New drug acts as marijuana in the brain
MONTREAL, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- A McGill University study suggests a new
anti-depressant drug works by raising levels of endocannabinoids --
similar to
a substance found in marijuana.
The study suggests the new drug, called URB597, might represent a safer
alternative to use of marijuana for treatment of pain and depression,
and open
the door to new and improved treatments for clinical depression.
In pre-clinical laboratory tests researchers found URB597 increased the
production of endocannabinoids by blocking their degradation, resulting
in
measurable antidepressant effects.
"This is the first time it has been shown a drug that increases
endocannabinoids in the brain can improve your mood," said lead
investigator
Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, a researcher at Montreal and McGill Universities.
The researchers, including scientists from the University of
California-Irvine, were able to measure serotonin and noradrenaline
activity
as a result of the increased endocannabinoids.
"The results were similar to the effect we might expect from the use of
commonly prescribed antidepressants, which are effective on only around
30
percent of the population," said Gobbi. "Our discovery strengthens the
case
for URB597 as a safer, non-addictive, non-psychotropic alternative to
cannabis
for the treatment of pain and depression."
Our pal jack, aka sylco must be one of the test dummies in this study.
JD