Substrate-selective COX-2 inhibition decreases anxiety via endocannabinoid activation

Augmentation of endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) signaling represents an emerging approach to the treatment of affective disorders. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) oxygenates arachidonic acid to form prostaglandins, but also inactivates eCBs in vitro. However, the viability of COX-2 as a therapeutic target for in vivo eCB augmentation has not been explored. Here we utilized medicinal chemistry and in vivo analytical and behavioral pharmacological approaches to demonstrate a key role for COX-2 in the regulation of endocannabinoid (eCB) levels in vivo. A novel pharmacological strategy involving “substrate-selective” inhibition of COX-2 was used to augment eCB signaling without affecting related non-eCB lipids or prostaglandin synthesis. Behaviorally, substrate-selective inhibition of COX-2reducedanxiety-like behaviors in mice via increasede CB signaling. These data elucidate a key role for COX-2 in the regulation of eCB signaling and suggest substrate-selective pharmacology represents a viable approach for eCB augmentation with broad therapeutic potential.