Cannabinoid receptor activation disrupts the internal structure of hippocampal sharp wave-ripple complexes

J Pharmacol Sci. 2012;118(2):288-94. doi: 10.1254/jphs.11199fp. Epub 2012 Feb 1.

Abstract

Cannabinoid agonists impair hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Using mouse hippocampal slice preparations, we examined the effect of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid, on sharp wave-ripple (SW-R) complexes, which are believed to mediate memory consolidation during slow-wave sleep or behavioral immobility. Anandamide reduced the frequency of SW-Rs recorded from the CA3 region, and this effect was abolished by AM251, a cannabinoid CB1-receptor antagonist. We further addressed the action of anandamide using a functional multineuron calcium imaging technique. Anandamide reduced the firing rate of hippocampal neurons as well as disrupted the temporal coordination of their firings during SW-R.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / pharmacology*
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Hippocampus / drug effects*
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Male
  • Memory / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Piperidines / pharmacology
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides / pharmacology*
  • Pyrazoles / pharmacology
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / drug effects*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / metabolism
  • Sleep / drug effects

Substances

  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Piperidines
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Pyrazoles
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • AM 251
  • Calcium
  • anandamide