[The cannabinoid system and pain: a new therapeutic avenue?].

Abstract

Pain is relatively refractory to most of the current analgesics, emphasizing the importance of identifying novel pharmacological agents. Thus, modulation of the cannabinoid system is a new therapeutic approach. This could be performed at several levels. For endogenous cannabinoids, it would be a modulation of their synthesis, release, cellular uptake, metabolism or interactions with cannabinoid receptors. Many recent clinical studies investigating the role of cannabinoids in various pain syndromes demonstrated overall positive results. Nevertheless, cannabis and cannabinoids as analgesic agents have not been yet unequivocally established. Targeting preferentially peripheral cannabinoid receptors to avoid unwanted psychotropic effects is a new interesting avenue requiring further investigation.

• Authors: Julie Desroches, Pierre Beaulieu
• Journal: Revue medicale suisse (Rev Med Suisse) Vol. 4 Issue 162 Pg. 1505-6, 1508-10, 1512-3 (Jun 18 2008) ISSN: 1660-9379 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Système cannabinoïde et douleur: quelle place en thérapeutique?
• PMID: 18649597 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
• Receptors, Cannabinoid

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators (physiology)
• Humans
• Pain (drug therapy, etiology)
• Receptors, Cannabinoid (drug effects, physiology)