Review article

Targeting the Endocannabinoid System to Treat Sepsis

CHRISTIAN LEHMANN orcid.org/0000-0001-6419-9168 ; Department of Anaesthesia Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, QE II Health Sciences Centre, 10 West Victoria, 1276 South Park St., Halifax, NS, B3H 2
JOEL SARDINHA ; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
MELANIE KELLY ; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system represents a potential therapeutic target in sepsis due to the presence of cannabinoid receptors (CB2) on immune cells. In this review we discuss how various targets within the endocannabinoid system can be manipulated to treat the immune consequences of sepsis. One of the targets outlined are the endocannabinoid receptors and modulation of their activity through pharmacological agonists and antagonists. Another therapeutic target covered in this review is the modulation of the endocannabinoid degradative enzyme’s activity. Modulation of degradative enzyme activity can change the levels of endogenous cannabinoids thereby altering immune activity. Overall, activation of the CB2 receptors causes immunosuppression and can be beneficial during the hyperactivated immune state of sepsis, while suppression of the CB2 receptors may be beneficial during a hypoimmune septic state.

Keywords

sepsis; endocannabinoid system; inflammation; immune modulation

Hrčak ID:

108715

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/108715

Publication date:

1.4.2013.

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