Nigrostriatal denervation changes the effect of cannabinoids on subthalamic neuronal activity in rats.

Rationale: It is known that dopaminergic cell loss leads to increased endogenous cannabinoid levels and CB1 receptor density.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dopaminergic cell loss, induced by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine, on the effects exerted by cannabinoid agonists on neuron activity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of anesthetized rats.

Results: We have previously shown that Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC) and anandamide induce both stimulation and inhibition of STN neuron activity and that endocannabinoids mediate tonic control of STN activity. Here, we show that in intact rats, the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 stimulated all recorded STN neurons. Conversely, after dopaminergic depletion, WIN 55,212-2, Δ(9)-THC, or anandamide inhibited the STN firing rate without altering its discharge pattern, and stimulatory effects were not observed. Moreover, anandamide exerted a more intense inhibitory effect in lesioned rats in comparison to control rats.

Conclusions: Cannabinoids induce different effects on the STN depending on the integrity of the nigrostriatal pathway. These findings advance our understanding of the role of cannabinoids in diseases involving dopamine deficits.