Cannabinoid Modulation of Emotion, Memory, and Motivation
The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous lipid ligands (endocannabinoids) and the enzymatic machinery for their synthesis and degradation. In the brain, endocannabinoids regulate ion channel activity and neurotransmit
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Patrizia Campolongo • Liana Fattore Editors
Cannabinoid Modulation of Emotion, Memory, and Motivation
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Editors Patrizia Campolongo Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology Sapienza University Rome Italy
Liana Fattore Institute of Neuroscience CNR University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
ISBN 978-1-4939-2293-2 ISBN 978-1-4939-2294-9 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-1-4939-2294-9 Library of Congress Control Number: 2015930736 Springer New York Heidelberg Dordrecht London © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com)
To Damiano, Matteo, Marco and Nicola, for their patience in conceding us to pursue our passion for science.
Preface
Memory, emotions, reward, motivation, dependence, appetite, sociability. These are only some of the multiple domains in which the (endo)cannabinoid system is involved. We usually think of marijuana and cannabis derivatives as recreational compounds. But what do we know about their actions on the brain, about how the endocannabinoid system modulates such numerous and important aspects of our life? Are we really aware of the uniqueness of this, until recently unknown but, ubiquitous neuromodulatory system? What can we learn from recent progress in research? These are all questions that recent research allowed us to start addressing. After the finding of specific receptors that are activated by smoking marijuana, it was the time of the discovery of a number of endogenous marijuana-like substances called endocannabinoids followed by the identification of metabolic enzymes for such ligands. Other groundbreaking advances in the field then paved the way for an enthusiastic research activity on this fascinating regulatory system. And the more we know the more we want to know. This book is intended to offer an all-embracing overview of the most recent discoveries on the role played by the endocannabinoid syst
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