Cannabinoids influence lipid-arachidonic acid pathways in schizophrenia.

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests modulating effects of cannabinoids on time of onset, severity, and outcome of schizophrenia. Efforts to discover the underlying pathomechanism have led to the assumption of gene x environment interactions, including premorbid genetical vulnerability and worsening effects of continuing cannabis use. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol intake and niacin sensitivity in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. Intensity of niacin skin flushing, indicating disturbed prostaglandin-mediated processes, was used as peripheral marker of lipid-arachidonic acid pathways and investigated in cannabis-consuming and nonconsuming schizophrenia patients and in healthy controls. Methylnicotinate was applied in three concentrations onto the forearm skin. Flush response was assessed in 3-min intervals over 15 min using optical reflection spectroscopy. In controls, skin flushing was significantly decreased in cannabis-consuming as compared to nonconsuming individuals. When comparing the nonconsuming subgroups, patients showed significantly decreased flush response. The populations as a whole (patients and controls) showed an inverse association between skin flushing and sum scores of Symptom Check List 90-R. Results demonstrate an impact of long-term cannabis use on lipid-arachidonic acid pathways. Considering pre-existing vulnerability of lipid metabolism in schizophrenia, observed effects of cannabis use support the notion of a gene x environment interaction.

• Authors: Stefan Smesny, Timm Rosburg, Kati Baur, Nicole Rudolph, Heinrich Sauer
• Journal: Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (Neuropsychopharmacology) Vol. 32 Issue 10 Pg. 2067-73 (Oct 2007) ISSN: 0893-133X [Print] England
• PMID: 17314920 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Arachidonic Acids
• Biomarkers
• Cannabinoids
• Nicotinic Acids
• Prostaglandins
• Niacin
• methyl nicotinate
• Dronabinol

Topics

• Adult
• Arachidonic Acids (metabolism)
• Biomarkers
• Brain (drug effects, metabolism, physiopathology)
• Cannabinoids (pharmacology)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Dronabinol (pharmacology)
• Drug Interactions
• Female
• Humans
• Lipid Metabolism (drug effects, physiology)
• Male
• Niacin (pharmacology)
• Nicotinic Acids
• Prostaglandins (metabolism)
• Regional Blood Flow (drug effects, physiology)
• Schizophrenia (chemically induced, drug therapy, metabolism)
• Skin (blood supply, drug effects, physiopathology)
• Skin Tests
• Vasodilation (drug effects, physiology)