Neuroscientists discover previously unknown function of cannabinoid receptor

Neuroscientists discover previously unknown function of cannabinoid receptor

“Previously Unknown Function of a Cannabinoid Receptor Identified.  Study could improve our insights into brain diseases.” http://neurosciencenews.com/cb2-cannabinoid-receptor-hippocampus-4147/

“In the brain, there is a delicate interplay of signaling substances and cellular activity. Scientists have now identified another key player within this ensemble. In a laboratory study they found that the ‘cannabinoid type 2 receptor’ influences information processing inside the hippocampus. The research results might help advance our understanding of schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s, say the authors.”  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160502111228.htm

“The cannabinoid type 2 receptor – also called “CB2 receptor” – is a special membrane protein. Its function is to receive chemical signals that control cellular activity. “Until now, this receptor was considered part of the immune system without function in nerve cells. However, our study shows that it also plays an important role in the signal processing of the brain,” explains Professor Dietmar Schmitz, Speaker for the DZNE-Site Berlin and Director of the Neuroscience Research Center of the Charité (NWFZ/NeuroCure).”  https://scienceblog.com/483935/neuroscientists-discover-previously-unknown-function-cannabinoid-receptor/

 

Cannabinoids for the treatment of inflammation.

“Cannabinoids are effective at suppressing immune and inflammation functions in leukocytes in vitro, and in animal models of acute inflammation, such as the mouse hind paw, ear and air pouch models, as well as gastrointestinal, pulmonary, myocardial, vascular, periodontal, neural, hepatic, pancreatic and arthritic inflammation models.

The non-psychoactive cannabinoid receptor CB2 is emerging as a critical target for cannabinoid regulation of inflammation, and thus CB2-selective agonists are undergoing intense investigation and research. This review discusses the evidence for cannabinoid regulation of inflammation across a range of models and highlights the most promising drug candidates.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17520866