CNS effects of CB2 cannabinoid receptors

A. P. TAGLIAFERRO, E. S. ONAIVI, H. ISHIGURO, Q.-R. LIU, J.-P. GONG, A. BRUSCO, T. ARINAMI, G. R. UHL

Chicago USA

Congreso; 2009 Neuroscience Meeting; 2009

Society for Neuroscience

Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids and marijuana use activate two well characterized cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), CB1-Rs and CB2-Rs. The expression of CB-Rs in the brain and peripheral has been well studied but CB2-Rs have received much less attention than CB1-Rs. We used immunoblotting, genotyping, immunoelectron microscopy, mouse behavioral assessment and quantified human and rodent CB2-R specific isoforms in different tissues and brain regions as well as in mice treated with cannabinoid ligands. We discovered the peripheral and CNS CB2-R subtype specific expression patterns in human and rodents that resolved the ambiguity and controversy over the neuronal expression of CB2-Rs that are localized mainly in post-synaptic elements of rat hippocampus and substantia nigra. Indeed, our studies provide the first evidence for the CNS effects of CB2-Rs and its possible involvement in drug addiction and neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus the results provides much improved information about CB2 gene structure and its human and rodent variants that should be considered in developing CB2-R-based therapeutic agents.