Experimental studies in rodents
We have been working with the Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne and the Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging at the University of Cologne to conduct animal studies. Our research has focused on understanding the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system and cerebral energy metabolism, as well as their interaction in models for aspects of psychiatric conditions.
Our translational research approach involved inducing disorders of social behavior, cognition, and motion in rats through various experiments. We then observed changes in behavior and their effects on the endocannabinoid system and cerebral energy metabolism using various invasive and non-invasive examination techniques. Examples include animal PET scans and examining the concentration of endocannabinoids and related fatty acids in the rats' body fluids. Additionally, we studied the effects of established and recent pharmacotherapeutic interventions in more detail.
While our research has been successful, we have temporarily suspended our animal studies and are currently pursuing similar research directions through collaborations with various researchers.
Publications:
Y. Bouter, M. M. Brzozka, R. Rygula, F. Pahlisch, F. M. Leweke, U. Havemann-Reinecke, C. Rohleder: Chronic Psychosocial Stress Causes Increased Anxiety-Like Behavior and Alters Endocannabinoid Levels in the Brain of C57Bl/6J Mice. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res (2020) 5:51-61
C. Rohleder, F. Pahlisch, R. Graf, H. Endepols, F. M. Leweke: Different pharmaceutical preparations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol differentially affect its behavioural effects in rats. Addict Biol (2020) 25:e12745
C. Rohleder, D. Wiedermann, B. Neumaier, A. Drzezga, L. Timmermann, R. Graf, F. M. Leweke, Heike Endepols: The functional networks of prepulse inhibition: Neuronal connectivity analysis based on FDG-PET in awake and unrestrained rats. Front Behav Neurosci (2016) 10:148.
C. Rohleder, F. Jung, H. Mertgens, D. Wiedermann, M. Sue, B. Neumaier, R. Graf, F. M. Leweke, H. Endepols: Functional metabolic PET-imaging of auditory prepulse inhibition in awake rats. Front Behav Neurosci (2014) 8:178.
F. M. Leweke, M. Schneider: Chronic pubertal cannabinoid treatment as a behavioural model for aspects of schizophrenia: effects of the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol (2011) 14: 43-51.
M. Klugmann, V. Klippenstein, F. M. Leweke, R. Spanagel, M. Schneider: Cannabinoid exposure in pubertal rats increases spontaneous ethanol consumption and NMDA receptor associated protein levels. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol (2011) 14: 505-517.
M. Schneider, E. Schömig, F. M. Leweke: Acute and chronic cannabinoid treatment differentially affects recognition memory and social behavior in pubertal and adult rats. Addict Biol (2008) 13: 345-357.
M. Schneider, E. Drews, M. Koch, E. Schömig, F. M. Leweke: Behavioral effects in adult rats of chronic treatment with the cannabinoid receptor agonist win 55,212-2 during different phases of development. Behav Pharmacol (2005) 16: S57-58.