Astroglial CB1 Reveal Sex-Specific Synaptic Effects of Amphetamine

Abstract

The Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) is a critical brain region for the effects of psychostimulant drugs. Type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB₁), the main elements of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the brain, participate in these effects and modulate synaptic functions in the NAc. Besides their neuronal expression, CB₁ receptors are also present in astrocytes, where they contribute to the regulation of synaptic plasticity and behavior. However, the impact of astroglial CB₁ receptors on synaptic plasticity in the NAc and on psychostimulant-induced synaptic and behavioral effects is currently unknown. This study shows that the psychostimulant amphetamine impairs a form of astroglial CB₁ receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity in the NAc of male, but not female mice. Consistently, locomotor effects of amphetamine require astroglial CB₁ receptors in male, but not female mice. These results, by revealing unforeseen mechanisms underlying sex-dependent effects of amphetamine, pave the way to a better understanding of the diverse impact of psychostimulants in women and men.