Targeting two cannabinoid receptors may ease bladder pain

This preclinical study examined whether activating peripheral cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors could reduce bladder pain linked to cystitis. In anesthetized guinea pigs, cystitis increased pain-related responses to bladder stretching. The CB1-targeting compound PrNMI and the selective CB2 agonist 4Q3C each reduced this heightened response at high bladder pressures.

When both receptors were activated together, the treatment abolished cystitis-induced bladder hyperalgesia in this animal model. The findings suggest that medicines designed to act on peripheral CB1 and CB2 receptors simultaneously could have potential for treating bladder pain associated with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. However, the abstract reports animal findings only and does not establish effectiveness or safety in human cannabis users or patients.