Sex-dependent effects of in utero cannabinoid exposure on cortical function

Anissa Bara, Antonia Manduca, Axel Bernabeu, Milene Borsoi, Michela Serviado, Olivier Lassalle, Michelle Murphy, Jim Wager-Miller, Ken Mackie, Anne Laure Pelissier-Alicot, Viviana Trezza, Olivier J. Manzoni

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

85 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cannabinoids can cross the placenta, thus may interfere with fetal endocannabinoid signaling during neurodevelopment, causing long-lasting deficits. Despite increasing reports of cannabis consumption during pregnancy, the protracted consequences of prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE) remain incompletely understood. Here, we report sex-specific differences in behavioral and neuronal deficits in the adult progeny of rat dams exposed to low doses of cannabinoids during gestation. In males, PCE reduced social interaction, ablated endocannabinoid long-term depression (LTD) and heightened excitability of prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons, while females were spared. Group 1 mGluR and endocannabinoid signaling regulate emotional behavior and synaptic plasticity. Notably, sex-differences following PCE included levels of mGluR1/ 5 and TRPV1R mRNA. Finally, positive allosteric modulation of mGlu5 and enhancement of anandamide levels restored LTD and social interaction in PCE adult males. Together, these results highlight marked sexual differences in the effects of PCE and introduce strategies for reversing detrimental effects of PCE.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere36234
JournaleLife
Volume7
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2018
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sex-dependent effects of in utero cannabinoid exposure on cortical function'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this