The critical role of the endocannabinoid system in emotional homeostasis: avoiding excess and deficiencies

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2009 Oct;9(12):1407-15. doi: 10.2174/138955709789957468.

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system is critical in the regulation of emotion and stress responsiveness. Despite the promising therapeutic value of its pharmacological modulation, deficient and excessive endocannabinoid signalling should be avoided. This mini-review will provide an up-to-date revision on this topic, emphasizing the relevance of a normative endocannabinoid system for emotional homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acids / chemistry
  • Arachidonic Acids / pharmacology
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / physiology*
  • Emotions*
  • Endocannabinoids*
  • Glycerides / chemistry
  • Glycerides / pharmacology
  • Homeostasis
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mice
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides / chemistry
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Glycerides
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • glyceryl 2-arachidonate
  • anandamide