Identification and Functional Characterization of Brainstem Cannabinoid CB2 Receptors
MD Van Sickle, M Duncan, PJ Kingsley, A Mouihate… - Science, 2005 - science.org
Science, 2005•science.org
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 …
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 …
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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