Cannabidiol Modulates Alterations in PFC microRNAs in a Rat Model of Depression

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a potential antidepressant agent. We examined the association between the antidepressant effects of CBD and alterations in brain microRNAs in the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model for depression. UCMS male rats were injected with vehicle or CBD (10 mg/kg) and tested for immobility time in the forced swim test. Alterations in miRNAs (miR16, miR124, miR135a) and genes that encode for the 5HT1a receptor, the serotonergic transporter SERT, β-catenin, and CB1 were examined. UCMS increased immobility time in a forced swim test (i.e., depressive-like behavior) and altered the expression of miRNAs and mRNA in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), raphe nucleus, and nucleus accumbens. Importantly, CBD restored UCMS-induced upregulation in miR-16 and miR-135 in the vmPFC as well as the increase in immobility time. CBD also restored the UCMS-induced decrease in htr1a, the gene that encodes for the serotonergic 5HT1a receptor; using a pharmacological approach, we found that the 5HT1a receptor antagonist WAY100135 blocked the antidepressant-like effect of CBD on immobility time. Our findings suggest that the antidepressant effects of CBD in a rat model for depression are associated with alterations in miR-16 and miR-135 in the vmPFC and are mediated by the 5HT1a receptor.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2052
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume24
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Jan 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 by the authors.

Keywords

  • 5-HT1a receptor
  • CB1 receptor
  • cannabidiol
  • depression
  • microRNAs
  • prefrontal cortex

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Molecular Biology
  • Spectroscopy
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cannabidiol Modulates Alterations in PFC microRNAs in a Rat Model of Depression'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this