Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol Promotes Oligodendrocyte Development and CNS Myelination in Vivo

Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main bioactive compound found in the plantCannabis sativa, exerts its effects by activating cannabinoid receptors present in many neural cells. Cannabinoid receptors are also physiologically engaged by endogenous cannabinoid compounds, the so-called endocanna...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Huerga Gómez, Alba, Aguado, Tania, Sánchez de la Torre, Aníbal, Bernal Chico, Ana, Matute Almau, Carlos José, Mato Santos, Susana, Guzmán, Manuel, Galve Roperh, Ismael, Palazuelos, Javier
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Universidad del País Vasco
Repositorio:Addi. Archivo Digital para la Docencia y la Investigación
OAI Identifier:oai:addi.ehu.eus:10810/50308
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10810/50308
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:cannabinoid receptors
cannabinoids
CB1
CB2
mTORC1
myelination
oligodendrocyte precursor cells
mammalian target
Rapamycin mTOR
cell-proliferation
marijuana use
white-matter
differentiation
exposure
remyelination
Descripción
Sumario:Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main bioactive compound found in the plantCannabis sativa, exerts its effects by activating cannabinoid receptors present in many neural cells. Cannabinoid receptors are also physiologically engaged by endogenous cannabinoid compounds, the so-called endocannabinoids. Specifically, the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol has been highlighted as an important modulator of oligodendrocyte (OL) development at embryonic stages and in animal models of demyelination. However, the potential impact of THC exposure on OL lineage progression during the critical periods of postnatal myelination has never been explored. Here, we show that acute THC administration at early postnatal ages in mice enhanced OL development and CNS myelination in the subcortical white matter by promoting oligodendrocyte precursor cell cycle exit and differentiation. Mechanistically, THC-induced-myelination was mediated by CB(1)and CB(2)cannabinoid receptors, as demonstrated by the blockade of THC actions by selective receptor antagonists. Moreover, the THC-mediated modulation of oligodendroglial differentiation relied on the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway, as mTORC1 pharmacological inhibition prevented the THC effects. Our study identifies THC as an effective pharmacological strategy to enhance oligodendrogenesis and CNS myelination in vivo