TY - JOUR T1 - Cannabinoids Protect Cells from Oxidative Cell Death: A Receptor-Independent Mechanism JF - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics JO - J Pharmacol Exp Ther SP - 807 LP - 812 VL - 293 IS - 3 AU - Yanqiu Chen AU - Jochen Buck Y1 - 2000/06/01 UR - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/293/3/807.abstract N2 - Serum is required for the survival and growth of most animal cells. In serum-free medium, B lymphoblastoid cells and fibroblasts die after 2 days. We report that submicromolar concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Δ8-THC, cannabinol, or cannabidiol, but not WIN 55,212-2, prevented serum-deprived cell death. Δ9-THC also synergized with platelet-derived growth factor in activating resting NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The cannabinoids' growth supportive effect did not correlate with their ability to bind to known cannabinoid receptors and showed no stereoselectivity, suggesting a nonreceptor-mediated pathway. Direct measurement of oxidative stress revealed that cannabinoids prevented serum-deprived cell death by antioxidation. The antioxidative property of cannabinoids was confirmed by their ability to antagonize oxidative stress and consequent cell death induced by the retinoid anhydroretinol. Therefore, cannabinoids act as antioxidants to modulate cell survival and growth of B lymphocytes and fibroblasts. The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics ER -