title: Cannabinoid receptors as therapeutic targets.
abstract: CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are the primary targets of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids). These G protein-coupled receptors play an important role in many processes, including metabolic regulation, craving, pain, anxiety, bone growth, and immune function. Cannabinoid receptors can be engaged directly by agonists or antagonists, or indirectly by manipulating endocannabinoid metabolism. In the past several years, it has become apparent from preclinical studies that therapies either directly or indirectly influencing cannabinoid receptors might be clinically useful. This review considers the components of the endocannabinoid system and discusses some of the most promising endocannabinoid-based therapies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Physiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-6540, USA. kmackie@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mackie
mesh_terms: D000581:Amidohydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001693:Biological Transport, Active / Q000187:drug effects; D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; D063387:Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D002188:Cannabis / Q000737:chemistry; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004358:Drug Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid / Q000187:drug effects*; D000099252:Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolases
chemical_list: D000581:Amidohydrolases; D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; D063387:Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D013759:Dronabinol; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D000099252:Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolases