Glial Cells and Their Contribution to the Mechanisms of Action of Cannabidiol in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Author(s)

Scarante, Franciele F. ^[1] ; Ribeiro, Melissa A. ^[1] ; Almeida-Santos, Ana F. ^[2] ; Guimaraes, Francisco S. ^[1] ; Campos, Alline C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Dept Pharmacol, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Biol Sci Inst, Dept Physiol & Biophys, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY; v. 11, FEB 4 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid with a broad-range of therapeutic potential in several conditions, including neurological (epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic and ischemic brain injuries) and psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, addiction, major depressive disorder, and anxiety). The pharmacological mechanisms responsible for these effects are still unclear, and more than 60 potential molecular targets have been described. Regarding neuropsychiatric disorders, most studies investigating these mechanisms have focused on neuronal cells. However, glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia) also play a crucial role in keeping the homeostasis of the central nervous system. Changes in glial functions have been associated with neuropathological conditions, including those for which CBD is proposed to be useful. Mostly in vitro studies have indicated that CBD modulate the activation of proinflammatory pathways, energy metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and the proliferative rate of glial cells. Likewise, some of the molecular targets proposed for CBD actions are f expressed in glial cells, including pharmacological receptors such as CB1, CB2, PPAR-gamma, and 5-HT1A. In the present review, we discuss the currently available evidence suggesting that part of the CBD effects are mediated by interference with glial cell function. We also propose additional studies that need to be performed to unveil the contribution of glial cells to CBD effects in neuropsychiatric disorders. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/25984-0 - Design and characterization of a new approach for cannabidiol (CBD) delivery into the central nervous system: in vivo imaging of CBD nanoprobes
• Grantee: Alline Cristina de Campos
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/09178-3 - Involvement of endocannabinoid signaling and neuroplasticity within the prefrontal cortex in the behavioral effects of the combination cannabidiol and escitalpram in stressed mice
• Grantee: Franciele Franco Scarante
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/24304-0 - New perspectives in the use of drugs that modify atypical neurotransmitters in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders
• Grantee: Francisco Silveira Guimaraes
• Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants