Journal of Molecular Neuroscience

, Volume 46, Issue 2, pp 285–292 | Cite as

∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Decreases NOP Receptor Density and mRNA Levels in Human SH-SY5Y Cells

  • Rosalia Cannarsa
  • Donatella Carretta
  • Francesca Lattanzio
  • Sanzio Candeletti
  • Patrizia Romualdi
Article
First Online:
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Accepted:

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.

Keywords

Nociceptin (N/OFQ) NOP receptor CB1 receptor ∆9-THC Cannabinoids SH-SY5Y cells 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by grants from the Italian Ministry for the University and Scientific Research (PRIN 2008, RFO 2009).

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  • Rosalia Cannarsa
    • 1
  • Donatella Carretta
    • 1
  • Francesca Lattanzio
    • 1
  • Sanzio Candeletti
    • 1
  • Patrizia Romualdi
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of PharmacologyUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly

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