Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 623.17 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Multiple effects of cannabinoids on calcium transients of cultured adult mouse DRG neurons. |
| Authors: |
Lever, I. J.*1
; Rice, A. S. C.2
; Koltzenburg, M.1
1Neural Plasticity Unit, Univ Col.London, London, United Kingdom 2United Kingdom, Inst Child Hlth, WC1N 1EH, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Synaptic Transmission and Excitability - Neurotransmitters -- Cannabinoids |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Sensory Systems<br />- Pain<br />-- Pain transduction molecules & channels |
| Session: |
623. Cannabinoids II Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, October 26, 2004 8:00 AM-9:00 AM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # J11 |
| Keywords: | Sensory neurons, Calcium Imaging, Pain, Cannabinoids |
Cannabinoids can reduce pain responses in rodents when applied locally to the site of a peripheral inflammation or nerve injury. To induce these effects, cannabinoids may interact directly or indirectly with peripheral sensory nerve terminals to modulate nociceptive transmission from injured areas. Receptors mediating the actions of cannabinoids are expressed by Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) neurons and cannabinoids can modulate the functions of DRG neurons in vitro. We used FURA-2 ratiometric calcium imaging and vital staining techniques to investigate the effects of different cannabinoid compounds on intracellular calcium levels [Ca2+]i measured in sub-populations of mouse L3-L5 DRG neurons maintained for 24hr in culture. Drugs were applied through a perfusion system at timed intervals during cell imaging. The cannabinoid Δ9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) applied for 70 seconds at 50µM, produced a >10% increase in baseline calcium levels in 550 cells (n=3 mice). THC response kinetics varied: In 66 ± 9% (mean ± SEM) of THC responsive cells, peak calcium responses occurred during THC application. 8 ± 4% of cells responded to wash-out and 18 ± 2% to both these events. Subsequently, 49-67% of all THC-responsive cells also responded to mustard oil (50µM, 70 sec), 21-29% of THC-responsive cells responded to capsaicin (1µM, 10 sec). The aminoalkylindole cannabinoid WIN-55,212-2 did not affect baseline [Ca2+]i levels but reduced increases in [Ca2+]i stimulated by 50mM KCl in some cells, including those responsive to capsaicin. Our data show that cannabinoids have both excitatory and inhibitory effects on the calcium responses of cultured mouse DRG neurons. Some cannabinoid responsive cells are also capsaicin-sensitive, suggesting that cannabinoids may modulate nociceptive neuron functions.
Supported by The Wellcome Trust
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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