Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Alcohol-Related Behaviors

Abstract In mature mammalian brains, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and the functioning of neural networks. Besides, the ECS also contributes to the neurodevelopment of the central nervous system. Due to the increase in the medical and recreational use of cannabis, it is inevitable and essential to elaborate the roles of the ECS on neurodevelopment. GABAergic interneurons represent a group of inhibitory neurons that are vital in controlling neural network activity. However, the role of the ECS in the neurodevelopment of GABAergic interneurons remains to be fully elucidated. In this review, we provide a brief introduction of the ECS and interneuron diversity. We focus on the process of interneuron development and the role of ECS in the modulation of interneuron development, from the expansion of the neural stem/progenitor cells to the migration, specification and maturation of interneurons. We further discuss the potential implications of the ECS and interneurons in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and autism spectrum disorder.

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Early Consumption of Cannabinoids: From Adult Neurogenesis to Behavior

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22147450 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (14) ◽

pp. 7450

Author(s):

Citlalli Netzahualcoyotzi ◽

Luis Miguel Rodríguez-Serrano ◽

María Elena Chávez-Hernández ◽

Mario Humberto Buenrostro-Jáuregui

Keyword(s):

Young Adulthood ◽

Adult Neurogenesis ◽

Critical Period ◽

Consumption Rate ◽

Behavioral Outcomes ◽

Endocannabinoid System ◽

Illegal Drug ◽

Adult Brain ◽

As Stress

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a crucial modulatory system in which interest has been increasing, particularly regarding the regulation of behavior and neuroplasticity. The adolescent–young adulthood phase of development comprises a critical period in the maturation of the nervous system and the ECS. Neurogenesis occurs in discrete regions of the adult brain, and this process is linked to the modulation of some behaviors. Since marijuana (cannabis) is the most consumed illegal drug globally and the highest consumption rate is observed during adolescence, it is of particular importance to understand the effects of ECS modulation in these early stages of adulthood. Thus, in this article, we sought to summarize recent evidence demonstrating the role of the ECS and exogenous cannabinoid consumption in the adolescent–young adulthood period; elucidate the effects of exogenous cannabinoid consumption on adult neurogenesis; and describe some essential and adaptive behaviors, such as stress, anxiety, learning, and memory. The data summarized in this work highlight the relevance of maintaining balance in the endocannabinoid modulatory system in the early and adult stages of life. Any ECS disturbance may induce significant modifications in the genesis of new neurons and may consequently modify behavioral outcomes.

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The role of cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system in mantle cell lymphoma and other non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Seminars in Cancer Biology ◽

10.1016/j.semcancer.2011.10.004 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

pp. 313-321 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Agata M. Wasik ◽

Birger Christensson ◽

Birgitta Sander

Keyword(s):

Mantle Cell Lymphoma ◽

Cannabinoid Receptors ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

Endocannabinoid System ◽

Mantle Cell

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Elevated Brain Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Induces Depressive-Like Phenotypes in Rodent Models: A Review

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22031047 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 1047

Author(s):

Dorsa Rafiei ◽

Nathan J. Kolla

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Animal Models ◽

Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase ◽

Acid Amide ◽

Endocannabinoid System ◽

Animal Models Of Depression ◽

Amide Hydrolase ◽

Fatty Acid Amide

Altered activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme of the endocannabinoid system, has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). It is speculated that increased brain FAAH expression is correlated with increased depressive symptoms. The aim of this scoping review was to establish the role of FAAH expression in animal models of depression to determine the translational potential of targeting FAAH in clinical studies. A literature search employing multiple databases was performed; all original articles that assessed FAAH expression in animal models of depression were considered. Of the 216 articles that were screened for eligibility, 24 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Three key findings emerged: (1) FAAH expression is significantly increased in depressive-like phenotypes; (2) genetic knockout or pharmacological inhibition of FAAH effectively reduces depressive-like behavior, with a dose-dependent effect; and (3) differences in FAAH expression in depressive-like phenotypes were largely localized to animal prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum. We conclude, based on the animal literature, that a positive relationship can be established between brain FAAH level and expression of depressive symptoms. In summary, we suggest that FAAH is a tractable target for developing novel pharmacotherapies for MDD.

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Stress effects on memory: The role of the endocannabinoid system

Psychoneuroendocrinology ◽

10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.07.442 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 61 ◽

pp. 20

Author(s):

Maria Morena

Keyword(s):

Endocannabinoid System ◽

Stress Effects

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ROLE OF THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOLERANCE TO ALCOHOL

Alcohol and Alcoholism ◽

10.1093/alcalc/agh111 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 15-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

BALAPAL S. BASAVARAJAPPA ◽

BASALINGAPPA L. HUNGUND

Keyword(s):

Endocannabinoid System ◽

Development Of Tolerance

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Role of cannabinoids in various diseases: A review

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology ◽

10.2174/1389201023666211223164656 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 ◽

Author(s):

Simran Kaur ◽

Nikita Sharma ◽

Arpita Roy

Keyword(s):

Infectious Diseases ◽

Metabolic Disorders ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

Endocannabinoid System ◽

Psychological Disorders ◽

Bioactive Compound ◽

The Body ◽

Therapeutic Aspect

Background: The plant, Cannabis sativa is heavily explored and researched with many industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The medicinal and therapeutic role of cannabis Sativa has been summarized in the paper, citing its mechanism of action and influence on the human body. Diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders pose negative and long-term drastic effects on the body like neurodegeneration and other chronic system failures. Several existing literature has proved its effectiveness against such diseases. Objectives: This review aims to provide an overview of the role of cannabinoids in various diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders. Method: Various e-resources like Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were thoroughly searched and read to form a well-informed and information-heavy manuscript. Here we tried to summaries the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa and its bioactive compound cannabinoids in various diseases. Result: This review highlights the various constituents which are present in Cannabis sativa, the Endocannabinoid system, and the role of cannabinoids in various diseases Conclusion: Recent research on Cannabis has suggested its role in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, sleep disorders, pediatric diseases, and their analgesic nature. Therefore, the authors majorly focus on the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa in various diseases. The focus is also on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in fighting or preventing bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and viral infections.

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