Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P21554 (cannabinoid receptor)
3,582 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

For about 5,000 years, cannabis has been used as a therapeutic agent. There has been growing interest in the medical use of cannabinoids. This is based on the discovery that cannabinoids act with specific receptors (CB1 and CB2). CB1 receptors are located in specific brain areas (e.g. cerebellum, basal ganglia, and hippocampus) and CB2 receptors on cells of the immune system. Endogenous ligands of the cannabinoid receptors were also discovered (e.g. anandamids). Many physiologic processes are modulated by the two subtypes of cannabinoid receptor: motor functions, memory, appetite, and pain. These innovative neurobiologic/pharmacologic findings could possibly lead to the use of synthetic and natural cannabinoids as therapeutic agents in various areas. Until now, cannabinoids were used as antiemetic agents in chemotherapy-induced emesis and in patients with HIV-wasting syndrome. Evidence suggests that cannabinoids may prove useful in some other diseases, e.g. movement disorders such as Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and pain. These new findings also explain the acute adverse effects following cannabis use.
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PMID:[The endogenous cannabinoid system. Therapeutic implications for neurologic and psychiatric disorders]. 1577 59

To date, two cannabinoid receptors have been identified, CB1 and CB2. Activation of these receptors with non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonists reduces pain sensitivity in animals and humans. However, activation of CB1 receptors is also associated with central side effects, including ataxia and catalepsy. More recently, a role for selective CB2 agonists in pain modification has been demonstrated. GW405833, a selective CB2 agonist, was recently reported to partially reverse the inflammation and hyperalgesia in a rat model of acute inflammation. In the current report, we extend the characterization and therapeutic potential of this compound. For the first time, we show that GW405833 selectively binds both rat and human CB2 receptors with high affinity, where it acts as a partial agonist (approximately 50% reduction of forskolin-mediated cAMP production compared to the full cannabinoid agonist, CP55,940). We also report for the first time that intraperitoneal administration of GW405833 (0.3-100 mg/kg) to rats shows linear, dose-dependent increases in plasma levels and substantial penetration into the central nervous system. In addition, GW405833 (up to 30 mg/kg) elicits potent and efficacious antihyperalgesic effects in rodent models of neuropathic, incisional and chronic inflammatory pain, the first description of this compound in these models. In contrast, analgesia, sedation and catalepsy were not observed in this dose range, but were apparent at 100 mg/kg. Additionally, GW405833 was not antihyperalgesic against chronic inflammatory pain in CB2 knockout mice. These data support the tenet that selective CB2 receptor agonists have the potential to treat pain without eliciting the centrally-mediated side effects associated with non-selective cannabinoid agonists, and highlight the utility of GW405833 for the investigation of CB2 physiology.
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PMID:Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characterization of the cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist, GW405833, utilizing rodent models of acute and chronic pain, anxiety, ataxia and catalepsy. 1581 1

The saphenous partial ligation (SPL) model is a new, easily performed, rodent model of neuropathic pain that consists of a unilateral partial injury to the saphenous nerve. The present study describes behavioral, pharmacological and molecular properties of this model. Starting between 3 and 5 days after surgery, depending on the modality tested, animals developed clear behaviors indicative of neuropathic pain such as cold and mechanical allodynia, and thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia compared with naive and sham animals. These pain behaviors were still present at 1 month. Signs of allodynia also extended to the sciatic nerve territory. No evidence of autotomy or bodyweight loss was observed. Cold and mechanical allodynia but not thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia was reversed by morphine (4 mg/kg i.p.). The cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (5 mg/kg i.p.) improved signs of allodynia and hyperalgesia tested except for mechanical hyperalgesia. Gabapentin (50 mg/kg i.p.) was effective against cold and mechanical allodynia but not hyperalgesia. Finally, amitriptyline (10 mg/kg i.p.) failed to reverse allodynia and hyperalgesia and its administration even led to hyperesthesia. Neurobiological studies looking at the expression of mu opioid receptor (MOR), cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors showed a significant increase for all three receptors in ipsilateral paw skin, L3-L4 dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord of neuropathic rats compared with naive and sham animals. These changes in MOR, CB(1) and CB(2) receptor expression are compatible with what is observed in other neuropathic pain models and may explain the analgesia produced by morphine and WIN 55,212-2 administrations. In conclusion, we have shown that the SPL is an adequate model that will provide a new tool for clarifying peripheral mechanisms of neuropathic pain in an exclusive sensory nerve.
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PMID:Behavioral, pharmacological and molecular characterization of the saphenous nerve partial ligation: a new model of neuropathic pain. 1585 13

Antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids are mediated, in part, at the spinal level. Cannabinoid CB1 receptors are co-localized with dorsal horn interneurons containing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In this study, we investigated the interaction between intrathecally administered cannabinoid and GABA(B) receptor agonists and antagonists in the modulation of formalin-induced pain at the spinal level. Intrathecal pretreatment of rats with a cannabinoid receptor antagonist [N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1-H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide] (SR141716A, 30 microg) decreased the analgesic effect of the intrathecal administration of the GABA(B) receptor agonist, baclofen (0.125 microg and 0.25 microg). Intrathecal administration of the GABA(B) receptor antagonist, saclofen (30 microg), 10 min before administration of the cannabinoid receptor agonist (-)-cis-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-phenyl]-trans-4-(3-hydroxy-propyl)-cyclohexano (CP55940), did not affect the analgesia produced by the cannabinoid receptor agonist. Our results confirm that intrathecal administration of cannabinoid and GABA(B) receptor agonists have analgesic effects and that spinal antinociceptive effects of GABA(B) receptor agonists are likely through endocannabinoid modulation.
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PMID:Interaction between gamma-aminobutyric acid GABAB and cannabinoid CB1 receptors in spinal pain pathways in rat. 1591 Aug 2

Rodent models of neuropathic pain are used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of pain associated with damage to peripheral nerves and to evaluate the efficacy of novel compounds. However, few models have been adequately characterized and the validity of many models remains unclear. The present experiment examined the activity of known anti-allodynic compounds in the L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model of peripheral mononeuropathy in the rat, a modified version of the L5/L6 SNL model [S.H. Kim, J.M. Chung, An experimental model for peripheral neuropathy produced by segmental spinal nerve ligation in the rat, Pain 50 (1992) 355-363]. Tactile sensitivity was measured 7-21 days post-surgery using von Frey monofilaments before and following treatment with gabapentin (30, 60 and 120 mg/kg), morphine (1, 3 and 6 mg/kg), amitriptyline (1.5, 3 and 10 mg/kg), fluoxetine (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg), WIN55,212-2 (0.5, 1 and 2.5 mg/kg), indomethacin (1 and 5 mg/kg) or U-50,488H (3 and 6 mg/kg). Compared to sham-operated control animals, L5 SNL animals displayed significant tactile allodynia in the ipsilateral hindpaw that was completely reversed by treatment with gabapentin, morphine, and WIN55,212-2, partially reversed by amitriptyline and fluoxetine, and unaffected by U-50,488H or indomethacin. The robust effects of the non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 and morphine support reports in the literature that systemic cannabinoid receptor agonists and opioids are active in neuropathic pain. These results suggest that the L5 SNL model can be utilized to determine the anti-allodynic activity of novel compounds.
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PMID:Pharmacological evaluation of the selective spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain in the rat. 1591 Sep 75

There is increasing evidence that cannabinoid agonists alleviate the abnormal pain sensations associated with animal models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, cannabinoids produce a number of motor and psychotropic side effects. In the present study we found that systemic administration of the cannabinoid acid derivative 1',1'-dimethylheptyl-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-11-oic acid (ajulemic acid, IP-751) and the non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonist HU-210 reduced mechanical allodynia in a nerve-injury induced model of neuropathic pain and in the CFA-induced model of inflammatory pain. In contrast, HU-210, but not ajulemic acid reduced motor performance in the rotarod test. These findings suggest that ajulemic acid reduces abnormal pain sensations associated with chronic pain without producing the motor side effects associated with THC and other non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonists.
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PMID:Effect of the cannabinoid ajulemic acid on rat models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. 1592 96

Many reports have shown the efficacy of cannabinoid agonists in chronic pain, whereas no report exists concerning the potential effect of cannabinoid antagonists following prolonged treatment. We tested the effects of repeated administration of the selective cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) antagonist, SR141716 (rimonabant), in rats with chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI), an animal model of neuropathic pain. The repeated oral administration of SR141716 (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg, once a day for 1 week, from day 7 after the injury) dose dependently attenuated both thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. A similar effect was observed in CCI wild-type mice, whereas SR141716 was unable to elicit pain relief in CB1 knockout mice, suggesting CB1 receptors involvement in the SR141716-induced antihyperalgesia. The antihyperalgesic activity of SR141716 was associated with a significant reduction of several pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), lipoperoxide and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The histological analysis of sciatic nerve sections showed a marked degeneration of myelinated fibers in CCI rats, which was substantially reduced after repeated administration of SR141716. This suggests that the compound may favour myelin repair and consequently promote long-lasting functional recovery. This was confirmed by the maintenance of recovery for at least four weeks after treatment discontinuation. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that SR141716 is effective not only in alleviating neuropathic pain but also in favouring the nerve myelin repair.
Pain 2005 Jul
PMID:Effect of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, SR141716, on nociceptive response and nerve demyelination in rodents with chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. 1593 82

CT-3 (ajulemic acid) is a synthetic analogue of a metabolite of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol that has reported analgesic efficacy in neuropathic pain states in man. Here we show that CT-3 binds to human cannabinoid receptors in vitro, with high affinity at hCB1 (Ki 6 nM) and hCB2 (Ki 56 nM) receptors. In a functional GTP-gamma-S assay CT-3 was an agonist at both hCB1 and hCB2 receptors (EC50 11 and 13.4 nM, respectively). In behavioural models of chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain in the rat, oral administration of CT-3 (0.1-1 mg/kg) produced up to 60% reversal of mechanical hyperalgesia. In both models the antihyperalgesic activity was prevented by the CB1-antagonist SR141716A but not the CB2-antagonist SR144528. In the tetrad of tests for CNS activity, CT-3 (1-10 mg/kg, po) produced dose-related catalepsy, deficits in locomotor performance, hypothermia, and acute analgesia. Comparison of 50% maximal effects in the tetrad and chronic pain assays produced an approximate therapeutic index of 5-10. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that CT-3 exhibits significant but limited brain penetration, with a brain/plasma ratio of 0.4 measured following oral administration, compared to ratios of 1.0-1.9 measured following subcutaneous administration of WIN55,212-2 or Delta9-THC. These data show that CT-3 is a cannabinoid receptor agonist and is efficacious in animal models of chronic pain by activation of the CB1 receptor. Whilst it shows significant cannabinoid-like CNS activity, it exhibits a superior therapeutic index compared to other cannabinoid compounds, which may reflect a relatively reduced CNS penetration.
Pain 2005 Jul
PMID:Antihyperalgesic properties of the cannabinoid CT-3 in chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain states in the rat. 1593 83

Glycinergic synapses are implicated in the coordination of reflex responses, sensory signal processing and pain sensation. Their activity is pre- and postsynaptically regulated, although mechanisms are poorly understood. Using patch-clamp recording and Ca2+ imaging in hypoglossal motoneurones from rat and mouse brainstem slices, we address here the role of cytoplasmic Ca2+ (Ca(i)) in glycinergic synapse modulation. Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated or NMDA receptor channels caused powerful transient inhibition of glycinergic IPSCs. This effect was accompanied by an increase in both the failure rate and paired-pulse ratio, as well as a decrease in the frequency of mIPSCs, suggesting a presynaptic mechanism of depression. Inhibition was reduced by the cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716A and occluded by the agonist WIN55,212-2, indicating involvement of endocannabinoid retrograde signalling. Conversely, in the presence of SR141716A, glycinergic IPSCs were potentiated postsynaptically by glutamate or NMDA, displaying a Ca2(+)-dependent increase in amplitude and decay prolongation. Both presynaptic inhibition and postsynaptic potentiation were completely prevented by strong Ca(i) buffering (20 mm BAPTA). Our findings demonstrate two independent mechanisms by which Ca2+ modulates glycinergic synaptic transmission: (i) presynaptic inhibition of glycine release and (ii) postsynaptic potentiation of GlyR-mediated responses. This dual Ca2(+)-induced regulation might be important for feedback control of neurotransmission in a variety of glycinergic networks in mammalian nervous systems.
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PMID:Dual Ca2+ modulation of glycinergic synaptic currents in rodent hypoglossal motoneurones. 1612 5

Neuropathic pain is a clinical manifestation characterized by the presence of spontaneous pain, allodynia and hyperalgesia. Here, we have evaluated the involvement of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the development and expression of neuropathic pain. For this purpose, partial ligation of the sciatic nerve was performed in CB1 cannabinoid receptor knockout mice and their wild-type littermates. The development of mechanical and thermal allodynia, and thermal hyperalgesia was evaluated by using the von Frey filaments, cold-plate and plantar tests, respectively. Pre-surgical tactile and thermal withdrawal thresholds were similar in both genotypes. In wild-type mice, sciatic nerve injury led to a neuropathic pain syndrome characterized by a marked and long-lasting reduction of the paw withdrawal thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli. These manifestations developed similarly in mice lacking CB1 cannabinoid receptors. We have also investigated the consequences of gabapentin administration in these animals. Gabapentin (50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) induced a similar suppression of mechanical and thermal allodynia in both wild-type and CB1 knockout mice. Mild differences between genotypes were observed concerning the effect of gabapentin in the expression of thermal hyperalgesia. Taken together, our results indicate that CB1 cannabinoid receptors are not critically implicated in the development of neuropathic pain nor in the anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects of gabapentin in this model.
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PMID:Development and expression of neuropathic pain in CB1 knockout mice. 1616 63


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