title: Targeting the cannabinoid system to produce analgesia.
abstract: Cannabinoid receptors are present at key sites involved in the relay and modulation of nociceptive responses. The analgesic effects of the cannabinoid CB₁ receptor are well described. The widespread distribution of these receptors in the brain does, however, also explain the side-effects associated with CB₁ receptor agonists. The cannabinoid CB₂ receptor also produces analgesic effects in models of acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The sites and mechanisms of CB₂ receptor-mediated analgesia are described herein. In addition to targeting cannabinoid receptors directly, protection of endocannabinoids (eCBs) from metabolism also produces analgesic effects. Indeed, reports that noxious stimulation elevates levels of eCBs in the spinal cord and brain provide further rationale for this approach. The effects of inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) on nociceptive responses in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. Devi.sagar@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Devi Rani
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Sagar
authors.forename: Maulik
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jhaveri
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chapman
mesh_terms: D000581:Amidohydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D000698:Analgesia; D000818:Animals; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000378:metabolism*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid / Q000502:physiology; D000099252:Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolases
chemical_list: D000581:Amidohydrolases; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D000099252:Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolases