Effects of cannabinoid agonists on the proteome of a human oligodendrocyte culture

Schizophrenia is a multifactorial psychiatric disorder, which affects about 1% of the world's population. Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Studies have shown that endocannabinoids can also affect the function of oligodendrocytes. In order to better understand the mechanisms involved, and to help developing less harmful treatments, we will investigate the effects of endocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoid agonists on a human oligodendrocyte cell line (MO3.13). In addition, we will verify if these treatments may reverse the effects of the NMDAr antagonist MK801 - an in vitro model to study schizophrenia. For this, we will use the two-dimensional liquid nanocromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. Data will be processed and analysed using in silico system biology tools. Taken together, our approach aims to contribute to the elucidation of the role of activation of cannabinoid receptorsin oligodendrocytes and the possible implications for undertanding the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Analysis of synthetic cannabinoid agonists and their degradation products after combustion in a smoking simulator

An efficient twin-trap smoking inhalation model that simulates human inhalation has been developed; all six synthetic cannabinoids tested were detected.