Neuroscience 2000 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 814.9 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Cannabinoid effects on serotonergic activity: does serotonin mediate the neuroendocrine actions of cannabinoids? |
| Authors: |
Wade, M. R.*1
; Murphy, L. L.1
1Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
D. Neurotransmitters, Modulators, Transporters, and Receptors - 54. Cannabinoids |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | E. Endocrine and Autonomic Regulation<br />- 61. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal regulation |
| Session: |
814. Cannabinoids: receptor actions Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Thursday, November 9, 2000 8:00 AM-9:00 AM |
| Location: | Hall G-J |
| Keywords: | Cannabinoids, Neuroendocrine, Serotonin, HU-210 |
Acute cannabinoid exposure causes profound stimulation or inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or -gonadal axes, respectively. However, the neural mechanism(s) by which cannabinoids elicit their neuroendocrine effects is/are not clear. In the current study, levels of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in specific brain areas involved in neuroendocrine regulation in the female rat to examine the potential role of 5-HT in cannabinoid effects. Adult female rats were ovariectomized and, four weeks later, implanted with jugular cannulae 24 hr prior to treatment with either iv delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 0.5 mg/kg), HU-210 (0.02 mg/kg) or vehicle control. At 15, 60 or 120 min post-treatment, trunk blood was collected for hormone analyses and selected brain tissues were dissected and rapidly frozen prior to HPLC analysis for 5-HT and 5-HIAA. Plasma levels of ACTH and corticosterone were significantly increased by 15 min and remained increased at 120 min post-cannabinoid treatment. Plasma LH levels were significantly decreased at 15 min through 120 min post-cannabinoid treatment. Acute THC administration significantly increased 5-HT content in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) within 60 min and at 120 min post-treatment (p<0.05). HU-210 also increased MBH 5-HT levels at 60 min. Interestingly, HU-210, but not THC, increased 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels at 15, 60 and 120 min post-treatment in the amygdala and hippocampus as well. Previously, we demonstrated that pretreatment with a specific 5-HT receptor antagonist significantly attenuated the ability of THC to inhibit LH secretion in female rats. Together, with the current findings that 5-HT activity may be enhanced following acute cannabinoid exposure, evidence suggests a role of the serotonergic system in regulation of neuroendocrine functions by cannabinoids.
Supported by (NIH grant DA10481).
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2000 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2000. Online.
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