Role of endogenous cannabinoids in cognition and emotionality.
Novel pharmacological tools and the generation of null-mutants enabled the elucidation of the role of endocannabinoids in cognition and emotionality of rats and mice. Endocannabinoids seem to limit memory retention, to facilitate memory extinction and to ensure adequate coping with stressful situations. A selective potentiation of these actions may lead to novel pharmacotherapies for human anxiety disorders.
Wotjak
Carsten T
CT
Max-Planck-Institut für Psychiatrie, AG Neuronale Plastizität, Munich, Germany. wotjak@mpipsykl.mpg.de
D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005239:Fear / Q000502:physiology; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid / Q000378:metabolism; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid