∆(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol decreases NOP receptor density and mRNA levels in human SH-SY5Y cells

J Mol Neurosci. 2012 Feb;46(2):285-92. doi: 10.1007/s12031-011-9552-0. Epub 2011 May 21.

Abstract

Several studies demonstrated a cross-talk between the opioid and cannabinoid system. The NOP receptor and its endogenous ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ represent an opioid-related functional entity that mediates some non-classical opioid effects. The relationship between cannabinoid and nociceptin/NOP system is yet poorly explored. In this study, we used the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line to investigate the effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆(9)-THC) on nociceptin/NOP system. Results revealed that the exposure to ∆(9)-THC (100, 150, and 200 nM) for 24 h produces a dose-dependent NOP receptor B (max) down-regulation. Moreover, ∆(9)-THC caused a dose-dependent decrease in NOP mRNA levels. The selective cannabinoid receptor CB1 antagonist AM251 (1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-1-piperidinyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide) reduces both effects, suggesting that ∆(9)-THC activation of CB1 receptor is involved in the observed effects. These data show evidence of a cross-talk between NOP and CB1 receptors, thus suggesting a possible interplay between cannabinoid and nociceptin/NOP system.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor / metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Dronabinol / administration & dosage
  • Dronabinol / pharmacology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Neuroblastoma / pathology
  • Nociceptin Receptor
  • Piperidines / pharmacology
  • Protein Binding
  • Pyrazoles / pharmacology
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Neoplasm / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Opioid / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Opioid / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Piperidines
  • Pyrazoles
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Neoplasm
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Receptors, Opioid
  • AM 251
  • Dronabinol
  • Nociceptin Receptor
  • OPRL1 protein, human