BACKGROUND Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is expressed in certain types of malignancies. An analysis of CB1 expression and function in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), one of the most frequent lymphomas, was not performed to date. DESIGN AND METHODS We examined the distribution of CB1 protein in primary cases of HL. Using lymphoma derived cell lines, the role of CB1 signaling on cell survival was investi...

When an organism responds for a reward, its learned behavior can be characterized as goal-directed or habitual based on whether or not it is susceptible to reward devaluation. Here, we evaluated whether instrumental responding for brain stimulation reward (BSR) can be devalued using a paradigm traditionally used for natural rewards. Rats were trained to lever press for BSR; afterward, BSR was p...

We have recently shown that the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) mediates intracellular effects of cannabinoids and other, non-cannabionid, ligands in addition to the classical cannabinoid 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R) receptors. Here we show that the presence of either CB1R or CB2R alters the signaling pathways of GPR55. HEK-293 cells stably expressing either the GPR55 receptor alone or in combin...

Results Here we show that GPR55 is activated by lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), AM251, SR141716A (rimonabant) and AM281. GPR55 activation induces NFB, NFAT and CREB activation. Stimulation of GPR55 induces F-actin formation under the control of Ga13, RhoA and ROCK. We also show the suitability of Corning® Epic® DMR assay for GPR55 ligand screening. Furthermore, GPR55 activation leads to phospho...

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are retrograde neurotransmitters that modulate the function of many types of synapses. The presence of eCBs, their CB1 receptor (CB1R), and metabolizing enzymes at embryonic and early postnatal periods have been linked to developmental processes such as neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and migration, axon guidance, and synaptogenesis. Here, we demonstrate the pre...

Neural reflex mechanisms, such as the baroreflex, are involved in the regulation of cardiovascular system activity. Previous results from our group (Resstel LB, Correa FM. Medial prefrontal cortex NMDA receptors and nitric oxide modulate the parasympathetic component of the baroreflex. Eur J Neurosci 23: 481-488, 2006) have shown that glutamatergic synapses in the ventral portion of the medial ...