Δ9-THC and COX-2 Signaling

J. Zhang, C. Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Humans have been using marijuana or cannabis for a few thousands of years, as a recreational or medicinal drug. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Because of the undesirable side effects and potential abuse, the medical use of THC has been restricted to a limited number of medical conditions. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to prostanoids. Recent study shows that synaptic and cognitive impairments elicited by THC are associated with COX-2 induction through CB1 receptor-coupled G-protein subunits, and downstream NF-δB signaling pathway. COX-2 inhibition by pharmacological or genetic manipulations maintains integrity of hippocampal synaptic structure and function, and improves long-term synaptic plasticity, spatial learning, and memory in animals repeatedly exposed to THC. This information suggests that the medical use of marijuana would be broadened by concurrent COX-2 inhibition, which eliminates the major adverse effects of THC, while retaining cannabinoid beneficial effects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHandbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies
Subtitle of host publicationBiology, Pharmacology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages729-738
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780128008270
ISBN (Print)9780128007563
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 24 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Astroglial cells
  • Cannabinoid receptors
  • Cannabis
  • Cyclooxygenase-2
  • GTP-binding protein
  • Glutamate receptors
  • Learning and memory
  • Long-term potentiation
  • Marijuana
  • Prostaglandin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Neuroscience

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