Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 26, 2025
06:43
Increased Recovery Time and Decreased LPS Administration to Study the Vagus Nerve Stimulation Mechanisms in Limited Inflammatory Responses
Published on: March 29, 2017
10.2K
Cannabinoid control of neurogenic inflammation
Meagan McKenna1, Jason J McDougall1
1Departments of Pharmacology and Anaesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
British Journal of Pharmacology
|December 8, 2020
Summary
Cannabinoids, including endocannabinoids, synthetic, and plant-derived compounds, reduce neuroinflammation by inhibiting nerve signaling and neuropeptide release. They offer potential therapeutic benefits for various diseases by calming nerve inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuropharmacology
- Immunology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Cannabinoids possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties relevant to numerous diseases.
- Cannabinoid receptors' location allows inhibition of synaptic transmission and regulation of neurogenic inflammation.
- Neurogenic inflammation involves an axon reflex leading to neuropeptide release, vasodilation, and immune cell modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neuropharmacological mechanisms by which cannabinoids regulate antidromic depolarization of afferent nerve terminals.
- To examine the control of neurogenic inflammation by cannabinoids in various disease contexts.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cannabinoid pharmacology and neuroinflammation.
- Analysis of neuropharmacological processes regulating afferent nerve terminal depolarization.
- Examination of cannabinoid effects on neuropeptide release and neuroinflammation.
Main Results:
- Cannabinoids (endo-, synthetic-, phyto-) inhibit neuroinflammation by reducing afferent firing and neuropeptide release.
- Cannabinoids can reduce inflammation by silencing small diameter sensory neurons.
- These effects are mediated by presynaptic cannabinoid receptors.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoids offer a dual mechanism for reducing inflammation: direct effects and neuronal silencing.
- Targeting cannabinoid pathways presents a promising therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammatory conditions.
- Understanding these neuropharmacological processes is crucial for developing new anti-inflammatory treatments.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Inflammatory Response
15.2K
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
15.2K
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
525
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
525
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
1.2K
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
1.2K
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
306
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
306
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
571
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its...
571
01:44Nociception
32.4K
Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.
32.4K