Non-Canonical Cannabinoid Receptors with Distinct Binding and Signaling Properties in Prostate and Other Cancer Cell Types Mediate Cell Death.

Cannabinoids exert anti-cancer actions; however, the underlying cytotoxic mechanisms and the cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) involved remain unclear. In this study, CBRs were characterized in several cancer cell lines. Radioligand binding screens surprisingly revealed specific binding only for the non-selective cannabinoid [H]WIN-55,212-2, and not [H]CP-55,940, indicating that the expressed CBRs exhibit atypical binding properties.

Characterization of cannabinoid receptors expressed in Ewing sarcoma TC-71 and A-673 cells as potential targets for anti-cancer drug development.

Aims: Characterizing cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) expressed in Ewing sarcoma (EWS) cell lines as potential targets for anti-cancer drug development.

Main Methods: CBR affinity and function were examined by competitive binding and G-protein activation, respectively. Cannabinoid-mediated cytotoxicity and cell viability were evaluated by LDH, and trypan blue assays, respectively.

Cytoprotective potential of tiron and methyl palmitate against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury.

Acute liver injury is a debilitating disorder associated with loss of synthetic and detoxifying functions of the liver. This investigation was designed to assess cytoprotective efficacy of daily oral tiron (300 mg/kg) and daily oral methyl palmitate (300 mg/kg) against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. Rats were orally pretreated with either tiron or methyl palmitate at doses (300 mg/kg) for 7 days prior to oral acetaminophen (3 g/kg).