Un-Pot for Chronic Pain: An Animal Study

Cannabinoids such as Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which act on CB₁ and CB₂ receptors, improve neuropathic pain and medication-induced nausea. However, these cannabinoids' effects on CB₁ receptors cause physical dependence and psychological adverse effects. In a rodent study, researchers examined the pharmacologic and clinical actions of a selective CB₂ agonist (AM1710) in neuropathic pain and hyperesthesia that were induced by the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel.

In wild-type mice, THC suppressed paclitaxel-induced allodynia but was associated with cannabinoid tolerance and with motor and autonomic adverse effects; a CB₁ antagonist precipitated THC withdrawal symptoms. Systemic or intrathecal AM1710 reversed allodynia in wild-type mice and CB…