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Jonathan Magbie Remembrance: Endocannabinoid Pregnancy Science at 20 Years

9/24/2015

Jonathan Magbie Remembrance

Jonathan Magbie died eleven years ago today, 24 September 2004; in remembrance, this PubMed update spans 20 years of endocannabinoid pregnancy science, with an emphasis on preimplantation and implantation of a blastocyst.

Like all of us, Magbie was born (1977 for him) via a mother's cannabinoid system.

1995
The preimplantation mouse embryo is a target for cannabinoid ligand-receptor signaling.
Paria BC, Das SK, Dey SK.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1995 Oct 10;92(21):9460-4.
PMID: 7568154 Free PMC Article
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1998
Effects of cannabinoids on preimplantation mouse embryo development and implantation are mediated by brain-type cannabinoid receptors.
Paria BC, Ma W, Andrenyak DM, Schmid PC, Schmid HH, Moody DE, Deng H, Makriyannis A, Dey SK.
Biol Reprod. 1998 Jun;58(6):1490-5.
PMID: 9623610 Free Article
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2000
Ligand-receptor signaling with endocannabinoids in preimplantation embryo development and implantation.
Paria BC, Dey SK.
Chem Phys Lipids. 2000 Nov;108(1-2):211-20. Review.
PMID: 11106792
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2002
Endocannabinoid signaling in synchronizing embryo development and uterine receptivity for implantation.
Paria BC, Wang H, Dey SK.
Chem Phys Lipids. 2002 Dec 31;121(1-2):201-10. Review.
PMID: 12505701
Similar articles

2006
Endocannabinoid signaling directs periimplantation events.
Wang H, Xie H, Dey SK.
AAPS J. 2006;8(2):E425-32.
PMID: 16808046 Free PMC Article
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2008
Aspects of endocannabinoid signaling in periimplantation biology.
Sun X, Dey SK.
Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2008 Apr 16;286(1-2 Suppl 1):S3-11. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.01.002. Epub 2008 Jan 18. Review.
PMID: 18294762 Free PMC Article
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2009
Endocannabinoids, sperm biology and human fertility.
Lewis SE, Maccarrone M.
Pharmacol Res. 2009 Aug;60(2):126-31. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2009.02.009. Epub 2009 Mar 4. Review.
PMID: 19559363
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2010
Endocannabinoids and pregnancy.
Taylor AH, Amoako AA, Bambang K, Karasu T, Gebeh A, Lam PM, Marzcylo TH, Konje JC.
Clin Chim Acta. 2010 Jul 4;411(13-14):921-30. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2010.03.012. Epub 2010 Mar 17. Review.
PMID: 20302856
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2011
The manifold actions of endocannabinoids on female and male reproductive events.
Bari M, Battista N, Pirazzi V, Maccarrone M.
Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2011 Jan 1;16:498-516. Review.
PMID: 21196184
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2012
Silencing or amplification of endocannabinoid signaling in blastocysts via CB1 compromises trophoblast cell migration.
Xie H, Sun X, Piao Y, Jegga AG, Handwerger S, Ko MS, Dey SK.
J Biol Chem. 2012 Sep 14;287(38):32288-97. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.381145. Epub 2012 Jul 24.
PMID: 22833670 Free PMC Article
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2013
The endocannabinoid pathway and the female reproductive organs.
Di Blasio AM, Vignali M, Gentilini D.
J Mol Endocrinol. 2013 Jan 11;50(1):R1-9. doi: 10.1530/JME-12-0182. Print 2013 Feb. Review.
PMID: 23178290 Free Article
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2014
Endocannabinoid signaling in mammalian ovary.
Cecconi S, Rossi G, Castellucci A, D'Andrea G, Maccarrone M.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2014 Jul;178:6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.04.011. Epub 2014 Apr 18. Review.
PMID: 24948047
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2015
Endocannabinoid signaling in female reproductive events: a potential therapeutic target?
Maccarrone M.
Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2015 Jun 30:1-5. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 26126134
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Peace.

*Next Up: Saturday 10 October and the first round of Whiskey221, a continuation of last year’s series Whiskey220 (it’s about George Washington, our Republic and whiskey rebels).

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Synergistic Louis Armstrong: Publius’ Happy Birthday Cannabinoid Headache Update

8/4/2015

1 Comment

Louis Armstrong ~ What A Wonder: Adi Holzer 2002

The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)
By Publius

Louis Armstrong
American Ambassador
4 August 1901 / 6 July 1971

A PubMed Headache CS Update:

Long Strange Headache Trips and One’s Cannabinoid System
“Supporting literature suggests a role for medicinal cannabis and cannabinoids in several types of headache disorders including migraine and cluster headache, although it is primarily limited to case based, anecdotal, or laboratory-based scientific research. Cannabis contains an extensive number of pharmacological and biochemical compounds, of which only a minority are understood, so many potential therapeutic uses likely remain undiscovered. Cannabinoids appear to modulate and interact at many pathways inherent to migraine, triptan mechanisms of action, and opiate pathways, suggesting potential synergistic or similar benefits. Modulation of the endocannabinoid system through agonism or antagonism of its receptors, targeting its metabolic pathways, or combining cannabinoids with other analgesics for synergistic effects, may provide the foundation for many new classes of medications.”
Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, and Therapeutic Implications in Medicine and Headache: What a Long Strange Trip It's Been ….
Baron EP.
Headache. 2015 Jun;55(6):885-916. doi: 10.1111/head.12570. Epub 2015 May 25.
PMID: 26015168
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Next Up: Serotonin Homeostasis on 11 August ~ and thank you Mr. Armstrong.

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Publius’ PTSD Re-Homeostasis ~ A Veterans Day Update

11/8/2014

1 Comment

The Cannabis Papers by Publius (2011)

The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)
By Publius

Keith Marker / PTSD Edition

Publius’ Veterans Day cannabinoid science PTSD edition notes four 2014 PubMed articles on the cannabinoid system (CS) modulating re-homeostasis, our ability to heal. Today’s Re-Homeostatic line-up links to CS PubMed articles discussing: brain injury combined with depression, diet and PTSD cues, facilitating fear extinction (and its recall), and a music therapist for World War I Shell Shock, Paula Lind Ayers.

Keith Marker, Albuquerque, NM, US Military Veteran

With healing in mind, we highlight and honor US veteran Keith Marker; Marker served in Afghanistan, suffered suicidal PTSD upon returning home, and found CS relief via New Mexico’s Medical Cannabis Program.

I. Re-Homeostasis (Brain Injury and PTSD) and the CS
“United States Veterans of the Iraqi (Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)) conflicts have frequently returned from deployment after sustaining mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and enduring stressful events resulting in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A large number of returning servicemembers have been diagnosed with both a history of mTBI and current PTSD. … These findings suggest Veterans with mTBI+PTSD perform significantly lower on neuropsychological and psychiatric measures than Veterans with mTBI-o or PTSD-o. The results also raise the possibility of persisting cognitive changes following mTBI sustained during deployment.”
The Effects of Mild TBI, PTSD, and Combined Mild TBI/PTSD on Returning Veterans.
Combs HL, Berry DT, Pape TL, Babcock-Parziale J, Smith B, Schleenbaker R, Shandera-Ochsner A, High WM.
J Neurotrauma. 2014 Oct 28. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25350012 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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II. Re-Homeostasis (via Diet) and the CS
“The etiology and pathophysiology of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains poorly understood. The nutritional deficiencies associated with the altered metabolic processes of PTSD have not previously been studied in detail. … The results of this initial study demonstrate that addressing the increased dietary requirements of PTSD can improve symptoms of the disease while eliminating significant side effects. A larger, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is warranted.”
Administration of an amino Acid-based regimen for the management of autonomic nervous system dysfunction related to combat-induced illness.
Shell WE, Charuvastra M, Breitstein M, Pavlik SL, Charuvastra A, May L, Silver DS.
J Cent Nerv Syst Dis. 2014 Oct 8;6:93-8. doi: 10.4137/JCNSD.S13793. eCollection 2014.
PMID: 25336998 [PubMed] Free PMC Article
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III. Re-Homeostasis (Anxiety Disorders/Fear) and the CS
“Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress (PTSD), panic, and phobic disorders, can be conceptualized as a failure to inhibit inappropriate fear responses. … How might the cannabinoid system effect fear extinction? Collectively, translational evidence suggest that enhancing cannabinoid transmission may facilitate extinction learning and its recall, and that the cannabinoid system is a potential pharmacological target for improving the active learning that occurs during exposure-based behavioral treatments prompting future research in terms of mechanisms research, novel treatment approaches ('cognitive enhancers'), and pharmacotherapeutic drug discovery.”
Cannabinoid modulation of fear extinction brain circuits: a novel target to advance anxiety treatment.
Rabinak CA, Phan KL.
Curr Pharm Des. 2014;20(13):2212-7.
PMID: 23829364 [PubMed - in process]
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IV. Re-Homeostasis (Music Therapy/Shell Shock) and the CS
“Little is known about the therapeutic uses of music during the First World War. This historical study provides a biography of Paula Lind Ayers (1891-1974), a vocalist, actress, and YMCA Entertainer who became known as ‘the girl who could sing away shell shock.’ … Understanding Paula Lind Ayers' contribution to music therapy provides a deeper awareness of past therapeutic uses of music with soldiers who experienced shell shock. Such understanding helps shape the way we view the present conception of music therapy with veterans and how we might answer questions that will affect the future of the field.”
Paula Lind Ayers: "song-physician" for troops with shell shock during World War I.
Reschke-Hernandez AE.
J Music Ther. 2014 Fall;51(3):276-91. doi: 10.1093/jmt/thu022.
PMID: 25316916 [PubMed - in process]
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*Publius thanks Otto Snow for the science reports on PTSD and, especially, for the Keith Marker story.
~
*Ew Publishing’s Veterans Day Run continues tomorrow (Monday 10 November), with a review of Muhammad Ali’s greatest fight, Cassius Clay v. United States, by William Abens on the BWB Blog.
~
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Homeostasis: Publius’ (Nano THC) Political Cannabinoid Science

10/29/2014

2 Comments

Nano DNA Tetrahedron

The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)
By Publius

Nano Edition

Today’s cannabinoid science Nano Edition notes five 2014 PubMed articles on the cannabinoid system (CS) modulating homeostasis – one with news from our political future: nanoplatforms for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinoldelivery. The line-up links to CS PubMed articles discussing: THC and traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease pathways, intestinal inflammation, salient stimuli and CS nanotechnology.

I. Homeostasis (Traumatic Brain Injury) and the CS (THC)
“Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids. The objective of this study was to establish a relationship between the presence of a positive toxicology screen for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and mortality after TBI. A 3-year retrospective review of registry data at a Level I center of patients sustaining TBI having a toxicology screen was performed. … A positive THC screen is associated with decreased mortality in adult patients sustaining TBI.”
Effect of marijuana use on outcomes in traumatic brain injury.
Nguyen BM, Kim D, Bricker S, Bongard F, Neville A, Putnam B, Smith J, Plurad D.
Am Surg. 2014 Oct;80(10):979-83.
PMID: 25264643 [PubMed - in process]
Related citations

II. Crohn’s Disease (Colitis) and the Opioid and Cannabinoid Systems
“The aim of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of the NO/cGMP/PKG/K ATP + pathway, cannabinoids and opioids in remote antinociception associated with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. … This disorder appears to be mediated by activation of the NO/cGMP/PKG/KATP pathway, endocannabinoids and endogenous opioids. This information may contribute to a better understanding of peripheral neurological dysfunctions occurring in Crohn's disease.”
Colitis generates remote antinociception in rats: the role of the L-arginine/NO/cGMP/PKG/KATP pathway and involvement of cannabinoid and opioid systems.
Barbosa AL, de Sousa RB, Torres JN, Cunha TM, Cunha FD, Soares PM, Ribeiro RD, Vale ML, Souza MH.
Inflamm Res. 2014 Oct 7. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25286904 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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III. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Colitis) and the CS
“In an attempt to further investigate the role of cannabinoid (CB) system in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, we employed two recently developed ligands, AM841 (a covalently acting CB agonist) and CB13 (a peripherally-restricted CB agonist) to establish whether central and peripheral CB sites are involved in the anti-inflammatory action in the intestine. … This is the first evidence that central and peripheral CB receptors are responsible for the protective and therapeutic action of cannabinoids in mouse models of colitis. Our observations provide new insight to CB pharmacology and validate the use of novel ligands AM841 and CB13 as potent tools in CB-related research.”
Cannabinoids alleviate experimentally induced intestinal inflammation by acting at central and peripheral receptors.
Fichna J, Bawa M, Thakur GA, Tichkule R, Makriyannis A, McCafferty DM, Sharkey KA, Storr M.
PLoS One. 2014 Oct 2;9(10):e109115. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109115. eCollection 2014.
PMID: 25275313 [PubMed - in process] Free PMC Article
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IV. Homeostasis (Salient Stimuli) and the CS (THC and CBD)
“There is now considerable evidence to support the hypothesis that psychotic symptoms are the result of abnormal salience attribution, and that the attribution of salience is largely mediated through the prefrontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Although these areas show differential activation under the influence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the two major derivatives of cannabis sativa, little is known about the effects of these cannabinoids on the functional connectivity between these regions. We investigated this in healthy occasional cannabis users by employing event-related fMRI following oral administration of delta-9-THC, CBD or a placebo capsule. … Our results suggest that the functional integration of brain regions involved in salience processing is differentially modulated by single doses of delta-9-THC and CBD and that this relates to the processing of salient stimuli.”
Cannabinoid Modulation of Functional Connectivity within Regions Processing Attentional Salience.
Bhattacharyya S, Falkenberg I, Martin-Santos R, Atakan Z, Crippa JA, Giampietro V, Brammer M, McGuire P.
Neuropsychopharmacology. 2014 Sep 24. doi: 10.1038/npp.2014.258. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25249057 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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V. Homeostasis Future: Nanoplatforms for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinoldelivery
“The objective of this work is to develop a nanoplatform that can potentiate the oral administration of Δ9-tetrahidrocannabinol, a highly lipophilic active agent with very promising antiproliferative and antiemetic activities. To that aim, colloidal carriers based on the biodegradable and biocompatible poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) were investigated. … To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles have been formulated for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinoldelivery.”
Engineering of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol delivery systems based on surface modified-PLGA nanoplatforms.
Martín-Banderas L, Muñoz-Rubio I, Alvarez-Fuentes J, Durán-Lobato M, Arias JL, Holgado MA, Fernández-Arévalo M.
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2014 Sep 16. pii: S0927-7765(14)00461-5. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2014.09.002. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25262411 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Related citations

Bonus: Rick Simpson THC Interview on Red Ice Radio.

Tomorrow: a Halloween (almost-scary) dialogue on the BWB Blog: “Calling Steve About My Halloween Dream Return.” Next CS Homeostasis: Veteran’s Day and a PTSD edition, Sunday 9 November.

~

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Homeostasis: Publius’ Sleep Political Cannabinoid Science

9/29/2014

0 Comments

The Cannabis Papers by Publius (2011)

The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)
By Publius

Sleep Edition

Today’s political cannabinoid science looks at five 2014 PubMed articles on how the cannabinoid system (CS) modulates homeostasis and sleep; of political note, there’s one on CS deficiency disguised as “cannabis withdrawal” (i.e., the pharmaceutical cannabinoid Nabilone). The line-up links to CS PubMed articles discussing: de-homeostatic sleep disturbances, REM transitions, aging with THC, the wake-inducing effects of CBD, and arousal sleep regulation.

Some (Sleepy) Shakespeare ~ Sonnet 27
“Weary with toil, I haste to my bed,
The dear repose for limbs with travel tired;
But then begins a journey in my head,
To work my mind when body’s work’s expired.”

I. De-Homeostasis (Sleep Disturbances) and CS Withdrawal
“Chronic cannabis use has been associated with the development of a withdrawal syndrome on abrupt discontinuation. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 h of abstinence and manifest as irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbances and decreased appetite. There is growing evidence that supports the use of plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids for the treatment of cannabis withdrawal. In this case report, we present 20-year-old woman who developed protracted nausea and vomiting secondary to cannabis withdrawal and was successfully treated with nabilone. Nausea and vomiting is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 diagnostic criteria for cannabis withdrawal syndrome and is an uncommon symptom presentation.”
Nabilone therapy for cannabis withdrawal presenting as protracted nausea and vomiting.
Lam PW, Frost DW.
BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Sep 22;2014. pii: bcr2014205287. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-205287.
PMID: 25246463 [PubMed - in process]
Related citations

II. Homeostasis (Astrocytes and the Reticular Activating System) and the CS/CB1
“The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is known as the cholinergic part of the reticular activating system (RAS) and it plays an important role in transitions of slow-wave sleep to REM sleep and wakefulness. … Taken together, we propose that cannabinoid receptor stimulation modulates PPN neuronal activity in the following manner: active neurons may elicit calcium waves in astrocytes via endogenous CB1 receptor agonists. Astrocytes in turn release glutamate that activates different metabotropic glutamate receptors of neurons and modulate PPN neuronal activity.”
Endocannabinoid signaling modulates neurons of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) via astrocytes.
Kőszeghy A, Kovács A, Bíró T, Szücs P, Vincze J, Hegyi Z, Antal M, Pál B.
Brain Struct Funct. 2014 Jul 10. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25009314 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Related citations

III. Homeostasis (Aging and the Effectiveness of THC) and the CS
“Overall, the pharmacodynamic effects of THC were smaller than effects previously reported in young adults. In conclusion, THC appeared to be safe and well tolerated by healthy older individuals. Data on safety and effectiveness of THC in frail older persons are urgently required, as this population could benefit from the therapeutic applications of THC.”
Safety and pharmacokinetics of oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy older subjects: A randomized controlled trial.
Ahmed AI, van den Elsen GA, Colbers A, van der Marck MA, Burger DM, Feuth TB, Rikkert MG, Kramers C.
Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014 Jun 28. pii: S0924-977X(14)00175-8. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.06.007. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25035121 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Related citations

IV. Homeostasis (CBD as a Wake-Inducing Agent) and the CS
“Over the last decades, the scientific interest in chemistry and pharmacology of cannabinoids has increased. Most attention has focused on ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆(9)-THC) as it is the psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa). However, in previous years, the focus of interest in the second plant constituent with non-psychotropic properties, cannabidiol (CBD) has been enhanced. Recently, several groups have investigated the pharmacological properties of CBD with significant findings; furthermore, this compound has raised promising pharmacological properties as a wake-inducing drug. In the current review, we will provide experimental evidence regarding the potential role of CBD as a wake-inducing drug.”
Potential effects of cannabidiol as a wake-promoting agent.
Murillo-Rodríguez E, Sarro-Ramírez A, Sánchez D, Mijangos-Moreno S, Tejeda-Padrón A, Poot-Aké A, Guzmán K, Pacheco-Pantoja E, Arias-Carrión O.
Curr Neuropharmacol. 2014 May;12(3):269-72. doi: 10.2174/1570159X11666131204235805.
PMID: 24851090 [PubMed]
Related citations

V. Homeostasis (Arousal and Sleep) and the CS/CB1
"Cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors are highly expressed in the brain and play a role in behavior control. ... The occurrence of multiple sleep alterations in KO [knock-out] indicates important roles of CB1 receptors in limiting arousal during the active period of the day, in sleep regulation, and in sleep EEG in mice."
Multiple sleep alterations in mice lacking cannabinoid type 1 receptors.
Silvani A, Berteotti C, Bastianini S, Lo Martire V, Mazza R, Pagotta U, Quarta C, Zoccoli G.
PLoS One. 2014 Feb 20;9(2):e89432. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089432.
eCollection2014.
PMID: 24586778 [PubMed - in process] Free PMC Article

Video: Density of Cannabinoid Receptors in the Brain and Human Body
~
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Homeostasis: Equinox Serotonin (5HT) Headache Stories

9/20/2014

1 Comment

Homeostatic Life Light (2014)

The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)
By Publius

Headache Edition ~ Autumnal Equinox

Equinox and Homeostasis are mid-point extremes and today’s serotonin system science looks at 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) and its role in modulating another extreme, the brain: specifically, headaches. Below are five (brief) science stories from the National Institutes of Health (PubMed). The serotonin brain tales include: pro-cognitive 5-HT4 receptors, mitigating medication overuse, abnormal headache chronicity, (red) wine interference mechanisms, and new cluster headache horizons.

Autumnal Equinox Health Everyone!

1. Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptors ~ Pro-Cognitive Hippocampal Effects
“Activation of serotonin 5-HT4 receptors has pro-cognitive effects on memory performance. … These results indicate that 5-HT4 receptors are not synthesized by cholinergic cells, and thus would be absent from cholinergic terminals. In contrast, several non-cholinergic cell populations within the basal forebrain and its target hippocampal and cortical areas express these receptors and are thus likely to mediate the enhancement of acetylcholine release elicited by 5-HT4 agonists.”
Serotonin 5-HT4 receptors and forebrain cholinergic system: receptor expression in identified cell populations.
Peñas-Cazorla R, Vilaró MT.
Brain Struct Funct. 2014 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25183542 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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2. Serotonin Metabolism ~ Reversing Anxiety and Depression
“Medication overuse headache (MOH) affects between 1% and 2% of the general population but is present in up to 50% of patients seen in headache centers. … We conclude that headache frequency can be reduced to episodic headache in more than 50% of the patients by simple detoxification and information. Approximately half the patients will not have need for prophylactic medication after withdrawal. Pain perception is altered in patients with MOH but can be restored to a baseline pattern, indicating a reversible mechanism in the central sensitization leading to chronic pain. The great comorbidity with depression and anxiety could be a consequence of the altered serotonin metabolism indicating a reversible and potentially treatable condition.”
Medication overuse headache.
Munksgaard SB, Jensen RH.
Headache. 2014 Jul-Aug;54(7):1251-7. doi: 10.1111/head.12408. Epub 2014 Jul 2.
PMID: 24990298 [PubMed - in process]
Related citations

3. Serotonergic Homeostasis ~ Chronic Migraine and Tension-Type Headaches
“The primary aim of this study (TA-CH, Tryptophan Amine in Chronic Headache) was to investigate a possible role of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism in chronic migraine (CM) and chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). … Our results support the hypothesis that TRP metabolism is altered in CM and CTTH patients, leading to a reduction in plasma TRY. As TRY modulates the function of pain matrix serotonergic system, this may affect modulation of incoming nociceptive inputs from the trigeminal endings and posterior horns of the spinal cord. We suggest that these biochemical abnormalities play a role in the chronicity of CM and CTTH.”
Tryptamine levels are low in plasma of chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headache.
D'Andrea G, D'Amico D, Bussone G, Bolner A, Aguggia M, Saracco MG, Galloni E, De Riva V, D'Arrigo A, Colavito D, Leon A, Perini F.
Neurol Sci. 2014 Jul 14. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25016960 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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4. Serotonin Metabolism / Migraines ~ Wine Interference Mechanisms
“Wine, and specifically red wine, is a migraine trigger. Non-migraineurs may have headache attacks with wine ingestion as well. The reasons for that triggering potential are uncertain, but the presence of phenolic flavonoid radicals and the potential for interfering with the central serotonin metabolism are probably the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between wine and headache. Further controlled studies are necessary to enlighten this traditional belief.”
Wine and headache.
Krymchantowski AV, da Cunha Jevoux C.
Headache. 2014 Jun;54(6):967-75. doi: 10.1111/head.12365. Epub 2014 May 6.
PMID: 24801068 [PubMed - in process]
Related citations

5. Serotonin Homeostasis ~ New Migraine and Cluster Headache Horizons
“Migraine and cluster headache are primary headache disorders commonly encountered in clinical practice. … This article will highlight several of the new treatments that are currently under investigation including novel delivery mechanisms of already existing medications, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists, antibodies to CGRP and its receptor, serotonin receptor agonists, transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor modulators, orexin receptor antagonists, glial cell modulators, and neuromodulation.”
New treatments for headache.
Vollbracht S, Rapoport AM.
Neurol Sci. 2014 May;35 Suppl 1:89-97. doi: 10.1007/s10072-014-1747-z.
PMID: 24867844 [PubMed - in process]
Related citations

Serotonin Video: The Truth about Depression BBC Full Documentary 2013
~
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Homeostasis: Publius’ (Ultralow) THC Political Cannabinoid Science

9/5/2014

1 Comment

The Cannabis Papers by Publius

The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)
By Publius

Welcome Homeostasis!
Burning Man Edition

Today’s science roundup looks at four 2014 articles on how the cannabinoid system (CS) modulates our health through homeostasis. The line-up links to CS PubMed articles discussing: hippocampus inhibition and excitation, pain relief from a Chinese herb (thunder God vine), GABA pain dis-inhibition, and brain protection from a single ultralow dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The annual Burning Man festival in Black Rock City (NV) was last week; participants test their CS by enduring two Black Rock extremes ~ art and nature ~ which create space for mind and body to catch a glimpse of … spirit.

I. Hippocampus Homeostasis (Inhibition and Excitation) and the CS (Endos)
“Endocannabinoids (eCBs) modulate both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in hippocampus via activation of pre-synaptic cannabinoid receptors. Here, we present a model for cannabinoid mediated short-term depression of excitation (DSE) based on our recently developed model for the equivalent phenomenon of suppressing inhibition (DSI). … Finally, we explore under which conditions the combination of DSI and DSE can temporarily shift the fine balance between excitation and inhibition. This highlights a mechanism by which eCBs might act in a neuro-protective manner during high neural activity.”
Cannabinoid-mediated short-term plasticity in hippocampus.
Zachariou M, Thul R.
J Comput Neurosci. 2014 Aug 16. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25123173 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Related citations

II. Homeostasis (Pain Relief) and CS CB2 Signaling
“Celastrol, a major active ingredient of Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (thunder god vine), has exhibited a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-cancer and immunosuppression. … Taken together, our results demonstrate the analgesia effects of celastrol through CB2 signaling and propose the potential of exploiting celastrol as a novel candidate for pain relief.”
Celastrol attenuates inflammatory and neuropathic pain mediated by cannabinoid receptor type 2.
Yang L, Li Y, Ren J, Zhu C, Fu J, Lin D, Qiu Y.
Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Aug 6;15(8):13637-48. doi: 10.3390/ijms150813637.
PMID: 25101848 [PubMed - in process] Free Article
Related citations

III. Homeostasis (GABA Pain Dis-inhibition) and the CS
“At the cellular level, opioids and cannabinoids are hypothesised to activate descending analgesia through an indirect process of 'GABA disinhibition'-suppression of inhibitory GABAergic inputs onto output neurons which constitute the descending analgesic pathway.”
Descending modulation of pain: the GABA disinhibition hypothesis of analgesia.
Lau BK, Vaughan CW.
Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2014 Jul 24;29C:159-164. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.07.010. [Epub ahead of print] Review.
PMID: 25064178 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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IV. Homeostasis (CS CNS Protection) from a Single Ultralow Dose of THC
“In our previous studies, we found that a single ultralow dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 0.002 mg/kg, three to four orders of magnitude lower than the conventional doses) protects the brain from different insults that cause cognitive deficits. … Our results suggest that an ultralow dose of THC that lacks any psychotrophic activity protects the brain from neuroinflammation-induced cognitive damage and might be used as an effective drug for the treatment of neuroinflammatory conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases.”
Ultralow doses of cannabinoid drugs protect the mouse brain from inflammation-induced cognitive damage.
Fishbein-Kaminietsky M, Gafni M, Sarne Y.
J Neurosci Res. 2014 Jul 16. doi: 10.1002/jnr.23452. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25042014 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Video: Cannabinoid Profiles - THC, THCA, THCV, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC & Terpenes

Once Upon A Time ...

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Homeostasis: Publius’ Alcohol Political Cannabinoid Science

8/30/2014

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The Cannabis Papers by Publius (2011)

The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)

By Publius

Today’s science roundup looks at four articles on how the cannabinoid system (CS) modulates our health through homeostasis ~ including one on the de-homeostatic (harmful) effects caused by chronic alcohol use on one’s CS. The line-up links to 2014 PubMed articles discussing: heteromerization, chronic alcohol harms, sensory information salience and stress response attenuation.

I. Heteromerization (GPR55 and CB2) and the CS
“In HEK293 cells expressing GPR55 and cannabinoid CB2 R receptors, heteromers that are unique signaling units are formed. The signaling by agonists of either receptor is governed i) by the presence or absence of the partner receptors (with the consequent formation of heteromers) and ii) by the activation state of the partner receptor.”
Heteromerization of GPR55 and cannabinoid CB2 receptors modulates signaling.
Balenga NA, Martínez-Pinilla E, Kargl J, Schröder R, Peinhaupt M, Platzer W, Bálint Z, Zamarbide M, Dopeso-Reyes I, Ricobaraza A, Pérez-Ortiz JM, Kostenis E, Waldhoer M, Heinemann A, Franco R.
Br J Pharmacol. 2014 Jul 22. doi: 10.1111/bph.12850. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 25048571 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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II. De-Homeostasis (Chronic Alcohol Use) and the CS
“Chronic use of alcohol is associated with structural and functional alterations in brain areas that subserve cognitive processes. Of particular importance is the prefrontal cortex (PFC) that is involved in higher order behaviors such as decision making, risk assessment and judgment. … Overall, these results suggest that ethanol's down-regulation of cannabinoid signaling results in altered network activity in the prefrontal cortex.”
Chronic ethanol alters network activity and endocannabinoid signaling in the prefrontal cortex.
Pava MJ, Woodward JJ.
Front Integr Neurosci. 2014 Jul 18;8:58. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00058. eCollection 2014.
PMID: 25100953 [PubMed] Free Article
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III. Homeostasis (Sensory Information) and the CS
“Emerging evidence from both basic and clinical research demonstrates an important role for endocannabinoid (ECB) signaling in the processing of emotionally salient information, learning, and memory. Cannabinoid transmission within neural circuits involved in emotional processing has been shown to modulate the acquisition, recall, and extinction of emotionally salient memories and importantly, can strongly modulate the emotional salience of incoming sensory information.”
The role of cannabinoid transmission in emotional memory formation: implications for addiction and schizophrenia.
Tan H, Ahmad T, Loureiro M, Zunder J, Laviolette SR.
Front Psychiatry. 2014 Jun 30;5:73. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00073. eCollection 2014. Review.
PMID: 25071606 [PubMed] Free PMC Article
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IV. Homeostasis (Stress Response) and the CS
“Endocannabinoids are produced on demand and function to attenuate many of the physiological effects of the stress response. The endocannabinoid system is made up of cannabinoid receptors, the fatty acid signaling molecules that bind to and activate these receptors, and the enzymes that synthesize and catabolize these endocannabinoid signaling molecules.”
The endocannabinoid system modulates stress, emotionality, and inflammation.
Crowe MS, Nass SR, Gabella KM, Kinsey SG.
Brain Behav Immun. 2014 Jun 19. pii: S0889-1591(14)00172-X. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.06.007. [Epub ahead of print] Review.
PMID: 24953427 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Brain Video:
Why Do Some People Become Alcoholics?

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Louis Armstrong’s Birthday, Muggles and Star of David

8/3/2014

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Muggles ~ Armstrong and Hines (1928)

Louis Armstrong ~ 4 August 1901 to 6 July 1971

Adapted excerpt from The Book of the Is (2013)
Section 12 (of 16), Chapter 4 Epimorphosis

You might not miss jazzercise if it disappeared, but I hear it’s good exercise. Many would miss Jazz though, as it was a pretty good invention. In today’s world, Louis Armstrong might be labeled a marijuana addict and perhaps even put into coerced treatment. What an odd political thought: no Jazz because all the jazzers were sent to treatment and cured. Armstrong was a cannabis consumer, that’s for sure, and he wouldn’t understand today’s cannabis fuss.

It’s been said that Armstrong told stories with his cornet. At the 2001 tribute, From Lincoln Center – Louis Armstrong: Master Interpreter, Ed Bradley (of 60 Minutes fame) said these kind words about Armstrong’s Chicago music-making days:

"On a series of records made in Chicago during the 1920s, Louis Armstrong almost single-handedly set out the foundations of Jazz. Some of the most fertile and overwhelming music in all of recorded Jazz gushes from those old discs by Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five and Hot Seven Bands."

Later on in the tribute, when they are talking about the great Joe “King” Oliver and the New Orleans roots of Jazz, Bradley tells us about how Oliver and Armstrong wowed’em in Chicago:

"Oliver taught Armstrong about breaks – short unaccompanied solos played at the end of a musical phrase. When Armstrong played with Oliver, the sound of their two powerful horns playing breaks – in unison – amazed the crowd that packed Chicago’s Lincoln Gardens. The secret? Oliver would tip Armstrong off by surreptitiously fingering what he was going to play."

When it comes to Armstrong, his music, and his cannabis use, the show brings them together but only in a general way. Here’s what Bradley said:

"Alcohol and drugs figure into the story of many a Jazz musician but Armstrong was very health-conscious. He didn’t drink heavily, but acknowledged an affection for marijuana, which he found soothing and medicinal. Armstrong and Earl Hines named one of their collaborations after one of marijuana’s more closely-held nicknames, 'Muggles.'”

Armstrong wore a Star of David from his childhood; he wore it in remembrance of something he learned while growing up in New Orleans: how to live peacefully and well.

Happy Birthday Ambassador Armstrong!
Muggles ~ First Recorded in Chicago, 7 December 1928. Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Homeostatic Cannabinoid Science ~ Publius’ World Cup Edition

7/6/2014

2 Comments

The Cannabis Papers by Publius (2011)

The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011)
By Publius

A World (Cup) of Cannabinoids: Fielders Edition

Today’s science roundup looks at ten articles on how the cannabinoid system (CS) modulates our health and homeostasis; the line-up links to 2014 CS PubMed articles: four directly on homeostasis, two on the circulatory system, two on the central nervous system, and one each on our digestive and respiratory systems.

I. CNS (Pediatric Brain Injury) and the CS
“Paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability. Previous studies showed neuroprotection after TBI by (endo)cannabinoid mechanisms, suggesting involvement of cannabinoid receptors (CBR). … The results may provide explanation for the neuroprotective properties of cannabinoid ligands and future therapeutic strategies of TBI.”
Early increase of cannabinoid receptor density after experimental traumatic brain injury in the newborn piglet.
Donat CK, Fischer F, Walter B, Deuther-Conrad W, Brodhun M, Bauer R, Brust P.
Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars). 2014;74(2):197-210.
PMID: 24993629 [PubMed - in process]
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II. Digestive System (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and the CS
“The activation of the ATP ion-gated channels, voltage-gated sodium (Nav) and calcium (Cav) channels, as well as the activation of protease-activated receptors (PAR2), transient receptor potential vanilloide-1, serotonin, cannabinoids and cholecystokinin are involved in the genesis of visceral hypersensitivity in IBS.”
Main ion channels and receptors associated with visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome.
de Carvalho Rocha HA, Dantas BP, Rolim TL, Costa BA, de Medeiros AC.
Ann Gastroenterol. 2014;27(3):200-206. Review.
PMID: 24976114 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Free PMC Article
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III. Respiratory System (Paraquat and Acute Lung Injury) and the CS
“Paraquat [PQ], a widely used herbicide, is well known to exhibit oxidative stress and lung injury. … The results suggested that activating CB2 receptor exerted protective activity against PQ-induced ALI [Acute Lung Injury], and it potentially contributed to the suppression of the activation of MAPKs and NF- κ B pathways.”
CB2 Receptor Activation Ameliorates the Proinflammatory Activity in Acute Lung Injury Induced by Paraquat.
Liu Z, Wang Y, Zhao H, Zheng Q, Xiao L, Zhao M.
Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:971750. doi: 10.1155/2014/971750. Epub 2014 May 22.
PMID: 24963491 [PubMed - in process] Free PMC Article
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IV. Homeostasis (Indole Quinuclidine Analogs) and the CS
“Therefore, indole quinuclidines are a novel structural class of compounds exhibiting high affinity and a range of intrinsic activity at cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 receptors.”
Characterization of the intrinsic activity for a novel class of cannabinoid receptor ligands: Indole quinuclidine analogs.
Franks LN, Ford BM, Madadi NR, Penthala NR, Crooks PA, Prather PL.
Eur J Pharmacol. 2014 Aug 15;737:140-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.05.007. Epub 2014 May 20.
PMID: 24858620 [PubMed - in process]
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V. Circulatory System (Ischemic Heart Disease) and the CS
“Ischemic heart disease is associated with inflammation, interstitial fibrosis and ventricular dysfunction prior to the development of heart failure. … Therefore, the endocannabinoid-CB2 receptor axis plays a key role in cardioprotection during the initial phase of ischemic cardiomyopathy development.”
The endocannabinoid-CB2 receptor axis protects the ischemic heart at the early stage of cardiomyopathy.
Duerr GD, Heinemann JC, Suchan G, Kolobara E, Wenzel D, Geisen C, Matthey M, Passe-Tietjen K, Mahmud W, Ghanem A, Tiemann K, Alferink J, Burgdorf S, Buchalla R, Zimmer A, Lutz B, Welz A, Fleischmann BK, Dewald O.
Basic Res Cardiol. 2014 Jul;109(4):425. doi: 10.1007/s00395-014-0425-x. Epub 2014 Jul 1.
PMID: 24980781 [PubMed - in process]
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VI. Homeostasis, Endocannabinoid Deficiencies and the CS
“Subsequent research has confirmed that underlying endocannabinoid deficiencies indeed play a role in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and a growing list of other medical conditions. Clinical experience is bearing this out. Further research and especially, clinical trials will further demonstrate the usefulness of medical cannabis. As legal barriers fall and scientific bias fades this will become more apparent.”
Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) revisited: Can this concept explain the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions?
Smith SC, Wagner MS.
Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2014 Jun 30;35(3):198-201. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 24977967 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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VII. Homeostasis (Epilepsy, Neuronal Plasticity) and the CS
“Synaptic communication requires constant adjustments of pre- and postsynaptic efficacies. In addition to synaptic long-term plasticity, the presynaptic machinery underlies homeostatic regulations which prevent out of range transmitter release. In this mini-review we will discuss the relevance of selected presynaptic mechanisms to epilepsy including voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels as well as cannabinoid and adenosine receptor signaling.”
Presynaptic mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and their role in epilepsy.
Meier J, Semtner M, Winkelmann A, Wolfart J.
Front Cell Neurosci. 2014 Jun 17;8:164. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00164. eCollection 2014. Review.
PMID: 24987332 [PubMed]
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VIII. Homeostasis (Turning Agonists into Antagonists) and the CS
“However, we discovered that bivalency has an influence on the effect at both cannabinoid receptors. Moreover, we found out that the spacer length and the attachment position altered the efficacy of the bivalent ligands at the receptors by turning agonists into antagonists and inverse agonists.”
Synthesis and biological evaluation of bivalent cannabinoid receptor ligands based on hCB2R selective benzimidazoles reveal unexpected intrinsic properties.
Nimczick M, Pemp D, Darras FH, Chen X, Heilmann J, Decker M.
Bioorg Med Chem. 2014 Jun 13. pii: S0968-0896(14)00454-4. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.06.008. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 24984935 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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IX. Circulatory System (Blood Vessels-Heart) and the CS
“2-Arachidonoylglycerol [2-AG] plays an important role in the regulation of the circulatory system via direct and/or indirect, through their metabolites, effects on blood vessels and/or heart. Accumulating evidence reveals that 2-AG is involved in the pathogenesis of various shocks and atherosclerosis.”
Role of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system.
Karabowicz P, Grzęda E, Baranowska-Kuczko M, Malinowska B.
Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2014 Jun 12;68(0):814-27.
PMID: 24934539 [PubMed - in process]
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X. CNS (Brain Mitochondria) and the CS
“Our results show that the use of appropriate controls and quantifications allows detecting mtCB1 receptor with CB1 receptor antibodies, and that, if mitochondrial fractions are enriched and purified, CB1 receptor agonists reliably decrease respiration in brain mitochondria.”
Cannabinoid control of brain bioenergetics: Exploring the subcellular localization of the CB1 receptor.
Hebert-Chatelain E, Reguero L, Puente N, Lutz B, Chaouloff F, Rossignol R, Piazza PV, Benard G, Grandes P, Marsicano G.
Mol Metab. 2014 Apr 2;3(4):495-504. doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2014.03.007. eCollection 2014 Jul.
PMID: 24944910 [PubMed] Free PMC Article
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See also: Alzheimer’s, Cancer and Homeostatic Cannabinoid Science

Bonus Video: Homeostasis

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Jonathan Magbie Remembrance: Endocannabinoid Pregnancy Science at 20 Years

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Publius’ PTSD Re-Homeostasis ~ A Veterans Day Update

Homeostasis: Publius’ (Nano THC) Political Cannabinoid Science

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Homeostasis: Publius’ (Ultralow) THC Political Cannabinoid Science

Homeostasis: Publius’ Alcohol Political Cannabinoid Science

Louis Armstrong’s Birthday, Muggles and Star of David

Homeostatic Cannabinoid Science ~ Publius’ World Cup Edition

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