?9-THC-caused synaptic and memory impairments are mediated through COX-2 signaling.

ABSTRACT: Marijuana has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for medical conditions. However, untoward side effects limit its medical value. Here, we show that synaptic and cognitive impairments following repeated exposure to ?(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (?(9)-THC) are associated with the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to prostanoids in the brain. COX-2 induction by ?(9)-THC is mediated via CB1 receptor-coupled G protein ?? subunits. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of COX-2 blocks downregulation and internalization of glutamate receptor subunits and alterations of the dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons induced by repeated ?(9)-THC exposures. Ablation of COX-2 also eliminates ?(9)-THC-impaired hippocampal long-term synaptic plasticity, working, and fear memories. Importantly, the beneficial effects of decreasing ?-amyloid plaques and neurodegeneration by ?(9)-THC in Alzheimer's disease animals are retained in the presence of COX-2 inhibition. These results suggest that the applicability of medical marijuana would be broadened by concurrent inhibition of COX-2.

SUBMITTER: Chen R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3918429 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature