Novato, CA: The administration of a synthetic cannabinoid agonist protects neurons (nerve cells from excitotoxic injury (cell death produced in neurons by the overactivation of excitatory neurotransmitter receptors) by as much as 65 percent, according to preclinical data published in the November issue of the journal Molecular Pharmacology.
The finding comes less than two months after a Canadian research team reported that cannabinoids promote the proliferation of newborn neurons in the rat brain.
Researchers have previously reported that cannabinoids, including THC and cannabidiol (CBD), are neuroprotective in animals against brain damage caused by alcohol and/or stroke.
For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500. Full text of the study, “Molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid protection from neuronal excitotoxicity,” is available online at:
http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/cgi/reprint/mol.105.016428v1