Chronic blockade of cannabinoid CB2 receptors induces anxiolytic-like actions associated with alterations in GABAA receptors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of CB2 receptor agonist and antagonist in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviours.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES: Effects of acute and chronic treatment with the CB2 receptor agonist JWH133 and CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 were evaluated in the light-dark box (LDB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests in Swiss ICR mice. CB2 receptor, GABAAa2 and GABAAg2 gene and protein expression in the cortex and amygdala of mice chronically treated with JWH133 or AM630 were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Effects of chronic AM630 treatment were evaluated in spontaneously anxious DBA/2 mice in LDB.

KEY RESULTS: Acute JWH133 treatment failed to produce any effect. Acute AM630 treatment increased anxiety and was blocked by pre-treatment with JWH133. Chronic JWH133 treatment increased anxiety-like behaviour whereas chronic AM630 treatment was anxiolytic in LDB and EPM tests. Chronic AM630 treatment increased gene and reduced protein expression of CB2 receptors, GABAAa2 and GABAAg2 in cortex and amygdala. Chronic JWH133 treatment resulted in opposite gene and protein alterations. In addition, chronic AM630 administration decreased the anxiety of DBA/2 mice in the LDB test.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The opposing behavioural and molecular changes observed after chronic treatment with AM630 or JWH133 support the key role of CB2 receptors in the regulation of anxiety. Indeed, the efficacy of AM630 in reducing the anxiety of the spontaneously anxious DBA/2 strain of mice strengthens the potential of the CB2 receptor as a new target in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders.