Basic neuroanatomy and neuropharmacology of cannabinoids

Humans have used Cannabis sativa (marijuana) for at least 12,000 years, but researchers have only recently described an endogenous cannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system modulates an array of physiological and psychological functions. Endocannabinoids are widely distributed throughout the bo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) England), 2009-04, Vol.21 (2), p.113-121
Main Authors: Breivogel, Chris S., Sim-Selley, Laura J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anatomy & physiology
Animals
Brain - drug effects
Brain - metabolism
Brain - pathology
Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators - pharmacology
Cannabinoids - pharmacology
Cannabis sativa
Chemical compounds
Humans
Marijuana
Nervous system
Proteins
Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 - agonists
Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 - agonists
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Humans have used Cannabis sativa (marijuana) for at least 12,000 years, but researchers have only recently described an endogenous cannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system modulates an array of physiological and psychological functions. Endocannabinoids are widely distributed throughout the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). This article gives a basic overview of endocannabinoid neuroanatomy and function. Several endocannabinoids have been discovered to date, and their roles are being elucidated. Two G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors, CB1R and CB2R, have been identified, although other candidate receptors exist, including ion channel and nuclear receptors that might be components of the endocannabinoid system. It appears that cannabinoids are dysregulated in a number of psychiatric disorders and might be involved in their pathogenesis. There is now evidence that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system could be a therapeutic target for a variety of conditions.
ISSN:0954-0261
1369-1627
DOI:10.1080/09540260902782760