Identification and Functional Characterization of Brainstem Cannabinoid CB<sub>2</sub>Receptors
Marja D. Van Sickle(University of Calgary), Marnie Duncan(University of Calgary), Philip J. Kingsley(University of Calgary), Abdeslam Mouihate(University of Calgary), Paolo Urbani(University of Calgary), Ken Mackie(University of Calgary), Nephi Stella(University of Calgary), Alexandros Makriyannis(University of Calgary), Daniele Piomelli(University of Calgary), Joseph S. Davison(University of Calgary), Lawrence J. Marnett(University of Calgary), Vincenzo Di Marzo(University of Calgary), Quentin J. Pittman(University of Calgary), Kamala D. Patel(University of Calgary), Keith A. Sharkey(University of Calgary)
Cited by 1,463
Abstract
The presence and function of CB2 receptors in central nervous system (CNS) neurons are controversial. We report the expression of CB2 receptor messenger RNA and protein localization on brainstem neurons. These functional CB2 receptors in the brainstem were activated by a CB2 receptor agonist, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and by elevated endogenous levels of endocannabinoids, which also act at CB1 receptors. CB2 receptors represent an alternative site of action of endocannabinoids that opens the possibility of nonpsychotropic therapeutic interventions using enhanced endocannabinoid levels in localized brain areas.
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