Therapeutic-like activity of cannabidiolic acid methyl ester in the MK-801 mouse model of schizophrenia: Role for cannabinoid CB1 and serotonin-1A receptors.

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder with an increasing prevalence and incidence over the last two decades. The condition presents with a diverse array of positive, negative, and cognitive impairments. Conventional treatments often yield unsatisfactory outcomes, especially with negative symptoms. We investigated the role of prefrontocortical (PFC) N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the pathophysiology and development of schizophrenia. We explored the potential therapeutic effects of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) methyl ester (HU-580), an analogue of CBDA known to act as an agonist of the serotonin-1A receptor (5-HT1AR) and an antagonist of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered the NMDAR antagonist, dizocilpine (MK-801, .3 mg/kg) once daily for 17 days. After 7 days, they were concurrently given HU-580 (.01 or .05 µg/kg) for 10 days. Behavioural deficits were assessed at two time points. We conducted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure the concentration of PFC 5-HT1AR and CB1R. We found that MK-801 effectively induced schizophrenia-related behaviours including hyperactivity, social withdrawal, increased forced swim immobility, and cognitive deficits. We discovered that low-dose HU-580 (.01 µg/kg), but not the high dose (.05 µg/kg), attenuated hyperactivity, forced swim immobility and cognitive deficits, particularly in female mice. Our results revealed that MK-801 downregulated both CB1R and 5-HT1AR, an effect that was blocked by both low- and high-dose HU-580. This study sheds light on the potential antipsychotic properties of HU-580, particularly in the context of NMDAR-induced dysfunction. Our findings could contribute significantly to our understanding of schizophrenia pathophysiology and offer a promising avenue for exploring the therapeutic potential of HU-580 and related compounds in alleviating symptoms.

Portable Remote Imaging Spectrometer coastal ocean sensor: design, characteristics, and first flight results.

The design, characteristics, and first test flight results are described of the Portable Remote Imaging Spectrometer, an airborne sensor specifically designed to address the challenges of coastal ocean remote sensing. The sensor incorporates several technologies that are demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, in a working system in order to achieve a high performance level in terms of uniformity, signal-to-noise ratio, low polarization sensitivity, low stray light, and high spatial resolution. The instrument covers the 350-1050 nm spectral range with a 2.83 nm sampling per pixel, and a 0.88 mrad instantaneous field of view, with 608 cross-track pixels in a pushbroom configuration. Two additional infrared channels (1240 and 1610 nm) are measured by a spot radiometer housed in the same head. The spectrometer design is based on an optically fast (F/1.8) Dyson design form coupled to a wide angle two-mirror telescope in a configuration that minimizes polarization sensitivity without the use of a depolarizer. A grating with minimum polarization sensitivity and broadband efficiency was fabricated as well as a slit assembly with black (etched) silicon surface to minimize backscatter. First flight results over calibration sites as well as Monterey Bay in California have demonstrated good agreement between in situ and remotely sensed data, confirming the potential value of the sensor to the coastal ocean science community.

Neuroinflammation and neuroprogression in depression: Effects of alternative drug treatments.

Given that available antidepressant pharmacotherapies are not optimally effective, there is a need for alternative treatment options that are rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the illness's pathophysiology. Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been historically attributed to monoamine, i.e., serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) imbalance and some brain morphological pathologies that have directed treatment towards particular medications that are only minimally effective. MDD pathophysiologies have now been regarded as linked to chronic inflammation and MDD can be treated with compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Individuals vulnerable to MDD have increased baseline neuroinflammatory response that is exacerbated by psychogenic stress. When pro-inflammatory mechanisms are chronically hyperactive, dysfunction of brain-related processes occur. We propose that inflammation is one of the primary mechanisms that trigger biological changes leading to MDD. Inflammatory resolution occurs when homeostasis is achieved after an inflammatory response. However, cascading biological events are likely to prevent resolution from occurring and worsen both inflammation and MDD. Novel and alternative pharmacotherapies-e.g., ketamine, cannabinoids, and psychedelics-provide a richer mechanistic perspective on the role of neuroinflammation and neuroprogression by means of rapid, short-term, and long-term symptom relief potentially based on their anti-inflammatory properties. These drugs ultimately decrease proinflammatory cytokine levels that correspond with improved symptoms. However, it is unclear what differentiates these compounds from others in their mechanistic efficacy. Thus, a closer investigation into their anti-inflammatory effects is imperative in order to better elucidate the link between MDD and inflammation, as well as uncover the mechanisms involved in long-term symptom reduction of MDD.