Anandamide Concentration-Dependently Modulates Toll-Like Receptor 3 Agonism or UVB-Induced Inflammatory Response of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

Photodamage-induced and viral keratitis could benefit from treatment with novel nonsteroid anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, we determined whether human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) express members of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), examined how anandamide (AEA, N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine) influences Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonism- or UVB irradiation-induced inflammatory response these cells. Other than confirming presence cannabinoid receptors, show that synthesizing catabolizing enzymes are also expressed in HCECs vitro, as well layer cornea situ, proving they one possible source endocannabinoids. p(I:C) irradiation was effective promoting transcription secretion cytokines. Surprisingly, when applied alone 100 nM 10 μM, AEA resulted increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Importantly, further levels cytokines model, whereas its lower concentration partially prevented transcriptional effect p(I:C), while not decreasing p(I:C)-induced release. enzymatic machinery required to produce endocannabinoids both vitro situ. Moreover, our data that, despite earlier reports about potential murine cornea, effects on immune phenotype epithelium may be more complex context dependent.