title: Examination of the immunosuppressive effect of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in streptozotocin-induced autoimmune diabetes.
abstract: delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) is capable of modulating a variety of immune responses, but has not been evaluated in models of immune-based diabetes. The objectives of the present study were: (a) to investigate the effect of delta9-THC in an established model of multiple low dose streptozotocin (MLDSTZ)-induced autoimmune diabetes; and (b) to determine the contribution of the immune response in the MLDSTZ model. CD-1 mice were treated with 40 mg/kg STZ for 5 days in the presence or absence of delta9-THC treatment. delta9-THC administered orally in corn oil at 150 mg/kg for 11 days attenuated, in a transient manner, the MLDSTZ-induced elevation in serum glucose and loss of pancreatic insulin. MLDSTZ-induced insulitis and increases in IFN-gamma, TNFalpha and IL-12 mRNA expression were all reduced on Day 11 by co-administration of delta9-THC. In separate studies, six doses of delta9-THC, given after completion of STZ treatment, was found equally effective in attenuating mice from MLDSTZ-induced diabetes. Studies performed using B6C3F1 mice showed moderate hyperglycemia and a significant reduction in pancreatic insulin by MLDSTZ in the absence of insulitis. In addition, MLDSTZ produced a less pronounced hyperglycemia compared to CD-1 mice that was not attenuated by delta9-THC. These results suggest that MLDSTZ can initiate direct beta-cell damage, thereby augmenting the destruction of beta-cells by the immune system. Moreover, these results indicate that delta9-THC is capable of attenuating the severity of the autoimmune response in this experimental model of autoimmune diabetes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Kaminski
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000032:analysis; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D013311:Streptozocin
chemical_list: D017252:CD3 Complex; D016207:Cytokines; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013311:Streptozocin; D013759:Dronabinol