A Critical Evaluation of Terpenoid Signaling at Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors in a Neuronal Model.

In addition to phytocannabinoids, cannabis contains terpenoids that are claimed to have a myriad of effects on the body. We tested a panel of five common cannabis terpenoids, myrcene, linalool, limonene, α-pinene and nerolidol, in two neuronal models, autaptic hippocampal neurons and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Autaptic neurons express a form of cannabinoid CB1 receptor-dependent retrograde plasticity while DRGs express a variety of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Most terpenoids had little or no effect on neuronal cannabinoid signaling. The exception was nerolidol, which inhibited endocannabinoid signaling. Notably, this is not via inhibition of CB1 receptors but by inhibiting some aspect of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) production/delivery; the mechanism does not involve reducing the activity of the 2-AG-synthesizing diacylglycerol lipases (DAGLs). Nerolidol was also the only terpenoid that activated a sustained calcium response in a small (7%) subpopulation of DRGs. In summary, we found that only one of five terpenoids tested had notable effects on cannabinoid signaling in two neuronal models. Our results suggest that a few terpenoids may indeed interact with some components of the cannabinoid signaling system and may therefore offer interesting insights upon further study.

An Evaluation of Understudied Phytocannabinoids and Their Effects in Two Neuronal Models.

Cannabis contains more than 100 phytocannabinoids. Most of these remain poorly characterized, particularly in neurons. We tested a panel of five phytocannabinoids-cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) in two neuronal models, autaptic hippocampal neurons and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Autaptic neurons expressed a form of CB1-dependent retrograde plasticity while DRGs expressed a variety of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. CBC, CBDA, and CBDVA had little or no effect on neuronal cannabinoid signaling. CBDV and THCV differentially inhibited cannabinoid signaling. THCV inhibited CB1 receptors presynaptically while CBDV acted post-synaptically, perhaps by inhibiting 2-AG production. None of the compounds elicited a consistent DRG response. In summary, we find that two of five 'minor' phytocannabinoids tested antagonized CB1-based signaling in a neuronal model, but with very different mechanisms. Our findings highlight the diversity of potential actions of phytocannabinoids and the importance of fully evaluating these compounds in neuronal models.

Cannabidiol Inhibits Endocannabinoid Signaling in Autaptic Hippocampal Neurons.

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two main cannabinoid constituents of marijuana and hashish. The pharmacology of Δ9-THC has been extensively studied, whereas our understanding of the pharmacology of CBD has remained limited, despite excitement in CBD's potential role in treating certain pediatric epilepsies and its reputation for attenuating some Δ9-THC-induced effects. It was established early on that CBD binds poorly to the orthosteric site of CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptors, and its actions were commonly attributed to other noncannabinoid receptor mechanisms. However, recent evidence suggests that CBD does indeed act at cannabinoid CB1 receptors as a negative allosteric modulator (NAM) of CB1 signaling. By altering the orthosteric signaling of a G protein-coupled receptor, allosteric modulators greatly increase the richness of G protein-coupled receptor pharmacology. We have recently surveyed candidate CB1 NAMs in autaptic hippocampal neurons, a well-characterized neuronal model of endogenous cannabinoid signaling, and have now tested CBD in this model. We find that although CBD has no direct effect on excitatory transmission, it does inhibit two forms of endogenous cannabinoid-mediated retrograde synaptic plasticity: depolarization-induced suppression of excitation and metabotropic suppression of excitation, while not affecting signaling via GABA-B receptors. These results are consistent with the recently described NAM activity of CBD and suggest interesting possible mechanisms for CBD's therapeutic actions.

Chiral Me-2-arachidonoyl Glycerols: The First Potent Endocannabinoid Glyceride Templates with Stability to COX-2.

2-Arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) is the principal endogenously produced ligand for the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors (CBRs). The lack of potent and efficacious 2-AG ligands with resistance against metabolizing enzymes represents a significant void in the armamentarium of research tools available for studying eCB system molecular constituents and their function. Herein we report the first endocannabinoid glyceride templates with remarkably high potency and efficacy at CBRs. Two of our lead chiral 2-AG analogs, namely, (13S)- and (13R)-Me-2-AGs, potently inhibit excitatory neurotransmission via CB1 while they are endowed with excellent resistance to the oxidizing enzyme COX-2. Our SAR results are supported by docking studies of the key analog and 2-AG on the crystal structures of CB1.

A collection of cannabinoid-related negative findings from autaptic hippocampal neurons.

Autaptic hippocampal neurons are an architecturally simple model of neurotransmission that express several forms of cannabinoid signaling. Over the past twenty years this model has proven valuable for studies ranging from enzymatic control of endocannabinoid production and breakdown, to CB1 receptor structure/function, to CB2 signaling, understanding 'spice' (synthetic cannabinoid) pharmacology, and more. However, while studying cannabinoid signaling in these neurons, we have occasionally encountered what one might call 'interesting negatives', valid and informative findings in the context of our experimental design that, given the nature of scientific publishing, may not otherwise find their way into the scientific literature. In autaptic hippocampal neurons we have found that: (1) The fatty acid binding protein (FABP) blocker SBFI-26 does not alter CB1-mediated neuroplasticity. (2) 1-AG signals poorly relative to 2-AG in autaptic neurons. (3) Indomethacin is not a CB1 PAM in autaptic neurons. (4) The CB1-associated protein SGIP1a is not necessary for CB1 desensitization. We are presenting these negative or perplexing findings in the hope that they will prove beneficial to other laboratories and elicit fruitful discussions regarding their relevance and significance.

Hydrothermal deposition as a novel method for the preparation of Co-Mn mixed oxide catalysts supported on stainless steel meshes: application to VOC oxidation.

The aim of this work was to develop a novel method for the preparation of structured Co-Mn mixed oxide catalysts: deposition on stainless steel meshes by hydrothermal synthesis. The use of meshes enabled the deposition of a thin layer of the active phase, which significantly suppressed the influence of internal diffusion. Consequently, the prepared catalysts exhibited from 48 to 114 times higher catalytic activity in ethanol oxidation than the commercial pelleted Co-Mn-Al catalyst. Moreover, we have shown that their catalytic activity correlated with the proportion of surface oxygen vacancies determined by XPS. Finally, the outstanding activity of the catalyst with Co:Mn ratio of 0.5 was ascribed to the mutual effect of high number of oxygen vacancies and exceptional redox properties.

SGIP1 is involved in regulation of emotionality, mood, and nociception and modulates in vivo signalling of cannabinoid CB1 receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Src homology 3-domain growth factor receptor-bound 2-like endophilin interacting protein 1 (SGIP1) interacts with cannabinoid CB1 receptors. SGIP1 is abundantly and principally expressed within the nervous system. SGIP1 and CB1 receptors co-localize in axons and presynaptic boutons. SGIP1 interferes with the internalization of activated CB1 receptors in transfected heterologous cells. Consequently, the transient association of CB1 receptors with ß-arrestin2 is enhanced and prolonged, and CB1 receptor-mediated ERK1/2 signalling is decreased. Because of these actions, SGIP1 may modulate affect, anxiety, pain processing, and other physiological processes controlled by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Using a battery of behavioural tests, we investigated the consequences of SGIP1 deletion in tasks regulated by the ECS in SGIP1 constitutive knockout (SGIP1-/- ) mice. KEY RESULTS: In SGIP1-/- mice, sensorimotor gating, exploratory levels, and working memory are unaltered. SGIP1-/- mice have decreased anxiety-like behaviours. Fear extinction to tone is facilitated in SGIP1-/- females. Several cannabinoid tetrad behaviours are altered in the absence of SGIP1. SGIP1-/- males exhibit abnormal behaviours on Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol withdrawal. SGIP1 deletion also reduces acute nociception, and SGIP1-/- mice are more sensitive to analgesics. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: SGIP1 was detected as a novel protein associated with CB1 receptors, and profoundly modified CB1 receptor signalling. Genetic deletion of SGIP1 particularly affected behavioural tests of mood-related assessment and the cannabinoid tetrad. SGIP1-/- mice exhibit decreased nociception and augmented responses to CB1 receptor agonists and morphine. These in vivo findings suggest that SGIP1 is a novel modulator of CB1 receptor-mediated behaviour.

Structured cobalt oxide catalysts for VOC abatement: the effect of preparation method.

Magnetron sputtering was employed for the deposition of cobalt oxide thin films on stainless steel meshes. Catalysts prepared by sputtering in inert and oxidation atmosphere were compared with those obtained by electrochemical deposition and hydrothermal synthesis. Systematic characterization using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N2 physisorption, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and temperature-programmed reduction by hydrogen allowed detailed monitoring of their physicochemical properties. Ethanol gas-phase oxidation was employed as a model reaction to reveal the catalytic performance of the catalysts. It was shown that the catalyst prepared by magnetron sputtering in oxidation atmosphere exhibited the best mechanical stability among all studied catalysts. Moreover, its catalytic activity was 18 times higher than that of pelletized commercial cobalt oxide.

SGIP1 alters internalization and modulates signaling of activated cannabinoid receptor 1 in a biased manner.

Many diseases of the nervous system are accompanied by alterations in synaptic functions. Synaptic plasticity mediated by the endogenous cannabinoid system involves the activation of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R). The principles of CB1R signaling must be understood in detail for its therapeutic exploration. We detected the Src homology 3-domain growth factor receptor-bound 2-like (endophilin) interacting protein 1 (SGIP1) as a novel CB1R partner. SGIP1 is functionally linked to clathrin-mediated endocytosis and its overexpression in animals leads to an energy regulation imbalance resulting in obesity. We report that SGIP1 prevents the endocytosis of activated CB1R and that it alters signaling via the CB1R in a biased manner. CB1R mediated G-protein activation is selectively influenced by SGIP1, ß-arrestin associated signaling is changed profoundly, most likely as a consequence of the prevention of the receptor's internalization elicited by SGIP1.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 splice variants mGluR1a and mGluR1b combine in mGluR1a/b dimers in vivo.

The assembly of two covalently linked monomers into dimeric complexes is a prerequisite for metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) function. The former concept of a strictly homodimeric subunit contribution in metabotropic glutamate receptor complexes has recently been brought into question. Alternative splicing of the GRM1 gene results in expression of variants that vary within their intracellular C-termini. Here we bring evidence that the short mGluR1b variant is found preferentially in a complex with the long mGluR1a variant in the rodent brain. The mGluR1a and mGluR1b variants distribution overlaps in Purkinje cells and the two variants colocalize in their spines. However mGluR1a and mGluR1b show distinct sub-cellular localization when expressed alone in neurons. We discovered that trafficking of mGluR1b to distal dendrites is reliant on its association with mGluR1a and that the long C-terminus of mGluR1a within the mGluR1a/b dimer is necessary for trafficking of the complex.

Synthesis of cholic acid based calixpyrroles and porphyrins.

New cholic acid based calix[4]pyrroles and porphyrins were prepared and their properties were studied. It was confirmed by spectral measurements that the superassembly of 5,15-bis(3α,7α,12α-trihydroxy-5ß-cholan-24-yl)-10,20-diphenylporphyrin, the best candidate for this study from the conjugates prepared, may be influenced not only by the solvent mixture composition (polar/non-polar component ratio) but by time as well.