Editorial
Copyright ©2012 Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Pharmacol. Jun 9, 2012; 1(3): 44-49
Published online Jun 9, 2012. doi: 10.5497/wjp.v1.i3.44
Endocannabinoid system: A newer molecular target for the treatment of alcohol-related behaviors
Basalingappa L Hungund, K Yaragudri Vinod
Basalingappa L Hungund, Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, United States
Basalingappa L Hungund, Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
Basalingappa L Hungund, K Yaragudri Vinod, Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline S. Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States
K Yaragudri Vinod, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, United States
Author contributions: Hungund BL and Vinod KY both have contributed to this paper.
Supported by Funds from the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, United States; and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Correspondence to: Basalingappa L Hungund, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States. hungund@nki.rfmh.org
Telephone: +1-845-3985452 Fax: +1-845-3985451
Received: July 27, 2011
Revised: January 7, 2012
Accepted: April 10, 2012
Published online: June 9, 2012
Abstract

The cannabinoid (CB) receptors, endocannabinoids (eCB) and their synthesizing and catabolizing enzymes and the proteins involved in their transport, constitute what is now recognized as the eCB system. The eCBs are a class of lipids that have been identified as retrograde messengers and produce their effects via presynaptic CB receptors. The major function of the eCBs has been suggested to be that of modulating the release of several neurotransmitters implicated in a number of biological functions that include reward and reinforcement. There is now significant evidence to suggest that the eCB system plays an important role in the development of alcohol tolerance, dependence and relapse. Recent studies suggest that the pharmacological manipulation of the eCB system has the potential not only to block the direct reinforcing properties of alcohol but also alleviate behavioral abnormalities associated with relapse. There is also accumulating evidence that points to the possible utility of the eCB system targeted drugs in the treatment of alcoholism-related behavioral disorders. The agents that block CB1 receptor function or inhibit the synthesis of eCBs are attractive candidate drugs that need to be explored. Further understanding of the role of the eCB system in molecular mechanism/s that underlies alcoholism-related behaviors should lead to a better treatment of this devastating disorder.

Keywords: Endocannabinoids; CB1 receptor; Alcohol; Tolerance; Dependence