Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System Following Central Nervous System Injury

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jan 17;20(2):388. doi: 10.3390/ijms20020388.

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) injury, such as stroke or trauma, is known to increase susceptibility to various infections that adversely affect patient outcomes (CNS injury-induced immunodepression-CIDS). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been shown to have immunoregulatory properties. Therefore, the ECS might represent a druggable target to overcome CIDS. Evidence suggests that cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB₂R) activation can be protective during the early pro-inflammatory phase after CNS injury, as it limits neuro-inflammation and, therefore, attenuates CIDS severity. In the later phase post CNS injury, CB₂R inhibition is suggested as a promising pharmacologic strategy to restore immune function in order to prevent infection.

Keywords: central nervous system injury; endocannabinoid system; immunodepression.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
  • Endocannabinoids / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Neuroimmunomodulation
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Stroke / etiology
  • Stroke / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Trauma, Nervous System / diagnosis
  • Trauma, Nervous System / etiology
  • Trauma, Nervous System / metabolism*

Substances

  • Endocannabinoids