Peripheral Cannabinoid Analgesia: Neuronal and Immune Mechanisms

Author: Farquhar-Smith, W. Paul

Source: Reviews in Analgesia, Volume 8, Number 2, 2005 , pp. 103-116(14)

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

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Abstract:

There is a wealth of animal data demonstrating cannabinoids to be analgesic. However, the well-known psychoactive central side effects resulting from cannabinoid action on neuronal cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the brain have limited the human use of cannabinoids in pain management. Exploitation of peripheral mechanisms potentially allows dissociation between analgesia and the unwanted cannabinoid “high.” This could involve singling out actions of peripheral neuronal cannabinoid receptors or utilization of receptors outwith the central nervous system, such as the cannabinoid CB₂ receptor, expressed predominantly on immune cells. Multiple lines of evidence report peripheral analgesia via both CB₁ and CB₂ receptors. Neuronal actions and alteration of immune processes involved in the development of pain states are implicated. Therefore, development of cannabinoid analgesics directed at these peripheral targets offer a feasible therapeutic strategy devoid of central side effects.

Keywords: Endocannabinoids; Mast cell; Neutrophils; Immunomodulation

Document Type: Review article

Affiliations: 1: Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London, UK

Publication date: 2005-02-01

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