ACS Chemical Neuroscience
April 23, 2020
Hideaki Yano, Pramisha Adhikari, Sett Naing et al.
26 citations
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) like AM2201 and JWH-018, but not the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, act as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) at the 5-HT1A receptor, a noncannabinoid site. In vitro, AM2201 potentiated 5-HT1A agonist-activated G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel currents in neurons. In mice lacking cannabinoid receptor 1, AM2201 also potentiated the hypothermic response to 5-HT1A receptor stimulation. These findings suggest that PAM activity at 5-HT1A receptors may be a novel noncannabinoid mechanism contributing to the adverse effects of certain synthetic cannabinoids.
ACS Chemical Neuroscience
October 17, 2023
Hideaki Yano, Rezvan Chitsazi, Christopher Lucaj et al.
12 citations
Minor chemical changes in synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) can dramatically increase their potency and efficacy at the CB1 receptor, making them far more toxic than THC. Using bioluminescence assays and hippocampal slice recordings, the authors found that adding a single methyl group to the head moiety of 5F-MMB-PICA (producing 5F-MDMB-PICA) greatly enhanced G protein signaling and β-arrestin recruitment. Molecular modeling showed how this small structural difference propagated to the receptor-G protein interface, explaining the heightened activity. These findings underscore the need for close surveillance of structural modifications in newly emerging SCRAs due to their potential for severe toxicity in humans.
Western journal of nursing research
December 1, 2023
Xiangyi Tan, Yuwei Zhang, Yiling Yang et al.
4 citations
A 6-week internet-based self-help mindful self-compassion program for Chinese parents of children with cancer improved self-compassion, reduced re-experiencing of trauma, eased physical depressive symptoms, and enhanced sleep quality. In a pre-post-test study without a control group, 34 parents participated; significant changes were observed in those four areas. Two participants reported distress, with one withdrawing. The findings suggest the program is feasible and beneficial, though future work should address retention.