Hippocampal mammalian target of rapamycin is implicated in stress-coping behavior induced by cannabidiol in the forced swim test

Author(s)

Sartim, Ariandra G. ^[1] ; Sales, Amanda J. ^[2] ; Guimaraes, Francisco S. ^{[2, 3]} ; Joca, Samia R. L. ^{[3, 1, 4, 5]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, Dept Chem & Phys, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Pharmacol, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Interdisciplinary Res Appl Neurosci NAPNA, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[4] Aarhus Univ, Translat Neuropsychiat Unit, Aarhus - Denmark

^[5] INCT, Natl Inst Sci & Translat Med, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY; v. 32, n. 8, p. 922-931, AUG 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Background: Cannabidiol is a non-psychotomimetic compound with antidepressant-like effects. However, the mechanisms and brain regions involved in cannabidiol effects are not yet completely understood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-receptor kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (BDNF-TrkB-mTOR) signaling, especially in limbic structures, seems to play a central role in mediating the effects of antidepressant drugs. Aim: Since it is not yet known if BDNF-TrkB-mTOR signaling in the hippocampus is critical to the antidepressant-like effects of cannabidiol, we investigated the effects produced by cannabidiol (10/30/60 nmol/0.2 mu L) micro-injection into the hippocampus of mice submitted to the forced swim test and to the open field test. Methods: Independent groups received intra-hippocampal injections of rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor, 0.2 nmol/0.2 mu L) or K252 (Trk antagonist, 0.01 nmol/0.2 mu L), before the systemic (10 mg/kg) or hippocampal (10 nmol/0.2 mu L) injection of cannabidiol, and were submitted to the same tests. BDNF levels were analyzed in the hippocampus of animals treated with cannabidiol (10 mg/kg). Results: Systemic cannabidiol administration induced antidepressant-like effects and increased BDNF levels in the dorsal hippocampus. Rapamycin, but not K252a, injection into the dorsal hippocampus prevented the antidepressant-like effect induced by systemic cannabidiol treatment (10 mg/kg). Differently, hippocampal administration of cannabidiol (10 nmol/0.2 mu L) reduced immobility time, an effect that was blocked by both rapamycin and K252a local microinjection. Conclusion: Altogether, our data suggest that the hippocampal BDNF-TrkB-mTOR pathway is vital for cannabidiol-induced antidepressant-like effect when the drug is locally administered. However, other brain regions may also be involved in cannabidiol-induced antidepressant effect upon systemic administration. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/01955-0 - Effect of inhibitors of DNMTs and antidepressants on DNA methylation in candidate genes involved in the neurobiology of depression
• Grantee: Amanda Juliana Sales
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate