Evolutionism

The endocannabinoid system: function in survival of the embryo, the newborn and the neuron. 

Review

Neuroreport. 13(15):1833-1841, October 28, 2002.
Fride, Ester; Shohami, Esther 1 2 CA

Abstract: 
Since the identification and cloning of the first cannabinoid (CB1) receptor and the subsequent discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid ligands (endocannabinoids), anandamide, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and noladin ether, a intensive search for their function in health and disease has been launched. The endocannabinoids in the central nervous system bind Gi/o coupled CB1 receptors that modulate adenylyl cyclase, ion channels and extracellular signal-regulated kinases. The present review discusses the nature of endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-AG) neurotransmission, the in vivo activity of cannabinoids and the possibility that some of these activities are mediated via a receptor, yet to be discovered, which is distinct from the brain specific CB1 receptor. Three physiological functions in which the endocannabinoids play a critical role are also discussed: embryonal implantation, feeding and appetite, and neuroprotection.

(C) 2002 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.