In vitro functional evidence of neuronal cannabinoid CB1 receptors in human ileum

We investigated the effect of the cannabinoid agonist (+)WIN-55212-2 on human ileum longitudinal smooth muscle preparations, either electrically stimulated or contracted by carbachol. Electrical field stimulation mostly activated cholinergic neurons, since atropine and tetrodotoxin (TTX), alone or co-incubated, reduced twitch responses to a similar degree (85%). (+)WIN-55212-2 concentration-dependently inhibited twitch responses (IC₅₀ 73 nM), but had no additive effect with atropine or TTX. The cannabinoid CB₁ receptor antagonist SR 141716 (pA₂ 8.2), but not the CB₂ receptor antagonist, SR 144528, competitively antagonized twitch inhibition by (+)WIN-55212-2. Atropine but not (+)WIN-55212-2 or TTX prevented carbachol-induced tonic contraction.  These results provide functional evidence of the existence of prejunctional cannabinoid CB₁-receptors in the human ileum longitudinal smooth muscle. Agonist activation of these receptors prevents responses to electrical field stimulation, presumably by inhibiting acetylcholine release. SR 141716 is a potent and competitive antagonist of cannabinoid CB₁ receptors naturally expressed in the human gut.