The endocannabinoid system: function in survival of the embryo, the newborn and the neuron.
Since the identification and cloning of the first cannabinoid (CB1) receptor and the subsequent discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid ligands (endocannabinoids), anandamide, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and noladin ether, a intensive search for their function in health and disease has been launched. The endocannabinoids in the central nervous system bind Gi/o coupled CB1 receptors that modulate adenylyl cyclase, ion channels and extracellular signal-regulated kinases. The present review discusses the nature of endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-AG) neurotransmission, the activity of cannabinoids and the possibility that some of these activities are mediated via a receptor, yet to be discovered, which is distinct from the brain specific CB1 receptor. Three physiological functions in which the endocannabinoids play a critical role are also discussed: embryonal implantation, feeding and appetite, and neuroprotection.
Fride
Ester
E
Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Judea, Ariel, Israel. esty@cc.huji.ac.il
Shohami
Esther
E
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000378:metabolism*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug