Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Dr. Robyn Puffenbarger

Degree Award Date

Fall 2005

Keywords

Measurement, Cannabinoid receptor 2, CB2, mRNA, real-time PCR, immune system

Disciplines

Microbiology

Abstract

Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) is primarily responsible for alterations in neural tissue, while cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) influences changes in the immune system. Macrophages act as targets of cannabinoids, which can alter the functional activities of peritoneal macrophages, such as the murine macrophage-like cell line RA W264. 7. The amount of CB2 mRNA and protein in macrophages fluctuates in relation to cell activation. Based on the relative mRNA quantities from qPCR experiments reported herein, it appears that LPS and Rl-methanandamide increase levels of CB2-1A mRNA levels expressed by RA W264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, LPS and Rl-methanandamide alone increased FAAH mRNA levels in RA W264.7 macrophages. This study is one of the first to use the qPCR technique to quantify CB2 and FAAH mRNA levels in macrophage-like cells after activation by LPS and treatment with an cannabinoid agonist, Rl-methanandamide.

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