Activation of peripheral cannabinoid receptors by CB13 attenuates burn injury-induced chronic pain through TRP channel modulation

Br J Pharmacol. 2026 Mar 5. doi: 10.1111/bph.70350. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Burn injury-induced pain is a devastating disorder affecting more than 20% of the population worldwide. Cannabinoid receptors (CB₁ and CB₂) modulate pain signalling, but central CB receptor agonists result in side effects (sedation, respiratory depression, cognitive dysfunction, addiction and abuse). To address this challenge, we have investigated the potential effect of CB13, a peripherally restricted CB₁/CB₂ receptor dual agonist, for the first time on burn injury induced pain rats and elucidated other associated mechanisms.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Burn injury was induced in rats and they were subsequently treated with CB13. Evoked and spontaneous ongoing pain behavioural assays were evaluated in burn-injured rats. Further, biochemical, western blotting and RT-PCR assays were performed to check the levels of oxidative stress, TRP channels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the sciatic nerve, DRG and spinal cord of burn-injured rats.

KEY RESULTS: The results showed that CB13 treatment significantly reduced mechanical and cold allodynia, as well as cold hyperalgesia. However, it did not inhibit thermal hyperalgesia. CB13 also attenuated spontaneous ongoing pain behaviour while having no significant effect on locomotor activity and motor coordination in burn-injured rats. Furthermore, CB13 downregulated the oxidative stress, TRP channels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the sciatic nerve, DRG and spinal cord of burn-injured rats.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings indicate CB13 potential as a therapeutic for burn injury induced pain, particularly mechanical hypersensitivity, devoid of CNS side effects. However, comprehensive research is essential to determine its safety, efficacy and optimal dosing for burn pain.

PMID:41787689 | DOI:10.1111/bph.70350