Endogenous cannabinoids in patients with schizophrenia and substance use disorder during quetiapine therapy

Stéphane Potvin, Édouard Kouassi, Olivier Lipp, Roch Hugo Bouchard, Marc André Roy, Marie France Demers, Alain Gendron, Giuseppe Astarita, Daniele Piomelli, Emmanuel Stip

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Disturbances in the endogenous cannabinoid (ECB) system in schizophrenia may contribute to their enhanced sensitivity to psychoactive substances, and the beneficial effects of second-generation antipsychotics for substance abuse in schizophrenia may involve modulatory effects on ECB. To verify these two assumptions, 29 patients (24 completers) with schizophrenia and substance use disorders (SUD) were treated with quetiapine for 12 weeks, and peripheral ECB levels were measured, using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, in patients (weeks 0, 6 and 12) and 17 healthy volunteers. Baseline anandamide levels were significantly higher in patients, relative to controls. This result is consistent with studies describing ECB dysfunctions in schizophrenia. SUD parameters improved during treatment, but no changes in ECB occurred over time. Improvements in substance abuse were probably not mediated by modulatory effects of quetiapine on ECB. Lastly, baseline anandamide predicted endpoint SUD scores (alcohol/ cannabis). Anandamide is a potential target for medications aimed at relieving SUD in schizophrenia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)262-269
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anandamide
  • Cannabis
  • Endogenous cannabinoids
  • Quetiapine
  • Schizophrenia
  • Substance use disorders

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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