Effect of Cannabidiol on Cyclooxygenase Type 1 and 2 Expression and Function in Human Neutrophils

Introduction: In this study, the effects of the cannabinoid CBD were assessed on cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 expression and activity in resting and activated human neutrophils (polymorphonuclear [PMN] leukocytes).

Methods: COX expression was measured at the mRNA levels, whereas COX activity was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurement of prostaglandin (PG)E₂. In vitro experiments in a standard commercial acellular assay of COX-1/COX-2 activity completed the study.

Results: Results show that CBD profoundly inhibits expression of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA in activated PMN, however, without any significant consequences for PGE₂ production. CBD, however, was able to induce a slight but significant direct inhibition of COX-2 in the acellular model.

Conclusion: The effects of CBD occur in the μM concentration range, which is attained in humans with therapeutic doses of the drug, suggesting the clinical relevance of these findings.