Peripheral cannabinoid receptor, CB2, regulates bone mass.

ABSTRACT: The endogenous cannabinoids bind to and activate two G protein-coupled receptors, the predominantly central cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and peripheral cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). Whereas CB1 mediates the cannabinoid psychotropic, analgesic, and orectic effects, CB2 has been implicated recently in the regulation of liver fibrosis and atherosclerosis. Here we show that CB2-deficient mice have a markedly accelerated age-related trabecular bone loss and cortical expansion, although cortical thickness remains unaltered. These changes are reminiscent of human osteoporosis and may result from differential regulation of trabecular and cortical bone remodeling. The CB2(-/-) phenotype is also characterized by increased activity of trabecular osteoblasts (bone-forming cells), increased o

SUBMITTER: Ofek O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1334629 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature