ABSTRACT: 1. After oral administration to mice, pethidine, Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Δ9-THC, a cannabis extract and cannabinol had a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect when measured by the hot-plate method. Cannabidiol was inactive at 30 mg/kg. Δ8-THC, Δ9-THC and pethidine did not differ significantly in potency, but Δ9-THC was 6·5 times more active than ... Continue Reading
Pain
STUDY: The therapeutic potential of novel cannabinoid receptors
ABSTRACT: Cannabinoids produce a plethora of biological effects, including the modulation of neuronal activity through the activation of CB1 receptors and of immune responses through the activation of CB2 receptors. The selective targeting of either of these two receptor subtypes has clear therapeutic value. Recent evidence indicates that some of the cannabinomimetic effects ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Pharmacological Characterization of GPR55, A Putative Cannabinoid Receptor
ABSTRACT: GPR55 has recently attracted much attention as another member of the cannabinoid family, potentially explaining physiological effects that are non-CB1/CB2 mediated. However, the data gathered so far are conflicting with respect to its pharmacology. We review the primary literature to date on GPR55, describing its discovery, structure, pharmacology and potential ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Evidence for the putative cannabinoid receptor, GPR55, mediated inhibitory effects on intestinal contractility in mice
ABSTRACT: Background Cannabinoids inhibit intestinal motility via presynaptic cannabinoid receptor type I(CB1) in enteric neurons while cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2) receptors are located mainly in immune cells. The recently deorphanized G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR55, has been proposed to be the “third” cannabinoid receptor. Although gene expression of GPR55 is ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Cancer – Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels: a clinical perspective
ABSTRACT: Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are important mediators of sensory signals with marked effects on cellular functions and signalling pathways. Indeed, mutations in genes encoding TRP channels are the cause of several inherited diseases in humans (the so-called ‘TRP channelopathies’) that affect the cardiovascular, renal, skeletal and nervous systems. TRP ... Continue Reading