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Anandamide prior to sensitization increases cell-mediated immunity in mice
Alison Ribeiro1, Viviane Ferraz-de-Paula, Milena L Pinheiro
1Neuroimmunomodulation Research Group, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP Brazil.
International Immunopharmacology
|January 23, 2010
Summary
Low-dose anandamide treatment before sensitization boosts the cell-mediated immunity (Th1 response) in mice. This immune enhancement involves increased dendritic cell activation and interferon-gamma production.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Endocannabinoid System Research
Background:
- The endocannabinoid system modulates immunity, with cannabinoids showing varied effects on immune cells.
- Previous research presents conflicting data on whether cannabinoids suppress or stimulate immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effect of low-dose anandamide on cell-mediated immunity (Th1 response).
- To determine if anandamide administration prior to sensitization has immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory effects.
Main Methods:
- Mice were treated with a low dose of anandamide (0.1mg/kg) before sensitization.
- Assessed delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), splenocyte proliferation, and cytokine production (IFN-gamma, IL-12/IL-23).
- Analyzed dendritic cell (DC) co-stimulatory molecule expression (CD80/CD86) and in vitro effects on splenocytes.
Main Results:
- Anandamide treatment increased Th1 response, DTH, splenocyte proliferation, and IFN-gamma production.
- Enhanced expression of DC co-stimulatory molecules (CD80/CD86) and increased IL-12/IL-23 (p40) production were observed.
- In vitro, nanomolar anandamide increased IFN-gamma production, while micromolar concentrations decreased it.
Conclusions:
- Anandamide, at low doses prior to sensitization, enhances the Th1 immune response in mice.
- Increased dendritic cell activation and interferon-gamma production are key mechanisms behind anandamide's immunostimulatory effect.
- Findings suggest a specific role for anandamide in modulating cell-mediated immunity.
