title: The endocannabinoid system in invertebrates.
abstract: What is the role of the cannabinoid system in invertebrates and can it tell us something about the human system? We discuss in this review the possible presence of the cannabinoid system in invertebrates. Endocannabinoid processes, i.e., enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids, have been identified in various species of invertebrates. These signal molecules appear to have multiple roles in invertebrates; diminishing sensory input, control of reproduction, feeding behavior, neurotransmission and antiinflammatory actions. We propose that since this system worked so well, it was retained during evolution, and that invertebrates can serve as a model to study endogenous cannabinoid signaling.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Neuroimmunologie des Annélides, LIMR CNRS 8017, IFR 17 INSERM, Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, Villeneuve d' Ascq, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salzet
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Stefano
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015777:Eicosanoids / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002186:Cannabinoids; D015777:Eicosanoids; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug