Cannabinoid receptor 1 signaling in embryo neurodevelopment.
In utero exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of marijuana, is associated with an increased risk for neurodevelopmental defects in the offspring by interfering with the functioning of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system. At the present time, it is not clearly known whether the eCB system is present before neurogenesis. Using an array of biochemical techniques, we analyzed the levels of CB1 receptors, eCBs (AEA and 2-AG), and the enzymes (NAPE-PLD, DAGLα, DAGLβ, MAGL, and FAAH) involved in the metabolism of the eCBs in chick and mouse models during development. The findings demonstrate the presence of eCB system in early embryo before neurogenesis. The eCB system might play a critical role in early embryogenesis and there might be adverse developmental consequences of in utero exposure to marijuana and other drugs of abuse during this period.
Center for Environmental and Genetic Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. dpsychoyos@ibt.tamhsc.edu
Delphine
D
Psychoyos
K Yaragudri
KY
Vinod
Jin
J
Cao
Shan
S
Xie
Richard L
RL
Hyson
Bogdan
B
Wlodarczyk
Weimin
W
He
Thomas B
TB
Cooper
Basalingappa L
BL
Hungund
Richard H
RH
Finnell
D000818:Animals; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D002642:Chick Embryo / Q000187:drug effects; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000633:toxicity*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000187:drug effects*; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D005260:Female; D005989:Glycerides / Q000378:metabolism; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D051379:Mice; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides / Q000378:metabolism; D016548:Prosencephalon / Q000187:drug effects; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000473:pathology
D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D005989:Glycerides; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D013759:Dronabinol; C094503:glyceryl 2-arachidonate; C078814:anandamide