Work

Endocannabinoid system in neurodegenerative disorders

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Most neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are characterized by cognitive impairment and other neurological defects. The definite cause of and pathways underlying the progression of these NDDs are not well-defined. Several mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the development of NDDs. These mechanisms may proceed concurrently or successively, and they differ among cell types at different developmental stages in distinct brain regions. The endocannabinoid system, which involves cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R), endogenous cannabinoids and the enzymes that catabolize these compounds, has been shown to contribute to the development of NDDs in several animal models and human studies. In this review, we discuss the functions of the endocannabinoid system in NDDs and converse the therapeutic efficacy of targeting the endocannabinoid system to rescue NDDs.

Source: Journal of Neurochemistry

DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14098

Authors: Balapal S. Basavarajappa, Madhu Shivakumar, Vikram Joshi, Shivakumar Subbanna

Institutions: Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, NYU Langone Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University

Language: English

Topic: Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism