scholarly journals β-Arrestin mediates oxytocin receptor signaling, which regulates uterine contractility and cellular migration

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (3) ◽  
pp. E468-E477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad A. Grotegut ◽  
Liping Feng ◽  
Lan Mao ◽  
R. Phillips Heine ◽  
Amy P. Murtha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Oxytocin Receptor ◽  
Cellular Migration ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Uterine Contractility ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
Uterine Muscle ◽  
293 Cells

Desensitization of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in the setting of prolonged oxytocin exposure may lead to dysfunctional labor, which increases the risk for cesarean delivery, and uterine atony, which may result in postpartum hemorrhage. The molecular mechanism for OXTR desensitization is through the agonist-mediated recruitment of the multifunctional protein β-arrestin. In addition to its desensitizing function, β-arrestins have recently been shown to simultaneously activate downstream signaling. We tested whether oxytocin stimulation promotes β-arrestin-mediated OXTR desensitization in vivo and activates β-arrestin-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) growth signaling. Uterine muscle strips isolated from wild-type mice exhibited diminished uterine contractility following repeated exposure to oxytocin, whereas uterine muscle strips from β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2 knockout mice showed no desensitization. Utilizing siRNA knockdown of β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2 in HEK-293 cells expressing the OXTR, we demonstrated oxytocin-mediated MAPK signaling that was dependent on β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2. Wild-type and β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2 knockout mice receiving intravenous oxytocin also demonstrated oxytocin-mediated MAPK signaling that was dependent on β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2. Finally, to test the significance of β-arrestin-mediated signaling from the OXTR, HEK-293 cells expressing the OXTR showed β-arrestin-dependent proliferation in a cell migration assay following oxytocin treatment. In conclusion, β-arrestin is a multifunctional scaffold protein that mediates both desensitization of the OXTR, leading to decreases in uterine contractility, and MAPK growth signaling following stimulation by oxytocin. The development of unique OXTR ligands that prevent receptor desensitization may be a novel approach in the treatment of adverse clinical events secondary to prolonged oxytocin therapy.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation by parathyroid hormone in distal tubule cells

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (3) ◽  
pp. F1028-F1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Bruce Sneddon ◽  
Yanmei Yang ◽  
Jianming Ba ◽  
Lisa M. Harinstein ◽  
Peter A. Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Conditioned Media ◽  
Kidney Cells ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Egfr Transactivation ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Erk Activation ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Extracellular Signal

The PTH receptor (PTH1R) activates multiple signaling pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). The role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation in ERK1/2 activation by PTH in distal kidney cells, a primary site of PTH action, was characterized. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was stimulated by PTH and blocked by the EGFR inhibitor, AG1478. Upon PTH stimulation, metalloprotease cleavage of membrane-bound heparin-binding fragment (HB-EGF) induced EGFR transactivation of ERK. Conditioned media from PTH-treated distal kidney cells activated ERK in HEK-293 cells. AG1478 added to HEK-293 cells ablated transactivation by conditioned media. HB-EGF directly activated ERK1/2 in HEK-293 cells. Pretreatment of distal kidney cells with the metalloprotease inhibitor GM-6001 abolished transactivation of ERK1/2 by PTH. The role of the PTH1R COOH terminus in PTX-sensitive ERK1/2 activation was characterized in HEK-293 cells transfected with wild-type PTH1R, with a PTH1R mutated at its COOH terminus, or with PTH1R truncated at position 480. PTH stimulated ERK by wild-type, mutated and truncated PTH1Rs 21-, 27- and 57-fold, respectively. Thus, the PTH1R COOH terminus exerts an inhibitory effect on ERK activation. EBP50, a scaffolding protein that binds to the PDZ recognition domain of the PTH1R, impaired PTH but not isoproterenol or calcitonin-induced ERK activation. Pertussis toxin inhibited PTH-stimulated ERK1/2 by mutated and truncated PTH1Rs and abolished ERK1/2 activation by wild-type PTH1R. We conclude that ERK phosphorylation in distal kidney cells by PTH requires PTH1R activation of Gi, which leads to stimulation of metalloprotease-mediated cleavage of HB-EGF and transactivation of the EGFR and is regulated by EBP50.

Effect of human acetylcholinesterase subunit assembly on its circulatory residence

2001 ◽  
Vol 354 (3) ◽  
pp. 613-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodor CHITLARU ◽  
Chanoch KRONMAN ◽  
Baruch VELAN ◽  
Avigdor SHAFFERMAN
Keyword(s):  
Laser Desorption Ionization ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Ionization Time ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Enzyme Preparations ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Differential Behaviour ◽  
Oligomeric Forms

Sialylated recombinant human acetylcholinesterase (rHuAChE), produced by stably transfected cells, is composed of a mixed population of monomers, dimers and tetramers and manifests a time-dependent circulatory enrichment of the higher-order oligomeric forms. To investigate this phenomenon further, homogeneous preparations of rHuAChE differing in their oligomerization statuses were generated: (1) monomers, represented by the oligomerization-impaired C580A-rHuAChE mutant, (2) wild-type (WT) dimers and (3) tetramers of WT-rHuAChE generated in vitro by complexation with a synthetic ColQ-derived proline-rich attachment domain (‘PRAD’) peptide. Three different series of each of these three oligoform preparations were produced: (1) partly sialylated, derived from HEK-293 cells; (2) fully sialylated, derived from engineered HEK-293 cells expressing high levels of sialyltransferase; and (3) desialylated, after treatment with sialidase to remove sialic acid termini quantitatively. The oligosaccharides associated with each of the various preparations were extensively analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight MS. With the enzyme preparations comprising the fully sialylated series, a clear linear relationship between oligomerization and circulatory mean residence time (MRT) was observed. Thus monomers, dimers and tetramers exhibited MRTs of 110, 195 and 740min respectively. As the level of sialylation decreased, this differential behaviour became less pronounced; eventually, after desialylation all oligoforms had the same MRT (5min). These observations suggest that multiple removal systems contribute to the elimination of AChE from the circulation. Here we also demonstrate that by the combined modulation of sialylation and tetramerization it is possible to generate a rHuAChE displaying a circulatory residence exceeding that of all other known forms of native or recombinant human AChE.

Olive compounds attenuate oxidative damage induced in HEK-293 cells via MAPK signaling pathway

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 18-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina Maalej ◽  
Maurizio Forte ◽  
Zouhaier Bouallagui ◽  
Stella Donato ◽  
Luigi Mita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Mapk Signaling Pathway ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells

scholarly journals K201 (JTV519) suppresses spontaneous Ca2+ release and [3H]ryanodine binding to RyR2 irrespective of FKBP12.6 association

2007 ◽  
Vol 404 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald J. Hunt ◽  
Peter P. Jones ◽  
Ruiwu Wang ◽  
Wenqian Chen ◽  
Jeff Bolstad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Human Embryonic Kidney Cells ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
Fk506 Binding Protein ◽  
293 Cells

K201 (JTV519), a benzothiazepine derivative, has been shown to possess anti-arrhythmic and cardioprotective properties, but the mechanism of its action is both complex and controversial. It is believed to stabilize the closed state of the RyR2 (cardiac ryanodine receptor) by increasing its affinity for the FKBP12.6 (12.6 kDa FK506 binding protein) [Wehrens, Lehnart, Reiken, Deng, Vest, Cervantes, Coromilas, Landry and Marks (2004) Science 304, 292–296]. In the present study, we investigated the effect of K201 on spontaneous Ca2+ release induced by Ca2+ overload in rat ventricular myocytes and in HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) expressing RyR2 and the role of FKBP12.6 in the action of K201. We found that K201 abolished spontaneous Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Treating ventricular myocytes with FK506 to dissociate FKBP12.6 from RyR2 did not affect the suppression of spontaneous Ca2+ release by K201. Similarly, K201 was able to suppress spontaneous Ca2+ release in FK506-treated HEK-293 cells co-expressing RyR2 and FKBP12.6. Furthermore, K201 suppressed spontaneous Ca2+ release in HEK-293 cells expressing RyR2 alone and in cells co-expressing RyR2 and FKBP12.6 with the same potency. In addition, K201 inhibited [3H]ryanodine binding to RyR2-wt (wild-type) and an RyR2 mutant linked to ventricular tachycardia and sudden death, N4104K, in the absence of FKBP12.6. These observations demonstrate that FKBP12.6 is not involved in the inhibitory action of K201 on spontaneous Ca2+ release. Our results also suggest that suppression of spontaneous Ca2+ release and the activity of RyR2 contributes, at least in part, to the anti-arrhythmic properties of K201.

scholarly journals Rare mutations in the human Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) associated with lower blood pressure exhibit impaired processing and transport function

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (4) ◽  
pp. F840-F847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Y. Monette ◽  
Jesse Rinehart ◽  
Richard P. Lifton ◽  
Biff Forbush
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Thick Ascending Limb ◽  
Transport Function ◽  
Lower Blood Pressure ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
Hek Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Lower Blood

The Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) is the major salt transport pathway in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and is part of the molecular mechanism for blood pressure regulation. Recent screening of ∼3,000 members of the Framingham Heart Study identified nine rare independent mutations in the gene encoding NKCC2 (SLC12A1) associated with clinically reduced blood pressure and protection from hypertension (Ji WZ, Foo JN, O'Roak BJ, Zhao H, Larson MG, Simon DB, Newton-Cheh C, State M, Levy D, Lifton RP. Nat Genet 40: 592–599, 2008). To investigate their functional consequences, we introduced the nine mutations in human NKCC2A and examined protein function, expression, localization, regulation, and ion transport kinetics using heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and HEK-293 cells. When expressed in oocytes, four of the mutants (T235M, R302W, L505V, and P569H) exhibited reduced transport function compared with wild-type. In HEK-293 cells, the same four mutants exhibited reduced function, and in addition N399S and P1083A had significantly lower activity than wild-type. The two most functionally impaired mutants (R302W and L505V) exhibited dramatically diminished production of complex-glycosylated protein and a decrease in or absence of plasma membrane localization, indicative of a processing defect. All of the functional human (h) NKCC2A variants were regulated by changes in oocyte volume and intracellular chloride in HEK cells, but P254A and N399S exhibited a lower constitutive activity in HEK cells. The P569H mutant exhibited a 50% reduction in sodium affinity compared with wild-type, predicting lower transport activity at lower intratubular salt concentrations, while the P254A mutant exhibited a 35% increase in rubidium affinity. We conclude that defects in NKCC2 processing, transport turnover rate, regulation, and ion affinity contribute to impaired transport function in six of the nine identified mutants, providing support for the predictive approach of Ji et al. to identify functionally important residues by sequence conservation. Such mutations in hNKCC2A are likely to reduce renal salt reabsorption, providing a mechanism for lower blood pressure.

Intracellular calcium measurements as a method in studies on activity of purinergic P2X receptor channels

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (2) ◽  
pp. C467-C479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mu-Lan He ◽  
Hana Zemkova ◽  
Taka-aki Koshimizu ◽  
Melanija Tomić ◽  
Stanko S. Stojilkovic
Keyword(s):  
Purinergic Receptors ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
P2x Receptor ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Human Embryonic Kidney Cells ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Intracellular Ca

Extracellular nucleotide-activated purinergic receptors (P2XRs) are a family of cation-permeable channels that conduct small cations, including Ca2+, leading to the depolarization of cells and subsequent stimulation of voltage-gated Ca2+ influx in excitable cells. Here, we studied the spatiotemporal characteristics of intracellular Ca2+ signaling and its dependence on current signaling in excitable mouse immortalized gonadotropin-releasing hormone-secreting cells (GT1) and nonexcitable human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) cells expressing wild-type and chimeric P2XRs. In both cell types, P2XR generated depolarizing currents during the sustained ATP stimulation, which desensitized in order (from rapidly desensitizing to nondesensitizing): P2X3R > P2X2b + X4R > P2X2bR > P2X2a + X4R > P2X4R > P2X2aR > P2X7R. HEK-293 cells were not suitable for studies on P2XR-mediated Ca2+ influx because of the coactivation of endogenously expressed Ca2+-mobilizing purinergic P2Y receptors. However, when expressed in GT1 cells, all wild-type and chimeric P2XRs responded to agonist binding with global Ca2+ signals, which desensitized in the same order as current signals but in a significantly slower manner. The global distribution of Ca2+ signals was present independently of the rate of current desensitization. The temporal characteristics of Ca2+ signals were not affected by voltage-gated Ca2+ influx and removal of extracellular sodium. Ca2+ signals reflected well the receptor-specific EC50 values for ATP and the extracellular Zn2+ and pH sensitivities of P2XRs. These results indicate that intracellular Ca2+ measurements are useful for characterizing the pharmacological properties and messenger functions of P2XRs, as well as the kinetics of channel activity, when the host cells do not express other members of purinergic receptors.

scholarly journals Ondansetron blocks wild-type and p.F503L variant small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels

2018 ◽  
Vol 315 (2) ◽  
pp. H375-H388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jum-Suk Ko ◽  
Shuai Guo ◽  
Jonathan Hassel ◽  
Patricia Celestino-Soper ◽  
Ty C. Lynnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Qt Syndrome ◽  
Qt Interval ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Long Qt ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Qt Syndrome ◽  
Small Conductance

Apamin-sensitive small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) current ( IKAS) is encoded by Ca2+-activated K+ channel subfamily N ( KCNN) genes. IKAS importantly contributes to cardiac repolarization in conditions associated with reduced repolarization reserve. To test the hypothesis that IKAS inhibition contributes to drug-induced long QT syndrome (diLQTS), we screened for KCNN variants among patients with diLQTS, determined the properties of heterologously expressed wild-type (WT) and variant KCNN channels, and determined if the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron blocks IKAS. We searched 2,306,335 records in the Indiana Network for Patient Care and found 11 patients with diLQTS who had DNA available in the Indiana Biobank. DNA sequencing discovered a heterozygous KCNN2 variant (p.F503L) in a 52-yr-old woman presenting with corrected QT interval prolongation at baseline (473 ms) and further corrected QT interval lengthening (601 ms) after oral administration of ondansetron. That patient was also heterozygous for the p.S38G and p.P2835S variants of the QT-controlling genes KCNE1 and ankyrin 2, respectively. Patch-clamp experiments revealed that the p.F503L KCNN2 variant heterologously expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells augmented Ca2+ sensitivity, increasing IKAS density. The fraction of total F503L-KCNN2 protein retained in the membrane was higher than that of WT KCNN2 protein. Ondansetron at nanomolar concentrations inhibited WT and p.F503L SK2 channels expressed in HEK-293 cells as well as native SK channels in ventricular cardiomyocytes. Ondansetron-induced IKAS inhibition was also demonstrated in Langendorff-perfused murine hearts. In conclusion, the heterozygous p.F503L KCNN2 variant increases Ca2+ sensitivity and IKAS density in transfected HEK-293 cells. Ondansetron at therapeutic (i.e., nanomolar) concentrations is a potent IKAS blocker. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We showed that ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, blocks small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) current. Ondansetron may be useful in controlling arrhythmias in which increased SK current is a likely contributor. However, its SK-blocking effects may also facilitate the development of drug-induced long QT syndrome.

Identification and characterization of four novel phosphorylation sites (Ser31, Ser325, Thr336 and Thr366) on LKB1/STK11, the protein kinase mutated in Peutz–Jeghers cancer syndrome

2002 ◽  
Vol 362 (2) ◽  
pp. 481-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopal P. SAPKOTA ◽  
Jérôme BOUDEAU ◽  
Maria DEAK ◽  
Agnieszka KIELOCH ◽  
Nick MORRICE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Cancer Syndrome ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
In Cells

Peutz—Jeghers syndrome is an inherited cancer syndrome, which results in a greatly increased risk of developing tumours in those affected. The causative gene encodes a nuclear-localized protein kinase, termed LKB1, which is predicted to function as a tumour suppressor. The mechanism by which LKB1 is regulated in cells is not known, and nor have any of its physiological substrates been identified. Recent studies have demonstrated that LKB1 is phosphorylated in cells. As a first step towards identifying the roles that phosphorylation of LKB1 play, we have mapped the residues that are phosphorylated in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells, as well as the major in vitro autophosphorylation sites. We demonstrate that LKB1 expressed in HEK-293 cells, in addition to being phosphorylated at Ser431, a previously characterized phosphorylation site, is also phosphorylated at Ser31, Ser325 and Thr366. Incubation of wild-type LKB1, but not a catalytically inactive mutant, with manganese-ATP in vitro resulted in the phosphorylation of LKB1 at Thr336 as well as at Thr366. We were unable to detect autophosphorylation at Thr189, a site previously claimed to be an LKB1 autophosphorylation site. A catalytically inactive mutant of LKB1 was phosphorylated at Ser31 and Ser325 in HEK-293 cells to the same extent as the wild-type enzyme, indicating that LKB1 does not phosphorylate itself at these residues. We show that phosphorylation of LKB1 does not directly affect its nuclear localization or its catalytic activity in vitro, but that its phosphorylation at Thr336, and perhaps to a lesser extent at Thr366, inhibits LKB1 from suppressing cell growth.

scholarly journals Dominance of Gs in doubly Gs/Gi-coupled chimaeric A1/A2A adenosine receptors in HEK-293 cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 352 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L. TUCKER ◽  
LiGuo JIA ◽  
Diane HOLETON ◽  
Allen J. TAYLOR ◽  
Joel LINDEN
Keyword(s):  
Adenylate Cyclase ◽  
G Proteins ◽  
Adenosine Receptors ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
A2a Receptors ◽  
Recombinant Receptors ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
293 Cells

A1 adenosine receptors inhibit adenylate cyclase by activating Gi/Go, whereas A2A receptors activate Gs. We examined how regions of A1 and A2A receptors regulate coupling to G-proteins by constructing chimaeras in which the third intracellular loops (3ICL or L) and/or the C-termini (or T) were switched. Pertussis toxin (PTX) was used in membrane radioligand binding assays to calculate the fraction of recombinant receptors coupled to Gi/Go and in whole cells to differentially influence agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Switching A1/A2A 3ICL domains results in receptors that maintain binding selectivity for ligands but are doubly coupled. Receptor chimaeras with an A1 3ICL sequence (A2A/A1L or A2A/A1LT) respond to agonist stimulation with elevated cAMP despite being coupled predominantly to Gi/Go. These chimaeras have basal cAMP levels lower than those of wild-type A2A receptors, similar to wild-type A1 receptors. The A1 C-terminus modulates the coupling of receptors with A1 3ICL such that A2A/A1LT is better coupled to Gi/Go than A2A/A1L. The C-terminus has little impact on coupling to receptors containing A2A 3ICL sequence. Our results show that the C-terminus sequence selectively facilitates coupling to Gi/Go mediated by A1 3ICL and not by other intracellular domains that favour Gi coupling. The C-terminus sequence has little or no effect on coupling to Gs. For doubly Gs/Gi-coupled adenosine receptors in HEK-293 cells, Gs-mediated stimulation predominates over Gi/Go-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase. We discuss the signalling consequences of simultaneously activating opposing G-proteins within single cells.

scholarly journals Brodifacoum does not modulate human cannabinoid receptor-mediated hyperpolarization of AtT20 cells or inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in HEK 293 cells

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivani Sachdev ◽  
Rochelle Boyd ◽  
Natasha L. Grimsey ◽  
Marina Santiago ◽  
Mark Connor
Keyword(s):  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells

BackgroundSynthetic cannabinoids are a commonly used class of recreational drugs that can have significant adverse effects. There have been sporadic reports of co-consumption of illicit drugs with rodenticides such as warfarin and brodifacoum (BFC) over the past 20 years but recently, hundreds of people have been reported to have been poisoned with a mixture of synthetic cannabinoids and BFC. We have sought to establish whether BFC directly affects cannabinoid receptors, or their activation by the synthetic cannabinoid CP55940 or the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC).MethodsThe effects of BFC on the hyperpolarization of wild type AtT20 cells, or AtT20 cells stably expressing human CB1- or CB2- receptors, were studied using a fluorescent assay of membrane potential. The effect of BFC on CB1- and CB2-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activation was measured using a BRET assay of cAMP levels in HEK 293 cells stably expressing human CB1or CB2.ResultsBFC did not activate CB1or CB2receptors, or affect the hyperpolarization of wild type AtT20 cells produced by somatostatin. BFC (1 µM) did not affect the hyperpolarization of AtT20-CB1or AtT20-CB2cells produced by CP55940 or Δ9-THC. BFC (1 µM) did not affect the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated AC activity by CP55940 in HEK 293 cells expressing CB1or CB2. BFC (1 µM) also failed to affect the desensitization of CB1and CB2signaling produced by prolonged (30 min) application of CP55940 or Δ9-THC to AtT20 cells.DiscussionBFC is not a cannabinoid receptor agonist, and appeared not to affect cannabinoid receptor activation. Our data suggests there is no pharmacodynamic rationale for mixing BFC with synthetic cannabinoids; however, it does not speak to whether BFC may affect synthetic cannabinoid metabolism or biodistribution. The reasons underlying the mixing of BFC with synthetic cannabinoids are unknown, and it remains to be established whether the “contamination” was deliberate or accidental. However, the consequences for people who ingested the mixture were often serious, and sometimes fatal, but this seems unlikely to be due to BFC action at cannabinoid receptors.

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