Neuroprotective effects of cannabidiol in endotoxin-induced uveitis: critical role of p38 MAPK activation

Abstract Purpose: Degenerative retinal diseases are characterized by inflammation and microglial activation. The nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), is an anti-inflammatory in models of diabetes and glaucoma. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that retinal inflammation and microglia activation are initiated and sustained by oxidative stress and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and that CBD reduces inflammation by blocking these processes. Methods: Microglial cells were isolated from retinas of newborn rats. Tumor necrosis