Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Israelian researchers at the Bar-Ilan University in Ramat-Gan demonstrated that THC protects heart cells (cardiomyocytes) against the damage caused by hypoxia (reduced oxygen concentration in the blood) in experimental studies. Pre-treatment of cultures of cardiomyocytes with THC for 24 hours prevented leakage of LDH induced by hypoxia. Leakage of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) from cells is a sign of cell damage.
This protective effects of THC was mediated by the CB2 receptor. CB2 receptor activation by THC induced the production of nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide signals the smooth muscles of blood vessels to relax, thus dilating the artery and increasing blood flow. This underlies the action of nitroglycerin and other drugs used in the treatment of heart disease, since these compounds are converted to nitric oxide in the body.
Researchers noted that THC also "probably pre-trains the cardiomyocytes to hypoxic conditions." They concluded that their research "demonstrates that THC has beneficial effects on cardiac cells and supports the consideration of marijuana for specific medical uses."
(Source: Shmist YA, Goncharov I, Eichler M, Shneyvays V, Isaac A, Vogel Z, Shainberg A. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol protects cardiac cells from hypoxia via CB2 receptor activation and nitric oxide production. Mol Cell Biochem 2006;283(1-2):75-83)
Source: International Association for Cannabis as Medicine
This protective effects of THC was mediated by the CB2 receptor. CB2 receptor activation by THC induced the production of nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide signals the smooth muscles of blood vessels to relax, thus dilating the artery and increasing blood flow. This underlies the action of nitroglycerin and other drugs used in the treatment of heart disease, since these compounds are converted to nitric oxide in the body.
Researchers noted that THC also "probably pre-trains the cardiomyocytes to hypoxic conditions." They concluded that their research "demonstrates that THC has beneficial effects on cardiac cells and supports the consideration of marijuana for specific medical uses."
(Source: Shmist YA, Goncharov I, Eichler M, Shneyvays V, Isaac A, Vogel Z, Shainberg A. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol protects cardiac cells from hypoxia via CB2 receptor activation and nitric oxide production. Mol Cell Biochem 2006;283(1-2):75-83)
Source: International Association for Cannabis as Medicine
