Selective CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, SR141716A, attenuates liver injury induced by Concanavalin A.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of a selective cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist, SR141716A, in a Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced mouse liver injury model and to determine whether SR141716A has an effect on the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines induced by Con A.

Results: Injection of Con A (20 mg/kg) to mice developed hepatitis determined by plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation and necrosis in the liver. Pretreatment with SR141716A (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced plasma AST and ALT level, protected against necrosis in the liver, and significantly reduced plasma cytokine and chemokine levels, including TNFalpha, IFN-gamma, CXCL9, MIP1-alpha, and IL-10 and no change decreased in IL-4.

Conclusions: The selective CB1 antagonist, SR141716A, exerts a hepatoprotective effect on Con A-induced liver injury in mice by attenuating the increase in cytokine and chemokine levels and inhibiting hepatocyte injury. These findings raise the possibility of using CB1 antagonists as anti-inflammatory drugs for treating hepatitis as well as other inflammatory diseases.