Because cannabinoids had previously been shown to be effective for alleviating some symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in mice, the researchers in this study set out to see why that was and how they worked. They particularly looked at the anti-inflammatory and anti-glutamatergic effects of WIN 55,212-2, a synthetic chemical which is an analog to tetrahydrocannabinol. As they expected, they found that the cannabinoid was able to reduce the progression of MS, as well as the disability that it caused in the mice. It was able to do this mainly by activating CB1 receptors.
