Tag Archives: endocannabinoid system

Role of cannabinoids in the regulation of bone remodeling

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Abstract

“The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in regulating a variety of physiological processes such as appetite control and energy balance, pain perception, and immune responses. Recent studies have implicated the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of bone cell activity and bone remodeling. These studies showed that endogenous cannabinoid ligands, cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes responsible for ligand synthesis and breakdown all play important roles in bone mass and in the regulation of bone disease. These findings suggest that the endocannabinoid pathway could be of value as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. Here, we review the role of the skeletal endocannabinoid system in the regulation of bone remodeling in health and disease.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23181053

Increasing 2-arachidonoyl glycerol signaling in the periphery attenuates mechanical hyperalgesia in a model of bone cancer pain

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“Metastatic and primary bone cancers are usually accompanied by severe pain that is difficult to manage. In light of the adverse side effects of opioids, manipulation of the endocannabinoid system may provide an effective alternative for the treatment of cancer pain…

These data extend our previous findings with anandamide in the same model and suggest that the peripheral endocannabinoid system is a promising target for the management of cancer pain.

Taken together, the data demonstrate that peripheral 2-AG signaling may be a significant target to exploit for the management of cancer pain. In contrast to AEA, which inhibits nociception through CB1 receptors… Dual pharmacological modulation of peripheral AEA and 2-AG signaling that directly and indirectly affects DRG neurons may be a novel approach to reducing cancer pain without the side effects…”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3104059/

 

Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of THC:CBD extract and THC extract in patients with intractable cancer-related pain.

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“This study compared the efficacy of a tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol (THC:CBD) extract, a nonopioid analgesic endocannabinoid system modulator, and a THC extract, with placebo, in relieving pain in patients with advanced cancer. This study shows that THC:CBD extract is efficacious for relief of pain in patients with advanced cancer pain not fully relieved by strong opioids.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19896326

“In conclusion, THC:CBD extract, a nonopioid analgesic, endocannabinoid system modulator, has been shown to be a useful adjunctive treatment for relief of pain in patients with advanced cancer who experience inadequate analgesia despite chronic opioid therapy. The reductions in pain scores were neither because of a change in opioid background medications nor because of an increase in use of breakthrough medication. Therefore, we can conclude that the observed reduction in pain scores is attributable to the positive analgesic effects of THC:CBD extract.” http://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(09)00787-8/fulltext

Enhanced endocannabinoid signaling elevates neuronal excitability in Fragile X syndrome

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 “Fragile X syndrome (FXS) results from deficiency of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FXS is the most common heritable form of mental retardation, and is associated with the occurrence of seizures. Factors responsible for initiating FXS-related hyperexcitability are poorly understood. Many protein-synthesis dependent functions of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (Gp1 mGluRs) are exaggerated in FXS. Gp1 mGluR activation can mobilize endocannabinoids (eCBs) in the hippocampus and thereby increase excitability, but whether FMRP affects eCBs is unknown. We studied Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice lacking FMRP to test the hypothesis that eCB function is altered in FXS. Whole-cell, evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs), and field potentials were recorded in the CA1 region of acute hippocampal slices. Three eCB-mediated responses were examined: depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), mGluR-initiated eCB short-term depression of eIPSCs (eCB-iSTD), and eCB-dependent inhibitory long-term depression (eCB-iLTD). Low concentrations of a Gp1 mGluR agonist produced larger eCB-mediated responses in Fmr1 KO mice than in WT mice, without affecting DSI. Western blots revealed that levels of mGluR1, mGluR5, or cannabinoid receptor (CB1R), were unchanged in Fmr1 KO animals, suggesting that the coupling between mGluR activation and eCB mobilization was enhanced by FMRP deletion. The increased susceptibility of Fmr1 KOslices to eCB-iLTD was physiologically relevant, since long-term potentiation of epsp-spike (E-S) coupling induced by the mGluR agonist was markedly larger in Fmr1 KO mice than in WT animals. Alterations in eCB signaling could contribute to the cognitive dysfunction associated with FXS…

The endocannabinoid system could represent another target for intervention in the treatment of FXS.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2906112/

Abnormal mGlu 5 Receptor/Endocannabinoid Coupling in Mice Lacking FMRP and BC1 RNA

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“Transcriptional silencing of the gene encoding the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) causes fragile X syndrome (FXS)…

Our data indicate for the first time that mGlu5R-driven endocannabinoid signaling in the striatum is under the control of both FMRP and BC1 RNA. The abnormal mGlu5R/2-AG coupling found in FMRP-KO mice emphasizes the involvement of mGlu5Rs in the synaptic defects of FXSand identifies the modulation of the endocannabinoid system as a novel target for the treatment of this severe neuropsychiatric disorder.

In conclusion, this is the first study addressing endocannabinoid system in a model of FXS. Our results show that dysfunctional mGlu5R signaling leads to abnormal 2-AG metabolism and physiological activity, and indicate that inhibition of 2-AG synthesis or activity at CB1Rs might be a useful treatment option in FXS patients. In this respect, recent investigations suggest that this modulation could be achieved not only by direct pharmacological blockade of CB1Rs, but also indirectly, for example through the inhibition of anandamide degradation or the stimulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels. These two components of the endocannabinoid system, in fact, have been shown to selectively interact with mGlu5R/2-AG coupling in striatal neurons, and might interfere with the synaptic alterations seen after FMRP ablation with less side effects than those of widespread pharmacological inhibition of CB1Rs, which control not only GABA but also glutamate synapses.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3055456/

Cannabis-like chemical combats chief genetic cause of autism

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“Natural cannabis-like chemicals in the brain may help combat the leading genetic cause of autism, research has shown.

Scientists linked blockages in a signalling pathway dependent on the compounds, called 2-AG endocannabinoid transmitters, with symptoms of Fragile X syndrome.

Correcting the fault with drugs led to dramatic behavioural improvements in mice with a version of the condition.

Fragile X syndrome is the most common known genetic cause of autism.

It results from a mutation in the FMR1 gene on the female X chromosome. Men possess one copy of the chromosome, paired with a male Y chromosome, and women two.

Boys are much more likely to be born with Fragile X than girls. This is thought to be because with two X chromosomes, a defect in one may be compensated for by the other.

People with the syndrome suffer mental impairment, learning difficulties, and may be hyperactive or impulsive. They also possess notable physical characteristics such as an elongated face, flat feet and large ears.

“What we hope is to one day increase the ability of people with Fragile X syndrome to socialise and engage in normal cognitive functions,” said lead researcher Professor Daniele Piomelli, from the University of California at Irvine in the United States.

The study was the first to identify the role of endocannabinoids in the neurobiology of Fragile X, she said.

About endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoid compounds are created naturally in the body and share a similar chemical structure with THC, the primary psychoactive component of the marijuana plant, Cannabis.

Endocannabinoids are distinctive because they link with protein molecule receptors — called cannabinoid receptors — on the surface of cells. For instance, when a person smokes marijuana, the cannabinoid THC activates these receptors. And because the body’s natural cannabinoids control a variety of factors — such as pain, mood and appetite — they’re attractive targets for drug discovery and development.”

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/cannabis-chemical-combats-chief-genetic-cause-of-autism-16216090.html#ixzz2DRLsbjJO

Consequences of Cannabinoid and Monoaminergic System Disruption in a Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders

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“Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors . The cause of autism is not completely understood and there is no effective cure. However, genetic and environmental factors and the interaction between genes and environment are known to play a role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)…

Our data provides a basis for further studies in evaluating the role of the cannabinoid and monoaminergic systems in the etiology of ASDs.

It is tempting to suggest the evaluation of Δ9-THC or other cannabinoids with reduced psychoactivity in irritability, tantrums and self-injurious behavior associated with autistic individuals.

 The rationale for this novel hypothesis arises from the discovery that the endocannabinoid system is one of the most abundant physiological control systems in animals and humans.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3137184/

Would some cannabinoids ameliorate symptoms of autism?

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“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major nonpsychotropic constituent of cannabis sativa, which unlike the other major constituent delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), is virtually inactive at both of its central nervous system receptors. In one study, cell-based calcium mobilization and electrophysiological assays were used to identify and characterize several novel cannabinoid TRPV2 agonists in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Among these, CBD was found to be the most robust and potent, followed by delta9-THC and cannabinol. Those cannabinoids may, accordingly, possess the ability, due to their action as TRPV2 agonists, to increase the release of both oxytocin and vasopressin enhancing the stimulation of oxytocin receptor and V1a receptors at the same time. CBD displays a plethora of other actions including anticonvulsive, sedative, hypnotic, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. CBD and delta9-THC are components of drugs commercialized, in certain countries, as treatments for neuropathic pain, overactive bladder, and spasticity in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Thus, despite their action on oxytocin and vasopressin release, CBD and delta9-THC may help in improving symptoms of ASD by their sedative, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant and tranquilizing effects. In addition, the cannabinoid system has already been shown to be implicated in social behavior in rats.
 
The administration of cannabinoids for children and adolescents suffering from ASD is a controversial legal and ethical issue. Instead, those cannabinoids may be tested when administered to animals presenting autistic symptoms. Animal models of autistic symptoms exist especially in rodents that have their oxytocin and/or vasopressin function impaired such as mice or rats lacking the oxytocin or vasopressin gene or one of their receptors]. Whenever cannabinoids were found efficient in animal models of autism, the rationale supporting their efficacy may outweigh their legal and ethical adversities, when administered to children in the setting of randomized controlled studies.”
 

Can autism be triggered by acetaminophen activation of the endocannabinoid system?

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Abstract

“Acetaminophen use in children has been associated with increased autism risk. Recent evidence suggests that acetaminophen’s analgesic actions result from activation of the endocannabinoid system, and activation of this system can have neuromodulatory consequences during development. This investigation was performed to determine if there is evidence to support the hypothesis that acetaminophen use can trigger autism by activation of the endocannabinoid system.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20628445

Variation in the human cannabinoid receptor CNR1 gene modulates gaze duration for happy faces.

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  “From an early age, humans look longer at preferred stimuli and also typically look longer at facial expressions of emotion, particularly happy faces. Atypical gaze patterns towards social stimuli are common in autism spectrum conditions (ASC). However, it is unknown whether gaze fixation patterns have any genetic basis. In this study, we tested whether variations in the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene are associated with gaze duration towards happy faces. This gene was selected because CNR1 is a key component of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in processing reward, and in our previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we found that variations in CNR1 modulate the striatal response to happy (but not disgust) faces. The striatum is involved in guiding gaze to rewarding aspects of a visual scene. We aimed to validate and extend this result in another sample using a different technique (gaze tracking).

One of the key molecular systems involved in the functioning of the striatal circuit is the endocannabinoid system. It is a neuropeptidergic circuit involved in reward processing and works in tandem with the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Expressed selectively in the brain, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) is the best-studied molecule of this system.

This finding suggests a role for CNR1 in social reward processing and could have significance for clinical conditions such ASC, which are marked by a deficit in social reward processing as well as atypical responses to facial expressions of emotion.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3155489/