Cannabinoids and the Brain

Endocannabinoids control most of the body functions, and in the brain, they modulate neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, confer neuroprotection, control metabolism, neuro- and neuritogenesis, survival, cognitive and motor functions as well as a plethora of other higher-order brain functions. Their fruitful therapeutic potential is recognized by cannabinoid researchers and pharmaceutical companies, respectively.

The aim of this book is to help clinicians, neuroscientists, as well as students, understand the significance of the endocannabinoid system. This book, however, also will be very useful to those who already feel comfortable with the neuroscience of endocannabinoids. The book will introduce the reader to the “up-to-date” neurobiology of endocannabinoids and related systems, and will detail their pathophysiological role and therapeutic potential. Authors involved in clinical investigations present results of recent clinical trials, and the development of new therapeutic strategies and medicines.

In the last 15 years, a particular lipid messenger system has been discovered to be a guard and shaper of the life and activity of most human cell types from cradle to grave. Taking the nervous tissue as an example: the artistically complex endocannabinoid system provides promising therapeutic targets in cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases, inflammation, pain, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Nevertheless, it is a little embarrassing that the word 'cannabinoid' still evokes the image of the hippies or hashish as the first associations not only in everyday people but in medical, scientific and legal professionals, respectively.

 Cannabinoids and the Brain is a timely compilation of thorough reviews, written by the world’s leading neuroscience and clinical authors, covering the latest information concerning basic and clinical neuroscience of the endocannabinoid and related messenger systems. As Rimonabant™, the first intentionally cannabinoid receptor-targeted medicine has been marketed in Europe since 2006, the authors consider it particularly important to include the central and peripheral pathomechanisms of metabolic disorders in the present volume.

Cannabinoids and the Brain gives a comprehensive overview of all the essential literature concerning the endocannabinoid and related systems in the nervous tissue. It is a rapidly expanding research field and the widespread presence of cannabinoids in most physiopathological mechanisms appear to hinder the effort to fully cover the subject. By the end of the book, the reader will have a solid knowledge of the genetics, molecular biology, anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology of the endocannabinoid system and its involvement in neurological and psychiatric disorders, and will eventually discover a natural relationship among marijuana, aspirin, and chili pepper.