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Researchers of the University of Jerusalem investigated the role of the CB2 receptor in bone formation and bone loss. Mice without CB2 receptors were shown to have a markedly accelerated age-related bone loss. These mice were also characterized by increased activity of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and increased osteoclast (the bone-resorbing cell) number. The CB2 receptor is found on osteoblasts, osteoclasts and bone cells (osteocytes).
A synthetic cannabinoid (HU-308) that binds specifically to CB2 receptors enhanced osteoblast number and activity and reduced the production of osteoclasts. The same cannabinoid attenuated bone loss induced by removal of the ovary and markedly stimulated bone formation. Researchers concluded that these results "demonstrate that the endocannabinoid system is essential for the maintenance of normal bone mass by osteoblastic and osteoclastic CB2 signaling. Hence, CB2 offers a molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, the most prevalent degenerative disease in developed countries."
(Source: Ofek O, Karsak M, Leclerc N, Fogel M, Frenkel B, Wright K, Tam J, Attar-Namdar M, Kram V, Shohami E, Mechoulam R, Zimmer A, Bab I. Peripheral cannabinoid receptor, CB2, regulates bone mass. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006;103(3):696-701)
Source: International Association for Cannabis as Medicine
A synthetic cannabinoid (HU-308) that binds specifically to CB2 receptors enhanced osteoblast number and activity and reduced the production of osteoclasts. The same cannabinoid attenuated bone loss induced by removal of the ovary and markedly stimulated bone formation. Researchers concluded that these results "demonstrate that the endocannabinoid system is essential for the maintenance of normal bone mass by osteoblastic and osteoclastic CB2 signaling. Hence, CB2 offers a molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, the most prevalent degenerative disease in developed countries."
(Source: Ofek O, Karsak M, Leclerc N, Fogel M, Frenkel B, Wright K, Tam J, Attar-Namdar M, Kram V, Shohami E, Mechoulam R, Zimmer A, Bab I. Peripheral cannabinoid receptor, CB2, regulates bone mass. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006;103(3):696-701)
Source: International Association for Cannabis as Medicine
