title: The biology that underpins the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based medicines for the control of spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Cannabis-based medicines have recently been approved for the treatment of pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS). This supports the original perceptions of people with MS, who were using illegal street cannabis for symptom control and pre-clinical testing in animal models of MS. This activity is supported both by the biology of the disease and the biology of the cannabis plant and the endocannabinoid system. MS results from disease that impairs neurotransmission and this is controlled by cannabinoid receptors and endogenous cannabinoid ligands. This can limit spasticity and may also influence the processes that drive the accumulation of progressive disability.
authors: Department of Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: david.baker@qmul.ac.uk.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Baker
authors: Department of Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
authors: Gareth
authors: G
authors: Pryce
authors: Department of Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
authors: Samuel J
authors: SJ
authors: Jackson
authors: Department of Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Bolton
authors: Department of Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
authors: Gavin
authors: G
authors: Giovannoni
keywords: Cannabis; Endocannabinnoid; Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; Multiple sclerosis; Neuroprotection; Spasticity