The Case for Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors as a Target for Bronchodilator Therapy for β-agonist Resistant Asthma

Title:The Case for Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors as a Target for Bronchodilator Therapy for β-agonist Resistant Asthma

Volume: 19 Issue: 11

Author(s): John C. Ashton*Robert J. Hancox

Affiliation:

• Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin,New Zealand

Keywords: Asthma, bronchodilation, β2-agonist, CB1 receptor, salbutamol, THC.

Abstract: Although β2-receceptor agonists are powerful bronchodilators and are at the forefront of asthma symptom relief, patients who use them frequently develop partial resistance to them. This can be a particularly serious problem during severe attacks, where high dose β2-agonist treatment is the front line therapy. Alternative bronchodilators are urgently needed. In this article we review the evidence for the bronchodilator effects of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and suggest that the mechanisms of action for these effects are sufficiently independent of the mechanisms of standard bronchodilators to warrant clinical investigation. Specifically, clinical trials testing the bronchodilator effects of THC in β2 agonist resistant asthmatic patients would show whether THC could fill the role of rescue bronchodilator in cases of β2 agonist resistance.

Cite this article as:

Ashton C. John *, Hancox J. Robert, The Case for Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors as a Target for Bronchodilator Therapy for β-agonist Resistant Asthma, Current Drug Targets 2018; 19 (11) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389450118666170615101220