Cannabinoids and brain injury: Therapeutic implications

Raphael Mechoulam*, David Panikashvili, Esther Shohami

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

221 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mounting in vitro and in vivo data suggest that the WP anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, as well as some plant and synthetic cannabinoids, have neuroprotective effects following brain injury. Cannabinoid receptor agonists inhibit glutamatergic synaptic transmission and reduce the production of tumour necrosis factor-α and reactive oxygen intermediates, which are factors in causing neuronal damage. The formation of the annabinoid anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol is strongly enhanced after brain injury, and there is evidence that these compounds reduce the secondary damage incurred. Some plant and synthetic cannabinoids, which do not bind to the cannabinoid receptors, have also been shown to be neuroprotective, possibly through their direct effect on the excitatory glutamate system and/or as antioxidants.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)58-61
Number of pages4
JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

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