The cannabinoid CB1 receptor is expressed on serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons

Eur J Pharmacol. 2008 Jan 14;578(2-3):137-41. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.09.022. Epub 2007 Oct 2.

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system is involved in memory, cognition, and pain perception by the presynaptic cannabinoid CB(1) receptor, which is expressed at high levels in many brain regions. Functional studies have shown that activation of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors inhibits the synaptic release of many neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, acetylcholine and monoamines. Monoamines, however, are known not only to be released from and taken back up at nerve terminals but also at extrasynaptic axonal and somatodendritic sites. Here we present immunocytochemical data documenting cannabinoid CB(1) receptor expression on neurite extensions and over cell bodies of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line
  • Dopamine / analysis*
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / analysis
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / chemistry*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Neurites / chemistry
  • Neurons
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / analysis*
  • Serotonin / analysis*
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / analysis
  • Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins / analysis

Substances

  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Slc18a2 protein, mouse
  • Slc6a4 protein, mouse
  • Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins
  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine