A 2D cell segmentation protocol for monitoring multiple STAT signaling pathways by fluorescence microscopy.

Microscopic cell segmentation typically requires complex imaging, staining, and computational steps to achieve acceptable consistency. Here, we describe a protocol for the high-fidelity segmentation of the nucleus and cytoplasm in cell culture and apply it to monitor interferon-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling. We provide guidelines for sample preparation, image acquisition, and segmentation.

Muscarinic cannabinoid suppression of excitation, a novel form of coincidence detection.

Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chief psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, acts in the brain primarily via cannabinoid CB1 receptors. These receptors are implicated in several forms of synaptic plasticity - depolarization-induced suppression of excitation (DSE), metabotropic suppression of excitation (MSE), long term depression (LTD) and activation-dependent desensitization. Cultured autaptic hippocampal neurons express all of these, illustrating the rich functional and temporal heterogeneity of CB1 at a single set of synapses.

Growth hormone secretagogue receptor and cannabinoid receptor type 1 intersection in the mouse brain.

The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) are G-protein coupled receptors highly expressed in the brain and involved in critical regulatory processes, such as energy homeostasis, appetite control, reward, and stress responses. GHSR mediates the effects of both ghrelin and liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2, while CB1R is targeted by cannabinoids. Strikingly, both receptors mediate their effects by acting on common brain areas and their individual roles have been well characterized.

CB1 and CB2 receptors differentially modulate the cognitive impact of maternal immune activation and perinatal cannabinoid exposure .

Unlabelled: Maternal immune activation (MIA) commonly arises in response to an infection during pregnancy. MIA elevates cytokine levels, triggering an inflammatory cascade, which may be detrimental to the developing nervous system. Similarly, cannabis use and exposure of the fetus to cannabinoids during pregnancy (PCE) may elicit neuroinflammation and lead to detrimental behavioral outcomes.