Why do cannabinoids not show consistent effects as analgetic drugs in multiple sclerosis?
F. S. Lienau,
H. Füllgraf,
A. Moser,
T. J. Feuerstein,
F. S. Lienau
Neurochemical Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorH. Füllgraf
Neurochemical Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorA. Moser
Neurochemical Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorT. J. Feuerstein
Neuropharmacology Section, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorF. S. Lienau,
H. Füllgraf,
A. Moser,
T. J. Feuerstein,
F. S. Lienau
Neurochemical Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorH. Füllgraf
Neurochemical Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorA. Moser
Neurochemical Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorT. J. Feuerstein
Neuropharmacology Section, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorDr Florian Lienau, Neurochemical Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany (tel.: +494515822997; fax: +494515822997; e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]).
Abstract
The effectiveness of cannabinoids (CB) in the treatment of pain in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) varies. The pathogenesis of pain in MS is diverse as are the possible effects of CB at different sites of CB receptors in the peripheral and central nervous system, this may explain the variable impact on individual patients. The aim of this review is to summarize pre-clinical and clinical studies to explain this variability from a neuropharmacological point of view. Future studies are needed to examine specific effects on distinct symptoms in homogenous groups of patients.
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