[Cannabis and cannabinoid receptors: from pathophysiology to therapeutic options].
BACKGROUND
Although cannabis has been used as a medicine for several centuries, the therapeutic properties of cannabis preparations (essentially haschich and marijuana) make them far most popular as a recreational drugs.


BACKGROUND
Scientific studies on the effects of cannabis were advanced considerably by the identification in 1964 of cannabinoid D9-tetrahydrocannadinol (THC), recognized as the major active constituent of cannabis. Cloning of the centrally located CB1 receptor in 1990 and the identification of the first endogenous ligand of the CB1 receptor, anandamide, in 1992 further advanced our knowledge.
Progress has incited further research on the biochemistry and pharmacology of the cannabinoids in numerous diseases of the central nervous system. In the laboratory animal, cannabinoids have demonstrated potential in motion disorders, demyelinizing disease, epilepsy, and as anti-tumor and neuroprotector agents. Several clinical studies are currently in progress, but therapeutic use of cannabinoids in humans couls be hindered by undesirable effects, particularly psychotropic effects. CB1 receptor antagonists also have interesting therapeutic potential.
Derkinderen
P
P
Service de Neurologie et Centre d'investigations cliniques, CHU de Nantes, Hôpital Laënnec, Nantes. spnepgd@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Valjent
E
E
Darcel
F
F
Damier
P
P
Girault
J-A
JA
D000581:Amidohydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000187:drug effects; D002188:Cannabis; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000187:drug effects*; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*
D015220:Calcium Channels; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000581:Amidohydrolases