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

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). COX expression was measured at the mRNA levels, whereas COX activity was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurement of prostaglandin (PG)E. experiments in a standard commercial acellular assay of COX-1/COX-2 activity completed the study. Results show that CBD profoundly inhibits expression of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA in activated PMN, however, without any significant consequences for PGE production. CBD, however, was able to induce a slight but significant direct inhibition of COX-2 in the acellular model. 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.