Endocannabinoids and addiction memory: Relevance to methamphetamine/morphine abuse

Abstract

Aim: This review aims to summarise the role of endocannabinoid system (ECS), incluing cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous lipid ligands in the modulation of methamphetamine (METH)/morphine-induced memory impairments.

Methods: Here, we utilized the results from researches which have investigated regulatory role of ECS (including cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists) on METH/morphine-induced memory impairments.

Results: Among the neurotransmitters, glutamate and dopamine seem to play a critical role in association with the ECS to heal the drug-induced memory damages. Also, the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are three important brain regions that participate in both drug addiction and memory task processes, and endocannabinoid neurotransmission have been investigated.

Conclusion: ECS can be regarded as a treatment for the side effects of METH and morphine, and their memory-impairing effects.

Keywords: Endocannabinoid system; addiction memory; dopamine; glutamate; memory impairment; methamphetamine; morphine.