Cannabidiol, A2A Receptors, Microglia and Inflammation.

[Remy]

Cannabidiol provides long-lasting protection against the deleterious effects of inflammation in a viral model of multiple sclerosis: a role for A2A receptors.

Mecha M, et al. Neurobiol Dis. 2013.

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Abstract

Inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) is a complex process that involves a multitude of molecules and effectors, and it requires the transmigration of blood leukocytes across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the activation of resident immune cells. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic cannabinoid constituent of Cannabis sativa, has potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Yet, how this compound modifies the deleterious effects of inflammation in TMEV-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) remains unknown.

Using this viral model of multiple sclerosis (MS), we demonstrate that CBD decreases the transmigration of blood leukocytes by downregulating the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), chemokines (CCL2 and CCL5) and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, as well as by attenuating the activation of microglia.

Moreover, CBD administration at the time of viral infection exerts long-lasting effects, ameliorating motor deficits in the chronic phase of the disease in conjunction with reduced microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Adenosine A2A receptors participate in some of the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD, as the A2A antagonist ZM241385 partially blocks the protective effects of CBD in the initial stages of inflammation.

Together, our findings highlight the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in this viral model of MS and demonstrate the significant therapeutic potential of this compound for the treatment of pathologies with an inflammatory component.

© 2013.

PMID 23851307 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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[Cort]

No kidding. I've got to send this off to a friend who is tremendous pain and who has antiviral issues. I'm trying to get her to try medical marijuana.

Plus adenosine....

 

[Paw]

I've found nothing consistently better for relief than cannabis. Interesting that the researchers single out the sativa strain. I would have thought indica was even more effective.

But today I stumbled across a Canadian opinion writer railing against the new Trudeau administration's continued liberalization of marijuana laws in that country. He ridiculed CFS, saying it's what used to be known as "laziness."

Tom Fletcher's editorial shows us what we're up against: people who think CFS is just an excuse to collect disability and sit on the couch smoking dope eating potato chips. Just one more reason to stop calling ME chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

[Veet]

people who think CFS is just an excuse to collect disability and sit on the couch smoking dope eating potato chips. Just one more reason to stop calling ME chronic fatigue syndrome.

This is exactly what my original GP said to me. "This area is full of people hanging out, smoking dope, claiming they've got CFS". I'd been so relieved when this doc returned to the practice, about 6 months after I'd collapsed. She turned out to be worse than useless. I asked for a referral to an internal medicine specialist, looking for diagnosis. I sat in his office as he opened the envelope and told me, " she doesn't know why you want to see me."