Tag Archives: anti-parkinsonian

Symptom-relieving and neuroprotective effects of the phytocannabinoid Δ9-THCV in animal models of Parkinson’s disease

Posted on by
Reply

“Previous findings have indicated that a cannabinoid, such as Δ(9)-THCV, which has antioxidant properties and the ability to activate CB(2) receptors but to block CB(1) , might be a promising therapy for alleviating symptoms and delaying neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

…Given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB(2) but to block CB(1) receptors, Δ(9)-THCV has a promising pharmacological profile for delaying disease progression in PD and also for ameliorating parkinsonian symptoms…

Conclusion

In summary, given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB2 but block CB1 receptors at a dose of 2 mg·kg−1, Δ9-THCV seems to have an interesting and therapeutically promising pharmacological profile. Thus, in contrast to other phytocannabinoids that have been investigated to date, it shows promise both for the treatment of disease progression in PD and for the relief of PD symptoms. This represents an important advance in the search for potential novel anti-parkinsonian agents, since Δ9-THCV administered alone or in combination with CBD may provide a much needed improved treatment for PD.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165958/

CB1 cannabinoid receptor signalling in Parkinson’s disease.

Posted on by
2

Abstract

“Signalling at CB(1) cannabinoid receptors plays a key role in the control of movement in health and disease. In recent years, an increased understanding of the physiological role of transmission at CB(1) receptors throughout the basal ganglia circuitry has led to the identification of novel therapeutic approaches to both the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and the side effects of current anti-parkinsonian therapies, especially L(3,4) dihydroxyphenylalamine (levodopa)-induced dyskinesia. Thus, because activation of basal ganglia CB(1) receptors can modulate neurotransmission and contribute to synaptic plasticity in a manner similar to that described in other brain regions, it also appears that endocannabinoids might modulate cell-cell signalling via effects on neurotransmitter re-uptake and postsynaptic actions mediating cross talk between multiple receptor types. Recent studies in animal models and in the clinic suggest that CB(1) receptor antagonists could prove useful in the treatment of parkinsonian symptoms and levodopa-induced dyskinesia, whereas CB(1) receptor agonists could have value in reducing levodopa-induced dyskinesia.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12550742