title: Endocannabinoid signaling in the brain.
abstract: The primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC), affects the brain mainly by activating a specific receptor (CB1). CB1 is expressed at high levels in many brain regions, and several endogenous brain lipids have been identified as CB1 ligands. In contrast to classical neurotransmitters, endogenous cannabinoids can function as retrograde synaptic messengers: They are released from postsynaptic neurons and travel backward across synapses, activating CB1 on presynaptic axons and suppressing neurotransmitter release. Cannabinoids may affect memory, cognition, and pain perception by means of this cellular mechanism.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biology, 139-74, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Roger A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Nicoll
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D006801:Humans; D008606:Mental Processes; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D010146:Pain; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
chemical_list: D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug