The endocannabinoid system in humans: significant associations between anandamide, brain function during reward feedback and a personality measure of reward dependence

Background. The endocannabinoid system (eCBs) is one of the modulatory systems widely expressed in the brain. It consists of receptors expressed in the cytoplasmic (CB1 and CB2), the mitochondrial membrane (CB1), and the endogenous ligands known as endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, 2AG and oleamide. CB1 has been found in excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the pre- and post-synaptic membranes. It is expressed in several brain areas such as the hippocampus, dorsal, and ventral striatum, amygdala and prefrontal cortex. The eCBs has been involved in the regulation of learning and memory, mood, energy balance, sleep, and drug addiction. Objective. Integrate existing information about the eCBs and its role in brain function and mental health. Method. Review of the information of basic and clinical relevance obtained from indexed scientific journals (PubMed/Medline, Scopus). Results. Basic and clinical research on eCBs related to central nervous system function is described. Discussion and conclusion. At present, the study of eCBs is of importance. The development of drugs that affect this system may be clinically useful to control different debilitating diseases. This is an area of interest to the scientific community and health care providers.

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Neuromodulation of Synaptic Transmission in the Main Olfactory Bulb

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15102194 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. 2194 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

John Harvey ◽

Thomas Heinbockel

Keyword(s):

Olfactory Bulb ◽

Sensory Processing ◽

Brain Function ◽

Dopaminergic System ◽

Sensory Information ◽

Endocannabinoid System ◽

Main Olfactory Bulb ◽

Major Step ◽

The Subject ◽

Functional States

A major step in our understanding of brain function is to determine how neural circuits are altered in their function by signaling molecules or neuromodulators. Neuromodulation is the neurochemical process that modifies the computations performed by a neuron or network based on changing the functional needs or behavioral state of the subject. These modulations have the effect of altering the responsivity to synaptic inputs. Early sensory processing areas, such as the main olfactory bulb, provide an accessible window for investigating how neuromodulation regulates the functional states of neural networks and influences how we process sensory information. Olfaction is an attractive model system in this regard because of its relative simplicity and because it links primary olfactory sensory neurons to higher olfactory and associational networks. Likewise, centrifugal fibers from higher order brain centers target neurons in the main olfactory bulb to regulate synaptic processing. The neuromodulatory systems that provide regulatory inputs and play important roles in olfactory sensory processing and behaviors include the endocannabinoid system, the dopaminergic system, the cholinergic system, the noradrenergic system and the serotonergic system. Here, we present a brief survey of neuromodulation of olfactory signals in the main olfactory bulb with an emphasis on the endocannabinoid system.

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A challenge for predictive coding: Representational or experiential diversity?

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x19003157 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

Author(s):

Martina G. Vilas ◽

Lucia Melloni

Keyword(s):

Brain Function ◽

Predictive Coding ◽

Predictive Processing ◽

Process Theory

Abstract To become a unifying theory of brain function, predictive processing (PP) must accommodate its rich representational diversity. Gilead et al. claim such diversity requires a multi-process theory, and thus is out of reach for PP, which postulates a universal canonical computation. We contend this argument and instead propose that PP fails to account for the experiential level of representations.

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Toward a neuroscope: An application of high-performance computing for real-time evaluation of brain function using MRI

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100172346 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 52 ◽

pp. 922-923

Author(s):

C. S. Potter ◽

C. D. Gregory ◽

H. D. Morris ◽

Z.-P. Liang ◽

P. C. Lauterbur

Keyword(s):

Human Brain ◽

Brain Function ◽

High Performance ◽

Complex Signal ◽

Time Step ◽

Brain Organization ◽

Cognitive Studies ◽

Positron Emission ◽

Imaging And Spectroscopy ◽

3D Anatomy

Over the past few years, several laboratories have demonstrated that changes in local neuronal activity associated with human brain function can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Using these methods, the effects of sensory and motor stimulation have been observed and cognitive studies have begun. These new methods promise to make possible even more rapid and extensive studies of brain organization and responses than those now in use, such as positron emission tomography.Human brain studies are enormously complex. Signal changes on the order of a few percent must be detected against the background of the complex 3D anatomy of the human brain. Today, most functional MR experiments are performed using several 2D slice images acquired at each time step or stimulation condition of the experimental protocol. It is generally believed that true 3D experiments must be performed for many cognitive experiments. To provide adequate resolution, this requires that data must be acquired faster and/or more efficiently to support 3D functional analysis.

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Monitor Brain Function Selectively

Internal Medicine News ◽

10.1016/s1097-8690(05)72513-0 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 38 (24) ◽

pp. 18

Author(s):

MARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER

Keyword(s):

Brain Function

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Should brain function monitoring be standard during general anesthesia?

Internal Medicine News ◽

10.1016/s1097-8690(05)72507-5 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 38 (24) ◽

pp. 11

Author(s):

Paul S. Myles ◽

Arthur Lam

Keyword(s):

General Anesthesia ◽

Brain Function ◽

Brain Function Monitoring

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The Psychophysiology of Anxiety and Mood Disorders

Zeitschrift für Psychologie ◽

10.1027/2151-2604/a000302 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 225 (3) ◽

pp. 175-188 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Peter J. Lang ◽

Lisa M. McTeague ◽

Margaret M. Bradley

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Brain Function ◽

Physiological Reactivity ◽

Research Domain Criteria ◽

Diagnostic Systems ◽

Psychophysiological Reactivity ◽

Diagnostic Categories ◽

New Research ◽

Research Domain

Abstract. Several decades of research are reviewed, assessing patterns of psychophysiological reactivity in anxiety patients responding to a fear/threat imagery challenge. Findings show substantive differences in these measures within principal diagnostic categories, questioning the reliability and categorical specificity of current diagnostic systems. Following a new research framework (US National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], Research Domain Criteria [RDoC]; Cuthbert & Insel, 2013 ), dimensional patterns of physiological reactivity are explored in a large sample of anxiety and mood disorder patients. Patients’ responses (e.g., startle reflex, heart rate) during fear/threat imagery varied significantly with higher questionnaire measured “negative affect,” stress history, and overall life dysfunction – bio-marking disorder groups, independent of Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals (DSM). The review concludes with a description of new research, currently underway, exploring brain function indices (structure activation, circuit connectivity) as potential biological classifiers (collectively with the reflex physiology) of anxiety and mood pathology.

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