MDA7: a novel selective agonist for CB2 receptors that prevents allodynia in rat neuropathic pain models.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

There is growing interest in using cannabinoid type 2 (CB(2)) receptor agonists for the treatment of neuropathic pain. In this report, we describe the pharmacological characteristics of MDA7 (1-[(3-benzyl-3-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-6-yl)carbonyl]piperidine), a novel CB(2) receptor agonist.

Experimental approach

We characterized the pharmacological profile of MDA7 by using radioligand-binding assays and in vitro functional assays at human cannabinoid type 1 (CB(1)) and CB(2) receptors. In vitro functional assays were performed at rat CB(1) and CB(2) receptors. The effects of MDA7 in reversing neuropathic pain were assessed in spinal nerve ligation and paclitaxel-induced neuropathy models in rats.

Key results

MDA7 exhibited selectivity and

SUBMITTER: Naguib M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2597252 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature