Differential activation of intracellular versus plasmalemmal CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

ABSTRACT: The therapeutic and psychoactive properties of cannabinoids have long been recognized. The type 2 receptor for cannabinoids (CB2) has emerged as an important therapeutic target in several pathologies, as it mediates beneficial effects of cannabinoids while having little if any psychotropic activity. Difficulties associated with the development of CB2-based therapeutic agents have been related to its intricate pharmacology, including the species specificity and functional selectivity of the CB2-initiated responses. We postulated that a plasmalemmal or subcellular location of the receptor may contribute to the differential signaling pathways initiated by its activation. To differentiate between these two, we used extracellular and intracellular administration of CB2 ligands and concurrent ca

SUBMITTER: Brailoiu GC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4144709 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature