Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 110.16 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Cannabinoid withdrawal-induced abnormalities in the VTA: confocal laser scanning microscopy. |
| Authors: |
Spiga, S.*1
; Valdes, B.1
; Serra, G. P.1
; Puddu, C. M.1
; Collu, S.2
; Ennas, M. G.2
; Pisano, M.3
; Diana, M.3
1Dept. Animal Biol. & Ecology, Univ. Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy 2Dept. of Cytomorphology, Univ. Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy 3Italy, Viale Poetto, 1, 09126, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Addiction and Drugs of Abuse -- Opioids and others |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Motor Systems<br />- Basal Ganglia<br />-- Anatomy |
| Session: |
110. Addiction and Drugs of Abuse: Opioids & Others II Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Saturday, November 8, 2003 4:00 PM-5:00 PM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # VV29 |
| Keywords: | cannabinoids, VTA, confocal laser scanning microscope, drug abuse |
Interruption of chronic cannabinoid administration, produces a withdrawal syndrome, which is characterized by a number of functional alterations at the level of the ventrotegmental area (VTA). In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic administration and withdrawal from two structurally different cannabinoid agonists: Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CP 55940 (CP) on the morphological properties of immuno-labelled Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons of the rat VTA. Withdrawal was induced by removing CP treatment and by administration of the cannabinoid antagonist SR 141716A (SR). Rats were treated for 6,5 days with either THC or CP and then assigned to one of following groups: 1) Control (chronically treated with saline). 2) Chronically treated with THC + SR. 3) Chronically treated with CP. 4) Chronically treated with CP + SR. 5) Chronically treated with CP + 24 hours drug free. 6) Chronic saline + SR.
Histological analysis was performed with a confocal laser scanning microscope.
Morphological evaluation revealed a significant reduction in the area and perimeter of TH-positive somata in group 2,4 and 5, as compared with group 1 and group 3. In group 6 area and perimeters were found moderately by significantly reduced. Collectively, the present results suggest that withdrawal from a chronic cannabinoid treatment, and not chronic cannabinoid per se, modify cellular morphology of TH-positive, presumably dopamine (DA)-containing, neurons of the rat VTA. This is consonant with the idea that withdrawal from cannabinoids alters functioning of the mesolimbic DA system and provide a direct morphological correlate for the functional abnormalities typical of cannabis withdrawal.
Histological analysis was performed with a confocal laser scanning microscope.
Morphological evaluation revealed a significant reduction in the area and perimeter of TH-positive somata in group 2,4 and 5, as compared with group 1 and group 3. In group 6 area and perimeters were found moderately by significantly reduced. Collectively, the present results suggest that withdrawal from a chronic cannabinoid treatment, and not chronic cannabinoid per se, modify cellular morphology of TH-positive, presumably dopamine (DA)-containing, neurons of the rat VTA. This is consonant with the idea that withdrawal from cannabinoids alters functioning of the mesolimbic DA system and provide a direct morphological correlate for the functional abnormalities typical of cannabis withdrawal.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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