Rimonabant (SR141716) exerts anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory effects in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Background and purpose: Rimonabant (SR141716) is the first selective cannabinoid receptor CB1 antagonist described. Along with its anti-obesity action, emerging findings show potential anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory action of SR141716 in several in vitro and in vivo models. In this study we have investigated the anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory effects of SR141716 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Experimental approach: We have evaluated in vitro the effect of SR141716 in human PBMCs stimulated with different mitogens. Cell proliferation was assessed by H-3-thymidine incorporation. Cell cycle, cell death and apoptosis were analysed by flow cytometry. Protein expression was investigated by Western blot. Key results: SR141716 significantly inhibited the proliferative response of PBMCs and this effect was accompanied by block of G(1)/S phase of the cell cycle without induction of apoptosis and cell death. SR141716 used in combination with 2-methyl-arachidonyl-2'-fluoro-ethylamide (Met-F-AEA), a stable analogue of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide, showed synergism rather than antagonism of the inhibition of cell proliferation. The immunomodulatory effects of SR141716 were associated with increased expression of I kappa B, phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) and decreased expression of NF-kappa B, p-I kappa B, p-ERK, COX-2 and iNOS.