Cannabinoid receptor-mediated inhibition of dopamine release in the retina

The possible occurrence of cannabinoid (CB) receptors was studied on superfused guinea-pig retinal discs preincubated with [H-3]dopamine or [H-3]noradrenaline. Tritium overflow was evoked either electrically (3 Hz) or by re-introduction of Ca2+ 1.3 mM after superfusion with Ca2+-free medium containing K+ 30 mM. The accumulation of [H-3]dopamine ([H-3]DA) and [H-3]noradrenaline ([H-3]NA) was inhibited by the selective inhibitor of the neuronal dopamine transporter GBR-12909 (pIC(50%) 7.29 and 7.41, respectively) but not by the selective inhibitor of the neuronal noradrenaline transporter desipramine (1 mu M). The electrically or Ca2+-evoked tritium overflow in retinal discs preincubated with [H-3]DA or [H-3]NA was reduced by the CB receptor agonists CP-55,940 and WIN 55,212-2 (pIC(50%) in discs preincubated with [H-3]NA, electrical stimulation: 7.03 and 6.70, respectively) but not affected by the inactive S(-)enantiomer of the latter, WIN 55,212-3 (up to 10 mu M). The concentration-response curve of WIN 55,212-2 was shifted to the right by the CB1 receptor antagonist SR 141716 (apparent pA(2): 8.29) which, by itself, increased the evoked overflow. The facilitatory effect of SR 141716 was not affected by GBR-12909 and the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol. In conclusion, the dopaminergic neurones of the guinea-pig retina can be labelled by both [H-3]DA and [H-3]NA. Transmitter release from the dopaminergic neurones is inhibited by activation of cannabinoid receptors of the CB1 type, which appear to be tonically activated by an endogenous CB receptor ligand.