Endocannabinoids 3. Diseases of peripheral organs involving the endocannabinoid system and their possible treatment with endocannabinoid-based drugs

As a continuation to the previous articles in this series, here the possible applications of endocannabinoid-based drugs for the alleviation and treatment of ailments of peripheral systems are reviewed. These applications are being supported by an increasing number of experimental studies carried out in animal models of immune, cardiovascular, reproductive and intestinal disorders, showing that the levels of endocannabinoids and/or cannabinoid receptors are altered during these disorders. A picture is emerging which suggests that these changes either occur with the purpose of minimising the symptoms of certain diseases or instead contribute in part to their onset. This review will critically discuss the possible future use of endocannabinoid-based drugs including cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists against premature abortion and stypsis, CB1 receptor agonists/inhibitors of endocannabinoid degradation against diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel diseases and hypertension, and cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonists and antagonists against diseases originating from exaggerated or impaired immune responses.