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The cannabinoid CB 2 receptor: a good friend in the gut
Author(s) -
Izzo A. A.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
neurogastroenterology and motility
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.489
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1365-2982
pISSN - 1350-1925
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2007.00977.x
Subject(s) - cannabinoid receptor , cannabinoid , context (archaeology) , cannabinoid receptor type 2 , receptor , inflammation , g protein coupled receptor , cannabinoid receptor agonists , pharmacology , biology , medicine , immunology , agonist , paleontology
Mammalian tissues express the cannabinoid 1 (CB 1 ) receptor and the cannabinoid 2 (CB 2 ) receptor, the latter being involved in inflammation and pain. In somatic nerve pathways, the analgesic effects of CB 2 agonism are well documented. Two papers published in the Journal have provided evidence that CB 2 receptor activation inhibits visceral afferent nerve activity in rodents. These exciting findings are discussed in the context of recent data highlighting the emerging role of CB 2 receptor as a critical target able to counteract hypermotility in pathophysiological states, gut inflammation and possibly colon cancer.