3-(2-hydroxy-4-(1-1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl)-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexanol and Glioma

Previously, we found that chronic methamphetamine treatment altered cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB₁R)-dependent cAMP/PKA/dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of Mr 32,000 (DARPP-32)/T34/PP2B signaling and decreased levels of CB₁R protein and mRNA in the nucleus accumbens. These findings suggested the existence of signaling interplay between mesolimbic dopamine and CB₁R. In this study, we further investigate interactions between CB₁R and dopamine D2 receptor (D₂R) signaling. Activation of either CB₁R or D₂R increased extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, while co-stimulation of CB₁R and D2 R evoked an additive effect on the phospho-ERK1/2 signal. This effect was mediated through a pertussis toxin-sensitive Gαi/o pathway in primary striatal cells. Furthermore, the mRNA level of CB₁R was increased via dopamine D2 receptor short form (D(2S)R) by treatment with D₂R agonist quinpirole in D(2S)R/C6 glioma cells. This effect could be suppressed by co-treatment with the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126. To test if D(2S)R could transcriptionally regulate CB₁R, the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene was sequenced from rat brain. Results showed that the CNR1 gene includes two exons, which contain 375 bp of 5'-UTR and are separated by a 17-kb intron. A luciferase reporter assay showed that the maximal D(2S)R-responsive promoter activity is located in the -1 to -222 region of CNR1 promoter. Overall, we demonstrate previously unidentified crosstalk between D₂R and CB₁R via ERK1/2 signaling that enhances the expression of CB₁R by modulating its promoter activity.

Topics: Animals; Base Sequence; Blotting, Western; Cell Line, Tumor; Cyclohexanols; DNA; Female; Genes, Reporter; Glioma; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Molecular Sequence Data; Neostriatum; Plasmids; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptor Cross-Talk; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Receptors, Dopamine D2; RNA; Transfection

N-Arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) is a proposed endogenous ligand of the central cannabinoid receptor (CB1). Previous studies indicate that AEA is translocated across membranes via a process that has the characteristics of carrier-mediated facilitated diffusion. To date, studies of this mechanism have relied on [(3)H]AEA as a substrate for the carrier. We have synthesized an analog of AEA, SKM 4-45-1, that is nonfluorescent in the extracellular environment. When SKM 4-45-1 is exposed to intracellular esterases, it is de-esterified and becomes fluorescent. We have carried out studies to demonstrate that SKM 4-45-1 accumulation in cells occurs via the AEA carrier. SKM 4-45-1 is accumulated by both cerebellar granule cells and C6 glioma cells. Uptake of SKM 4-45-1 into C6 glioma is inhibited by AEA (IC(50)=53.8 +/- 1.8 microM), arachidonoyl-3-aminopyridine amide (IC(50)=10.1 +/- 1.4 microM), and arachidonoyl-4-hydroxyanilineamide (IC(50)=6.1 +/- 1.3 microM), all of which also inhibit [(3)H]AEA accumulation. Conversely, [(3)H]AEA accumulation by cerebellar granule cells is inhibited by SKM 4-45-1 with an IC(50) of 7.8 +/- 1. 3 microM. SKM 4-45-1 is neither a substrate nor inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase, an enzyme that catabolizes AEA. SKM 4-45-1 does not bind the CB1 cannabinoid receptor at concentrations <10 microM. In summary, the cellular accumulation of SKM 4-45-1 occurs via the same pathway as AEA uptake and provides an alternative substrate for the study of this important cellular process.

Topics: Amidohydrolases; Animals; Arachidonic Acids; Brain Neoplasms; Cannabinoids; Carrier Proteins; Cell Membrane; Cerebellum; Cyclohexanols; Endocannabinoids; Esterases; Fluorescent Dyes; Glioma; Humans; Lactones; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tumor Cells, Cultured

1. Aminoalkylindoles, typified by WIN 55212-2, bind to G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors in brain. Although cannabinoids inhibit adenylyl cyclase in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells, cannabinoid receptor binding in these cells has not been described previously. This study compares pharmacological characteristics of [3H]WIN 55212-2 binding sites in rat cerebellar membranes and in NG108-15 membranes. 2. Although the KD of specified [3H]WIN 55212-2 binding was similar in brain and NG108-15 membranes, the Bmax was 10 times lower in NG108-15 than in cerebellar membranes. In both brain and NG108-15 membranes, aminoalkylindole analogues were relatively potent in displacing [3H]WIN 55212-2 binding. However, IC50 values for more traditional cannabinoids were significantly higher in NG108-15 membranes than in brain, e.g., the Ki values for CP55,940 were 1.2 nM in brain and > 5000nM in NG108-15 membranes. Moreover, sodium and GTP-gamma-S decreased [3H]WIN 55212-2 binding in brain but not in NG108-15 membranes. 3. These data suggest that WIN 55212-2 does not label traditional cannabinoid receptors in NG108-15 cells and that these novel aminoalkylindole binding sites are not coupled to G proteins.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Arachidonic Acids; Benzoxazines; Binding, Competitive; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cannabinoids; Cerebellum; Cyclohexanols; Endocannabinoids; Glioma; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hybrid Cells; Male; Membrane Proteins; Morpholines; Naphthalenes; Neuroblastoma; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Radioligand Assay; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Cannabinoid; Receptors, Drug; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tritium