Neuroscience 2002 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 101.13 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | NON-PSYCHOTROPIC CANNABINOID RECEPTORS REGULATE MICROGLIAL CELL MIGRATION. |
| Authors: |
Walter, L. A.*1
; Franklin, A.1
; Witting, A.1
; Wade, C.1
; Xie, Y.2
; Kunos, G.5
; Mackie, K.3
; Stella, N.1,4
1Pharmacology, Univ Washington, Seattle, WA 2Neurology, Univ Washington, Seattle, WA 3Anesthesiology, Univ Washington, Seattle, WA 4Psychiatry, Univ Washington, Seattle, WA 5National Inst Drug Abuse and Alcoholism, National Inst Health, Bethesda, MD |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Neuroimmunology and Infections |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Synaptic Transmission and Excitability<br />- Glia<br />-- Glial receptors |
| Session: |
101. Neuroimmune: microglia I Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Sunday, November 3, 2002 8:00 AM-9:00 AM |
| Location: | Hall A2-B3 Z-62 |
| Keywords: | MICROGLIA, CANNABINOIDS, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, INFLAMMATION |
Bioactive ingredients present in the marijuana plant, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol and cannabidiol, produce distinct biological effects. THC produces psychotropic effects by activating neuronal CB1 cannabinoid receptors, whereas the non-psychotropic ingredients cannabinol and cannbidiol reduce systemic inflammation by antagonizing the actions of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids). Individuals suffering from neuroinflammation, such as multiple sclerosis patients, report numerous benefits from smoking marijuana. However, the mechanistic basis of these effects is unclear. Neuroinflammation is associated with activation of microglial cells, the resident macrophages of the brain, which migrate towards inflammatory sites where they exacerbate cell damage. Here we show that pathophysiological stimulation of neurons and microglial cells increases endocannabinoid production. We also demonstrate that mouse microglial cells express cannabinoid CB2 receptors at the leading edges of their lamellipodia. Finally, we provide evidence that endocannabinoids trigger microglial cell migration, whereas cannabinol and cannabidiol prevent this migration by antagonizing cannabinoid CB2 and cannabidiol-sensitive receptors, respectively. Our study identifies a cannabinoid signaling system that regulates microglial cell migration and suggests that cannabinol and cannabidiol are promising non-psychotropic therapeutics against neuroinflammation.
Supported by NIDA DA14486-01 to NS, PHS NRSA T32 GM07270 from NIGMS to LW, and DFG to AW.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2002 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Orlando, FL: Society for Neuroscience, 2002. Online.
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