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CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor expression during development and in epileptogenic developmental pathologies
E Zurolo1, A M Iyer, W G M Spliet
1Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Neuroscience
|July 13, 2010
Summary
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are present early in human brain development and in cortical malformations. Their expression patterns suggest roles in corticogenesis and potential as therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endocannabinoid signaling is implicated in brain development and neurological disorders.
- Cannabinoid receptors (CBR) play a role in conditions with neuronal excitability and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and cellular distribution of CB1 and CB2 during human prenatal cortical development.
- To examine CBR expression in focal malformations of cortical development linked to epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was used to analyze CB1 and CB2 expression.
- The study examined prenatal human cortical tissue and tissue from cortical malformations.
Main Results:
- CB1 was strongly expressed in the cortical plate from gestational week 9, persisting throughout development.
- CB1 was found in the subventricular zone and Cajal-Retzius cells; CB2 was in microglia/macrophages.
- In cortical malformations, CB1 was prominent in dysplastic neurons, and both CBR were in balloon/giant cells, with CB2 more frequent.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoid receptors show early expression in the developing human brain, with CB1 potentially involved in corticogenesis.
- Expression patterns in malformations suggest CBR mediate endocannabinoid signaling and are potential therapeutic targets for developmental pathologies and epilepsy.
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