Neurotoxicity of Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-081 and JWH-210.
10.4062/biomolther.2015.057
- Author:
Hye Jin CHA
1
;
Yeon Hee SEONG
;
Min Ji SONG
;
Ho Sang JEONG
;
Jisoon SHIN
;
Jaesuk YUN
;
Kyoungmoon HAN
;
Young Hoon KIM
;
Hoil KANG
;
Hyoung Soo KIM
Author Information
1. Pharmacological Research Division, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Chungju 28159, Republic of Korea. chahj1@korea.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Synthetic cannabinoid;
Neurotoxicity;
Functional observation battery;
Motor function;
Histopathology
- MeSH:
Animals;
Cannabinoids*;
Learning;
Membranes;
Memory;
Mice;
Motor Activity;
Neurons;
Nucleus Accumbens;
Traction;
Tremor
- From:Biomolecules & Therapeutics
2015;23(6):597-603
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-250 in 'herbal incense' also called 'spice' were first introduced in many countries. Numerous synthetic cannabinoids with similar chemical structures emerged simultaneously and suddenly. Currently there are not sufficient data on their adverse effects including neurotoxicity. There are only anecdotal reports that suggest their toxicity. In the present study, we evaluated the neurotoxicity of two synthetic cannabinoids (JWH-081 and JWH-210) through observation of various behavioral changes and analysis of histopathological changes using experimental mice with various doses (0.1, 1, 5 mg/kg). In functional observation battery (FOB) test, animals treated with 5 mg/kg of JWH-081 or JWH-210 showed traction and tremor. Their locomotor activities and rotarod retention time were significantly (p<0.05) decreased. However, no significant change was observed in learning or memory function. In histopathological analysis, neural cells of the animals treated with the high dose (5 mg/kg) of JWH-081 or JWH-210 showed distorted nuclei and nucleus membranes in the core shell of nucleus accumbens, suggesting neurotoxicity. Our results suggest that JWH-081 and JWH-210 may be neurotoxic substances through changing neuronal cell damages, especially in the core shell part of nucleus accumbens. To confirm our findings, further studies are needed in the future.
