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Review
. 2004 Jun 8;101(23):8512-3.
doi: 10.1073/pnas.0402935101. Epub 2004 Jun 1.

Endocannabinoids: getting the message across

Bradley E Alger  1
Affiliations
Review

Endocannabinoids: getting the message across

Bradley E Alger. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. .
No abstract available

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Retrograde signaling by endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG are synthesized in postsynaptic target cells such as hippocampal pyramidal cells (right). Synthesis is initiated by calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels, or by the activation of G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors, including type I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) or muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) (3). The endocannabinoids gain access to the extracellular space and activate CB1 cannabinoid receptors found concentrated on certain nerve terminals, e.g., of cholecystokinin-containing GABAergic interneurons in hippocampus (2). CB1 activation causes presynaptic inhibition of GABA or glutamate release by inhibiting calcium channels, interfering with vesicle release, and activating potassium channels. The endocannabinoids are taken up into postsynaptic or presynaptic cells by the anandamide transporter (AT). The degradative enzyme FAAH is present in postsynaptic cells, and monoglyceride lipase (not shown), which degrades 2-AG, is found in presynaptic terminals (2).
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Comment on

References

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