Abstract
Availability of selective pharmacological tools enabled a great advance of our knowledge of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) role in pathophysiology. In particular CB2 emerged as an interesting target for chronic pain treatment as demonstrated by several studies on inflammatory and neuropathic preclinal pain models. The mechanisms at the basis of CB2-mediated analgesia are still controversial but data are pointing out in two main directions: an effect on inflammatory cells and/or an action on nociceptors and spinal cord relay centers. In this review will be described the second messenger pathways activated by CB2 agonists, the data underpinning the analgesic profile of CB2 selective agonists and the mechanisms invoked to explain their analgesic action. Finally the ongoing clinical trials and the potential issues for the development of a CB2 agonist drug will be examined.
Keywords: Analgesia, agonist, neuropathic pain, signalling pathways
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor as a Target for Chronic - Pain
Volume: 9 Issue: 1
Author(s): Massimiliano Beltramo
Affiliation:
Keywords: Analgesia, agonist, neuropathic pain, signalling pathways
Abstract: Availability of selective pharmacological tools enabled a great advance of our knowledge of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) role in pathophysiology. In particular CB2 emerged as an interesting target for chronic pain treatment as demonstrated by several studies on inflammatory and neuropathic preclinal pain models. The mechanisms at the basis of CB2-mediated analgesia are still controversial but data are pointing out in two main directions: an effect on inflammatory cells and/or an action on nociceptors and spinal cord relay centers. In this review will be described the second messenger pathways activated by CB2 agonists, the data underpinning the analgesic profile of CB2 selective agonists and the mechanisms invoked to explain their analgesic action. Finally the ongoing clinical trials and the potential issues for the development of a CB2 agonist drug will be examined.
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Cite this article as:
Beltramo Massimiliano, Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor as a Target for Chronic - Pain, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 9 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955709787001785
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955709787001785 |
Print ISSN 1389-5575 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5607 |
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