Cannabinoids and mitochondria

Abstract

Mitochondria are key organelles providing energy supply and many other vital functions to cells. Shortly after the discovery of plant-derived cannabinoid compounds, some studies indicated their impact onto mitochondrial functions. The later identification of cannabinoid receptors as classical seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors suggested that these mitochondrial effects might be due to unspecific membrane-altering properties of cannabinoids. However, the recent discovery that brain mitochondria contain significant amounts of functional type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1) shed new light on cannabinoid physiology and pharmacology. In this chapter, we will summarize historical and recent evidence of the cannabinoid impact on mitochondrial functions in peripheral and central organs of the body.