Is the Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor a Major Regulator of the Neuroinflammatory Axis of the Neurovascular Unit in Humans?

Is the Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor a Major Regulator of the Neuroinflammatory Axis of the Neurovascular Unit in Humans? Adv Pharmacol. 2017;80:367-396 Authors: Kho DT, Glass M, Graham ES Abstract The central nervous system (CNS) is an immune privileged site where the neurovascular unit (NVU) and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) act as a selectively permeable interface to control the passage of nutrients and inflammatory cells into the brain parenchyma. However, in response to injury, infection, or disease, CNS cells become activated, and release inflammatory mediators to recruit immune cells to the site of inflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that cannabinoids may have a neuroprotective role in CNS inflammatory conditions. For many years, it was widely accepted that cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) modulates neurological function centrally, while peripheral cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) modulates immune function. As knowledge about the physiology and pharmacology of the endocannabinoid system advances, there is increasing interest in targeting CB2 as a potential treatment for inflammation-dependent CNS diseases (Ashton & Glass, 2007), where recent rodent and human studies have implicated intervention at the level of the NVU and BBB. These are incredibly important in brain health and disease. Therefore, this review begins by explaining the cellular and molecular components of these systems, highlighting important molecules po...
Source: Advances in Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Adv Pharmacol Source Type: research