Graduation Year
2010
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Granting Department
Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology
Major Professor
Jun Tan, MD, Ph.D.
Co-Major Professor
David Morgan, Ph.D.
Committee Member
R. Douglas Shytle, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Keith Pennypacker, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Craig Doupnik, Ph.D.
Keywords
nAChR, α7, cannabinoid, CB2, microglia
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a major driving force in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, as well as cannabinoid CB2 receptors, have been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties when activated. These effects are shown, in vivo, to be a result of stimulation of α7 nAChRs and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Microglia cells, an immune cell in the brain, are shown to express both of these receptor subtypes. The studies detailed herein, investigated the ability of two compounds, nicotine and Δ9-THC, in modulation of inflammatory processes. Stimulation of these receptors on microglia using nicotine and Δ9-THC blocked the activation of these cells, observed through reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Reductions in inflammation as well as pathology in the PSAPP mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease were also observed following nicotine and Δ9-THC administration. These data raise the possibility that α7 nAChRs and CB2 cannabinoid receptors may prove to be viable and effective strategy for reducing neuroinflammation observed in neurodegenerative disease.
Scholar Commons Citation
Ehrhart, Jared C., "Characterization of the Role of Nicotine and Delta 9-THC in Modulation of Neuroinflammation" (2010). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/3522
