The endogenous cannabinoid system protects against colonic inflammation

Abstract

Excessive inflammatory responses can emerge as a potential danger for organisms' health. Physiological balance between pro-and anti-inflammatory processes constitutes an important feature of responses against harmful events. Here, we show that cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) mediate intrinsic protective signals that counteract proinflammatory responses. Both intrarectal infusion of 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) and oral administration of dextrane sulfate sodium induced stronger inflammation in CB1-deficient mice (CB1 -/-) than in wild-type littermates (CB1 +/+ ).