Species differences in cannabinoid receptor 2 and receptor responses to cocaine self-administration in mice and rats.

ABSTRACT: The discovery of functional cannabinoid receptors 2 (CB2Rs) in brain suggests a potential new therapeutic target for neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, recent findings in experimental animals appear controversial. Here we report that there are significant species differences in CB2R mRNA splicing and expression, protein sequences, and receptor responses to CB2R ligands in mice and rats. Systemic administration of JWH133, a highly selective CB2R agonist, significantly and dose-dependently inhibited intravenous cocaine self-administration under a fixed ratio (FR) schedule of reinforcement in mice, but not in rats. However, under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement, JWH133 significantly increased breakpoint for cocaine self-administration in rats, but decreased it

SUBMITTER: Zhang HY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4330519 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature