Cannabinoid CB1 receptor protein expression in the rat choroid plexus: a possible involvement of cannabinoids in the regulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the brain are expressed on axon terminals presynaptic to neurons that express fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Postsynaptic FAAH catabolizes endocannabinoids which act as short-range transmitters. It has been previously shown that FAAH is also expressed in the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus. Using immunohistochemisty, we found that CB1 receptor protein is also expressed in choroid plexus epithelia. This is consistent with the hypothesis that FAAH in choroid plexus epithelial cells catabolizes endocannabinoids close to their site of action. Cannabinoids may then act directly on choroid plexus cells, and thereby contribute to the regulation of the composition of the CSF.
Ashton
John C
JC
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. john.ashton@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Appleton
Ian
I
Darlington
Cynthia L
CL
Smith
Paul F
PF
D000818:Animals; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000187:drug effects*; D002831:Choroid Plexus / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000378:metabolism*
D001562:Benzimidazoles; D002186:Cannabinoids; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; C017807:bisbenzimide ethoxide trihydrochloride