1. Effects of cannabinoid agonists on the serotonin (5-HT)3 receptor-mediated current were investigated in rat nodose ganglion neurons. Anandamide, Win 55212-2, and CP55940 inhibited the 5-HT-induced current in a concentration dependent manner. IC50 values were 190, 310, and 94 nM for anandamide, Win 55212-2, and CP55940, respectively, and 1.6 microM for the nonpsychoactive enantiomer CP56667. This inhibition was slowly developing, noncompetitive, not dependent on membrane potential, and not affected by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analogues, guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP-beta-S), and opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone. These data suggest that 5-HT3 receptor ion-channel is a site acted upon by cannabinoid agonists in the nervous system, and the action of cannabinoid agonists on 5-HT3 receptors may be a possible mechanism for some of the behavioral effects of cannabinoids, such as antiemesis and analgesia.
BackgroundLipocalin‐2 is a proinflammatory adipokine upregulated in obese humans and animals. A pathogenic role of lipocalin‐2 in hypertension has been suggested. Mice lacking lipocalin‐2 are protected from dietary obesity‐induced cardiovascular dysfunctions. Administration of lipocalin‐2 causes abnormal vasodilator responses in mice on a high‐fat diet (HFD).Methods and ResultsWild‐type and lipocalin‐2 knockout mice were fed with standard chow or HFD. Immunoassays were performed for evaluating the circulating and tissue contents of lipocalin‐2. The relaxation and contraction of arteries were studied using a wire myograph. Blood pressure was monitored with implantable radio telemetry. Dietary obesity promoted the accumulation of lipocalin‐2 protein in blood and arteries. Deficiency of this adipokine protected mice from dietary obesity‐induced elevation of blood pressure. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that human and murine lipocalin‐2 were modified by polyamination. Polyaminated lipocalin‐2 was rapidly cleared from the circulation. Adipose tissue was a major site for lipocalin‐2 deamidation. The circulating levels and the arterial accumulation of deamidated lipocalin‐2 were significantly enhanced by treatment with linoleic acid (18:2n−6), which bound to lipocalin‐2 with high affinity and prevented its interactions with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). Combined administration of linoleic acid with lipocalin‐2 caused vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and raised the blood pressure of mice receiving standard chow. A human lipocalin‐2 mutant with cysteine 87 replaced by alanine (C87A) contained less polyamines and exhibited a reduced capacity to form heterodimeric complexes with MMP9. After treatment, C87A remained in the circulation for a prolonged period of time and evoked endothelial dysfunction in the absence of linoleic acid.ConclusionsPolyamination facilitates the clearance of lipocalin‐2, whereas the accumulation of deamidated lipocalin‐2 in arteries causes vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and hypertension.
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