Abstract
The presence and function of CB2 receptors in central nervous system (CNS) neurons are controversial. We report the expression of CB2 receptor messenger RNA and protein localization on brainstem neurons. These functional CB2 receptors in the brainstem were activated by a CB2 receptor agonist, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and by elevated endogenous levels of endocannabinoids, which also act at CB1 receptors. CB2 receptors represent an alternative site of action of endocannabinoids that opens the possibility of nonpsychotropic therapeutic interventions using enhanced endocannabinoid levels in localized brain areas.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arachidonic Acids / pharmacology
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Blotting, Western
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Brain Stem / metabolism*
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Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / metabolism
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Cannabinoids / pharmacology
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Cerebellum / metabolism
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Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
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Endocannabinoids
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Ferrets
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Immunohistochemistry
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Mice
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Polyunsaturated Alkamides
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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Rats
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Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / agonists
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Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / antagonists & inhibitors
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Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / metabolism*
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Vomiting / prevention & control
Substances
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Arachidonic Acids
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Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
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Cannabinoids
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Endocannabinoids
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Polyunsaturated Alkamides
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2
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anandamide