Abstract
To explore the functional consequences of cannabinoid withdrawal in the rat mesolimbic dopamine system, we investigated the anatomical morphology of the mesencephalic, presumed dopaminergic, neurons and their main post-synaptic target in the Nucleus Accumbens. We found that TH-positive neurons shrink and Golgi-stained medium spiny neurons loose dendritic spines in withdrawal rats after chronic cannabinoids administration. Similar results were observed after administration of the cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant to drug-naive rats supporting a role for endocannabinoids in neurogenesis, axonal growth and synaptogenesis. This evidence supports the tenet that withdrawal from addictive compounds alters functioning of the mesolimbic system. The data add to a growing body of work which indicates a hypodopaminergic state as a distinctive feature of the “addicted brain”.
Keywords: Cannabinoids, dopamine, nucleus accumbens, withdrawal, cannabis derivatives, cannabinoid CB1 receptors, neuro- biological effects, psychological functions, dopamine (DA), Ventral Tegmental area (VTA), cannabinoid dependence
Current Neuropharmacology
Title: Altered Mesolimbic Dopamine System in THC Dependence
Volume: 9 Issue: 1
Author(s): S. Spiga, A. Lintas and M. Diana
Affiliation:
Keywords: Cannabinoids, dopamine, nucleus accumbens, withdrawal, cannabis derivatives, cannabinoid CB1 receptors, neuro- biological effects, psychological functions, dopamine (DA), Ventral Tegmental area (VTA), cannabinoid dependence
Abstract: To explore the functional consequences of cannabinoid withdrawal in the rat mesolimbic dopamine system, we investigated the anatomical morphology of the mesencephalic, presumed dopaminergic, neurons and their main post-synaptic target in the Nucleus Accumbens. We found that TH-positive neurons shrink and Golgi-stained medium spiny neurons loose dendritic spines in withdrawal rats after chronic cannabinoids administration. Similar results were observed after administration of the cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant to drug-naive rats supporting a role for endocannabinoids in neurogenesis, axonal growth and synaptogenesis. This evidence supports the tenet that withdrawal from addictive compounds alters functioning of the mesolimbic system. The data add to a growing body of work which indicates a hypodopaminergic state as a distinctive feature of the “addicted brain”.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Spiga S., Lintas A. and Diana M., Altered Mesolimbic Dopamine System in THC Dependence, Current Neuropharmacology 2011; 9 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157015911795017083
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157015911795017083 |
Print ISSN 1570-159X |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6190 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Patent Selections
Recent Patents on Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Drug Discovery Editorial [Hot Topic: Molecular Targeted Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Guest Editor: Marcus W. Wiedmann)]
Current Cancer Drug Targets Chondroitin Sulphate for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents Depression in Coronary Heart Disease Patients: Etiological and Screening Issues
Current Psychiatry Reviews Noradrenaline in Parkinsons Disease: From Disease Progression to Current Therapeutics
Current Medicinal Chemistry Left Ventricular Non-compaction: From Recognition to Treatment
Current Pharmaceutical Design Memory-Enhancing Drugs: A Molecular Perspective
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry The Role of Trophoblast Nutrient and Ion Transporters in the Development of Pregnancy Complications and Adult Disease
Current Vascular Pharmacology From Physiome to Pathome: A Systems Biology Model of Major Depressive Disorder and the Psycho-Immune-Neuroendocrine Network
Current Psychiatry Reviews Novel Concepts in the Pathogenesis and Management of Pediatric Hypertension
Current Pediatric Reviews Signaling Pathways Underpinning the Manifestations of Ionizing Radiation-Induced Bystander Effects
Current Molecular Pharmacology Strategic Selection of Neuroinflammatory Models in Parkinson's Disease: Evidence from Experimental Studies
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Sleep, Depression and Insomnia – A Vicious Circle?
Current Psychiatry Reviews Antihypertensive Treatment with Beta-Blockers in the Metabolic Syndrome: A Review
Current Diabetes Reviews Arrhythmia Pharmacogenomics: Methodological Considerations
Current Pharmaceutical Design Psychosocial Risk Factors Related to Ischemic Heart Disease in Women
Current Pharmaceutical Design AMPA Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators: Potential for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Neurological Disorders
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Bacterial Urease and its Role in Long-Lasting Human Diseases
Current Protein & Peptide Science Catatonia in Affective Disorders
Current Psychiatry Reviews Resident Kidney Cells and Their Involvement in Glomerulonephritis
Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy