Behavioral alterations in cystic fibrosis mice are prevented by cannabinoid treatment in infancy
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Tatiana Bregman
and
Ester Fride
Abstract
Substantial data have been accumulated regarding the molecular basis of cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogenesis, whereas the influence of biochemical impairments on brain processes has been the focus of much less attention. We have studied some behavioral parameters, such as motor activity and anxiety level, in a mice model of CF. We have assumed that functioning of the endocannabinoid system could be impaired in CF (endocannabinoids are fatty acid derivatives, and fatty acid deficiency is considered a major factor in CF etiology). We have suggested that chronic treatment with cannabinoid receptors agonist during infancy would balance cannabinoid levels and prevent CF-related behavioral alterations. Motor activity and anxiety level were studied in naïve adult CF mice (cftr-deficient mice) and compared with wild-type mice and to CF mice treated chronically with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC; endocannabinoid receptor agonist) during infancy (from days 7 to 28). Motor activity was tested in the tetrad, and level of anxiety in the plus maze, a month after cessation of treatment. Motor activity decrease and elevated anxiety level were found in adult naïve CF mice compared with wild-type mice. CF mice treated with THC in infancy showed normal motor activity and anxiety levels in adulthood. Motor function alteration and elevated anxiety levels in CF can result from lack of CFTR-channel in neurons and disturbed activity of various brain areas, as well as being secondary and mediated by fatty acids deficiency, altered levels of endocannabinoids and their receptors. It can be suggested that chronic treatment during infancy restores endocannabinoid function and thus prevents behavioral alterations.
©2011 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
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Articles in the same Issue
- Publisher’s and Editor’s Note
- A new start for the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology
- Review
- Hexavalent chromium and its effect on health: possible protective role of garlic (Allium sativum Linn)
- Original Articles
- Antioxidative and hypolipidemic efficacy of alcoholic seed extract of Swietenia macrophylla in streptozotocin diabetic rats
- Histological alterations in the ultimobranchial gland of teleost Heteropneustes fossilis in response to chlorpyrifos treatment
- Treatment with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) prevents infertility in male cystic fibrosis mice
- Behavioral alterations in cystic fibrosis mice are prevented by cannabinoid treatment in infancy
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius in rats and mice
- Birth month and longevity – monthly birth distribution in acute coronary events provoked by atherothrombosis in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
- Effect of graded doses of Caesalpinia bonducella seed extract on ovary and uterus in albino rats
