Activation of peripheral cannabinoid CB₁and CB₂receptors suppresses the maintenance of inflammatory nociception: a comparative analysis

Abstract

Cannabinoids act locally through distinct CB(1) and CB(2) mechanisms to suppress mechanical hypersensitivity after the establishment of chronic inflammation, at doses that produced modest changes in thermal hyperalgesia. Additive antihyperalgesic effects were observed following prophylactic co-administration of the CB(1)- and CB(2)-selective agonists. Our results suggest that peripheral cannabinoid antihyperalgesic actions may be exploited for treatment of inflammatory pain states.