Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, including endogenous ligands (‘endocannabinoids’ ECs), their receptors, synthesizing and degrading enzymes, as well as transporter molecules, has been detected from the earliest stages of embryonic development and throughout pre- and postnatal development. ECs are bioactive lipids, which comprise amides, esters and ethers of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine; AEA) and 2- arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the best studied ECs, and act as agonists of cannabinoid receptors. Thus, AEA and 2-AG mimic several pharmacological effects of the exogenous cannabinoid delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the psychoactive principle of cannabis sativa preparations like hashish and marijuana. Recently, however, several lines of evidence have suggested that the EC system may play an important role in early neuronal development as well as a widespread role in neurodegeneration disorders. Many of the effects of cannabinoids and ECs are mediated by two G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs), CB1 and CB2, although additional receptors may be implicated. Both CB1 and CB2 couple primarily to inhibitory G proteins and are subject to the same pharmacological influences as other GPCRs. This new system is briefly presented in this review, in order to put in a better perspective the role of the EC pathway from neurodevelopment to neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, the potential exploitation of antagonists of CB1 receptors, or of inhibitors of EC metabolism, as next-generation therapeutics is discussed.
Keywords: Neurodevelopment, endocannabinoids, CNS, synaptic plasticity, neurodegeneration, CB1 receptors, therapy
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Endocannabinoid System: Emerging Role from Neurodevelopment to Neurodegeneration
Volume: 9 Issue: 4
Author(s): Balapal S. Basavarajappa, Ralph A. Nixon and Ottavio Arancio
Affiliation:
Keywords: Neurodevelopment, endocannabinoids, CNS, synaptic plasticity, neurodegeneration, CB1 receptors, therapy
Abstract: The endocannabinoid system, including endogenous ligands (‘endocannabinoids’ ECs), their receptors, synthesizing and degrading enzymes, as well as transporter molecules, has been detected from the earliest stages of embryonic development and throughout pre- and postnatal development. ECs are bioactive lipids, which comprise amides, esters and ethers of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine; AEA) and 2- arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the best studied ECs, and act as agonists of cannabinoid receptors. Thus, AEA and 2-AG mimic several pharmacological effects of the exogenous cannabinoid delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the psychoactive principle of cannabis sativa preparations like hashish and marijuana. Recently, however, several lines of evidence have suggested that the EC system may play an important role in early neuronal development as well as a widespread role in neurodegeneration disorders. Many of the effects of cannabinoids and ECs are mediated by two G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs), CB1 and CB2, although additional receptors may be implicated. Both CB1 and CB2 couple primarily to inhibitory G proteins and are subject to the same pharmacological influences as other GPCRs. This new system is briefly presented in this review, in order to put in a better perspective the role of the EC pathway from neurodevelopment to neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, the potential exploitation of antagonists of CB1 receptors, or of inhibitors of EC metabolism, as next-generation therapeutics is discussed.
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Cite this article as:
Basavarajappa S. Balapal, Nixon A. Ralph and Arancio Ottavio, Endocannabinoid System: Emerging Role from Neurodevelopment to Neurodegeneration, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 9 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955709787847921
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955709787847921 |
Print ISSN 1389-5575 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5607 |
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