Endocannabinoid system: A newer molecular target for the treatment of alcohol-related behaviors

作     者：Basalingappa L Hungund K Yaragudri Vinod 

作者机构：Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology New York State Psychiatric Institute New York NY 10032 United States Department of Psychiatry College of Physicians and Surgeons Columbia University New York NY 10032 United States Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology Nathan Kline S. Institute for Psychiatric Research Orangeburg NY 10962 United States Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry New York University Medical Center New York NY 10016 United States 

出 版 物：《World Journal of Pharmacology》 (世界药理学杂志)

年 卷 期：2012年第1卷第3期

页      面：44-49页

学科分类：1002[医学-临床医学] 100204[医学-神经病学] 10[医学] 

基　　金：Supported by Funds from the National Institute of Health,Bethesda,United States American Foundation for SuicidePrevention 

主　　题：Endocannabinoids CB1 receptor Alcohol Tolerance Dependence 

摘      要：The cannabinoid （CB） receptors, endocannabinoids （eCB） and their synthesizing and catabolizing enzymes and the proteins involved in their transport, constitute what is now recognized as the eCB system. The eCBs are a class of lipids that have been identifed as retro-grade messengers and produce their effects via presyn-aptic CB receptors. The major function of the eCBs has been suggested to be that of modulating the release of several neurotransmitters implicated in a number of biological functions that include reward and reinforce-ment. There is now significant evidence to suggest that the eCB system plays an important role in the development of alcohol tolerance, dependence and relapse. Recent studies suggest that the pharmacological manipulation of the eCB system has the potential not only to block the direct reinforcing properties of alcohol but also alleviate behavioral abnormalities associated with relapse. There is also accumulating evidence that points to the possible utility of the eCB system targeted drugs in the treatment of alcoholism-related behavioral disorders. The agents that block CB1 receptor function or inhibit the synthesis of eCBs are attractive candidate drugs that need to be explored. Further understanding of the role of the eCB system in molecular mechanism/s that underlies alcoholism-related behaviors should lead to a better treatment of this devastating disorder.