GPR55-mediated effects on brain microvascular endothelial cells and the blood-brain barrier

GPR55, an atypical cannabinoid receptor activated by lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) has been involved in various physiological and pathological processes. We examined the effect of GPR55 activation on rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMVEC), an essential component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). GPR55 was detected in RBMVEC by western blot and immunocytochemistry. Treatment of RBMVEC with LPI increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, [Ca²⁺]_i, in a concentration-dependent manner; the effect was abolished by the GPR55 antagonist, ML-193. Repetitive application of LPI induced tachyphylaxis. LPI-induced increase in [Ca²⁺]_i was not sensitive to U-73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, but was abolished by the blockade of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels or in Ca²⁺-free saline, indicating that Ca²⁺ influx was involved in this response. LPI induced a biphasic change in RBMVEC membrane potential: a fast depolarization followed by a long-lasting hyperpolarization. The hyperpolarization phase was prevented by apamin and charibdotoxin, inhibitors of small- and intermediate-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels (K_Ca). Immunofluorescence studies indicate that LPI produced transient changes in tight and adherens junctions proteins and F-actin stress fibers. LPI decreased the electrical resistance of RBMVEC monolayer assessed with Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo studies indicate that systemic administration of LPI increased the permeability of the BBB, assessed with Evans Blue method. Taken together, our results indicate that GPR55 activation modulates the function of endothelial cells of brain microvessels, produces a transient reduction in endothelial barrier function and increases BBB permeability.