British journal of pharmacology
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Cannabis or cannabinoids produce characteristic tetrad effects-analgesia, hypothermia, catalepsy and suppressed locomotion, which are believed to be mediated by the activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Given recent findings of CB2 and GPR55 receptors in the brain, we examined whether these receptors are also involved in cannabinoid action. ⋯ These findings suggest that in addition to CB1 , both CB2 and GPR55 receptors are also involved in some pharmacological effects produced by cannabinoids. CB1 /CB2 , in contrast to GPR55, receptors appears to play opposite roles in cannabinoid action.
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Neuroactive steroid (3β,5β,17β)-3-hydroxyandrostane-17-carbonitrile (3β-OH) is a novel hypnotic and voltage-dependent blocker of T-type calcium channels. Here, we examine its potential analgesic effects and adjuvant anaesthetic properties using a post-surgical pain model in rodents. ⋯ Our study identifies 3β-OH as a novel analgesic for surgical procedures. 3β-OH can be used to reduce T-channel-dependent excitability of peripheral sensory neurons as an adjuvant for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia while improving analgesia and lowering the amount of volatile anaesthetic needed for surgery.