The Cannabinoid Discussion Group at Temple University met for the second time this semester to review a recent scientific publication from a German Laboratory. The presenter was Zachary Reichenbach, an MD/Ph.D student at Temple, who is currently working in the laboratory of Dr.Ron Tuma. The Tuma lab is focused on studying cannabinoid based therapies for the treatment of cerebral ischemia resulting from stroke. Mr.Reichenbach led the discussion on a research paper which showed that the cannabinoid JWH-133 activates the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), resulting a decrease in infarct size or brain damage during reperfusion following an ischemic event.
Mr.Reichenbach provided background on stroke, stating that it is the 3rd cause of death in this country, and 85% of those strokes are of the ischemic variety. During an ischemic event there is a hyper-immune response resulting in the recruitment of immune cells that kill brain tissue. Cannabinoids have been shown to modulate the immune system, notably the Tuma lab has published data on the CB2 receptor’s anti-inflammatory effects. Activating the CB2 receptor decreases the migration of hyper-immune cells to the brain. The more brain you save, the more you save someone from disabilities or death.
When asked about the implications of these findings on a cannabinoid that could be a potential stroke therapy, Mr.Reichenbach replied that the results of his work and others is promising, as far as the big picture goes, he said, “at the end of the day, it matters how much brain tissue we save.”
And just in case you were wondering, THC, the active ingredient in Cannabis, activates both the CB1 and CB2 receptor.
If you're a Temple undergrad, graduate or medical student you may enroll in the Cannabinoid Discussion Group for class credit. This makes Temple one of the only, if not THE only insitution in the country to offer a course on cannabinoids.
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