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Endocannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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Endocannabinoids

Part of the book series: Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology ((HEP,volume 231))

Abstract

There are numerous reports that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have for many years been self-medicating with illegal street cannabis or more recently medicinal cannabis to alleviate the symptoms associated with MS and also amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These anecdotal reports have been confirmed by data from animal models and more recently clinical trials on the ability of cannabinoids to alleviate limb spasticity, a common feature of progressive MS (and also ALS) and neurodegeneration. Experimental studies into the biology of the endocannabinoid system have revealed that cannabinoids have efficacy, not only in symptom relief but also as neuroprotective agents which may slow disease progression and thus delay the onset of symptoms. This review discusses what we now know about the endocannabinoid system as it relates to MS and ALS and also the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid therapeutics as disease-modifying or symptom control agents, as well as future therapeutic strategies including the potential for slowing disease progression in MS and ALS.

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Abbreviations

2-AG:

2-Arachidonoyl glycerol

AEA:

Anandamide

ALS:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

EDSS:

Expanded disability status scale

EPSC:

Excitatory post-synaptic current

FAAH:

Fatty acid amide hydrolase

FTD:

Fronto-temporal dementia

GABA:

Gamma aminobutyric acid

MAG lipase:

Monoacylglycerol lipase

MS:

Multiple sclerosis

OEA:

Oleoylethanolamide

PEA:

Palmitoylethanolamide

SOD-1:

Superoxide dismutase 1

THC:

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol

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  1. Department of Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience and Trauma Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK

    Gareth Pryce & David Baker

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    Roger G. Pertwee

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Pryce, G., Baker, D. (2015). Endocannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In: Pertwee, R. (eds) Endocannabinoids. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 231. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_7

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