The present invention is directed to a method of protecting cells of the nervous system from glutamate-induced cytotoxicity , such as the type that is mimicked by administration of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and which is associated with conditions such as ischemia or glaucoma. In general, the method comprises increasing the activity of a cannabinoid agonist that binds specifically to an endogenous cannabinoid receptor, such as the endogenous cannabinoid receptors CB
1
or CB
2
, to protect the cells against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. This can be done either by the administration of a cannabinoid agonist such as a physiologically acceptable salt of R(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl3-[(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo [1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazinyl]-(
1
-naphthalenyl) methanone, preferably the mesylate salt, or by blocking degradation of naturally-occurring endogenous cannabinoid agonists in the cells, such as by inhibition of anandamide amidohydrolase. Administration can be performed by one of several routes, such as enterally, transdermally, or transmucosally.
本发明涉及一种保护神经系统细胞免受谷
氨酸诱导的细胞毒性的方法,例如通过施用
N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸(N
MDA)模拟的细胞毒性,这种细胞毒性与缺血或青光眼等病症有关。一般来说,该方法包括提高与内源性
大麻素受体(如内源性
大麻素受体 CB
1
或 CB
2
等内源性
大麻素受体结合的
大麻素激动剂的活性,以保护细胞免受谷
氨酸诱导的神经毒性的影响。这可以通过施用
大麻素激动剂来实现,例如 R(+)-[2,3-二氢-5-甲基-3-[(吗啉基)甲基]
吡咯[1,2,3-脱]-1,4-苯并恶嗪基]-(+)的生理上可接受的盐。
1
-
萘基)甲酮,最好是
甲磺酸盐,或通过阻断细胞中天然存在的内源性
大麻素激动剂的降解,例如通过抑制
安乃近酰胺酰胺
水解酶。给药可通过多种途径之一进行,如肠内、经皮或经口。