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CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1871-5273
ISSN (Online): 1996-3181

The Endocannabinoid System and the Treatment of Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Author(s): Matthew N. Hill and Boris B. Gorzalka

Volume 8, Issue 6, 2009

Page: [451 - 458] Pages: 8

DOI: 10.2174/187152709789824624

Price: $65

Abstract

The central endocannabinoid system is a neuroactive lipid signalling system in the brain which acts to control neurotransmitter release. The expression patterns of this system throughout limbic regions of the brain ideally situate it to exert regulatory control over emotional behaviour, mood and stress responsivity. A growing body of evidence unequivocally demonstrates that deficits in endocannabinoid signalling may result in depressive and anxiogenic behavioural responses, while pharmacological augmentation of endocannabinoid signalling can produce both antidepressive and anxiolytic behavioural responses. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the role of the endocannabinoid system in the etiology and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Collectively, both clinical and preclinical data argue that cannabinoid receptor signalling may be a realistic target in the development of a novel class of agent for the pharmacotherapy of mood and anxiety disorders.


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