The Endocannabinoid Antagonist AM251 as a Method of Protection Prior to Global Cerebral Ischemia: Implications for Dopamine Function, Neuronal Survival and Behaviour

Implications for the endocannabinoid system in global cerebral ischemia has not been clearly defined. Ischemia produces an excitotoxic environment that is severely damaging to neurons, causing degradation of cell membrane and ultimately cell death. Contradicting research suggests both the benefits and adverse effects of endocannabinoids on neurological injury. Due to the excitotoxic nature of ischemic injury, and the mechanisms at play with endocannabinoid agonists, such as increased transmission of dopamine and glutamate, it is suspected that endocannabinoid antagonists, such as AM251, may a provide cell protection.40 male Wistar rats were separated into 4 groups (n=10/group). The first group of rats were administered AM251 (2 mg/kg, i.p) 30 minutes prior to global cerebral ischemia (four vessel occlusion), while the second group were given AM251, 30 minutes prior to sham surgery. Finally the last two groups were given a vehicle control instead of AM251 and given either ischemia or the sham surgery. Behavioural testing, open field test and elevated plus maze, took place after a five day recovery period following ischemia. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed using to mark tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine receptor 1(DRD1) to compare dopamine function amongst groups. Cell survival was also evaluated using thionin staining. Ischemia induced significant reduction in dopamine within the mesolimbic circuit, including: ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, CA3 & CA1 of the hippocampus, and basolateral amygdala. These reductions in dopamine transmission by global ischemia were partially or fully reversed when AM251 was given beforehand. Furthermore, cell survival was increased in the CA1 from treatment of AM251. Behavioural results show similar results that AM251 reversed emotional irregularities associated with ischemia insult. The endocannabinoid antagonist AM251 improves deficits in dopamine function, prevents cell death and regulates emotionality when given prior global cerebral ischemia