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Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Molecular neurobiological methods in marijuana-cannabinoid research
George R Uhl1, Hiroki Ishiguro, Emmanuel S Onaivi
1Molecular Neurobiology Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Methods in Molecular Medicine
|March 2, 2006
Summary
This study reviews cannabinoid receptor systems and their physiological roles. It highlights human genes encoding these receptors and their variants linked to addiction vulnerabilities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Endocannabinoid system research has advanced, revealing physiological roles in the brain and periphery.
- Cannabinoid ligands mimic or activate endogenous agonist and receptor systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review approaches for elucidating cannabinoid receptor systems.
- To focus on human genes encoding cannabinoid receptors and their variants.
- To explore links between receptor variants and addiction vulnerabilities.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence and research approaches.
- Focus on genetic analysis of human cannabinoid receptors.
- Examination of receptor variants associated with addiction.
Main Results:
- Cannabinoid systems have diverse physiological and pharmacological functions.
- Human genes encode cannabinoid receptors with significant variations.
- Specific receptor variants are implicated in human addiction vulnerabilities.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cannabinoid receptor genetics is crucial for addiction research.
- Further investigation into receptor variants may reveal therapeutic targets.
- Elucidation of these systems offers insights into brain function and disease.
