Cannabinoids and synaptic transmission in the cerebellum

Abstract

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are retrograde messengers that regulate the strength of synapses throughout the brain. eCB signaling is prominent within the cerebellar cortex, where multiple types of neurons release eCBs in a calcium-dependent manner. Liberated eCBs suppress synaptic strength on both short and long timescales by retrogradely activating CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs) on presynaptic terminals. The chapter will discuss mechanisms that control eCB release, the consequences of eCB signaling in the cerebellar cortex and the role of the eCB system in cerebellar function.