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Peppered Cannabinoids: Caryophyllene

12/30/2017

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​Pass the pepper please!


You might have experienced something like this: you eat a pepper and it makes you sweat.
 
If you haven’t had that experience, try a habanero pepper (just a little) to play along.
 
Sweating is dependent on our cannabinoid system (CS): for example, CB2 skin receptors modulate/maintain mammalian body temperature.
 
And it’s not just a reaction to the pepper: the pepper is modulating cannabinoid receptors – especially forehead ones for habanero-eaters – and it seems the hotter the pepper equals more CB2 response.
 
This happens because of the ubiquitous essential oil caryophyllene.
 
Here’s a sales site with caryophyllene and black pepper oil information.
 
And here’s a 2008 NIH article, Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid, which confirms the caryophyllene found in black pepper is “dietary” and states the oil is also found in such things as oregano, cinnamon and cannabis. 
 
Of course, a re-examination of the world spice trade is needed: looks like early cannabinoid trafficking now – who knew?
 
*Next Up: NYE 2017 and an abstract serotonin poem, A Microbiota Ode to the Brain-Gut Axis.
 
Posted by Bryan W. Brickner
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2020: Putamen Cannabinoids and Opioids Control Our Brains (Even the brains of presidential candidates)

6/12/2016

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PicturePurple is Caudate Nucleus and Putamen / Orange is Thalamus







​
Brains presidential
 
There are cannabinoid (pot) receptors and precursors all over our brains; there are also opioid (heroin, morphine, oxycodone) receptors and precursors there too.
 
“If you were” to click on the publication image below you’d find a schematic representation of our brain’s cannabinoid and opioid receptors. The “If you were” is because there is some caution involved; seems that after looking at the image for a bit (twenty seconds or so) one might see the image looking back at you: I’m just saying it might happen.
 
I looked at the image for a bit and can report it shows three levels of receptor density for both cannabinoids and opioids: low, moderate and high. Some parts of our brains are high in both; one such spot is the caudate putamen.
 
The caudate putamen, located at the center of our brains (and the brains of all presidential candidates, it should be said), is fundamental to movement and learning; basically, we wouldn’t be bipedal or remember much without it. Adding science to our sense of ourselves, and the discussion known as the 2016 presidential election, will help us get through the next big thing: the 2020 Enumeration, i.e., the census and the “thirty Thousand.”
 
Interactions of the opioid and cannabinoid systems in reward: Insights from knockout studies
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Pubmed: 5 FEB 2015


From the abstract: The opioid system consists of three receptors, mu, delta, and kappa, which are activated by endogenous opioid peptides (enkephalins, endorphins, and dynorphins). The endogenous cannabinoid system comprises lipid neuromodulators (endocannabinoids), enzymes for their synthesis and their degradation and two well-characterized receptors, cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. These systems play a major role in the control of pain as well as in mood regulation, reward processing and the development of addiction. Both opioid and cannabinoid receptors are coupled to G proteins and are expressed throughout the brain reinforcement circuitry. 
​
*Images from this publication
See all images (1)Free text 

Next Up: Announcing the release of an Ew Publishing research pamphlet, Aspasia of Miletus: Socrates’ Didaskalos, on Wednesday 15 June.

 Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Translated Publius: The Cannabis Papers in Estonian is Kodaniku Kanepilugemik

1/15/2016

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PictureKodaniku Kanepilugemik by Publius (2015)


Cannabinoider News
 
The Cannabis Papers by Publius (2011) was translated into Estonian and published by Mondegreen.
 
Kodaniku Kanepilugemik by Publius (2015)
ISBN: 978-9949-38-757-1

Mondegreen Print Facebook
 
Thanks All!
 
*Next Up: Johnny Reb, Gus Kotka and Free Blacks, Sunday 17 January, part 4 of the Union 2016 winter series.

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner

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Jonathan Magbie Remembrance: Endocannabinoid Pregnancy Science at 20 Years

9/24/2015

4 Comments

 
PictureJonathan 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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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
Similar articles

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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Homeostasis: Publius’ (Nano THC) Political Cannabinoid Science

10/29/2014

2 Comments

 
PictureNano 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
Related citations

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]
Related citations

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

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PictureThe 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

 
PictureHomeostatic 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]
Related citations

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]
Related citations

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

0 Comments

 
PictureThe 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]
Related citations

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]
Related citations

Video: Cannabinoid Profiles - THC, THCA, THCV, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC & Terpenes    

PictureOnce Upon A Time ...



Posted by Bryan W. Brickner






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Homeostasis: Publius’ Alcohol Political Cannabinoid Science

8/30/2014

3 Comments

 
PictureThe 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?

Posted by Bryan W. Brickner


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Louis Armstrong’s Birthday, Muggles and Star of David

8/3/2014

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PictureMuggles ~ 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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    Author

    Brickner has a 1997 political science doctorate from Purdue University, cofounded Illinois NORML in 2001, and was a 2007 National NORML Cannabis Advocate Awardee. He is also publisher and coauthor of the 2011 book banned by the Illinois Department of Corrections – The Cannabis Papers: A Citizen’s Guide to Cannabinoids.

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