The peripheral cannabinoid receptor knockout mice: An update

Abstract

This review gives an overview of the CB 2 receptor (CB 2R) knockout (CB 2R -/-) mice phenotype and the work that has been carried out using this mutant mouse. Using the CB 2R -/- mice, investigators have discovered the involvement of CB 2R on immune cell function and development, infection, embryonic development, bone loss, liver disorders, pain, autoimmune inflammation, allergic dermatitis, atherosclerosis, apoptosis and chemotaxis. Using the CB 2R -/- mice, investigators have also found that this receptor is not involved in cannabinoid-induced hypotension. In addition, the CB 2R -/- mice have been used to determine specific tissue CB 2R expression. The specificity of synthetic cannabinoid agonists, antagonists and anti-CB 2R antibodies has been screened using tissues from CB 2R -/- mice. Thus, the use of this mouse model has greatly helped reveal the diverse events involving the CB 2R, and has aided in drug and antibody screening. © 2008 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved.