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Loss of exercise- and stress-induced increases in circulating 2-arachidonoylglycerol concentrations in adults with chronic PTSD. Biol Psychol 2019 Jul;145:1-7

Date

04/13/2019

Pubmed ID

30978371

DOI

10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.04.002

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85064154072 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   33 Citations

Abstract

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a modulatory system that is both altered by stress and mediates the effects of acute stress, including contributing to restoration of homeostasis. Earlier studies suggest that circulating eCBs are dysregulated in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, it is not known whether circulating eCBs remain responsive to stress. The purpose of this study was to examine eCB and psychological responses to physical (exercise) and psychosocial (Trier Social Stress Test) stressors, using a randomized, counterbalanced procedure in adults with PTSD and healthy controls (N = 20, mean age = 24, SD = 7 yrs). Results from mixed-design, repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant increases (p <  .05) in N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) following exercise and psychosocial stress in both groups. However, only the control group exhibited a significant increase (p < .05) in 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) following exercise and psychosocial stress exposure. These data extend our current understanding of circulating eCB responsiveness in PTSD, and provide preliminary evidence to suggest that the eCB system is hypoactive in PTSD following exposure to physical and psychosocial stressors.

Author List

Crombie KM, Leitzelar BN, Brellenthin AG, Hillard CJ, Koltyn KF

Author

Cecilia J. Hillard PhD Associate Dean, Center Director, Professor in the Pharmacology and Toxicology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Arachidonic Acids
Chronic Disease
Endocannabinoids
Exercise
Glycerides
Humans
Male
Oleic Acids
Polyunsaturated Alkamides
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Stress, Psychological
Young Adult