Endocannabinoids and monoamines: Modulating the modulators

Abstract

The past decade has seen a tremendous growth in knowledge related to cannabinoid receptor signaling in brain. In addition, the impact and consequences of cannabinoid modulation of monoaminergic circuits are steadily emerging demonstrating a significant interaction between these two systems in a variety of psychiatric (affective disorders) and neurological disorders (neurodegeneration, pain). Areas to be covered in the accompanying chapters include an overview of the endocannabinoid system, a summary of current cannabinoid receptor nomenclature, and pharmacological principles as well as electrophysiological, biochemical, and behavioral evidence for cannabinoid modulation of dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and serotonergic circuitry.