CB1 cannabinoid receptor ligands

Abstract

The CB1 receptor is expressed in the central nervous system and numerous other tissues including heart, lung and uterus and has been recognized as an important therapeutic target for pain, appetite modulation, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and other indications. An interesting feature of this GPCR is its ability to be activated by a number of structurally different classes of compounds, thus, raising the possibility of multiple activated forms of the receptor. Understanding of the structure-activity relationships of cannabinergic ligands has paved the road for the development of novel ligands exhibiting receptor subtype selectivity and efficacy. This review highlights the important CB1 cannabinergic ligands developed to date.