title: Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory impairments produced by cannabinoids.
abstract: Why does smoking marijuana impair learning and memory? Behavioral studies suggest that a disruption of normal hippocampal function contributes to these deficits. In vitro experiments find that cannabinoid receptor activation reduces neurotransmitter release below the levels required to trigger long-term changes in synaptic strength in the hippocampus. Cannabinoids reduce glutamate release through a G-protein-mediated inhibition of the calcium channels responsible for neurotransmitter release from hippocampal neurons. These mechanisms likely play a role in the learning and memory impairments produced by cannabinoids and by endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligands.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. janes@AXP2.Salk.edu
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002186:Cannabinoids; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug