title: The endogenous cannabinoid system and brain development.
abstract: Cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands constitute a novel modulatory system that is involved in specific brain functions, such as nociception, control of movement, memory and neuroendocrine regulation. Recently, it has also been suggested that this system is involved in brain development. Studies have used a variety of techniques to elucidate the effects of cannabinoids during development, as well as to characterize the presence of elements of the endogenous cannabinoid system (receptors and ligands) in the developing brain. Collectively, they suggest that endocannabinoids participate in brain development through the activation of second-messenger-coupled cannabinoid receptors.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fernández-Ruiz
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Berrendero
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hernández
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ramos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000378:metabolism*; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000378:metabolism*; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase