[Dependence and Cytotoxicity of Components of Cannabis].
Masahiko Funada, Ken-Ichi Tomiyama
Yakugaku Zasshi 2020 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.19-00195-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | ICR mice (place conditioning and primary limbic forebrain cultures); human cannabis users described in prior literature |
| Interventions | Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) synthetic cannabinoids AM251 |
| Topics | Cannabis Addiction |
| Keywords | Cytotoxicity Psychic dependence Seizure Withdrawal |
| Key findings | The authors conclude that CB1 receptors play an important role in the harmful effects of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids. In mice, THC and synthetic cannabinoids produced rewarding effects blocked by the CB1 antagonist AM251 and caused dose-dependent cell death, with synthetic cannabinoids more potent than THC. Human evidence cited links heavy cannabis use to lasting cognitive impairment and adolescent use to dependence and later psychosis risk. |
Abstract
Cannabis use among the younger population in Japan has been steadily increasing. The aim of the present review is to highlight recent knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of action and health risks associated with cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid consumption. We investigated the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and synthetic cannabinoids on place conditioning in ICR mice. Both Δ9-THC and synthetic cannabinoids produce a significant conditioned place preference. These rewarding effects were completely suppressed by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor type antagonist AM251. The cytotoxicological effects of Δ9-THC and synthetic cannabinoids were also characterized in the limbic forebrain of mice in primary culture in vitro. Δ9-THC and synthetic cannabinoids caused cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The rank order of cytotoxicological potency was synthetic cannabinoids>Δ9-THC and related to the agonistic activities of the CB1 receptor. A recent review on the harmful effects of cannabis use in humans reported that behavioral impairments, especially in terms of attention, memory, and complex information-processing ability, can last for many weeks after cessation of cannabis use among heavy users. In addition, cannabis use could be a risk factor for drug dependence and later psychosis among adolescents. The results of animal and human studies suggest that CB1 receptors play an important role in the expression of harmful effects of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid use. Moreover, concern regarding increasing concentrations of Δ9-THC in cannabis in many countries has been noted, because more potent cannabis may be associated with worse adverse effects.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on cannabis for addiction, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- High-potency cannabis and the risk of psychosis The British Journal of Psychiatry November 30, 2009
- Cannabis use before age 15 and subsequent executive functioning The British Journal of Psychiatry May 31, 2011
- Reduced expression of glutamate receptors and phosphorylation of CREB are responsible for in vivo Delta9-THC exposure-impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Journal of Neurochemistry February 2010
- Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol induces dopamine release in the human striatum. Neuropsychopharmacology February 2009
- Marijuana and cannabinoid regulation of brain reward circuits. British Journal of Pharmacology September 2004
and 2 more in the library