Rising stars: modulation of brain functions by astroglial type-1 cannabinoid receptors.
Glia. 2014-12-01; 63(3): 353-364
DOI: 10.1002/glia.22773
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1. Glia. 2015 Mar;63(3):353-64. doi: 10.1002/glia.22773. Epub 2014 Dec 1.
Rising stars: modulation of brain functions by astroglial type-1 cannabinoid
receptors.
Metna-Laurent M(1), Marsicano G.
Author information:
(1)INSERM U862 NeuroCentre Magendie and Université de Bordeaux, 33077, Bordeaux,
France.
The type-1-cannabinoid (CB1 ) receptor is amongst the most widely expressed G
protein-coupled receptors in the brain. In few decades, CB1 receptors have been
shown to regulate a large array of functions from brain cell development and
survival to complex cognitive processes. Understanding the cellular mechanisms
underlying these functions of CB1 is complex due to the heterogeneity of the
brain cell types on which the receptor is expressed. Although the large majority
of CB1 receptors act on neurons, early studies pointed to a direct control of CB1
receptors over astroglial functions including brain energy supply and
neuroprotection. In line with the growing concept of the tripartite synapse
highlighting astrocytes as direct players in synaptic plasticity, astroglial CB1
receptor signaling recently emerged as the mediator of several forms of synaptic
plasticity associated to important cognitive functions. Here, we shortly review
the current knowledge on CB1 receptor-mediated astroglial functions. This
functional spectrum is large and most of the mechanisms by which CB1 receptors
control astrocytes, as well as their consequences in vivo, are still unknown,
requiring innovative approaches to improve this new cannabinoid research field.
© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DOI: 10.1002/glia.22773
PMID: 25452006 [Indexed for MEDLINE]