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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Oromucosal as an Alternative Method for Administration of Cannabis Products in Rodents

Oromucosal as an Alternative Method for Administration of Cannabis Products in Rodents

Published on: August 22, 2025

[Endocannabinoid system in the brain...and elsewhere].

A J Scheen¹, V Seutin, L F Van Gaal

¹Université de Liège, Service de Diabétologie, Nutrition et Maladies métaboliques et Unité de Pharmacologie clinique, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgique.

Revue Medicale De Liege

|August 2, 2008

Summary

The endocannabinoid system, involving CB1 and CB2 receptors, regulates brain function and metabolism. Targeting these receptors offers potential therapeutic strategies for obesity and neurological disorders.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Endocrinology
Pharmacology

Context:

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex neuromodulatory system.
It comprises endogenous ligands, receptors (CB1 and CB2), and degrading enzymes.
The ECS is distributed throughout the central nervous system and peripheral organs.

Purpose:

To review the multifaceted roles of the endocannabinoid system.
To explore its involvement in synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection, appetite, and metabolic regulation.
To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Summary:

Endocannabinoids and CB1 receptors are widespread in the brain, modulating neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity.
The ECS influences appetite, addiction, and neuroprotection.
Peripheral CB1 receptors are implicated in metabolic regulation, with overexpression in obesity.
CB2 receptors, present in the brain, may offer pain attenuation and neuroprotection.

Impact:

Selective modulators of CB1 and CB2 receptors are under development.
Therapeutic perspectives include obesity, metabolic disorders, and neurological conditions.
Rimonabant, a CB1 antagonist, is approved for managing obesity-related cardiometabolic risk.