The molecular logic of endocannabinoid signalling

D Piomelli - Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2003 - nature.com
Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2003nature.com
The endocannabinoids are a family of lipid messengers that engage the cell surface
receptors that are targeted by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the active principle in marijuana
(Cannabis). They are made on demand through cleavage of membrane precursors and are
involved in various short-range signalling processes. In the brain, they combine with CB1
cannabinoid receptors on axon terminals to regulate ion channel activity and
neurotransmitter release. Their ability to modulate synaptic efficacy has a wide range of …
Abstract
The endocannabinoids are a family of lipid messengers that engage the cell surface receptors that are targeted by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the active principle in marijuana (Cannabis). They are made on demand through cleavage of membrane precursors and are involved in various short-range signalling processes. In the brain, they combine with CB1 cannabinoid receptors on axon terminals to regulate ion channel activity and neurotransmitter release. Their ability to modulate synaptic efficacy has a wide range of functional consequences and provides unique therapeutic possibilities.
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