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The endocannabinoid system: a revolving plate in neuro-immune interaction in health and disease

Amino Acids volume 45, pages 95–112 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Studies of the last 40 years have brought to light an important physiological network, the endocannabinoid system. Endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids mediate their effects through activation of specific cannabinoid receptors. This modulatory homoeostatic system operates in the regulation of brain function and also in the periphery. The cannabinoid system has been shown to be involved in regulating the immune system. Studies examining the effect of cannabinoid-based drugs on immunity have shown that many cellular and cytokine mechanisms are modulated by these agents, thus raising the hypothesis that these compounds may be of value in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases. The special properties of endocannabinoids as neurotransmitters, their pleiotropic effects and the impact on immune function show that the endocannabinoid system represents a revolving plate of neural and immune interactions. In this paper, we outline current information on immune effects of cannabinoids in health and disease.

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Fig. 1

Abbreviations

AC:

Adenylate cyclase

AD:

Alzheimer disease

AEA:

Anandamide

AG:

Arachidonoyl-glycerol

BM:

Bone marrow

CB:

Cannabinoid

CB1R:

Cannabinoid receptor 1

CB2R:

Cannabinoid receptor 2

CBC:

Cannabichromene

CBD:

Cannabidiol

CBG:

Cannabigerol

CBR:

Cannabinoid receptors

COX:

Cyclooxygenase

DC:

Dendritic cells

ERK:

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase

FAAH:

Fatty acid amide hydrolase

GM-CSF:

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

GPCR:

G protein-coupled receptor

HPA:

Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal

HSPC:

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

IFN-γ:

Interferon gamma

IL:

Interleukin

LG:

Linoleoyl glycerol

LPS:

Lipopolysaccharide

MAPK:

Mitogen-activated protein kinase

MC:

Mast cell

NAAA:

N-acylethanolamine-hydrolysing acid amidase

NGF:

Nerve growth factor

OA:

Ostheoarthritis

OEA:

Oleoylethanolamide

PBMC:

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells

PEA:

Palmitoylethanolamide

PKA:

cAMP-Dependent protein kinase

PPAR:

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors

RA:

Rheumatoid arthritis

THC:

Tetrahydrocannabinol

THCV:

Tetrahydrocannabivarin

TNF:

Tumor necrosis factor

TRPV:

Vanilloid receptor-type

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Colentina Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

    R. Tanasescu

  2. Academic Division of Clinical Neurology, University Hospital, Queen’s Medical Centre, C Floor, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK

    B. Gran & C. S. Constantinescu

Authors
  1. R. Tanasescu
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  2. B. Gran
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  3. C. S. Constantinescu
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Correspondence to C. S. Constantinescu.

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Tanasescu, R., Gran, B. & Constantinescu, C.S. The endocannabinoid system: a revolving plate in neuro-immune interaction in health and disease. Amino Acids 45, 95–112 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-012-1252-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-012-1252-8

Keywords

  • Endocannabinoid system
  • Immune cells
  • Cannabinoids
  • Immunomodulation