Treatment of microglial cells with nicotine and THC synergistically attenuate the microglial activation. Using microglial activation, the combination of THC and nicotine interact synergistically reduced LPS induced TNF-a release, showing that the combination of THC and nicotine clinically have greater efficacy in reducing neuroinflammation with less side effects than either drug given alone. CD40 signaling was found critically involved in pathological activation of microglial cells. This invention is also relevant to peripheral inflammation as well thru macrophages. In addition, other cannabinoids and other nicotinic-like medications currently in development are also covered under this discovery.
SYNERGISTIC MODULATION OF MICROGLIAL ACTIVATION BY NICOTINE AND THC