Conclusions
The present findings suggest that the ECS within the NAc shell modulates anxiety-like behaviors via FAAH and CB1R activity.
Methods
In this study, male Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with bilateral brain cannula targeting the NAc shell. Following recovery from surgery, animals received microinfusion pretreatments (0, 0.125, 0.5 nmol/0.4 μl) of N-arachidonoyl-serotonin (AA-5-HT), a dual blocker of the endocannabinoid-inactivating enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and a TRPV1 antagonist in the NAc shell. Following treatment, animals were tested in an elevated plus maze (EPM) paradigm for a period of 5 minutes. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and their brains collected for histological and biochemical analysis.
Results
Results showed that animals treated with AA-5-HT in a dose dependent manner spent significantly more time in the open arms than vehicle-treated animals. In addition, AA-5-HT administration induced a significant downregulation of CB1R expression in the NAc shell. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that the ECS within the NAc shell modulates anxiety-like behaviors via FAAH and CB1R activity.