Stimulated CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Inducing Ischemic Tolerance and Protecting Neuron from Cerebral Ischemia.

Anandamide system is mainly made up of cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands and some related enzymes. Activation of the system mediates various molecular events, thereafter leading to vasodilation, bradycardia and anti-inflammation. The stimulated cannabinoid receptors may take part in protection of endothelial cells from injury and therefore can be potential targets in therapy for some diseases, especially cardio or cerebral vascular disturbances. Cerebral ischemia is a deadly disease that modern people have to face and will probably face for a long period of time. Ischemic tolerance has the protective effect of brain as an endogenous event in cerebral ischemia, in which variety of inducers such as transient cerebral ischemia, hypoxia, hypothermia and drug agents are involved. Most of cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1Rs), a member in G protein-coupled receptor family, exist in central nervous systems. Mechanism of neuroprotection mediated by the receptor is considered through facilitating neurotransmitter release and regulating other molecular events. In this review, advance of the neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia and the mechanism of the action are overviewed.