ABSTRACT: The further characterization of the orphan GPCR GPR18 conducted by McHugh et al. in this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology has generated a pharmacological profile that raises some interesting questions about the nomenclature of this receptor and may also prompt some questions about the pharmacological definition of the classical cannabinoid receptors, CB1 ... Continue Reading
AM251
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: Receptors and Channels Targeted by Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists and Antagonists
ABSTRACT: It is widely accepted that non-endogenous compounds that target CB1 and/or CB2receptors possess therapeutic potential for the clinical management of an ever growing number of disorders. Just a few of these disorders are already treated with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or nabilone, both CB1/CB2 receptor agonists, and there is now considerable interest in expanding the ... Continue Reading
STUDY: GPR55: a new member of the cannabinoid receptor clan?
ABSTRACT: In this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, Ryberg et al. present convincing in vitro evidence that the orphan GPCR, GPR55, is a cannabinoid receptor. GPR55 was activated by a range of plant, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids and blocked by the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol. Their experiments have revealed several differences between ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Obesity – Synthetic and plant-derived cannabinoid receptor antagonists show hypophagic properties in fasted and non-fasted mice
ABSTRACT: Background and purpose: Obesity is a severe health problem in the modernized world and understanding the central nervous mechanisms underlying food-seeking behaviour and reward are at the forefront of medical research. Cannabinoid receptors have proven an efficient target to suppress hunger and weight gain by their pharmacological inactivation. Experimental ... Continue Reading