Potential role of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 in the pathogenesis of erosive and non‐erosive gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

• Published in: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics 2010-08, Vol.32 (4), p.603-611
• Main Authors: Calabrese, C., Spisni, E., Liguori, G., Lazzarini, G., Valerii, M. C., Strillacci, A., Gionchetti, P., Pagotto, U., Campieri, M., Rizzello, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Digestive system; Esophagus; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Medical sciences; Other diseases. Semiology; Pharmacology. Drug treatments
• ISSN: 0269-2813; 1365-2036
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04377.x

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 603–611 Summary Background  Cannabinoid (CB) receptors have been located in brain areas involved in the triggering of TLESRs as well as in the nodose ganglion from which vagal afferents emanate. The distribution of CB1 receptors has been investigated in the human gastrointestinal mucosa, as expression of inflammatory process. Aim  To evaluate the CB1 expression in oesophageal mucosa. Methods  A total of 87 consecutive subjects were enrolled: 10 controls, 39 NERD and 38 erosive oesophagitis. Eight specimens were taken from macroscopically normal mucosa. Five were processed by haematoxylin–eosin, MIB1/CB1 evaluation and three for the RNA and proteins extraction. Results  The mean MIB1‐LI value was 31% and 22% in NERD and ERD patients, respectively, compared to 68% in the healthy subjects. Mean CB1mRNA/GUSB mRNA value of the controls was 0.66, while in GERD patients, it was 0.28. In NERD and ERD, the mean values of CB1/GUSB were 0.38 and 0.17, respectively, with highly significant differences between the NERD vs. ERD groups. Semi‐quantitative analysis of CB1 expression, performed with WB, shows in NERD patients a higher CB1 receptor expression than ERD patients. Conclusions  With this study, we showed for the first time the presence of CB1 receptors in the human oesophageal epithelium.