TITLE:
Cannabidiol (CBD) Prevents Palmitic Acid-Induced Drop in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential
AUTHORS:
R. Gallily, Z. Yekhtin, M. Tarshis, R. Vogt Sionov
KEYWORDS:
CBD, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, Macrophages, Microglia, Palmitic Acid
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.10 No.9,
September
11,
2019
ABSTRACT: Exposure of macrophages and microglia cells to the saturated palmitic
acid (PA) leads to reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (), shrinkage of the cells and apoptosis. Here we
show that the Cannabis component Cannabidiol (CBD) rescues both macrophages and
microglia cells from the detrimental effects of PA. CBD prevents the shrinkage
in cell size and the reduction incaused
by PA. The protective effect of CBD on the macrophage mitochondria is important
for sustaining the macrophage population even under the immunosuppressed
conditions caused by this drug. To a similar extent, the antagonistic effect of
CBD on PA-mediated microglia cytotoxicity is important for its role in
neuroprotection.