The role of cannabinoid system on immune modulation: therapeutic implications on CNS inflammation

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2005 Jul;5(7):671-5. doi: 10.2174/1389557054368790.

Abstract

There is a growing amount of evidence suggesting that cannabinoids may be neuroprotective in CNS inflammatory conditions. Advances in the understanding of the physiology and pharmacology of the cannabinoid system have increased the interest of cannabinoids as potential therapeutic targets. Cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands, the endocannabinoids, have been detected in cells of the immune system, as well as in brain glial cells. In the present review it is summarized the effects of cannabinoids on immune reactivity and on the regulation of neuroinflammatory processes associated with brain disorders with special attention to chronic inflammatory demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain* / abnormalities
  • Brain* / pathology
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use*
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / classification
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / drug therapy
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immune System / drug effects*
  • Immune System / metabolism
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Neuroglia / pathology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid / metabolism

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid