Expression of cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) and cannabinoid-related receptors (TRPV1, GPR55, and PPARα) in the synovial membrane of the horse metacarpophalangeal joint

BackgroundThe metacarpophalangeal joint undergoes enormous loading during locomotion and can therefore often become inflamed, potentially resulting in osteoarthritis (OA). There are studies indicating that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulates synovium homeostasis, and could be a promising target for OA therapy. Some cannabinoid receptors, which modulate proliferative and secretory responses in joint inflammation, have been functionally identified in human and animal synovial cells. ObjectiveTo characterize the cellular distribution of the cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R), and the cannabinoid-related receptors transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), G protein-related receptor 55 (GPR55) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) in the synovial membrane of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the horse. AnimalsThe dorsal synovial membranes of 14 equine metacarpophalangeal joints were collected post-mortem from an abattoir. Materials and methodsThe dorsal synovial membranes of 14 equine metacarpophalangeal joints were collected post-mortem from an abattoir. The expression of the CB1R, CB2R, TRPV1, GPR55, and PPAR alpha in synovial tissues was studied using qualitative and quantitative immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Macrophage-like (MLS) and fibroblast-like (FLS) synoviocytes were identified by means of antibodies directed against IBA1 and vimentin, respectively. ResultsBoth the mRNA and protein expression of the CB2R, TRPV1, GPR55, and PPAR alpha were found in the synoviocytes and blood vessels of the metacarpophalangeal joints. The synoviocytes expressed the mRNA and protein of the CB1R in some of the horses investigated, but not in all. Conclusions and clinical importanceGiven the expression of the CB1R, CB2R, TRPV1, GPR55, and PPAR alpha in the synovial elements of the metacarpophalangeal joint, these findings encouraged the development of new studies supporting the use of molecules acting on these receptors to reduce the inflammation during joint inflammation in the horse.

Automated summary

The study found that the CB1R, CB2R, TRPV1, GPR55, and PPAR alpha receptors are present in the synovial cells of the metacarpophalangeal joint. These findings suggest that targeting these receptors could be a potential therapeutic approach for reducing joint inflammation in horses.