The FAAH inhibitor URB597 reduced drug-induced head twitches (a tic model) in all four mouse strains tested, suggesting potential for tic disorder treatment without direct THC side effects.
Read this if you're interested in cannabinoid-based approaches for tic disorders or Tourette syndrome.
URB597 reduced tics across all 4 genetic strains tested
What the researchers found
Researchers investigated whether URB597, a drug that boosts the body's own cannabinoid levels by blocking the enzyme that breaks them down, could reduce tic-like behaviors in mice. Head twitches were pharmacologically induced using a serotonin receptor agonist (DOI) to model tic disorders.
URB597 significantly reduced tic-like head twitches across all four mouse strains tested (ABH, C57BL/6N, SJL/J, CD-1), demonstrating that the effect was robust across different genetic backgrounds. The drug caused only mild sedation in one strain and was otherwise well tolerated.
The rationale for this approach was that direct THC use has problematic side effects for tic treatment, while indirectly boosting endocannabinoids through enzyme inhibition might provide therapeutic benefit with fewer side effects.
Why it matters
Over 10% of school-age children experience transient tic disorders, and Tourette syndrome affects about 1%. Current treatments have significant side effects. Boosting endocannabinoids rather than using THC directly could offer a better-tolerated approach.
The numbers in context
Four mouse strains tested. URB597 reduced tic-like behavior in all strains. Mild sedation observed in only one strain (C57BL/6N). Over 10% of children experience transient tics; 1% have Tourette syndrome.
How the study worked
Controlled animal study testing URB597 (FAAH inhibitor) against DOI-induced head twitch responses in four mouse strains chosen to represent diverse genetic backgrounds. Behavioral observations quantified head twitches before and after treatment.
What this study cannot tell us
Mouse head twitches induced by a drug are a model of tics but do not replicate the full complexity of human tic disorders or Tourette syndrome. URB597 has not been tested in human tic patients. The four strains may still not capture human genetic diversity.
How to read the evidence
Controlled animal study across multiple strains. Promising but no human data for tic disorders.
When this study was published
Published in 2015. Research on endocannabinoid modulation for tic disorders continues.
The bigger picture
The interaction between serotonin and cannabinoid systems in tic disorders is an emerging research area. This study suggests that modulating the endocannabinoid system indirectly (rather than using THC) could be a viable therapeutic strategy, but human trials are needed.
Questions still open
- Would FAAH inhibitors reduce tics in humans with Tourette syndrome? Could this approach work for adults as well as children? What is the optimal dosing to reduce tics without sedation?
Common questions
Can cannabinoids help with tics?
How is this different from using marijuana for tics?
Read the original research
Interaction between the endocannabinoid and serotonergic system in the exhibition of head twitch response in four mouse strains.
Neurotoxicity research, 27(3), 275-83
Citation
Ceci, Chiara; Proietti Onori, Martina; Macrì, Simone; Laviola, Giovanni. (2015). Interaction between the endocannabinoid and serotonergic system in the exhibition of head twitch response in four mouse strains.. Neurotoxicity research, 27(3), 275-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-014-9510-z
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