Endocannabinoids: Molecular, Pharmacological, Behavioral and Clinical Features

by Eric Murillo-Rodríguez (editor)

The endocannabinoid system comprises at least two G-protein-coupled receptors (the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors) activated by marijuana’s psychoactive principle ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the endogenous ligands known as endocannabinoids. The apex of endocannabinoid research seems to have been reached with the clinical development, and also in some cases, the marketing, of synthetic or natural pharmaceuticals targeting this signalling system, which followed the understanding of the physiological and pathological role of endocannabinoids in several conditions, a role that was investigated first in rodent experimental models and then in humans. Molecular, Pharmacological, Behavioral and Clinical Features is a monograph that presents interesting manuscripts selected by the editor on the subject. Chapters in this book include original research or reviews which report the relevance of the endocannabinoid system by describing the results of experimental evidence about the neurobiological role of the endocannabinoid system. The main topics include, but are not limited *The genetics of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors and their tissue distribution, their splicing variants and polymorphisms, and the possible implications of all this in determining different behaviours as well as various pathological conditions and the addiction to substances of abuse. *Pharmacological approaches describing the potential use in the central nervous system disorders of endocannabinoid-based drugs, such as cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists, inhibitors of endocannabinoid inactivation processes, and even plant cannabinoids other than THC and with a molecular mechanism of action. *The role of the endocannabinoid system in several neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as epilepsy. The volume would be a great interest to neuropharmacologists, physiologists and biochemists who aim to learn about the endocannabinoid system in detail.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2013

About the author

Dr. Murillo-Rodríguez is a psychologist and PhD in Biomedical Sciences, both degrees obtained at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He completed his post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School. He serves as editor in scientific journals such as The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, PLoS ONE, among others. He has published over 50 articles published in peer-review journals, 10 chapters in books and numerous presentations in domestic and international scientific meetings. He is a member of several scientific societies, including the Society for Neuroscience (USA). He has received academic awards such as the Young Investigator Award from the World Federation of Sleep Research and Sleep Research Societies Society, and am member of the National System of Researchers (Level 1) of National Council of Science and Technology (México). His scientific interest lies in the study of the neurobiological mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system on modulating the sleep-wake cycle.