title: Role of endocannabinoids in 5-HT2 receptor-mediated effects.
abstract: Endocannabinoids are lipid retrograde messengers that can be released by postsynaptic depolarization and/or activation of certain metabotropic receptors. We review a recent report that activation of metabotropic 5-HT2 receptors by endogenous serotonin induces the release of endocannabinoids in the olivary nucleus and suppresses glutamatergic input through a presynaptic action. This serotonin-endocannabinoid interaction has implications in the pathophysiology of pain and mental illness and raises the possibility that drugs targeting the 5-HT2 receptor may act by modulating endocannabinoid release.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand. bill.connelly@otago.ac.nz
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Connelly
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Baggott
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000378:metabolism; D044348:Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT2 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D044348:Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT2; D018698:Glutamic Acid