TITLE:
The Endocannabinoid, 2-Arachidonoyl Glycerol, Induces Growth Cone Collapse and Neurite Retraction in Growing Peripheral Sensory Neurons
AUTHORS:
Chizu Aso, Tomonori Takazawa, Tatsuo Horiuchi, Shigeru Saito
KEYWORDS:
Endocannabinoid, CB1 Receptors, Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons, Growth Cone
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Neuroscience,
Vol.5 No.1,
January
14,
2015
ABSTRACT: Cannabis has a detrimental
impact on the developing nervous system. Therefore, regular consumption of
cannabis by pregnant and lactating woman poses a potential risk to neuronal
growth in fetuses and infants. Indeed, endogenous cannabis-like molecules
called endocannabinoids regulate many physiological processes, including
neurogenesis, axon guidance, and synaptic plasticity through CB1 receptors. To
investigate the physiological role of CB1 receptors on peripheral sensory nerve
growth, the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol was added to cultured chick
dorsal root ganglion neurons. This compound inhibited neurite elongation and
induced growth cone collapse in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These data
suggest that caution should be exercised regarding maternal cannabis use during
pregnancy. Because ectopic sprouting and abnormal neuronal network connections
are considered to be a cause of neuropathic pain, our current data imply an
additional role of endocannabinoids as inhibitors of the formation of pain-maintenance
networks.