Nature. 435(7045):1108-1112, JUNE 23RD, 2005

PMID: 15973410

Issn Print: 0028-0836

Publication Date: June 23rd, 2005


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An endocannabinoid mechanism for stress-induced analgesia

Andrea Hohmann;Richard Suplita;Nathan Bolton;Mark Neely;Darren Fegley;Regina Mangieri;Jocelyn Krey;J. Walker;Philip Holmes;Jonathon Crystal;Andrea Duranti;Andrea Tontini;Marco Mor;Giorgio Tarzia;Daniele Piomelli;

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Abstract

Acute stress suppresses pain by activating brain pathways that engage opioid or non-opioid mechanisms. Here we show that an opioid-independent form of this phenomenon, termed stress-induced analgesia1, is mediated by the release of endogenous marijuana-like (cannabinoid) compounds in the brain. Blockade of cannabinoid CB1receptors in the periaqueductal grey matter of the midbrain prevents non-opioid stress-induced analgesia. In this region, stress elicits the rapid formation of two endogenous cannabinoids, the lipids 2-arachidonoylglycerol2(2-AG) and anandamide3. A newly developed inhibitor of the 2-AG-deactivating enzyme, monoacylglycerol lipase4,5, selectively increases 2-AG concentrations and, when injected into the periaqueductal grey matter, enhances stress-induced analgesia in a CB1-dependent manner. Inhibitors of the anandamide-deactivating enzyme fatty-acid amide hydrolase6, which selectively elevate anandamide concentrations, exert similar effects. Our results indicate that the coordinated release of 2-AG and anandamide in the periaqueductal grey matter might mediate opioid-independent stress-induced analgesia. These studies also identify monoacylglycerol lipase as a previously unrecognized therapeutic target.

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