Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effects cannabidiol (CBD) on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions and antigen-induced T-cell cytokine expression. Methods: DTH was induced by subcutaneous ovalbumin (OVA) challenge to the footpads of mice sensitized with OVA. Inflammatory reactions were measured by footpad swelling and histological analysis. Antigen-induced cytokine expression by OVA-primed splenocytes was measured using ELISA and RT-PCR. Results: CBD (1-10 mg/kg) administration, in a dose-dependent fashion, significantly attenuated inflammatory reactions associated with DTH in the footpads of mice sensitized and challenged with OVA. Histological examination revealed that CBD suppressed the infiltration of T cells and macrophages, and the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, two pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in DTH in the inflammatory site. In contrast, the expression of interleukin (IL)-10 in the footpads was enhanced by CBD administration. In addition, CBD at concentrations devoid of cytotoxic effects (1-4 μmol/L) attenuated OVA-induced IFN-γ production by OVA-primed splenocytes, whereas IL-4 was unaffected. Conclusion: CBD curbs DTH reactions via suppressing the infiltration and functional activity of T cells and macrophages in the inflammatory site, suggesting a therapeutic potential for CBD for the treatment of type IV hypersensitivity.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1611-1617 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Acta Pharmacologica Sinica |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2010 |
Keywords
- cannabidiol
- cytokine
- delayed-type hypersensitivity
- inteferon-γ
- interleukin-10
- interleukin-4
- macrophage
- T cell
- tumor necrosis factor-α
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacology (medical)