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Estrogen recruits the endocannabinoid system to modulate emotionality
Matthew N Hill1, Eda S Karacabeyli, Boris B Gorzalka
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T1Z4.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|March 30, 2007
Summary
Estrogen
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Estrogen administration shows anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in female rats.
- The underlying mechanism for estrogen's mood effects is not fully understood.
- Estrogen influences fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme degrading anandamide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system in estrogen's anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects.
- To determine if estrogen's effects on emotional behavior are mediated by endocannabinoids.
- To explore FAAH inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Main Methods:
- Ovariectomized female rats received 17beta-estradiol or vehicle.
- Rats were treated with a CB1 receptor antagonist (AM251) or vehicle.
- Behavioral tests included the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), and forced swim test (FST).
- A separate experiment involved administering a FAAH inhibitor (URB597).
Main Results:
- Estrogen increased anxiety-reducing behaviors (EPM, OFT), effects reversed by AM251.
- Estrogen did not significantly affect depression-like behaviors in the FST.
- FAAH inhibition with URB597 mimicked estrogen's anxiolytic effects and reduced FST immobility.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen-induced changes in emotional behavior appear to involve the endocannabinoid system.
- Targeting FAAH through inhibition may offer a therapeutic approach for anxiety and depression, particularly in women.
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