Francisco Javier Bermúdez-Silva

Early maternal deprivation induces gender‐dependent changes on the expression of hippocampal CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors of neonatal rats

Early maternal deprivation (MD) in rats (24 h, postnatal day 9–10) is a model for neurodevelopmental stress. There are some data proving that MD affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a gender‐dependent manner, and that these changes may account for the proposed schizophrenia‐like phenotype of MD rats. The impact of MD on cannabinoid receptor distribution in the hippocampus is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors in diverse relevant subregions (DG, CA1, and CA3) of the hippocampus in 13‐day‐old rats by immunohistochemistry and densitometry. MD induced a significant decrease in CB1 immunoreactivity (more marked in males than in females), which was mainly associated with fibers in the strata pyramidale and radiatum of CA1 and in the strata oriens, pyramidale, and radiatum of CA3. In contrast, MD males and females showed a significant increase in CB2 immunoreactivity in the three hippocampal areas analyzed that was detected in neuropil and puncta in the stratum oriens of CA1 and CA3, and in the polymorphic cell layer of the dentate gyrus. A marked sex dimorphism was observed in CA3, with females exhibiting higher CB1 immunoreactivity than males, and in dentate gyrus, with females exhibiting lower CB2 immunoreactivity than males. These results point to a clear association between developmental stress and dysregulation of the ECS. The present MD procedure may provide an interesting experimental model to further address the role of the ECS in neurodevelopmental mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

A role for the putative cannabinoid receptor GPR55 in the islets of Langerhans

The cannabinoid CB1 receptor is a well-known player in energy homeostasis and its specific antagonism has been used in clinical practice for the treatment of obesity. The G protein-coupled receptor GPR55 has been recently proposed as a new cannabinoid receptor and, by contrast, its pharmacology is still enigmatic and its physiological role is largely unexplored, with no reports investigating its putative role in metabolism. Thus, we aim to investigate in rats the presence, distribution and putative physiological role of GPR55 in a key metabolic tissue, the endocrine pancreas. We found high Gpr55 mRNA content in pancreatic islets and considerable protein distribution in insulin-secreting β-cells. Activation of GPR55 by the agonist O-1602 increased calcium transients (P<0.01) and insulin secretion (P<0.001) stimulated by glucose. This latter effect was blunted in Gpr55 KO mice suggesting that O-1602 is acting, at least in part, through GPR55. Indeed, acute in vivo experiments showed that GPR55 activation increases glucose tolerance (P<0.05) and plasma insulin levels (P<0.05), suggesting an in vivo physiological relevance of GPR55 systemic stimulation. Taken together, these results reveal the expression of GPR55 receptors in the endocrine pancreas as well as its function at stimulus-secretion coupling of insulin secretion, suggesting a role in glucose homeostasis. In this context, it may also represent a new target for consideration in the management of type 2 diabetes and related diseases.

Ulcerative Colitis Induces Changes on the Expression of the Endocannabinoid System in the Human Colonic Tissue

Background Recent studies suggest potential roles of the endocannabinoid system in gastrointestinal inflammation. Although cannabinoid CB2 receptor expression is increased in inflammatory disorders, the presence and function of the remaining proteins of the endocannabinoid system in the colonic tissue is not well characterized. Methodology Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, the enzymes for endocannabinoid biosynthesis DAGLα, DAGLβ and NAPE-PLD, and the endocannabinoid-degradating enzymes FAAH and MAGL were analysed in both acute untreated active ulcerative pancolitis and treated quiescent patients in comparison with healthy human colonic tissue by immunocytochemistry. Analyses were carried out according to clinical criteria, taking into account the severity at onset and treatment received. Principal Findings Western blot and immunocytochemistry indicated that the endocannabinoid system is present in the colonic tissue, but it shows a differential distribution in epithelium, lamina propria, smooth muscle and enteric plexi. Quantification of epithelial immunoreactivity showed an increase of CB2 receptor, DAGLα and MAGL expression, mainly in mild and moderate pancolitis patients. In contrast, NAPE-PLD expression decreased in moderate and severe pancolitis patients. During quiescent pancolitis, CB1, CB2 and DAGLα expression dropped, while NAPE-PLD expression rose, mainly in patients treated with 5-ASA or 5-ASA+corticosteroids. The number of immune cells containing MAGL and FAAH in the lamina propria increased in acute pancolitis patients, but dropped after treatment. Conclusions Endocannabinoids signaling pathway, through CB2 receptor, may reduce colitis-associated inflammation suggesting a potential drugable target for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Plasma visfatin concentrations in severely obese subjects are increased after intestinal bypass

Objective: Visfatin has shown to be increased in obesity and in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the change in plasma visfatin in severely obese (SO) persons after weight loss following bariatric surgery in relation to glucose concentration.

Endocannabinoid system in the adult rat circumventricular areas: An immunohistochemical study

Endocannabinoids (ECs) are important neuromodulators involved in a plethora of physiological processes such as modulation of synaptic transmission, neuroprotection, immune function, and neurodevelopment, among others. However, still lacking is a detailed study on the presence of this system in the circumventricular areas, brain structures controlling the interaction between cerebrospinal fluid and brain parenchyma. The aim of this work was to provide the anatomical basis supporting a functional role of ECs in the activity of circumventricular areas. To this end, an immunohistochemical study of the EC system in rat brain was performed. Receptors and synthesizing and degrading enzymes for ECs were widely distributed in rat ependyma and subependyma, marginal glia, and circumventricular organs (CVOs) such as the choroid plexus, subfornical organ, subcommissural organ, median eminence, and area postrema. These zones constitute barrier systems between the brain parenchyma and the ventricular or subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and between the extracellular hemal milieu of CVOs and the brain parenchyma or the CSF. By immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction we found DAGLα, DAGLβ, NAPE‐PLD, MAGL, and FAAH in the ependyma. These finding suggest that the ependyma can release and clear ECs from the ventricular CSF. Subependymal astrocytes and tanycytes displayed DAGLα immunoreactivity but parenchymal astrocytes did not express EC‐synthesizing enzymes, thus establishing a sharp distinction between these two astrocyte populations. CB1 was located in fibers innervating discrete subventricular zones such as the neurogenic striatal subventricular zone and the fourth ventricle. CB1 fibers also innervated some CVOs. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3065–3085, 2010.

Attenuation of cocaine-induced conditioned locomotion is associated with altered expression of hippocampal glutamate receptors in mice lacking LPA1 receptors

RationaleLysophosphatidic acid is a phospholipid mediator that modulates neurodevelopment and neurogenesis in the hippocampus through its actions on LPA1 receptors. Emerging evidences support LPA1 as a mediator of learning and emotional behaviour. There are no studies addressing its role on behaviours associated to drug abuse.ObjectivesWe examined whether genetic deletion of LPA1 receptor in maLPA1-null mice affected either cocaine-induced conditioned locomotion (CL) or behavioural sensitization (BS) induced by repeated cocaine exposure. We also analysed whether cocaine induced changes in the expression of functional markers of both dopamine- and glutamate-related genes in the striatum and the dorsal hippocampus.MethodsWe monitored cocaine-induced CL and BS in both genotypes of mice. Striatal dopamine and hippocampal glutamate-related genes were measured by real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.ResultsmaLPA1-null mice exhibit an attenuated CL response after cocaine conditioning but a normal BS after repeated cocaine exposure. These behavioural changes were associated to alterations on the expression of metabotropic mGLUR3 glutamate receptors and on the actions of cocaine on the GLUR1 subunit of AMPA glutamate receptors in the hippocampus of maLPA1 animals. Striatal dopaminergic markers (tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine D1 receptor, and dopamine transporter DAT), were similar in both genotypes and were equally affected by cocaine exposure.ConclusionThe present results indicate that the lack of LPA1 receptor affect cocaine-induced conditioned locomotion but not behavioural sensitization. The findings suggest that LPA1 receptor may be necessary for a normal associative contextual learning associated to cocaine, probably through the modulation of hippocampal glutamatergic circuits.

Estradiol Decreases Cortical Reactive Astrogliosis after Brain Injury by a Mechanism Involving Cannabinoid Receptors

The neuroactive steroid estradiol reduces reactive astroglia after brain injury by mechanisms similar to those involved in the regulation of reactive gliosis by endocannabinoids. In this study, we have explored whether cannabinoid receptors are involved in the effects of estradiol on reactive astroglia. To test this hypothesis, the effects of estradiol, the cannabinoid CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist AM251, and the cannabinoid CB2 antagonist/inverse agonist AM630 were assessed in the cerebral cortex of male rats after a stab wound brain injury. Estradiol reduced the number of vimentin immunoreactive astrocytes and the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactive astrocytes in the proximity of the wound. The effect of estradiol was significantly inhibited by the administration of either CB1 or CB2 receptor antagonists. The effect of estradiol may be in part mediated by alterations in endocannabinoid signaling because the hormone increased in the injured cerebral cortex the messenger RNA levels of CB2 receptors and of some of the enzymes involved in the synthesis and metabolism of endocannabinoids. These findings suggest that estradiol may decrease reactive astroglia in the injured brain by regulating the activity of the endocannabinoid system.

The role of the endocannabinoid system in eating disorders: pharmacological implications.

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a widespread intercellular signalling mechanism that plays a critical role in body homoeostasis. It is located in key points involved in food intake and energy expenditure, coordinating all the players involved in energy balance. As such, it has come to be seen as an interesting target for the management of diseases characterized by an imbalanced energy homoeostasis, such as obesity and eating disorders. The aetiology of eating disorders and the molecular systems involved are still largely a mystery. Research has focused on brain circuits where the eCB system plays an important role, such as those related to feeding behaviour and the rewarding properties of food. Accordingly, recent findings have suggested a deregulation of the eCB system in eating disorders. At present, cannabinoid agonists are safe and effective tools in the management of diseases in which weight gain is needed, for example cachexia in AIDS patients. However, studies on the potential therapeutic validity of cannabinoids in eating disorders are scarce and inconclusive. Taken together, all these considerations warrant more preclinical and clinical investigations in the role of the eCB system in eating disorders. Eventually, they may provide novel pharmacological approaches for the treatment of these diseases.

Effects of the endogenous PPAR-α agonist, oleoylethanolamide on MDMA-induced cognitive deficits in mice

MDMA (3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is an amphetamine derivative widely used for recreational purposes. We have recently shown that repeated treatment with high doses of MDMA‐induced impairments in the acquisition and recall of an active avoidance task in mice. In this study, we examined whether the endogenous peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) agonist, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) protects against these MDMA‐induced deficits. Mice were pretreated twice a day with OEA (0, 5, and 25 mg/kg) 30 min before an injection of MDMA (30 mg/kg) or saline during four consecutive days. Twenty‐four hours after the last treatment, animals were trained in an active avoidance task for two consecutive weeks. After a 5‐day resting period, a recall session was performed. Mice treated with MDMA showed reduced learning and recall of the task when compared with saline‐treated controls. OEA at 5 mg/kg ameliorated and at 25 mg/kg worsened this deficit. Dopamine transporter (DAT)‐binding sites significantly decreased 4 days after the last MDMA administration and pretreatment with both doses of OEA prevented this effect. In immunohistochemical studies, coexpression of tyrosine‐hydroxylase and PPAR‐α receptors was observed in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta of mice. These results suggest that OEA administration can modulate the cognitive deficits induced by MDMA in a DAT‐independent manner. Synapse 64:379–389, 2010.

Neurogenesis in explants from the walls of the lateral ventricle of adult bovine brain: role of endogenous IGF-1 as a survival factor

Previous studies have shown the existence of proliferating cells in explants from bovine (Bos Taurus) lateral ventricle walls that were maintained for several days in vitro in the absence of serum and growth factors. In this study we have characterized the nature of new cells and have assessed whether the insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) receptor regulates their survival and/or proliferation. The explants were composed of the ependymal layer and attached subependymal cells. Ependymal cells in culture were labelled with glial markers (S‐100, vimentin, GFAP, BLBP, 3A7 and 3CB2) and did not incorporate bromodeoxiuridine when this molecule was added to the culture media. Most subependymal cells were immunoreactive for βIII‐tubulin, a neuronal marker, and did incorporate bromodeoxiuridine. Subependymal neurons displayed immunoreactivity for IGF‐1 and its receptor and expressed IGF‐1 mRNA, indicating that IGF‐1 is produced in the explants and may act on new neurons. Addition to the culture media of an IGF‐1 receptor antagonist, the peptide JB1, did not affect the incorporation of bromodeoxiuridine to proliferating subependymal cells. However, JB1 significantly increased the number of TUNEL positive cells in the subependymal zone, suggesting that IGF‐1 receptor is involved in the survival of subependymal neurons. In conclusion, these findings indicate that neurogenesis is maintained in explants from the lateral cerebral ventricle of adult bovine brains and that IGF‐1 is locally produced in the explants and may regulate the survival of the proliferating neurons.