Cannabinoid Modulation of Neuroinflammatory Disorders

Viviane      M. Saito; Rafael      M. Rezende; Antonio      L. Teixeira

Abstract

In recent years, a growing interest has been dedicated to the study of the endocannabinoid system. The isolation of Cannabis sativa main psychotropic compound, Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has led to the discovery of an atypical neurotransmission system that modulates the release of other neurotransmitters and participates in many biological processes, including the cascade of inflammatory responses. In this context, cannabinoids have been studied for their possible therapeutic properties in neuroinflammatory diseases. In this review, historic and biochemical aspects of cannabinoids are discussed, as well as their function as modulators of inflammatory processes and therapeutic perspectives for neurodegenerative disorders, particularly, multiple sclerosis.

Keywords: Cannabinoid receptors, Cannabinoids, Inflammation, Multiple sclerosis, Nervous system diseases, Parkinson Disease