Research in the cannabinoid field has generated a voluminous literature, however, a significant gap in our knowledge of these substances is an understanding of their mechanism of action at the molecular level. The major goal of thus project is to better elucidate the biochemical events involved in the many effects of cannabis with a view toward understanding these processes at the most fundamental level possible. This proposal is to be coordinated with other support from NIDA. Several approaches will be utilized involving both biochemical and biophysical techniques; the model systems will be primarily in vitro e.g. cell culture, synaptosomes, natural and artificial membranes and """"""""isolated"""""""" enzymes. Specifically, the hypothesis we have developed that THC is a """"""""cholesteromimetic"""""""" agent will be explored. This is based on the structural similarities of THC and cholesterol and on several specific experimental observations such as the inhibition of cholesterol esterases by THC. It is possible that THC can compete with cholesterol in specific enzymic and/or physicochemical process e.g., neurotransmitter transport across synaptic membranes, monoamine oxidase activity, binding of cholesterol to various proteins, simulation of phospholipases, etc. Chemical measurements on these types of systems will be compared with physical studies using differential scanning microcalorimetry. This combined approach, hopefully, will provide a molecular picture of cannabis action and give us a fundamental understanding of how this drug used by so many in our society produces its effects. Earlier projects concentrated mainly on cannabinoid metabolites. As a continuation of this effort we plan to look for the formation of metabolites resulting from the combining of THC and various biogenic amines. If these types of metabolites are found they would likely be of great significance for our understanding of the mechanism of action of THC in vivo.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DA002052-11
Application #
3207104
Study Section
Pharmacology I Research Subcommittee (DABR)
Project Start
1977-10-01
Project End
1989-03-31
Budget Start
1987-04-01
Budget End
1988-03-31
Support Year
11
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
660735098
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01655
Burstein, S H; Audette, C A; Breuer, A et al. (1992) Synthetic nonpsychotropic cannabinoids with potent antiinflammatory, analgesic, and leukocyte antiadhesion activities. J Med Chem 35:3135-41
Audette, C A; Burstein, S H; Doyle, S A et al. (1991) G-protein mediation of cannabinoid-induced phospholipase activation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 40:559-63
Burstein, S (1991) Cannabinoid induced changes in eicosanoid synthesis by mouse peritoneal cells. Adv Exp Med Biol 288:107-12
Perez-Reyes, M; Burstein, S H; White, W R et al. (1991) Antagonism of marihuana effects by indomethacin in humans. Life Sci 48:507-15
Hunter, S A; Audette, C A; Burstein, S (1991) Elevation of brain prostaglandin E2 levels in rodents by delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 43:185-90
Doyle, S A; Burstein, S H; Dewey, W L et al. (1990) Further studies on the antinociceptive effects of delta 6-THC-7-oic acid. Agents Actions 31:157-63
Audette, C A; Burstein, S (1990) Inhibition of leukocyte adhesion by the in vivo and in vitro administration of cannabinoids. Life Sci 47:753-9
Burstein, S H; Hull, K; Hunter, S A et al. (1989) Immunization against prostaglandins reduces delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced catalepsy in mice. Mol Pharmacol 35:6-9
Burstein, S H; Audette, C A; Doyle, S A et al. (1989) Antagonism to the actions of platelet activating factor by a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 251:531-5
Burstein, S H; Hull, K; Hunter, S A et al. (1988) Cannabinoids and pain responses: a possible role for prostaglandins. FASEB J 2:3022-6

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