Cannabinoid-induced increase of quantal size and enhanced neuromuscular transmission

Sci Rep. 2018 Mar 16;8(1):4685. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-22888-4.

Abstract

Cannabinoids exert dynamic control over many physiological processes including memory formation, cognition and pain perception. In the central nervous system endocannabinoids mediate negative feedback of quantal transmitter release following postsynaptic depolarization. The influence of cannabinoids in the peripheral nervous system is less clear and might have broad implications for the therapeutic application of cannabinoids. We report a novel cannabinoid effect upon the mouse neuromuscular synapse: acutely increasing synaptic vesicle volume and raising the quantal amplitudes. In a mouse model of myasthenia gravis the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212 reversed fatiguing failure of neuromuscular transmission, suggesting future therapeutic potential. Our data suggest an endogenous pathway by which cannabinoids might help to regulate transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzoxazines / pharmacology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endocannabinoids / administration & dosage*
  • Endocannabinoids / metabolism
  • Endocannabinoids / pharmacology
  • Evoked Potentials / drug effects
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Miniature Postsynaptic Potentials / drug effects
  • Morpholines / pharmacology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / etiology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / metabolism
  • Naphthalenes / pharmacology
  • Neuromuscular Junction / drug effects
  • Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Transmission / drug effects*

Substances

  • Benzoxazines
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Morpholines
  • Naphthalenes
  • (3R)-((2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-((4-morpholinyl)methyl)pyrrolo-(1,2,3-de)-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)(1-naphthalenyl))methanone