Targeted inhibition of the type 2 cannabinoid receptor is a novel approach to reduce renal  fibrosis

The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is a G protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptor that transmits endogenous cannabinoid signaling. The role of CB2 in the pathogenesis of kidney injury and fibrosis remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that CB2 was induced, predominantly in kidney tubular epithelium, in various models of kidney disease induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction, adriamycin or ischemia/reperfusion injury. In  vitro, forced expression of CB2 or treatment with a CB2 agonist was sufficient to trigger matrix gene expression, whereas knockdown of CB2 by siRNA abolished transforming growth factor-β1–induced signaling and fibrogenic responses in kidney tubular cells.
Source: Kidney International - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Basic Research Source Type: research