What is G-Protein Receptor

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease that manifests in older adults as a result of death of motor neurons. Incidence is 60-80% sporadic and 10-20% familial. The most common mutations are SOD-1, TARDBP, and FUS. Abnormal protein aggregation, inflammation, and dysfunction of RNA are seen. Tremors, dyslexia, and inability to walk progress to death. No cure is available to date. Medical cannabis may delay ALS progression by its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This chapter examines the effects of cannabinoids in ALS and discusses their mechanisms of action. Several psychoactive compounds like THC delay the progression and increase survival rates in a few animal models including the G93A mouse model. The binding of THC to CB receptors, CB1 and CB2, can reduce glutamate secretion thereby reducing excitotoxicity. Targetting CB1 and CB2 receptors with THC agonists could inhibit inflammatory responses, prevent oxidative damage, and reduce microglial activation. This study reviews the evidence for therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in ALS.