Molecular Mechanisms of Cannabis Signaling in the Brain
| Autor: | Thomas P. Beresford, Patrick J. Ronan, Narin Wongngamnit |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2016 |
| Předmět: |
0301 basic medicine
Drug medicine.medical_specialty Cannabinoid receptor biology business.industry media_common.quotation_subject medicine.medical_treatment Addiction Neurotransmitter systems biology.organism_classification Endocannabinoid system 03 medical and health sciences 030104 developmental biology 0302 clinical medicine Medicine Brain stimulation reward Cannabinoid Cannabis business Psychiatry 030217 neurology & neurosurgery media_common |
| DOI: | 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.002 |
| Popis: | Cannabis has been cultivated and used by humans for thousands of years. Research for decades was focused on understanding the mechanisms of an illegal/addictive drug. This led to the discovery of the vast endocannabinoid system. Research has now shifted to understanding fundamental biological questions related to one of the most widespread signaling systems in both the brain and the body. Our understanding of cannabinoid signaling has advanced significantly in the last two decades. In this review, we discuss the state of knowledge on mechanisms of Cannabis signaling in the brain and the modulation of key brain neurotransmitter systems involved in both brain reward/addiction and psychiatric disorders. It is highly probable that various cannabinoids will be found to be efficacious in the treatment of a number of psychiatric disorders. However, while there is clearly much potential, marijuana has not been properly vetted by the medical-scientific evaluation process and there are clearly a range of potentially adverse side-effects-including addiction. We are at crossroads for research on endocannabinoid function and therapeutics (including the use of exogenous treatments such as Cannabis). With over 100 cannabinoid constituents, the majority of which have not been studied, there is much Cannabis research yet to be done. With more states legalizing both the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana the rigorous scientific investigation into cannabinoid signaling is imperative. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
|