The use of cannabis is a well-established component risk factor for schizophrenia, particularly in adolescent individuals with genetic predisposition for the disorder. Alterations to the endocannabinoid system have been found in the prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia. Thus, we assessed whether molecular alterations exist in the endocannabinoid signalling pathway during brain devel...

Background. Cannabinoids have deleterious effects on prefrontal cortex (PFC)-mediated functions and multiple evidences link the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system, cannabis use and schizophrenia, a disease in which PFC functions are altered. Nonetheless, the molecular composition and the physiological functions of the endocannabinoid system in the PFC are unknown. Methodology/Princ...

Humans have used Cannabis sativa (marijuana) for at least 12,000 years, but researchers have only recently described an endogenous cannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system modulates an array of physiological and psychological functions. Endocannabinoids are widely distributed throughout the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). This article gives a basic overview of endocannab...

Endogenous arachidonic acid metabolites with properties similar to compounds of Cannabis sativa Linnaeus, the so-called endocannabinoids, have effects on various types of cancer. Although endocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids may have pro-proliferative effects, predominantly inhibitory effects on tumor growth, angiogenesis, migration and metastasis have been described. Remarkably, these e...

1. Abstract 2. Introduction: the endocannabinoid system, an overview 3. The endocannabinoids and energy balance 3.1. The endocannabinoid system and central control of energy balance 3.2. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis 3.3. Gut-brain interactions 3.4. Actions of ecs and ecs on adipose tissue, pancreas and liver 3.4.1. Role of the ECS in the adipose tissue 3.4.2. Role of the ECS in...

A few years ago the endocannabinoid system has been recognized as a major neuromodulatory system whose main functions are to exert and maintain the body homeostasis. Several different endocannabinoids are synthesized in a broad class of cell types, including those in the brain and the immune system; they bind to cannabinoid G-protein-coupled receptors, having profound effects on a variety of be...

Extensive evidence indicates that endocannabinoids modulate cognitive processes in animal models and human subjects. However, the results of endocannabinoid system manipulations on cognition have been contradictory. As for anxiety behavior, a duality has indeed emerged with regard to cannabinoid effects on memory for emotional experiences. Here we summarize findings describing cannabinoid effec...

The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in regulating a variety of physiological processes such as appetite control and energy balance, pain perception, and immune responses. Recent studies have implicated the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of bone cell activity and bone remodeling. These studies showed that endogenous cannabinoid ligands, cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes re...

BACKGROUND Cannabinoids have deleterious effects on prefrontal cortex (PFC)-mediated functions and multiple evidences link the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system, cannabis use and schizophrenia, a disease in which PFC functions are altered. Nonetheless, the molecular composition and the physiological functions of the endocannabinoid system in the PFC are unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRIN...

Cannabinoid receptors, the primary molecular targets of the endocannabinoid system, are activated by specific bioactive lipids termed 'endocannabinoids'. These lipid transmitters are synthesized from cell membrane phospholipids through multiple pathways and are inactivated by enzymatic hydrolysis, and their levels are the major parameter driving the endocannabinoid system activity. An in-depth ...