Neuroscience 2001 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 805.5 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | CANNABINOIDS PROTECT ASTROCYTES FROM CERAMIDE-INDUCED APOPTOSIS. |
| Authors: |
Guzman, M.*1
; Gomez del Pulgar, T.1
; Velasco, G.1
1Dept Biochem & Molec Biol I, Complutense Univ Sch Biol, Madrid, Spain |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Synaptic Transmission and Excitability - Neurotransmitters -- Cannabinoids |
| Session: |
805. Neurotransmitters: cannabinoids Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Wednesday, November 14, 2001 1:00 PM-2:00 PM |
| Location: | Exhibit Hall D-28 |
| Keywords: | Astroglia, Cell death, Neuroprotection, Protein kinase |
Cannabinoids are known to protect neurons from toxicity as induced by different insults. However, the possibility that cannabinoids protect astrocytes from death has not been studied to date. Here, we tested whether cannabinoids are cytoprotective in a model in which primary astrocytes are exposed to C2-ceramide, a cell-permeable analogue of the pro-apoptotic lipid ceramide, to trigger apoptosis. Data show that (i) Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids rescued astrocytes from ceramide-induced apoptosis, and (ii) this effect was CB1 receptor-mediated since SR141716 abolished the cannabinoid effect. Next we wondered on the mechanism involved in this anti-apoptotic effect of cannabinoids. We have recently shown that in transfected cells the CB1 receptor is coupled to the activation of PI3K/PKB, a pathway which is widely involved in cell survival. Data show that (i) the anti-apoptotic action of cannabinoids in primary astrocytes relied on PI3K activation, but (ii) this effect seemed to be independent of PKB stimulation. Experiments in progress are evaluating the possible implication of other targets downstream of PI3K in this “astroprotective” effect of cannabinoids. In conclusion, our data show that, while in glioma cells cannabinoids induce apoptosis via sustained ceramide generation and ERK activation (Nature Med. 6, 313-319, 2000), in primary astrocytes cannabinoids prevent ceramide-induced apoptosis by activating the PI3K pathway.
Supported by MEC (PM 98/0079), CAM (08.1/0079/2000), UCM (64/99-8532) and Fundación Ramón Areces.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2001 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2001. Online.
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