The endocannabinoid system in the cochlear nucleus and its implications for tinnitus treatment

Abstract

Keypoints: 1. One of the main theories of tinnitus is that it is a form of sensory epilepsy, sometimes arising from neuronal hyperactivity in the brainstem cochlear nucleus. 2. Antiepileptic drugs have therefore been explored as one potential treatment option. 3. Increasing evidence suggests that cannabinoid drugs can also have antiepileptic effects. 4. Recently, it has been reported that cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors and the endogenous cannabinoid, 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), are expressed in the cochlear nucleus. 5. CB1 receptors appear to negatively regulate the release of glutamate, and it is possible that their down-regulation during the development of tinnitus is responsible for the neuronal hyperactivity associated with the condition. 6. This chapter explores the possibility that cannabinoid drugs might be useful in the treatment of tinnitus. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.