggesting that this mechanism might be involved in the central actions of cannabinoids.

Activation of corticotropin-releasing factor in the limbic system during cannabinoid withdrawal.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been implicated in the mediation of the stress-like and negative affective consequences of withdrawal from drugs of abuse, such as alcohol, cocaine, and opiates. This study sought to determine whether brain CRF systems also have a role in cannabinoid dependence. Rats were treated daily for 2 weeks with the potent synthetic cannabinoid HU-210. Withdrawal, induced by the cannabinoid antagonist SR 141716A, was accompanied by a marked elevation in extracellular CRF concentration and a distinct pattern of Fos activation in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Maximal increases in CRF corresponded to the time when behavioral signs resulting from cannabinoid withdrawal were at a maximum. These data suggest that long-term cannabinoid administration alters CRF function in the limbic system of the brain, in a manner similar to that observed with other drugs of abuse, and also induces neuroadaptive processes that may result in future vulnerability to drug dependence.

Characterization of anandamide- and fluoroanandamide-induced antinociception and cross-tolerance to delta 9-THC after intrathecal administration to mice: blockade of delta 9-THC-induced antinociception.

The antinociceptive effects of the putative endogenous cannabinoid ligand anandamide (ANA) and its fluorinated analog, fluoroanandamide (FA), were determined as measured by the tail-flick and p-phenylquinone (PPQ) stretch tests. The ED50 values (confidence limits) for ANA and FA were 77 (52-13) and 7 (2-21) micrograms/mouse, respectively, for the tail-flick test and 30 (23-41) and 0.5 (0.1-2) micrograms/mouse, respectively, for the PPQ test after intrathecal (i.t.) administration. ANA was not significantly less potent than delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the tail-flick test, but it was less potent in the PPQ test. FA was more potent than either ANA or THC in tail-flick test. The antinociceptive effects of all drugs (administered i.t.) were blocked significantly or nearly abolished by the pretreatment of the mice with pertussis toxin (i.t.). Pretreatment of the mice with 5 and 25 micrograms forskolin per mouse or 10 micrograms 8-(4-chlorophenyl-thio)-adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate cyclic monosodium salt per mouse (both i.t.) significantly attenuated the antinociception produced by THC but not by ANA or FA. Various calcium modulators were tested in combination with THC, ANA, and FA, but they failed to alter the antinociceptive effects of the drugs. Various potassium channel blockers were tested in combination with the drugs. Apamin, a blocker of small (low)-conductance calcium-gated potassium channels that attenuates THC-induced antinociception, failed to alter ANA- or FA-induced antinociception. In contrast to THC, which is blocked by the kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine, ANA- and FA-induced antinociception was not altered by classic opioid antagonists. Also in contrast to THC, which enhances mu and delta opioid-induced antinociceptive effects, ANA failed to significantly alter opioid antinociception. ANA significantly shifted the THC dose-effect curve to the right. Thus, ED50 for DMSO/THC in the tail-flick test was shifted from 14 (7-29) to 54 (38-77) micrograms/mouse and was shifted in the hot-plate test from 22 (12-42) to 63 (43-92) micrograms/mouse. The magnitude of the shift in the ED50 was 3.8-fold in the tail-flick test and 2.9-fold in the hot-plate test. The shifts were parallel and significant. The Ki for the displacement of 3H-CP 55,940 binding by ANA and FA was 214 nM (+/- 45 S.E.M.) and 72 nM (+/- 5 S.E.M.), respectively, in pure spinal cord synaptosomes from the rat. ANA and FA were significantly cross-tolerant to THC. Although similarities between ANA and cannabinoids were shown, several marked differences were observed between ANA and the classic cannabinoids. ANA appears to function as both a cannabimimetic and a blocker of cannabinoid-induced antinociception.

Low doses of anandamides inhibit pharmacological effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

It has been shown previously that the endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide 20:4, n-6) induces in vivo and in vivo effects typical of a cannabinoid partial agonist. We now report that the synthetic docosahexaenylethanolamide (anandamide 22:6, n-3) shows similar activities. In addition we show that these two anandamides, under certain experimental conditions, antagonize the effects of delta 9-THC both in vivo and in vitro. Thus a significant decrease in the potency of delta 9-THC-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase was observed in N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells that were pretreated with low concentrations of anandamides. At these low concentrations of anandamides had no effect when applied alone. In vivo, Sabra or ICR mice were subjected to a tetrad of tests, designed to detect cannabinoid-induced effects. Mice pretreated (i.p.) with 10 mg/kg of delta 9-THC received injections with anandamides. Only low doses (0.0001-0.1 mg/kg) of the anandamides, which had no effects when administered alone, partially or fully inhibited the THC-induced effects. These findings suggest that the inhibition of delta 9-THC-induced effects by low doses of anandamides may be due to partial agonistic effects of these materials. It is possible that low doses of the anandamides are capable of activating a Gs protein mediated signaling pathway, or may cause an allosteric modulation of the cannabinoid receptor.