Abstract
The cannabinoid type-2 G protein-coupled (CB2) receptor is an emerging therapeutic target for pain management and immune system modulation. In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) the orally administered natural product 4′-O-methylhonokiol (MH) has been shown to prevent amyloidogenesis and progression of AD by inhibiting neuroinflammation. In this commentary we discuss an intriguing link between the recently found CB2 receptor-mediated molecular mechanisms of MH and its anti-inflammatory and protective effects in AD animal models. We argue that the novel cannabimimetic MH may exert its beneficial effects via modulation of CB2 receptors expressed in microglial cells and astrocytes. The recent findings provide further evidence for a potential role of CB2 receptors in the pathophysiology of AD, spurring target validation and drug discovery.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 135 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Neuroinflammation |
Volume | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 20 Jun 2012 |
Keywords
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cannabinoids
- CB2 receptors
- Endocannabinoid System
- Magnolia grandiflora
- Medicinal plant
- Methylhonokiol