“The purpose of this study was the generation of central nervous system (CNS)-excluded cannabinoid receptor agonists to test the hypothesis that inhibition of spasticity, due to CNS autoimmunity, could be controlled by affecting neurotransmission within the periphery…
In summary, CNS-excluded CB1 receptor agonists are a novel class of therapeutic agent for spasticity.”
“Chemical compounds found in marijuana can help treat multiple sclerosis-like diseases in mice by preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, according to a study reported in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology.
“Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune response, but in cases like MS, it gets out of hand,” says Dr. Ewa Kozela of Tel Aviv University, Israel.
“Our study looks at how compounds isolated from marijuana can be used to regulate inflammation to protect the nervous system and its functions.”
Dr. Kozela and colleagues set out to see if the known anti-inflammatory properties of two substances found in marijuana – the cannabinoids known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) – could also be applied to the treatment of inflammation associated with MS.
With either THC or CBD, the researchers treated immune cells that specifically target and harm the brain and spinal cord. In response to both chemicals, the immune cells, isolated from paralyzed mice, produced fewer inflammatory molecules, particularly interleukin 17 (IL-17).
Interleukin 17 “is strongly associated with MS and very harmful to nerve cells and their insulating covers,” the researchers say. They conclude:
“The presence of CBD or THC restrains the immune cells from triggering the production of inflammatory molecules, and limits the molecules’ ability to reach and damage the brain and spinal cord.”
More: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267161.php
“Cannabinoids Decrease the Th17 Inflammatory Autoimmune Phenotype” http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11481-013-9493-1
“TAU researchers have found that chemicals in marijuana could help treat multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system. The result can be a wide range of debilitating motor, physical, and mental problems. No one knows why people get the disease or how to treat it.
“TAU researchers find chemicals in marijuana could help treat MS.
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system. The result can be a wide range of debilitating motor, physical, and mental problems. No one knows why people get the disease or how to treat it.
In a new study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Drs. Ewa Kozela, Ana Juknat, Neta Rimmerman and Zvi Vogel of Tel Aviv University’s Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases and Sackler Faculty of Medicine demonstrate that some chemical compounds found in marijuana can help treat MS-like diseases in mice by preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.
“Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune response, but in cases like MS it gets out of hand,” says Kozela. “Our study looks at how compounds isolated from marijuana can be used to regulate inflammation to protect the nervous system and its functions.” Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science co-authored the study…”
More: http://neurosciencenews.com/neurology-thc-cbd-multiple-sclerosis-482/
“Sending Multiple Sclerosis Up in Smoke” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131007132253.htm
“In a new study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Drs. Ewa Kozela, Ana Juknat, Neta Rimmerman and Zvi Vogel of Tel Aviv University’s Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases and Sackler Faculty of Medicine demonstrate that some chemical compounds found in marijuana can help treat MS-like diseases in mice by preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.
“Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune response, but in cases like MS it gets out of hand,” says Kozela. “Our study looks at how compounds isolated from marijuana can be used to regulate inflammation to protect the nervous system and its functions.” Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science co-authored the study.”
More: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-10-chemicals-marijuana-ms.html
“Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system. The result can be a wide range of debilitating motor, physical, and mental problems. No one knows why people get the disease or how to treat it.
In a new study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Drs. Ewa Kozela, Ana Juknat, Neta Rimmerman and Zvi Vogel of Tel Aviv University’s Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases and Sackler Faculty of Medicine demonstrate that some chemical compounds found in marijuana can help treat MS-like diseases in mice by preventing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord…”
“This Commenatry highlights the article by Rom et al which shows that selective cannabinoid receptor 2 activation in leukocytes decreases key steps in monocyte-blood brain barrier engagement suppressing inflammatory leukocyte responses and preventing neuroinflammation.”
“Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is highly expressed in immune cells and stimulation decreases inflammatory responses. We tested the idea that selective CB2 activation in human monocytes suppresses their ability to engage the brain endothelium and migrate across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), preventing consequent injury…
These results indicate that selective CB2 activation in leukocytes decreases key steps in monocyte-BBB engagement, thus suppressing inflammatory leukocyte responses and preventing neuroinflammation.”
“Spasticity is a common symptom among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of the combination of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in clinical practice for the treatment of spasticity in MS…
Retrospective observational study with patients treated with inhaled THC/CBD…
THC/CBD was effective in 80% of patients…
THC/CBD appears to be a good alternative to standard treatment as it improves refractory spasticity in MS and has an acceptable toxicity profile.”
“The endocannabinoid system has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic target for MS. The protective mechanisms of cannabinoids are thought to be mediated by activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2)…
activation of CB1 receptors contributes significantly to the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids on MS.”
