11. Cannabis Flashcards
Why is cannabis considered for the use of treatment for MS?
It has shown to help alleviate pain and muscle spasticity in patients with MS
What receptors do we have in the body for cannabis and where are they located?
CB1 and CB2 receptors
CB1 is a major g-protein coupled receptor - it is the most abundant receptor in the adult CNS and is also present in other tissues - this receptor is essentially present all over the body and so has a wide range of effects (brain, adipose tissue, liver, muscle, pancreas, GI tract)
CB2 - receptor largely restricted to the immune system
These receptors are known as the endocannabinoid system
What are endocannabinoids?
These are cannabinoids produced naturally within the body
How can cannabinoids treat the symptoms of MS?
Muscle spasticity is a common symptom in patients with MS and this is due to overrelease of the neurotransmitter and over-excitation of the axon
Under normal circumstances, endocannabinoids will be produced which go forward and bind to the CB1 receptors and then to ion channels which prevents the release of further neurotransmitter
Cannabinoids can be given to patients to stimulate this inhibition of neurotransmitter release on a larger scale
