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Updated: May 31, 2026
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An Intravital Microscopy-Based Approach to Assess Intestinal Permeability and Epithelial Cell Shedding Performance
Published on: December 3, 2020
Cannabinoids mediate opposing effects on inflammation-induced intestinal permeability
A Alhamoruni1, K L Wright, M Larvin
1School of Graduate Entry Medicine & Health, Derby City General Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK.
British Journal of Pharmacology
|July 13, 2011
Summary
Phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD can reverse inflammation-induced intestinal permeability changes by acting on CB(1) receptors. Endocannabinoids play a role in mediating these inflammatory effects.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cannabinoid receptor activation influences emesis, inflammation, and gastric acid secretion.
- Modulating intestinal permeability during inflammation is crucial for maintaining epithelial barrier integrity.
- The role of cannabinoids in regulating inflammation-induced intestinal permeability requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether cannabinoids can modulate the increased intestinal permeability associated with inflammation in vitro.
- To explore the potential therapeutic applications of cannabinoids in managing inflammatory conditions affecting the gut.
Main Methods:
- Caco-2 cell monolayers were inflamed using IFNγ and TNFα.
- Transepithelial electrical resistance and flux measurements assessed monolayer permeability.
- Cannabinoids and receptor antagonists (CB(1), CB(2), TRPV1, PPARγ, PPARα) were used to determine mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol accelerated recovery from cytokine-induced permeability increases, mediated by CB(1) receptors.
- Endocannabinoids (anandamide, 2-arachidonylglycerol) exacerbated permeability, also via CB(1) receptors.
- Inhibiting endocannabinoid breakdown worsened permeability, while inhibiting synthesis attenuated it.
Conclusions:
- Locally produced endocannabinoids, acting via CB(1) receptors, mediate inflammation-related permeability changes.
- Phytocannabinoids demonstrate therapeutic potential for reversing disordered intestinal permeability in inflammatory conditions.
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