scholarly journals Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Central Regulation of Nonmammalian Vertebrate Reproduction

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Cottone ◽  
Valentina Pomatto ◽  
Patrizia Bovolin
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Central Regulation ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Reproductive Control ◽  
Amphibian Reproduction ◽  
Multiple Levels ◽  
Insight Into

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a well-documented pivotal role in the control of mammalian reproductive functions, by acting at multiple levels, that is, central (CNS) and local (gonads) levels. Since studies performed in animal models other than mammals might provide further insight into the biology of these signalling molecules, in the present paper we review the comparative data pointing toward the endocannabinoid involvement in the reproductive control of non-mammalian vertebrates, focussing in particular on the central regulation of teleost and amphibian reproduction. The morphofunctional distribution of brain cannabinoid receptors will be discussed in relation to other crucial signalling molecules involved in the control of reproductive functions, such as GnRH, dopamine, aromatase, and pituitary gonadotropins.

scholarly journals Elevated Brain Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Induces Depressive-Like Phenotypes in Rodent Models: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1047
Author(s):  
Dorsa Rafiei ◽  
Nathan J. Kolla
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase ◽  
Acid Amide ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Animal Models Of Depression ◽  
Amide Hydrolase ◽  
Fatty Acid Amide

Altered activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme of the endocannabinoid system, has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). It is speculated that increased brain FAAH expression is correlated with increased depressive symptoms. The aim of this scoping review was to establish the role of FAAH expression in animal models of depression to determine the translational potential of targeting FAAH in clinical studies. A literature search employing multiple databases was performed; all original articles that assessed FAAH expression in animal models of depression were considered. Of the 216 articles that were screened for eligibility, 24 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Three key findings emerged: (1) FAAH expression is significantly increased in depressive-like phenotypes; (2) genetic knockout or pharmacological inhibition of FAAH effectively reduces depressive-like behavior, with a dose-dependent effect; and (3) differences in FAAH expression in depressive-like phenotypes were largely localized to animal prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum. We conclude, based on the animal literature, that a positive relationship can be established between brain FAAH level and expression of depressive symptoms. In summary, we suggest that FAAH is a tractable target for developing novel pharmacotherapies for MDD.

scholarly journals From the Clinic to the Laboratory, and Back Again: Investigations on Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoid System Modulators for Treating Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Leroy Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Cognitive Outcome ◽  
Experimental Drugs ◽  
First Results

The present mini-review focuses on animal models of schizophrenia that have explored the effects of cannabidiol (CBD; a non-psychoactive component of cannabis) or the pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system on behavioral and cognitive outcome measures. First, results of some relevant clinical studies in this area are summarized, and then pre-clinical work on animal models of schizophrenia based on NMDA receptor antagonism or neurodevelopmental manipulations are discussed. A brief overview is given of the theoretical framework on which these models are based, along with a concise summary of results that have been obtained. Clinical results using CBD for schizophrenia seem promising and its effects in animal models of schizophrenia support its potential as a useful pharmacotherapy. Animal models have been paramount for elucidating the actions of CBD and the function of the endocannabinoid system and for identifying novel pharmacological targets, such as cannabinoid receptors and anandamide. However, more attention needs to be placed on defining and applying independent variables and outcome measures that are comparable between pre-clinical and clinical studies. The objective of this review is, on the one hand, to emphasize the potential of such models to predict clinical response to experimental drugs, and on the other hand, to highlight areas in which research on such models could be improved.

Depression: An insight into Heterocyclic and Cyclic Hydrocarbon Compounds inspired from Natural Sources

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Jalil Shah ◽  
Reyaz Hassan Mir ◽  
Roohi Mohi-ud-din ◽  
Faheem Hyder Pottoo ◽  
Mubashir Hussain Masoodi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gaba Receptors ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Cyclic Hydrocarbon ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Insight Into

: Depression, a well know mental disorder has global prevalence, nearly affecting 17% of population. Due to various limitations of the currently available drugs, people have been adopting traditional herbal medicines to alleviate the symptoms of depression. It is notable to mention that natural products, their derivatives, and their analogs are the main source for new drug candidates in depression. The mechanisms include interplay with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, serotonergic, dopaminergic noradrenergic systems, and elevation of BDNF levels. The focus of this review is to revisit the role of signalling molecules in depression and highlight the use of plant-derived natural compounds to counter depression in the CNS.

scholarly journals Anandamide elevation in cerebrospinal fluid in initial prodromal states of psychosis

2009 ◽  
Vol 194 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagmar Koethe ◽  
Andrea Giuffrida ◽  
Daniela Schreiber ◽  
Martin Hellmich ◽  
Frauke Schultze-Lutter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Structural Analog ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Lipid Binding ◽  
Liquid Chromatograph ◽  
Early Schizophrenia

SummaryAnandamide is a bioactive lipid binding to cannabinoid receptors. A homeostatic role for anandamide has been suggested in schizophrenia. We investigated its role in initial prodromal states of psychosis. We measured the levels of anandamide and its structural analog oleoylethanolamide in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients in the initial prodromal state (n=27) alongside healthy volunteers (n=81) using high-performance liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometry. Cerebrospinal anandamide levels in patients were significantly elevated. Patients with lower levels showed a higher risk for transiting to psychosis earlier. This anandamidergic up-regulation in the initial prodromal course may suggest a protective role of the endocannabinoid system in early schizophrenia.

scholarly journals The Representative Porcine Model for Human Cardiovascular Disease

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoriyasu Suzuki ◽  
Alan C. Yeung ◽  
Fumiaki Ikeno
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Porcine Model ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Murine Models ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Large Animal Models ◽  
Small Animal Models ◽  
Insight Into

To improve human health, scientific discoveries must be translated into practical applications. Inherent in the development of these technologies is the role of preclinical testing using animal models. Although significant insight into the molecular and cellular basis has come from small animal models, significant differences exist with regard to cardiovascular characteristics between these models and humans. Therefore, large animal models are essential to develop the discoveries from murine models into clinical therapies and interventions. This paper will provide an overview of the more frequently used large animal models, especially porcine models for preclinical studies.

scholarly journals The Endocannabinoid System Contributes to Electroacupuncture Analgesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iona J. MacDonald ◽  
Yi-Hung Chen
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Antinociceptive Effect ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Extensive Involvement ◽  
Effective Analgesia

The extensive involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in vital physiological and cognitive processes of the human body has inspired many investigations into the role of the ECS and drugs, and therapies that target this system and its receptors. Activation of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) by cannabinoid treatments, including synthetic cannabinoids, alleviates behavioral responses to inflammatory and neuropathic pain. An increasing body of scientific evidence details how electroacupuncture (EA) treatments achieve effective analgesia and reduce inflammation by modulating cannabinoid signaling, without the adverse effects resulting from synthetic cannabinoid administration. CB1 receptors in the ventrolateral area of the periaqueductal gray are critically important for the mechanisms of the EA antinociceptive effect, while peripheral CB2 receptors are related to the anti-inflammatory effects of EA. This review explores the evidence detailing the endocannabinoid mechanisms involved in EA antinociception.

Peripheral analgesia involves cannabinoid receptors

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Desroches
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Cb1 Receptor ◽  
Pain Modulation ◽  
Cb1 Receptors ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor ◽  
Peripheral Analgesia

This landmark paper by Agarwal and colleagues was published in 2007, when the exact contribution of the activation of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) receptors expressed on the peripheral terminals of nociceptors in pain modulation was still uncertain. At that time, while it was clearly demonstrated that the central nervous system (CNS) was involved in the antinociceptive effects induced by the activation of the CB1 receptor, many strains of mice in which the gene encoding the CB1 receptor was deleted by conditional mutagenesis were used to study the specific role of these receptors in pain. Creating an ingenious model of genetically modified mice with a conditional deletion of the CB1 receptor gene exclusively in the peripheral nociceptors, Agarwal and colleagues were the first to unequivocally demonstrate the major role of this receptor in the control of pain at the peripheral level. In fact, these mutant mice lacking CB1 receptors only in sensory neurons (those expressing the sodium channel Nav1.8) have been designed to highlight that CB1 receptors on nociceptors, and not those within the CNS, constitute an important target for mediating local or systemic (but not intrathecal) cannabinoid analgesia. Overall, they have clarified the anatomical locus of cannabinoid-induced analgesia, highlighted the potential significance of peripheral CB1-mediated cannabinoid analgesia, and revealed important insights into how the peripheral endocannabinoid system works in controlling both inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain.

103 Characterization of the receptors of the endocannabinoid system in equine sperm: Possible role of anandamide in sperm function

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
C. Arroyo-Salvo ◽  
R. Lottero ◽  
A. Gambini ◽  
S. Perez Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Sperm Capacitation ◽  
Phosphorylated Proteins ◽  
Middle Piece ◽  
Cryopreserved Sperm ◽  
Principal Piece ◽  
Post Hoc

Conventional IVF in horses remains challenging. In particular, stallion sperm fails to penetrate the zona pellucida, possibly due to incomplete invitro sperm capacitation. Therefore, there is a need to elucidate, in horses, molecules with a proven role during capacitation in other mammals. Our laboratory has described the relevance of the endocannabinoid system in capacitation of bovine and murine sperm. We reported that anandamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid present in follicular and oviducal fluids, induced capacitation-associated events. The aims of this work were to characterise the localization of cannabinoid receptors in equine sperm and to evaluate the effects of AEA on levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins (pY) and substrates phosphorylated by protein kinase A (pPKA). Both cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2, TRPV1) and pPKA and pY were localised in sperm by indirect immunofluorescence. Sperm (15×106mL−1) were incubated, at 38.5°C in air, in modified Tyrode’s-albumin-lactate-pyruvate (TALP) with 25mM NaHCO3, 5mM dextrose and 1mgmL−1 polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; TALP-Bic-PVA) or TALP-Bic-PVA supplemented with AEA (0.1, 1, 10, 100nM, and 1µM) for 4h. After incubation, Western blot was used to determine levels of pY and pPKA in 4.5×106 sperm. Cryopreserved sperm samples from three stallions were evaluated. The normality of data distributions and homoscedasticity were verified with the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, respectively. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test, with P<0.05 considered significant. Based on immunofluorescence, CB1 was mainly localised in the post-acrosomal region and flagellum (93.4%±5.5, mean±s.d.), CB2 in the post-acrosomal region and middle piece (89.9%±28.3), and TRPV1 in the post-acrosomal region and flagellum (89.3%±9). Sperm positive for pPKA had fluorescence in the middle piece and principal piece of the flagellum. Incubation with 1nM AEA for 4h induced a 61% increase in pPKA levels compared with TALP-Bic-PVA medium alone, with no induction of pY levels in any treatment. In conclusion, cannabinoid receptors were present in equine sperm, and incubation with AEA induced an increase in PKA activity, an essential event associated with sperm capacitation. To our knowledge, this was the first report describing the presence of receptors of the endocannabinoid system in equine sperm and the potential role of AEA in the acquisition of sperm fertilizing ability.

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