Abstract
Endogenous cannabinoids are important signaling molecules in neuroendocrine control
of homeostatic and reproductive functions including stress response and energy metabolism.
The hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei have been shown to release
endocannabinoids, which act as retrograde messengers to modulate the synaptic release
of glutamate during stress response. This study endeavors to elucidate possible interaction
of the endocannabinoid system with the regulation of adrenocortical function at the
adrenal level. Human adrenocortical NCI-H295R cells and normal human adrenal glands
were used to study the possible effects of anandamide and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1)
antagonist SR141716A on aldosterone and cortisol secretion. Our data indicate the
expression of CB1 in human adrenal cortex and adrenocortical NCI-H295R cells; CB2
was not expressed. Furthermore, anandamide inhibited basal release and stimulated
release of adrenocortical steroids (corticosterone and aldosterone); this effect was
reversed by CB1 antagonist (SR141716A). Therefore, the endocannabinoid system at the
level of the adrenal, can directly influence adrenocortical steroidogenesis.
Key words
anandamide - CB1 antagonist - cortisol - aldosterone
References
Correspondence
Monika.Bornstein@uniklinikum-dresden.de
