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Marijuana use and brain immune mechanisms
Guy A Cabral1, Melissa Jamerson1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
International Review of Neurobiology
|September 2, 2014
Summary
Recreational marijuana compounds like THC and CBD affect the brain's immune cells. Early exposure may alter long-term immune responses to infections in adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cannabis sativa (marijuana) use is prevalent, with compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impacting immune function.
- THC is psychoactive and immunosuppressive, while CBD modulates immunity via different mechanisms.
- Both CBD and THC cross the blood-brain barrier, influencing the central nervous system (CNS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of marijuana phytocannabinoids on CNS immune cells.
- To understand how these compounds affect susceptibility to CNS infections.
- To explore potential long-term neuroimmune alterations from early-life exposure.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on phytocannabinoid effects on microglia and neuroinflammation.
- Analysis of studies concerning the migration of immune cells in the CNS.
- Examination of research on developmental and long-term immune system effects.
Main Results:
- THC inhibits the migration of microglia, key immune cells in the CNS, towards microbial invasion sites.
- Phytocannabinoids may have developmental and lasting effects on the immune system.
- Early-life exposure to marijuana compounds could fundamentally alter neuroimmune responses in adults.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the effects of THC and CBD on CNS immune cells is crucial for assessing infection risks.
- Adolescent marijuana use may have significant, long-lasting consequences on neuroimmune function.
- Further research is needed to clarify the specific mechanisms and long-term implications of phytocannabinoid exposure on neuroimmunity.
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