Cannabis-based treatment induces polarity-reversing plasticity assessed by theta burst stimulation in humans

Brain Stimulation
Giacomo KochDiego Centonze

Abstract

In animal models, the cannabinoid system has been convincingly implicated in the regulation of long-lasting synaptic plasticity. Both long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) phenomena can be induced in the human motor cortex by transcranial magnetic theta burst stimulation (TBS). Here, we explored the potential involvement of the cannabinoid system in TBS-induced synaptic plasticity in humans. We tested the effects of a cannabis-based preparation (Sativex) on continuous TBS (cTBS) and intermittent TBS (iTBS) protocols in subjects with multiple sclerosis. We observed a shift in the polarity of synaptic plasticity induced by cTBS. In these subjects, in fact, cTBS induced the expected inhibition of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) before Sativex exposure, whereas it caused a persisting enhancement of MEP amplitude 4 weeks after. The LTP-like phenomenon induced by iTBS was conversely unaffected by Sativex. Our results indicate that cannabis ingredients have metaplastic effects on the motor cortex, and strongly suggest that the cannabinoid system is involved in the modulation of synaptic plasticity not only in rodents but also in humans.

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Citations

Jun 3, 2014·Neuroscience·D Zeller, J Classen
Apr 29, 2016·Reviews in the Neurosciences·Zahra ShahpiriRoja Rahimi
Jan 28, 2010·The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry·B CheeranJ Teo
Jul 25, 2017·Multiple Sclerosis : Clinical and Laboratory Research·Mario Stampanoni BassiDiego Centonze
May 29, 2018·The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·Viviana PonzoMarco Tramontano
Dec 14, 2019·Nature Reviews. Neurology·Luigia CristinoVincenzo Di Marzo
Apr 24, 2020·Addiction Biology·Juan Francisco Martin-RodriguezPablo Mir

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