Cannabinoid-1 receptor: a novel target for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders

Abstract

G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated signalling is the most widely used signalling mechanism in cells, and its regulation is important for various physiological functions. The cannabinoid-1 (CB₁) receptor, a GPCR, has been shown to play a critical role in neural circuitries mediating motivation, mood and emotional behaviours. Several recent studies have indicated that impairment of CB₁ receptor-mediated signalling may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders. In this article, the authors briefly review literature relating to the role played by the endocannabinoid system in various neuropsychiatric disorders, and the CB₁ receptor as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of alcoholism, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

Keywords::

• alcoholism
• anxiety
• cannabinoid (CB₁) receptor
• depression
• endocannabinoid
• schizophrenia

Acknowledgements

The authors’ research work presented in this article was supported by the NIH grants (AA13003 and NOAA2008), the NARSAD (BL Hungund) and the AFSP (KY Vinod). The authors thank Dr H Sershen for his critical comments on the manuscript.