p38 MAPK is involved in CB2 receptor-induced apoptosis of human leukaemia cells

FEBS Lett. 2005 Sep 12;579(22):5084-8. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.08.021.

Abstract

Cannabinoids have been shown to inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of tumour cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in that effect have not been completely elucidated. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in CB2 receptor-induced apoptosis of human leukaemia cells. Results show that stimulation of the CB2 receptor leads to p38 MAPK activation and that inhibition of this kinase attenuates CB2 receptor-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. These findings support a role for p38 MAPK in CB2 receptor-induced apoptosis of human leukaemia cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Dronabinol / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Leukemia / metabolism*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / metabolism
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / genetics
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / metabolism*
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2
  • Dronabinol
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Caspases