CB1 knock-out mice present changes in neuronal cytoarchitecture which correlate with behavior alterations

VACCOTO, MARINA; SORIANO, DELIA; CALTANA, LAURA ROMINA; BRUSCO, ALICIA

Dubrovnik

Congreso; VI INTERNATIONAL DRUG ABUSE RESEARCH SOCIETY; 2017

International Drug Abuse Research Society

Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) is widely distributed in the central nervous system and is involved in processes such as memory, learning, anxiety and mood. Genetic deletion of CB1R causes behavioral alterations similar to those described in animal models of depression but the morphological substrate of this behavior is not fully known. The aim of this work is to analyze cytoskeletal organization in axons and dendrites, ultrastructural synaptic contact and the serotonergic system in CB1R knock-out mice (CB1R-/-).CB1R-/- mice showed a decrease in the expression of neuronal cytoskeleton components (Nf-160kDa, Nf-200kDa and MAP-2) and a reduction in the number of primary projections. In addition, results showed a decrease in Synaptophysin expression and an increasing tendency in the number of vesicles in the synaptic terminal in CB1R-/- mice. The number of synapses was not affected but the postsynaptic density thickness was reduced.Tryptophan hidroxylase was increased in the dorsal raphe nucleus, without changes in serotonin expression. Serotonin receptor type 1a expression was increased in CA1 hippocampal area.The absence of CB1R alters neuroal architecture affecting synaptic plasticity and modeling. Such changes might correlate with reported changes in the behavior of CB1R-/- mice.UBACYT 20020130100258BA, UBACYT 20020130300033BA, PIP 2013-2015 0269CO