Research article summary (published 14 Apr 2008):

The endocannabinoid system: emotion, learning and addiction.

Full Abstract

The identification of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 receptor) was the milestone discovery in the elucidation of the behavioural and emotional responses induced by the Cannabis sativa constituent Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. The subsequent years have established the existence of the endocannabinoid system. The early view relating this system to emotional responses is reflected by the fact that N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine, the pioneer endocannabinoid, was named anandamide after the Sanskrit word 'ananda', meaning 'bliss'. However, the emotional responses to cannabinoids are not always pleasant and delightful. Rather, anxiety and panic may also occur after activation of CB1 receptors. The present review discusses three properties of the endocannabinoid system as an attempt to understand these diverse effects. First, this system typically functions 'on-demand', depending on environmental stimuli and on the emotional state of the organism. Second, it has a wide neuro-anatomical distribution, modulating brain regions with different functions in responses to aversive stimuli. Third, endocannabinoids regulate the release of other neurotransmitters that may have even opposing functions, such as GABA and glutamate. Further understanding of the temporal, spatial and functional characteristics of this system is necessary to clarify its role in emotional responses and will promote advances in its therapeutic exploitation.

Author information

Author/s: Moreira, Fabrício A (FA); Lutz, Beat (B);

Affiliation: Department of Physiological Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55099 Mainz, Germany. moreira(-atsign-)uni-mainz.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Addiction biology (Addict Biol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jun; vol 13 (issue 2) : pp 196-212

Dates: Created 2008/05/16; Completed 2008/07/08;

PMID: 18422832, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Animals Anxiety - chemically induced; physiopathology Arousal - drug effects; physiology Brain - drug effects; physiopathology Cannabinoids - pharmacology; therapeutic use; toxicity Depression - chemically induced; physiopathology Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Emotions - drug effects; physiology Endocannabinoids - physiology Fear - drug effects; physiology

Fear - drug effects; physiology Humans Learning - drug effects; physiology Marijuana Abuse - physiopathology; psychology Mice Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 - drug effects; physiology Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - physiopathology; psychology Substance-Related Disorders - physiopathology; psychology Tetrahydrocannabinol - pharmacology

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Cannabinoids (0) ; Endocannabinoids (0) ; Neurotransmitter Agents (0) ; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 (0) ; Tetrahydrocannabinol (1972-08-3)

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