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Oromucosal as an Alternative Method for Administration of Cannabis Products in Rodents
Published on: August 22, 2025
Pharmacological actions of cannabinoids
1School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK. rgp@abdn.ac.uk
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|April 7, 2006
Summary
Mammalian tissues have CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, with endogenous ligands like anandamide. Research explores novel targets and antagonists, expanding cannabinoid pharmacology beyond traditional receptors.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Mammalian tissues express CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which are G protein-coupled.
- CB1 receptors are primarily located at nerve terminals, inhibiting neurotransmitter release.
- CB2 receptors are mainly found on immune cells, modulating cytokine release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in cannabinoid pharmacology.
- To discuss the development and characterization of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists.
- To explore novel cannabinoid receptor targets and their pharmacological actions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cannabinoid receptor pharmacology.
- Characterization of CB1 and CB2 selective antagonists, including inverse agonist properties.
- Investigation of non-CB1, non-CB2, and non-TRPV1 receptor interactions with cannabinoids.
Main Results:
- Cannabinoid receptor antagonists like SR141716A and SR144528 exhibit inverse agonist properties, indicating constitutive receptor activity.
- Anandamide activates both CB1/CB2 receptors and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors.
- Emerging evidence suggests novel targets for cannabinoids, including CB2-like, "abnormal-cannabidiol", TRPV1-like, and alpha2-adrenoceptor-like receptors.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoid receptor pharmacology is complex, involving multiple receptor types and signaling pathways.
- The discovery of novel cannabinoid targets expands therapeutic possibilities.
- Further research into the actions of plant cannabinoids like cannabidiol is ongoing.
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