Induction of preferential chemotaxis of unstimulated B-lymphocytes by 2-arachidonoylglycerol in immunized mice

Microbiol Immunol. 2007;51(10):1013-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2007.tb03985.x.

Abstract

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is an endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. We investigated the chemotactic activity of 2-AG using mouse lymphocytes because cells in the immune system are known to express CB2 . Spleen cell migration toward 2-AG was observed, which was completely inhibited by SR144528, a CB2-specific antagonist. 2-AG has been reported to induce a preferential B cell chemotaxis. We examined whether there is any difference in responsiveness during the activation of B cells. When spleen cells from immunized mice were tested, naive B cells but not germinal center B cells (GL7-positive) were increased in the fraction attracted by 2-AG. Furthermore, when Peyer's patch lymphocytes were tested after oral administration of cholera toxin, the number of IgA* B cells was increased in the fraction attracted by 2-AG. These results suggested that 2-AG preferentially attracts unstimulated naive B cells rather than activated and/or class-switched B cells. This property may influence the structure of B cell compartments in secondary lymphoid tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acids / pharmacology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / drug effects
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / physiology*
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Female
  • Germinal Center
  • Glycerides / pharmacology*
  • Immunization
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Peyer's Patches / cytology
  • Peyer's Patches / immunology
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / metabolism
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
  • Spleen / chemistry
  • Spleen / immunology

Substances

  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Glycerides
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2
  • glyceryl 2-arachidonate