[Size=4]The endocannabinoid system is dysregulated in
multiple sclerosis and in experimental autoimmune
encephalomyelitis[/size]
The ability of cannabinoids to modulate both inflammatory and degenerative neuronal damage prompted
investigations on the potential benefits of such compounds in multiple sclerosis (MS) and in animal models of
this disorder.Here we measured endocannabinoid levels, metabolismand binding, and physiological activities in
26 patients with MS (17 females, aged 19^43 years), 25 healthy controls and in mice with experimental autoimmune
encephalomyelitis (EAE), a preclinical model of MS.Our results show that MS and EAE are associated
with significant alterations of the endocannabinoid system.We found that anandamide (AEA), but not 2-arachidonoylglycerol
(2-AG), was increased in the CSF of relapsing MS patients. AEA concentrations were also higher
in peripheral lymphocytes of these patients, an effect associated with increased synthesis and reduced degradation
of this endocannabinoid. Increased synthesis, reduced degradation, and increased levels of AEA were also
detected in the brains of EAEmice in the acute phase of the disease, possibly accounting for its anti-excitotoxic
action in this disorder. Accordingly, neurophysiological recordings fromsingle neurons confirmed that excitatory
transmission in EAE slices is inhibited by CB1 receptor activation, while inhibitory transmission is not.Our study
suggests that targeting the endocannabinoid system might be useful for the treatment of MS.
A good strain of weed is the only thing that has touched my libido. Sometimes back to near 100%.