Cannabinoids and brain injury: therapeutic implications

Trends Mol Med. 2002 Feb;8(2):58-61. doi: 10.1016/s1471-4914(02)02276-1.

Abstract

Mounting in vitro and in vivo data suggest that the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, as well as some plant and synthetic cannabinoids, have neuroprotective effects following brain injury. Cannabinoid receptor agonists inhibit glutamatergic synaptic transmission and reduce the production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and reactive oxygen intermediates, which are factors in causing neuronal damage. The formation of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol is strongly enhanced after brain injury, and there is evidence that these compounds reduce the secondary damage incurred. Some plant and synthetic cannabinoids, which do not bind to the cannabinoid receptors, have also been shown to be neuroprotective, possibly through their direct effect on the excitatory glutamate system and/or as antioxidants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acids / pharmacology
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries / drug therapy*
  • Brain Injuries / metabolism
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Cannabinoids / chemistry
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology*
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
  • Dronabinol / analogs & derivatives
  • Dronabinol / pharmacology
  • Dronabinol / therapeutic use
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Glycerides / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Neuroprotective Agents / chemistry
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Rats

Substances

  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Cannabinoids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Glycerides
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Dronabinol
  • glyceryl 2-arachidonate
  • HU 211
  • anandamide