Abstract
Cannabinoids may exhibit symptom control in multiple sclerosis (MS). We show here
that cannabinoid receptor (CBR) agonists can also be immunosuppressive and neuroprotective
in models of MS. Immunosuppression was associated with reduced: myelin-specific T
cell responses; central nervous system infiltration and reduced clinical disease.
This was found to be largely CB1R-dependent and only occurred at doses that induced significant cannabimimetic effects
that would not be achieved clinically. Lower, non-immunosuppressive doses of cannabinoids
however, slowed the accumulation of nerve loss and disability, despite failing to
inhibit relapses. This further highlights the neuroprotective potential of cannabinoids
to slow the progression of MS.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 26, 2007
Accepted:
October 29,
2007
Received in revised form:
October 26,
2007
Received:
September 27,
2007
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
