Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated THC-inhibited DNA synthesis and the phagocytic activity of P388D1 cells [Tang, Lancz, Specter & Bullock (1992) Int. J. Immunopharmac., 14, 253–262]. The ability of proteins in human and bovine sera and of constitutive cellular proteins to modulate the biologic activity of THC was investigated. Both human and fetal bovine sera antagonized a THC-mediated inhibition of P388D1 cell DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. This antagonism was proportional to the protein concentrations present in the medium. Both albumin and γ-globulins influenced THC's inhibitory effects, although they were less potent α/β serum lipoproteins. Exculsion of fatty acid moieties from the albumin did not diminish its ability to antagonize THC. Tritium-labeled THC was acid precipitable only after incubation with bovine or human serum albumin but not DNA, suggesting a physical interaction between the cannabinoid and the protein. Further studies showed that pre-treating cells with trypsin to remove surface proteins significantly enhanced the inhibitory activity of sub-toxic concentrations of THC. Thus, the data indicate that the magnitude of THC's biological effects is determined by the presence and concentration of soluble proteins in the microenvironment and by constitutive proteins present on the cell surface.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
