title: Behavioral evidence for the interaction between cannabinoids and Catha edulis F. (Khat) in mice.
abstract: Several studies have shown the existence of an interaction between the endocannabinoid system and some drugs of abuse, such as opioids, nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine. For instance, the endocannabinoid system has long been known to play a role in the underlying mechanisms of drug reward and dependence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible existence of an interaction between the endocannabinoid system and khat after acute administration. Behavioral interactions of khat extract with cannabinoids were assessed. To this effect, mice were randomly divided into different groups (vehicle, khat extract, khat and WIN55,212-2, a cannabinoid agonist, khat extract and cannabinoid antagonists, AM251 & AM630) and their behavioral responses were evaluated in activity monitor, elevated plus maze and Y-maze tests. These tests were used to determine changes in locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, and working memory. Khat and WIN55,212-2 demonstrated differential responses in these tests, but co-administration of these agents invariably increased the measured parameters, which were reversed by the cannabinoid receptor antagonists used. The data collectively indicate that there is an interaction between khat and the endocannabinoid system, which most likely involves the cannabinoid receptors or a common mechanism separately activated by the two agents.
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Electronic address: berhanu.grs@gmail.com.
authors: Berhanu
authors: B
authors: Geresu
authors: Department of Biology, College of Science and Health, William Paterson University, USA.
authors: Emmanuel
authors: E
authors: Onaivi
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
authors: Ephrem
authors: E
authors: Engidawork
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D048588:Benzoxazines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D029754:Catha; D063388:Endocannabinoids / Q000502:physiology*; D007211:Indoles / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008124:Locomotion / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D009025:Morpholines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010880:Piperidines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000819:agonists*; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / Q000819:agonists*
chemical_list: D048588:Benzoxazines; D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D007211:Indoles; D009025:Morpholines; D009281:Naphthalenes; D010880:Piperidines; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011720:Pyrazoles; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2; C103505:AM 251; C070417:(3R)-((2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-((4-morpholinyl)methyl)pyrrolo-(1,2,3-de)-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)(1-naphthalenyl))methanone; C094023:iodopravadoline
keywords: Anxiety; Cannabinoids; Elevated plus maze; Khat; Locomotor activity; Working memory; Y-maze