Evidence for functional CB1 cannabinoid receptor expressed in the rat thyroid

Objective: Previous reports have shown that the D9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (D9 TCH), the major psychoactive cannabinoid components of marijuana, is unable to inhibit thyroid hormonal activity. The aim of this study was to characterize the CB1 functional expression in the rat thyroid by a multi-methods approach.

Methods and Results: RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor (17:8^4:0% of the normalizing reference gene b2 microglobulin), as well as the expression of the endocannabinoid hydrolyzing enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (46:9^4:3% of b2 microglobulin), in the rat thyroid gland. The CB1-encoded protein was detected in its glycosylated form (63 kDa) by Western blot, employing a polyclonal antibody, while CB1 immunohistochemical localization showed an intracellular positive staining in both follicular and parafollicular cells. In addition, a 30% decrease in serum levels of both 3,5,30 tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) was detected 4 h after the administration of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN 55,212-2 (10 mg/kg i.p.). These effects were antagonized by pretreatment with the CB1 antagonist SR 141716A (3 mg/kg i.p.); thyrotrophin levels were unaffected by both treatments.

Conclusion: These data indicate that functional CB1 receptors which are able to modulate the release of T3 and T4 are expressed in the rat thyroid, and suggest a possible role of cannabinoids in the regulation of rat thyroid hormonal activity.