IngentaConnect Cannabinoids for gastrointestinal diseases: potential therapeutic...

Authors: Carlo G.D.; Izzo A.A.

Source: Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, Volume 12, Number 1, 1 January 2003 , pp. 39-49(11)

Abstract:

⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (the active ingredient of marijuana), as well as endogenous and synthetic cannabinoids, exert many biological functions by activating two types of cannabinoid receptors, CB₁ and CB₂ receptors. CB₁ receptors have been detected on enteric nerves, and pharmacological effects of their activation include gastroprotection, reduction of gastric and intestinal motility and reduction of intestinal secretion. The digestive tract also contains endogenous cannabinoids (i.e., the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-aracidonylglycerol) and mechanisms for endocannabinoid inactivation (i.e., endocannabinoids uptake and enzymatic degradation). Cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and the proteins involved in endocannabinoids inactivation are collectively referred as the ‘endogenous cannabinoid system’. A pharmacological modulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system could provide new therapeutics for the treatment of a number of gastrointestinal diseases, including nausea and vomiting, gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, secretory diarrhoea, paralytic ileus and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Some cannabinoids are already in use clinically, for example, nabilone and Dgr

⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol are used as antiemetics.

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$96.00 plus tax

Cannabinoids for gastrointestinal diseases: potential therapeutic applications