Distribution of the Endocannabinoid System in the Central Nervous System

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015:231:59-93. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_3.

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system consists of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), the enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids, and the receptors that transduce the effects of endocannabinoids. Much of what we know about the function of endocannabinoids comes from studies that combine localization of endocannabinoid system components with physiological or behavioral approaches. This review will focus on the localization of the best-known components of the endocannabinoid system for which the strongest anatomical evidence exists.

Keywords: CB1 cannabinoid receptor; Immunocytochemistry; In situ hybridization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System / cytology
  • Central Nervous System / enzymology
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Endocannabinoids / biosynthesis
  • Endocannabinoids / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neurons / enzymology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / metabolism*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Endocannabinoids
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2