TitleStress-induced modulation of endocannabinoid signaling leads to delayed strengthening of synaptic connectivity in the amygdala.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsYasmin F, Colangeli R, Morena M, Filipski S, van der Stelt M, Pittman QJ, Hillard CJ, G Teskey C, McEwen BS, Hill MN, Chattarji S
JournalProc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Volume117
Issue1
Pagination650-655
Date Published2020 01 07
ISSN1091-6490
KeywordsAdministration, Oral, Amidohydrolases, Animals, Basolateral Nuclear Complex, Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists, Disease Models, Animal, Emotions, Endocannabinoids, Enzyme Inhibitors, Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials, Humans, Male, Rats, Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1, Signal Transduction, Stress, Psychological
Abstract

Even a brief exposure to severe stress strengthens synaptic connectivity days later in the amygdala, a brain area implicated in the affective symptoms of stress-related psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the synaptic signaling mechanisms during stress that eventually culminate in its delayed impact on the amygdala. Hence, we investigated early stress-induced changes in amygdalar synaptic signaling in order to prevent its delayed effects. Whole-cell recordings in basolateral amygdala (BLA) slices from rats revealed higher frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) immediately after 2-h immobilization stress. This was replicated by inhibition of cannabinoid receptors (CBR), suggesting a role for endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling. Stress also reduced -arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), an endogenous ligand of CBR. Since stress-induced activation of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) reduces AEA, we confirmed that oral administration of an FAAH inhibitor during stress prevents the increase in synaptic excitation in the BLA soon after stress. Although stress also caused an immediate reduction in synaptic inhibition, this was not prevented by FAAH inhibition. Strikingly, FAAH inhibition during the traumatic stressor was also effective 10 d later on the delayed manifestation of synaptic strengthening in BLA neurons, preventing both enhanced mEPSC frequency and increased dendritic spine-density. Thus, oral administration of an FAAH inhibitor during a brief stress prevents the early synaptic changes that eventually build up to hyperexcitability in the amygdala. This framework is of therapeutic relevance because of growing interest in targeting eCB signaling to prevent the gradual development of emotional symptoms and underlying amygdalar dysfunction triggered by traumatic stress.

DOI10.1073/pnas.1910322116
Alternate JournalProc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
PubMed ID31843894
PubMed Central IDPMC6955336
Grant ListR01 MH041256 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
R37 MH041256 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
FDN 143329 / / CIHR / Canada
MOP 130495 / / CIHR / Canada