Neurotransmission: emerging roles of endocannabinoids

Curr Biol. 2005 Jul 26;15(14):R549-51. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2005.07.005.

Abstract

Postsynaptic release of endocannabinoids can inhibit presynaptic neurotransmitter release on short and long timescales. This retrograde inhibition occurs at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses and may provide a mechanism for synaptic gain control, short-term associative plasticity, reduction of synaptic crosstalk, and metaplasticity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / metabolism*
  • Endocannabinoids*
  • Humans
  • Neural Inhibition / physiology*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Calcium