A comprehensive review examines the endocannabinoid signaling systems profound and complex influence on central nervous system function over four decades of research.
Neuroscientists, pharmacologists, medical students, and anyone wanting to understand how cannabinoids affect the brain.
40+ years of researchFour decades of study reveal the endocannabinoid systems profound influence on CNS function
What the researchers found
The endocannabinoid signaling system profoundly influences CNS function through retrograde signaling, modulating neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neural circuit activity across virtually all brain regions.
Why it matters
Understanding how the endocannabinoid system works in the brain is fundamental to both explaining cannabis effects and developing targeted cannabinoid therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
The numbers in context
Over 40 years of research since cannabinoids were first found to trigger specific cell signaling cascades in the central nervous system.
How the study worked
Comprehensive review of 40+ years of endocannabinoid signaling research in the central nervous system.
Who was studied
Preclinical and clinical research on endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system.
What this study cannot tell us
Broad scope may sacrifice depth on specific topics; rapidly evolving field means some findings may be updated; complexity of ECS makes comprehensive coverage challenging.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive review of established and emerging neuroscience; synthesizes decades of research.
When this study was published
Recent review providing historical and contemporary perspective on endocannabinoid neuroscience.
The bigger picture
The endocannabinoid system has emerged as one of the most important neuromodulatory systems in the brain, with implications for nearly every neurological and psychiatric condition.
Replication
Authoritative review of a well-established field; synthesizes foundational and recent research.
Funding
Not specified
Conflicts of interest
Not specified
Questions still open
- How do exogenous cannabinoids disrupt endocannabinoid signaling?
- Which ECS components are best therapeutic targets?
- How does ECS function change across the lifespan?
Read the original research
Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system.
Glia, 71(1), 5-35
Citation
Martinez Ramirez, César E; Ruiz-Pérez, Gonzalo; Stollenwerk, Todd M; Behlke, Christina; Doherty, Ashley; Hillard, Cecilia J. (2023). Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system.. Glia, 71(1), 5-35. https://doi.org/10.1002/glia.24280