Cannabinoid CB1 receptor in dorsal telencephalic glutamatergic neurons drives overconsumption of palatable food and obesity

Neuropsychopharmacology. 2021 Apr;46(5):982-991. doi: 10.1038/s41386-021-00957-z. Epub 2021 Feb 8.

Abstract

Palatable food can promote overfeeding beyond homeostatic requirements, thereby constituting a major risk to obesity. Here, the lack of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) in dorsal telencephalic glutamatergic neurons (Glu-CB1-KO) abrogated the overconsumption of palatable food and the development of obesity. On low-fat diet, no genotype differences were observed. However, under palatable food conditions, Glu-CB1-KO mice showed decreased body weight and food intake. Notably, Glu-CB1-KO mice were protected from alterations in the reward system after high-fat diet feeding. Interestingly, obese wild-type mice showed a superior olfactory detection as compared to mutant mice, suggesting a link between overconsumption of palatable food and olfactory function. Reconstitution of CB1 expression in olfactory cortex in high-fat diet-fed Glu-CB1-KO mice using viral gene delivery partially reversed the lean phenotype concomitantly with improved odor perception. These findings indicate that CB1 in cortical glutamatergic neurons regulates hedonic feeding, whereby a critical role of the olfactory cortex was uncovered as an underlying mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cannabinoids*
  • Diet, High-Fat / adverse effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neurons
  • Obesity / genetics
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / genetics

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1