The role of the cannabinoid system in the pathogenesis and treatment of alcohol dependence
Journal Title: Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine - Year 2011, Vol 65, Issue 0
Abstract
The lack of satisfactory results of alcohol dependence treatment force us to search for new directions of research. Recent studies concentrate on endocannabinoid transmission. The results show an interplay between the endocannabinoid and dopaminergic signaling in activation of the limbic reward system. The mechanisms leading to development of dependence are very complex and poorly recognized. Endogenous cannabinoids seem to have an important role in the functioning of this system, both directly and indirectly affecting the level of different neurotransmitters. The effect of alcohol on the endocannabinoid system is also complex and involves changes at the molecular level. Experimental studies have demonstrated an important role of the CB1 receptors in the neurochemical mechanism of alcohol consumption and its regulation. SR141716 (rimonabant), a CB1 receptor antagonist, significantly lowers voluntary alcohol intake and motivation for its consumption in various experimental studies. Very encouraging results of preclinical studies were not completely confirmed in the clinical studies. However, further clinical studies are still necessary.
Authors and Affiliations
Bogusława Pietrzak, Agnieszka Dunaj, Karolina Piątkowska
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP66543
- DOI -
- Views 171
- Downloads 0
The antiradical activity of some plant raw materials and extracts obtained from these raw materials
Introduction: Free radicals and reactive oxygen species are compounds usually present in healthy organisms as natural products of many metabolic pathways, and they are important in cell signaling and homeostasis. As a s...
Chemotherapy and plasma adipokines level in patients with colorectal cancer
Adipokines are molecules produced and secreted by adipose tissue and are linked to multiple malignancies. Adipokines can suppress or promote particular cell behaviors in different types of cancer. The aim of this study w...
Kofilina – białko kontrolujące dynamikę filamentów aktynowych
Kofiliny to zachowane w toku ewolucji białka obecne we wszystkich komórkach eukariotycznych. Ich podstawową funkcją jest dynamiczna reorganizacja cytoszkieletu aktynowego. Znane są dwie izoformy kofiliny – kofilina 1, wy...
Rzadkie kliniczne odmiany glejaka wielopostaciowego
Glejak wielopostaciowy, zaliczany do najwyższego stopnia złośliwości histologicznej według Światowej Organizacji Zdrowia, jest najczęstszym nowotworem pierwotnym OUN. Rozwija się głównie u osób dorosłych, umiejscawia zwy...
Rola białka YKL-40 w procesie nowotworowym
YKL-40 jest białkiem sekrecyjnym, wydzielanym m.in. przez komórki nowotworowe oraz makrofagi towarzyszące guzom. Ze względu na homologię strukturalną białko to zaklasyfikowano do rodziny chitynaz CLP (chitinase-like prot...