Cannabinoid action in the olfactory epithelium

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Feb 20;104(8):2967-72. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0609067104. Epub 2007 Feb 14.

Abstract

The perception of odors is influenced by a variety of neuromodulators, and there is growing evidence that modulation already takes place in the olfactory epithelium. Here we report on cannabinergic actions in the olfactory epithelium of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. First we show that CB1 receptor-specific antagonists AM251, AM281, and LY320135 modulate odor-evoked calcium changes in olfactory receptor neurons. Second, we localize CB1-like immunoreactivity on dendrites of olfactory receptor neurons. Finally, we describe the cannabinergic influence on odor-induced spike-associated currents in individual olfactory receptor neurons. Here we demonstrate that the cannabinergic system has a profound impact on peripheral odor processing and discuss its possible function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Calcium Signaling / drug effects
  • Cannabinoids / metabolism*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Larva / cytology
  • Larva / drug effects
  • Olfactory Mucosa / cytology
  • Olfactory Mucosa / drug effects
  • Olfactory Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Olfactory Receptor Neurons / cytology
  • Olfactory Receptor Neurons / drug effects
  • Piperidines / pharmacology
  • Pyrazoles / pharmacology
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Xenopus laevis

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Piperidines
  • Pyrazoles
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • AM 251