A new study suggests the active factor in marijuana delays the rejection of incompatible organs in mice . The outcome were published in theJournal of Leukocyte Biology .
For the study , researchers graft the skin from one mathematical group of mouse to a group of genetically different mice . The out or keeping skin was treat with either a placebo or THC , the active compound in hemp .
Due to the genetically dissimilar nature of the transplants , the mice ’s immune organisation should have recognised the tissue as extraneous and rejected it . However , the THC - treated transplants hold up rejection of the skin graft when compared to the placebo group .
" We are excited to attest for the first time that cannabinoid receptors toy an significant role in the extension of rejection of a foreign graft by suppress immune response in the receiver , " said Mitzi Nagarkatti , co - author of the study from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine , in astatement .
If the same holds true for human race , THC could be used as an anti - rejection therapy – specially for patients whose transplanted electric organ is not adapt well to its novel host .
" This open up a new area of research that would lead to better approaches to prevent transplanting rejection as well as to treat other incitive diseases , ” add up Nagarkatti .
To delve into this connection further , the researchers examined the potential understanding for this delayed rejection . It turns out , the active ingredient in marijuanareducedT - cell proliferation and decreased other point rejection - indicant cytokines .
" More and more enquiry is identifying potential beneficial outcome of substances contained in marijuana , but a major challenge has been identifying the molecular pathways involved , " say John Wherry , deputy editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology , in the statement . " These raw studies maneuver to of import roles for the cannabinoid receptor as targets that might be work using approach that elaborate how we think about substances derive from marijuana . "
As this subject was only perform on mice , more research is needed to find out if the result can be replicated in humans . Transplant patient should only apply marihuana with their physician ’s consent and in accord to local laws .