Lipid mediators in the regulation of emotions, memory, and cognitive functions

Abstract

This chapter aims at highlighting the diverse roles of endocannabinoids in the coordination of balanced neuronal activities, which finally set the basis for the organism's characteristics to store and remember important and useful things, to forget non-useful things, and to cope with new challenges. Altogether, the finetuned regulation of these processes is crucial for optimal life and survival. The endocannabinoid system appears to be a central intrinsic homeostatic factor in the organism, modulating these processes. Receptors for (endo)cannabinoids are also targets for exogenous cannabinoids, putting also relevance of external substances in the interference with these processes. The genetic dissection of the endocannabinoid system together with the many pharmacological, biochemical, behavioral, and electrophysiological approaches has led to relevant insights into this lipid signaling system in the regulation of emotions, memory, and cognitive functions. Recent progresses are discussed in this chapter, particularly the question on cell type-and region-specific involvements of endocannabinoids and the CB1 receptor-dependent regulation of distinct neuronal pathways in the context of fear behaviors and stress-induced effects on memory formation.