Peripheral interactions between cannabinoid and opioid systems contribute to the antinociceptive effect of crotalphine.

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“Crotalphine is an antinociceptive peptide… we evaluated the involvement of the peripheral cannabinoid system in the crotalphine effect and its interaction with the opioid system…

Crotalphine-induced antinociception involves peripheral CB2 cannabinoid receptors and local release of dynorphin A, which is dependent on CB2 receptor activation.

These results enhance our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the peripheral effect of crotalphine, as well as the interaction between the opioid and cannabinoid systems.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24460677

Selective inhibition of FAAH produces antidiarrheal and antinociceptive effect mediated by endocannabinoids and cannabinoid-like fatty acid amides.

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“The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in multiple physiological processes in the central nervous system and in the periphery. The discovery that selective cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists exert a potent inhibitory action on gastrointestinal (GI) motility and pain has placed the ECS in the center of attention as a possible target for the treatment of functional GI diseases…

These data expand our understanding of the ECS function and provide a novel framework for the development of future potential treatments of functional GI disorders.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24460851

Spontaneous regression of septum pellucidum/forniceal pilocytic astrocytomas–possible role of Cannabis inhalation.

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“The purpose of this report is to document spontaneous regression of pilocytic astrocytomas of the septum pellucidum and to discuss the possible role of cannabis in promoting regression.

We report two children with septum pellucidum/forniceal pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) tumors… Neither patient received any conventional adjuvant treatment.

The tumors regressed over the same period of time that cannabis was consumed via inhalation, raising the possibility that the cannabis played a role in the tumor regression.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21336992

Targeting astrocytomas and invading immune cells with cannabinoids: a promising therapeutic avenue.

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“The last quarter century has borne witness to great advances in both the detection and treatment of numerous cancers. Even so, malignancies of the central nervous system, especially high-grade astrocytomas, continue to thwart our best efforts toward effective chemotherapeutic strategies.

With prognosis remaining bleak, the time for serious consideration of alternative therapies has arrived. Various preparations of the marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa, and related synthetic and endogenous compounds, may constitute just such an alternative.

Cannabinoids, although much maligned historically for their psychotropic effects and clear abuse potential, have long been used medicinally and are now staging an impressive comeback, as recent studies have begun to explore their powerful anti-tumoral properties.

In this study, we review in vitro and in vivo evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for treatment of brain tumors. We further propose the continued intense investigation of cannabinoid efficacies as novel anti-cancer agents, especially in models recapitulating such properties within the unique environment of the brain.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17952648

The Expression Level of CB1 and CB2 Receptors Determines Their Efficacy at Inducing Apoptosis in Astrocytomas

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“Cannabinoids represent unique compounds for treating tumors, including astrocytomas.

One of the most promising therapeutic uses of cannabinoids is linked to their ability to induce apoptosis in tumors, including in astrocytoma…

Remarkably, cannabinoids applied at high concentration induce apoptosis in all subclones independently of CB1, CB2…

…the treatment of tumors with high concentrations of cannabinoids should not be overlooked. In fact, stereotaxic injection of high concentrations of cannabinoids will eradicate a significant portion of C6 astrocytomas…”

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2806825/

 

Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-like receptors in microglia, astrocytes and astrocytomas

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“…compounds targeting cannabinoid-like receptors constitute promising therapeutics to manage neuroinflammation and eradicate malignant astrocytomas.

Importantly, the selective targeting of cannabinoid-like receptors should provide therapeutic relieve without inducing the typical psychotropic effects and possible addictive properties…

 Taken together, the studies outlined in this review suggest that stereotactic injection of high concentrations of CBD could constitute a useful regimen for neurosurgeons to use in the treatment of malignant astrocytomas and of excessive/chronic neuroinflammation.

Such a treatment could provide therapeutic effects both directly, by killing the astrocytoma and limiting its propagation, and indirectly, by reducing the accumulation of activated microglia or invading peripheral immune cells.

The fact that non-psychotropic cannabinoids acting through CB-like receptors affect such fundamental processes involved in microglial cell activation and astrocytoma propagation constitutes, in my opinion, one of the most exciting areas of research in our search for new chemotherapeutic agents to treat malignant brain tumors and new anti-inflammatory agents to temper the damage linked to chronic neuroinflammation.

Furthermore, the curative properties of cannabinoids do not overlap with currently available medicines, and therefore cannabinoid-based treatments constitute a new therapeutic platform.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2919281/

Cannabinoid receptors in human astroglial tumors.

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“…cannabinoids are reported to inhibit the growth of tumors, including gliomas. These effects have been claimed to be mediated via cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1, CB2).

We conclude that cannabinoid therapy of human gliomas targets not only receptors on tumor, but also on other cell types…”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16893424

Cannabinoid system and neuroinflammation: implications for multiple sclerosis.

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“There is a growing amount of evidence suggesting that cannabinoids may be neuroprotective in central nervous system inflammatory conditions.

Advances in the understanding of the physiology and pharmacology of the cannabinoid system have potentiated the interest in cannabinoids as potential therapeutic targets.

…The effects of cannabinoids on cytokine brain work and on the regulation of neuroinflammatory processes may affect chronic inflammatory demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18073512

Use of Dronabinol for Cannabis Dependence: Two Case Reports and Review

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“Based on recent laboratory studies, dronabinol (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) has been shown to reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms and the subjective effects of marijuana.

Given that agonist agents have been found to be effective for opiate and nicotine dependence, the clinical utility of dronabinol for cannabis dependence is a reasonable approach…

It is clear from the two cases that both patients found the induction onto dronabinol helpful.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2733248/

Dronabinol for the Treatment of Cannabis Dependence: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

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“… there are no effective medications for cannabis dependence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dronabinol, a synthetic form of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, a naturally occurring pharmacologically active component of marijuana, in treating cannabis dependence.

This is the first trial using an agonist substitution strategy for treatment of cannabis dependence. Dronabinol showed promise, it was well-tolerated, and improved treatment retention and withdrawal symptoms…

In conclusion, agonist substitution pharmacotherapy with dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC, showed promise for treatment of cannabis dependence, reducing withdrawal symptoms and improving retention in treatment…

The trial showed that among adult cannabis-dependent patients, dronabinol was well accepted, with good adherence and few adverse events.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3154755/