ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabis extracts and several cannabinoids have been shown to exert broad anti-inflammatory activities in experimental models of inflammatory CNS degenerative diseases. Clinical use of many cannabinoids is limited by their psychotropic effects. However, phytocannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), devoid of psychoactive activity, are, ... Continue Reading
microglia
STUDY: GPR18 in microglia: implications for the CNS and endocannabinoid system signalling
ABSTRACT: A review of what is presently known about the G protein coupled receptor GPR18 in terms of its expression and distribution, pharmacology and potential implications for central nervous system and endocannabinoid system signalling. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-like receptors in microglia, astrocytes and astrocytomas
ABSTRACT: CB1 and CB2 receptors are activated by a plethora of cannabinoid compounds, be they endogenously-produced, plant-derived or synthetic. These receptors are expressed by microglia, astrocytes and astrocytomas, and their activation regulates these cells’ differentiation, functions and viability. Recent studies show that glial cells also express cannabinoid-like ... Continue Reading
STUDY: Δ9-THC and N-arachidonoyl glycine regulate BV-2 microglial morphology and cytokine release plasticity: implications for signaling at GPR18
ABSTRACT: Microglial cells are extremely plastic and undergo a variety of CNS-prompted shape changes relative to their location and current role. Signaling molecules from neurons also regulate microglial cytokine production. Neurons are known to employ the endogenous cannabinoid system to communicate with other cells of the CNS. N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) and ... Continue Reading
STUDY: siRNA knockdown of GPR18 receptors in BV-2 microglia attenuates N-arachidonoyl glycine-induced cell migration
ABSTRACT: Background Neurons are known to employ the endogenous cannabinoid system to communicate with other cells of the CNS. Endocannabioid signaling recruits microglia toward neurons by engaging cannabinoid CB2 and abnormal cannabidiol (Abn-CBD) receptors. The Abn-CBD receptor is a prominent atypical cannabinoid receptor that had been discriminated by means of various ... Continue Reading