Neuro Forum Role of Endocannabinoids in 5-HT2 Receptor-Mediated Effects

Endocannabinoids are lipid retrograde messengers that can be released by postsynaptic depolarization and/or activation of certain metabotropic receptors. We review a recent report that activation of metabotropic 5-HT2 receptors by endogenous serotonin induces the release of endocannabinoids in the olivary nucleus and suppresses glutamatergic input through a presynaptic action. This serotonin– endocannabinoid interaction has implications in the pathophysiology of pain and mental illness and raises the possibility that drugs targeting the 5-HT2 receptor may act by modulating endocannabinoid release.