Cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract : a regulatory system in states of inflammation.

Biomedical and Life Sciences

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https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0707486
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Keywords

inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, cannabis, endocannabinoids, enteric nervous system, gastrointestinal motility, bowel cancer, visceral sensation

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Cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract : a regulatory system in states of inflammation. / Wright, K. L.; Duncan, M.; Sharkey, K. A.
In: British Journal of Pharmacology, Vol. 153, No. 2, 01.2008, p. 263-270.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review

Bibtex

@article{fbd89d91c81641f9b74a4602c8a8e421,

title = "Cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract : a regulatory system in states of inflammation.",

abstract = "The emerging potential for the cannabinoid (CB) system in modulating gastrointestinal inflammation has gained momentum over the last few years. Traditional and anecdotal use of marijuana for gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhoea and abdominal cramps is recognized, but the therapeutic benefit of cannabinoids in the 21st century is overshadowed by the psychoactive problems associated with CB1 receptor activation. However, the presence and function of the CB2 receptor in the GI tract, whilst not yet well characterized, holds great promise due to its immunomodulatory roles in inflammatory systems and its lack of psychotropic effects. This review of our current knowledge of CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract highlights its role in regulating abnormal motility, modulating intestinal inflammation and limiting visceral sensitivity and pain. CB2 receptors represent a braking system and a pathophysiological mechanism for the resolution of inflammation and many of its symptoms. CB2 receptor activation therefore represents a very promising therapeutic target in gastrointestinal inflammatory states where there is immune activation and motility dysfunction.",

keywords = "inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, cannabis, endocannabinoids, enteric nervous system, gastrointestinal motility, bowel cancer, visceral sensation",

author = "Wright, {K. L.} and M. Duncan and Sharkey, {K. A.}",

year = "2008",

month = jan,

doi = "10.1038/sj.bjp.0707486",

language = "English",

volume = "153",

pages = "263--270",

journal = "British Journal of Pharmacology",

issn = "1476-5381",

publisher = "Wiley-Blackwell",

number = "2",

}

RIS

TY - JOUR

T1 - Cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract : a regulatory system in states of inflammation.

AU - Wright, K. L.

AU - Duncan, M.

AU - Sharkey, K. A.

PY - 2008/1

Y1 - 2008/1

N2 - The emerging potential for the cannabinoid (CB) system in modulating gastrointestinal inflammation has gained momentum over the last few years. Traditional and anecdotal use of marijuana for gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhoea and abdominal cramps is recognized, but the therapeutic benefit of cannabinoids in the 21st century is overshadowed by the psychoactive problems associated with CB1 receptor activation. However, the presence and function of the CB2 receptor in the GI tract, whilst not yet well characterized, holds great promise due to its immunomodulatory roles in inflammatory systems and its lack of psychotropic effects. This review of our current knowledge of CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract highlights its role in regulating abnormal motility, modulating intestinal inflammation and limiting visceral sensitivity and pain. CB2 receptors represent a braking system and a pathophysiological mechanism for the resolution of inflammation and many of its symptoms. CB2 receptor activation therefore represents a very promising therapeutic target in gastrointestinal inflammatory states where there is immune activation and motility dysfunction.

AB - The emerging potential for the cannabinoid (CB) system in modulating gastrointestinal inflammation has gained momentum over the last few years. Traditional and anecdotal use of marijuana for gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhoea and abdominal cramps is recognized, but the therapeutic benefit of cannabinoids in the 21st century is overshadowed by the psychoactive problems associated with CB1 receptor activation. However, the presence and function of the CB2 receptor in the GI tract, whilst not yet well characterized, holds great promise due to its immunomodulatory roles in inflammatory systems and its lack of psychotropic effects. This review of our current knowledge of CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract highlights its role in regulating abnormal motility, modulating intestinal inflammation and limiting visceral sensitivity and pain. CB2 receptors represent a braking system and a pathophysiological mechanism for the resolution of inflammation and many of its symptoms. CB2 receptor activation therefore represents a very promising therapeutic target in gastrointestinal inflammatory states where there is immune activation and motility dysfunction.

KW - inflammatory bowel disease

KW - colitis

KW - cannabis

KW - endocannabinoids

KW - enteric nervous system

KW - gastrointestinal motility

KW - bowel cancer

KW - visceral sensation

U2 - 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707486

DO - 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707486

M3 - Journal article

VL - 153

SP - 263

EP - 270

JO - British Journal of Pharmacology

JF - British Journal of Pharmacology

SN - 1476-5381

IS - 2

ER -

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