PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - V Di Marzo
AU  - A A Izzo
TI  - Endocannabinoid overactivity and intestinal inflammation
AID  - 10.1136/gut.2005.090472
DP  - 2006 Oct 01
TA  - Gut
PG  - 1373--1376
VI  - 55
IP  - 10
4099  - http://gut.bmj.com/content/55/10/1373.1.short
4100  - http://gut.bmj.com/content/55/10/1373.1.full
SO  - Gut2006 Oct 01; 55
AB  - Cannabinoid receptors of type 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands that activate them (endocannabinoids), and mechanisms for endocannabinoid biosynthesis and inactivation have been identified in the gastrointestinal system. Activation of CB1 receptors by endocannabinoids produces relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter and inhibition of gastric acid secretion, intestinal motility, and fluid stimulated secretion. However, stimulation of cannabinoid receptors impacts on gastrointestinal functions in several other ways. Recent data indicate that the endocannabinoid system in the small intestine and colon becomes over stimulated during inflammation in both animal models and human inflammatory disorders. The pathological significance of this “endocannabinoid overactivity” and its possible exploitation for therapeutic purposes are discussed here.