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Cannabinoids and the gastrointestinal tract.

¹Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK. rgp@aberdeen.ac.uk

|May 19, 2001

Summary

Cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the gut slow digestion and reduce gut motility. Blocking these receptors can increase gut movement, suggesting therapeutic potential for gastrointestinal disorders.

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Neuropharmacology
Physiology

Background:

Cannabinoid CB1 receptors are present in the enteric nervous system across species, including humans.
Activation of CB1 receptors inhibits gastrointestinal motility by reducing contractile transmitter release.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in regulating gastrointestinal function.
To explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of CB1 receptor agonists and antagonists on motility and secretion.

Main Methods:

Studies involved whole-organism assessments (gastric emptying, intestinal transit) and in vitro tissue preparations (ileal strips).
Electrophysiological and pharmacological methods were used to assess muscle contractions and transmitter release.
The effects of CB1 receptor agonists and the selective antagonist/inverse agonist SR141716A were examined.

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Main Results:

CB1 receptor agonists delay gastric emptying and inhibit intestinal transit in rodents and humans.
Agonists also inhibit acetylcholine release, peristalsis, and smooth muscle contractions in isolated tissues.
The CB1 antagonist SR141716A increased small intestine motility in rodents, suggesting precoupled receptors.

Conclusions:

Cannabinoid CB1 receptors play a significant role in modulating gastrointestinal motility and secretion.
Therapeutic targeting of CB1 receptors for gastrointestinal disorders warrants further investigation.
The role of endogenous cannabinoids and non-CB1 receptors in the gut requires further study.