The endocannabinoid system and Alzheimer's disease.
The importance of the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in neurodegenerative diseases has grown during the past few years. Mostly because of the high density and wide distribution of cannabinoid receptors of the CB(1) type in the central nervous system (CNS), much research focused on the function(s) that these receptors might play in pathophysiological conditions. Our current understanding, however, points to much diverse roles for this system. In particular, other elements of the ECS, such as the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) or the CB(2) cannabinoid receptor are now considered as promising pharmacological targets for some diseases and new cannabinoids have been incorporated as therapeutic tools. Although still preliminary, recent reports suggest that the modulation of the ECS may constitute a novel approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Data obtained in vitro, as well as in animal models for this disease and in human samples seem to corroborate the notion that the activation of the ECS, through the use of agonists or by enhancing the endogenous cannabinoid tone, may induce beneficial effects on the evolution of this disease.
Benito
Cristina
C
Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Fundación Hospital Alcorcón, C/ Budapest 1, 28922 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
Núñez
Estefanía
E
Pazos
María Ruth
MR
Tolón
Rosa María
RM
Romero
Julián
J
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000378:metabolism*; D019610:Cytoprotection; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids