New insights on endocannabinoid transmission in psychomotor disorders

The endocannabinoids are lipid signaling molecules that bind to cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors and other metabotropic and ionotropic receptors. Anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, the two best-characterized examples, are released on demand in a stimulus-dependent manner by cleavage of membrane phospholipid precursors. Together with their receptors and metabolic enzymes, the endocannabinoids play a key role in modulating neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in the basal ganglia and other brain areas involved in the control of motor functions and motivational aspects of behavior. This mini-review provides an update on the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to the regulation of psychomotor behaviors and its possible involvement in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.