Abstract
There is substantial evidence supporting a role for the endocannabinoid system as a modulator of the dopaminergic activity in the basal ganglia, a forebrain system that integrates cortical information to coordinate motor activity regulating signals. In fact, the administration of plant-derived, synthetic or endogenous cannabinoids produces several effects on motor function. These effects are mediated primarily through the CB1 receptors that are densely located in the dopamine-enriched basal ganglia networks, suggesting that the motor effects of endocannabinoids are due, at least in part, to modulation of dopaminergic transmission. On the other hand, there are profound changes in CB1 receptor cannabinoid signaling in the basal ganglia circuits after dopamine depletion (as happens in Parkinson’s disease) and following l-DOPA replacement therapy. Therefore, it has been suggested that endocannabinoid system modulation may constitute an important component in new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of motor disturbances. In this article we will review studies supporting the endocannabinoid modulation of dopaminergic motor circuits.
Highlights
The discovery and the following investigation of the endocannabinoid system have demonstrated its implication in a large variety of functions such as regulation of appetite and energy metabolism, pain and inflammation, neuroprotection, and motor control
cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptors and endocannabinoids are highly expressed in the basal ganglia and have close connections with the dopaminergic system, being involved in the central regulation of motor functions
Two cannabinoid receptor subtypes have been identified by molecular cloning, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) (Matsuda et al, 1990) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) (Munro et al, 1993)
Summary
The discovery and the following investigation of the endocannabinoid system have demonstrated its implication in a large variety of functions such as regulation of appetite and energy metabolism, pain and inflammation, neuroprotection, and motor control. CB1 receptors and endocannabinoids are highly expressed in the basal ganglia and have close connections with the dopaminergic system, being involved in the central regulation of motor functions.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
