The cannabinoid receptors system in horses: Tissue distribution and cellular identification in skin
Authors
Piotr Kupczyk, Marta Rykala, Pawel Serek, Aleksandra Pawlak, Bartosz Slowikowski, Marcin Holysz, Grzegorz Chodaczek, Jan P. Madej, Piotr Ziolkowski, and Artur Niedzwiedz
Institution
Wroclaw Medical University
Country
Poland
Year
2022
Journal
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CBR1) and type 2 (CBR2), cannabinoid-based ligands (endogenous chemically synthesized phytocannabinoids), and endogenous enzymes controlling their concentrations. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have been identified in invertebrates and in almost all vertebrate species in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in immune cells, where they control neuroimmune homeostasis. In humans, rodents, dogs, and cats, CBRs expression has been confirmed in the skin, and their expression and tissue distribution become disordered in pathological conditions. Cannabinoid receptors may be a possible therapeutic target in skin diseases. Normal equine skin, including equine epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast-like cells, all exhibited constant gene and protein expression of CBRs. Normal equine skin, including equine epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast-like cells, all exhibited constant gene and protein expression of CBRs.