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Identification of Orexin and Endocannabinoid Receptors in Adult Zebrafish Using Immunoperoxidase and Immunofluorescence Methods
Published on: June 25, 2019
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Endocannabinoid System and Alcohol Abuse Disorders
Balapal S Basavarajappa1,2,3,4
1Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA. Basavaraj.Balapal@nki.rfmh.org.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 24, 2019
Summary
The endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 receptors, plays a key role in alcohol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology
- Addiction Research
- Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Systems
Background:
- Cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R) are cell surface receptors involved in signaling pathways.
- The endocannabinoid (eCB) system, identified with CB1R, influences ethanol consumption motivation.
- Chronic ethanol consumption impacts eCB transmitters and CB1R expression in addiction-related brain regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the endocannabinoid system's role in alcohol abuse disorders (AUD).
- To highlight the contribution of CB1 receptors to the motivational and reinforcing effects of ethanol.
- To discuss the eCB system's involvement in ethanol-induced developmental disorders like FASD.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies investigating the eCB system and ethanol.
- Analysis of in vitro and ex vivo studies on ethanol's effects on eCB system function.
- Synthesis of literature on CB1R and CB2R roles in addiction and developmental disorders.
Main Results:
- CB1R significantly contributes to the motivational and reinforcing properties of ethanol.
- Chronic ethanol consumption alters eCB transmitters and CB1R expression in brain nuclei.
- The eCB system is implicated in the development of ethanol-induced disorders, including FASD.
Conclusions:
- The endocannabinoid system is a critical player in alcohol abuse disorders.
- Targeting the eCB system may offer therapeutic strategies for AUD and related developmental issues.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the eCB system's complex role in alcohol's effects.
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