A Novel Non-Psychoactive Fatty Acid from a Marine Snail, , Signals Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) to Accumulate Apoptotic C16:0 and C18:0 Ceramides in Teratocarcinoma Cell Line PA1.

The cannabinoid-type I (CB1) receptor functions as a double-edged sword to decide cell fate: apoptosis/survival. Elevated CB1 receptor expression is shown to cause acute ceramide accumulation to meet the energy requirements of fast-growing cancers. However, the flip side of continual CB1 activation is the initiation of a second ceramide peak that leads to cell death.

The Blood Brain Barrier and its Role in Alzheimer's Therapy: An Overview.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent age related neurodegenerative disorder. It represents 70% of all dementia. Millions of people have been affected by AD worldwide.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of locust bean gum and chitosan combination as a carrier for buccal drug delivery.

The object of the study was to evaluate locust bean gum and chitosan in ratios of 2:3; 3:2 and 4:1 (F1, F2 and F3) as a mucoadhesive component in buccal tablets and to compare the bioavailability of a propranolol hydrochloride buccal tablet with the oral tablet in healthy human volunteers. Propranolol hydrochloride buccal tablets containing various weight ratios of locust bean gum and chitosan were prepared and coated with 5% w/v ethyl cellulose on one face, and oral tablets containing 10 mg propranolol hydrochloride alone were formulated using a direct compression technique. The strength of mucoadhesion of the tablets was quantified based on the tensile force required to break the adhesive bond between a model membrane (porcine buccal mucosa) and the test polymer.