Cannabinoid receptor 2 affect the inflammatory response in periodontitis by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the effect of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) on macrophage polarization and inflammatory severity in periodontitis, elucidating CB2R’s potential role in the disease. Methods: Chronic periodontitis was induced by ligating maxillary second molars with orthodontic filaments in wild-type (WT) and CB2R knockout (CB2R-/-) mice. Unligated mice served as controls. After 3 weeks, maxillae were harvested. Micro-CT evaluated modeling success and quantified alveolar bone resorption. HE staining assessed periodontal tissue destruction. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyzed macrophage polarization, while