Endocannabinoid-Based Prototype Drug Against Osteoporosis
Filed in archive Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics by ruth on January 06, 2006
, may be a drug target in treating depression. New research findings from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, however, have indicated that endocannabinoids also influence bone density by activating CB-2 receptors, which are present in high levels in the bone. Genetically engineered mice lacking the CB-2 receptor developed severe osteoporosis as they aged.Based on these findings, the researchers then developed a new synthetic compound, HU-308, which activates CB-2 and slows the development of osteoporosis in mice. This compound forms the basis for a cannabinoid-based, anti-osteoporotic type drug which has also been found to be free of any psychoactive side effects.
Photo: Normal bone tissue with CB2 receptors is seen at left. At right is bone tissue in which CB2 is absent, showing serious bone density loss.
Source and Photo Credit: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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