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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Published on: September 26, 2018
Cannabinoid receptor 2 signaling does not modulate atherogenesis in mice
Florian Willecke1, Katharina Zeschky, Alexandra Ortiz Rodriguez
1Department of Cardiology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Plos One
|May 5, 2011
Summary
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) activation or deletion does not significantly impact atherosclerosis development in mice. These findings suggest CB2 is not a viable therapeutic target for reducing atherosclerotic plaque.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is implicated in inflammation and atherosclerosis.
- Direct evidence linking CB2 to atherosclerotic lesion formation is limited.
- This study investigates the role of CB2 in murine atherogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the role of the CB2 receptor in the development of atherosclerosis in mice.
- To determine if CB2 activation or deficiency affects atherosclerotic plaque formation and composition.
Main Methods:
- Low density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR(-/-)) mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet.
- Mice received intraperitoneal injections of a selective CB2 agonist (JWH-133) or vehicle.
- Atherogenesis was assessed by analyzing aortic root and arch lesions, plaque content, and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- CB2 activation with JWH-133 did not alter intimal lesion size in LDLR(-/-) mice.
- Genetic deficiency of CB2 in CB2(-/-)/LDLR(-/-) mice also did not affect lesion size.
- Neither pharmacologic activation nor genetic deletion of CB2 modulated inflammatory cytokine expression or inflammatory cell adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Both activation and deletion of CB2 do not significantly modulate atherogenesis in mice.
- While CB2 is involved in other inflammatory processes, it does not appear to be a suitable therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the precise role of CB2 in cardiovascular inflammation.
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