“Cannabinoids (the active constituents of Cannabis sativa) and their derivatives have got intense attention during recent years because of their extensive pharmacological properties. Cannabinoids first developed as successful agents for alleviating chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting. Recent investigations revealed that cannabinoids have a wide range of therapeutic effects such as appetite stimulation, inhibition of nausea and emesis, suppression of chemotherapy or radiotherapy-associated bone loss, chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, pain relief, mood amelioration, and last but not the least relief from insomnia. In this exploratory review, we scrutinize the potential of cannabinoids to counteract chemotherapy-induced side effects. Moreover, some novel and yet important pharmacological aspects of cannabinoids such as antitumoral effects will be discussed.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25504799]]>
Tag Archives: Cannabinoids
Brain cannabinoid receptor 2: expression, function and modulation.
“Cannabis sativa (marijuana) is a fibrous flowering plant that produces an abundant variety of molecules, some with psychoactive effects. At least 4% of the world’s adult population uses cannabis annually, making it one of the most frequently used illicit drugs in the world. The psychoactive effects of cannabis are mediated primarily through cannabinoid receptor (CBR) subtypes. The prevailing view is that CB1Rs are mainly expressed in the central neurons, whereas CB2Rs are predominantly expressed in peripheral immune cells. However, this traditional view has been challenged by emerging strong evidence that shows CB2Rs are moderately expressed and function in specific brain areas. New evidence has demonstrated that brain CB2Rs modulate animal drug-seeking behaviors, suggesting that these receptors may exist in brain regions that regulate drug addiction. Recently, we further confirmed that functional CB2Rs are expressed in mouse ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons and that the activation of VTA CB2Rs reduces neuronal excitability and cocaine-seeking behavior. In addition, CB2R-mediated modulation of hippocampal CA3 neuronal excitability and network synchronization has been reported. Here, we briefly summarize recent lines of evidence showing how CB2Rs modulate function and pathophysiology in the CNS.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28065934
Potential roles of (endo)cannabinoids in the treatment of glaucoma: from intraocular pressure control to neuroprotection.
“Recent evidence shows that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Pharmacologic modulation of cannabinoid receptors or the enzymes involved in the synthesis, transport, or breakdown of endogenous cannabinoids has proved to be a valid alternative to conventional treatment of these diseases.
In this review, we will examine recent findings that demonstrate the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in glaucoma, a major neurodegenerative disease of the eye that is a frequent cause of blindness.
Experimental findings indicate that the endocannabinoid system contributes to the control of intraocular pressure (IOP), by modulating both production and drainage of aqueous humor.
There is also a growing body of evidence of the involvement of this system in mechanisms leading to the death of retinal ganglion cells, which is the end result of glaucoma.
Molecules capable of interfering with the ocular endocannabinoid system could offer valid alternatives to the treatment of this disease, based not only on the reduction of IOP but also on neuroprotection.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18929127
“The leading cause of irreversible blindness is glaucoma, a disease normally characterized by the development of ocular hypertension and consequent damage to the optic nerve at its point of retinal attachment. This results in a narrowing of the visual field, and eventually results in blindness.
A number of drugs are available to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), but, occasionally, they are ineffective or have intolerable side-effects for some patients and can lose efficacy with chronic administration.
The smoking of marijuana has decreased IOP in glaucoma patients.