ABSTRACT: Inhibitory (or strychnine sensitive) glycine receptors (GlyRs) are anion-selective transmitter-gated ion channels of the cys-loop superfamily, which includes among others also the inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA receptors). While GABA mediates fast inhibitory neurotransmission throughout the CNS, the action of glycine as a fast inhibitory ... Continue Reading
Epilepsy
Medical Marijuana Debate – Are Naysayers Missing the Point Entirely?
The medical marijuana debate, for a yes or a no, has been raging for so long that it’s prudent to question if the naysayers have missed the point entirely. In this post Laurie Arnold emphasizes the core point of this debate. The debate goes on — yes or no to medical marijuana? As a parent who is currently giving my child medical marijuana for epilepsy, it’s hard for me to ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin on [35S]GTPγS binding in mouse brain cerebellum and piriform cortex membranes
ABSTRACT: Background and purpose: We have recently shown that the phytocannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV) and the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 increase inhibitory neurotransmission in mouse cerebellum and also exhibit anticonvulsant activity in a rat piriform cortical (PC) model of epilepsy. Possible mechanisms underlying cannabinoid actions in the CNS include ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Plant cannabinoids: a neglected pharmacological treasure trove
ABSTRACT: Most of the cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. have not been fully evaluated for their pharmacological activity. A publication in this issue presents evidence that a plant cannabinoid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin is a potent antagonist of anandamide, a major endogenous cannabinoid. It seems possible that many of the non-psychoactive constituents of this plant will be ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Epilepsy – Cannabidivarin is anticonvulsant in mouse and rat
ABSTRACT: Background and Purpose Phytocannabinoids in Cannabis sativa have diverse pharmacological targets extending beyond cannabinoid receptors and several exert notable anticonvulsant effects. For the first time, we investigated the anticonvulsant profile of the phytocannabinoid cannabidivarin (CBDV) in vitro and in in vivo seizure models. Experimental ... Continue Reading