The Marijuana Herald – Marijuana news and information
A new study published in the journal Lung by researchers at Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University reports that activating the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) may help prevent lung damage caused by COVID-19. Using an animal model designed to mimic acute lung injury tied to the virus’s spike protein, the researchers triggered lung damage by delivering SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit 1 directly into the airways. One hour later, the animals were treated with HU308, a compound that activates CB2, and then received repeat doses every 24 hours.
By 48 hours, HU308-treated mice showed better lung function than untreated animals exposed to the spike protein. The treatment also reduced immune cell buildup in the lungs, lowered neutrophil activation, and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, according to the study…