pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cannabinoid Ligands and Alcohol Addiction: A Promising Therapeutic Tool or a Humbug? - PubMed

Review

Cannabinoid Ligands and Alcohol Addiction: A Promising Therapeutic Tool or a Humbug?

Patrycja Kleczkowska et al. Neurotox Res. 2016 Jan.

Abstract

The vast therapeutic potential of cannabinoids of both synthetic and plant-derived origins currently makes these compounds the focus of a growing interest. Although cannabinoids are still illicit drugs, their possible clinical usefulness, including treatment of acute or neuropathic pain, have been suggested by several studies. In addition, some observations indicate that cannabinoid receptor antagonists may be useful for the treatment of alcohol dependence and addiction, which is a major health concern worldwide. While the synergism between alcohol and cannabinoid agonists (in various forms) creates undesirable side effects when the two are consumed together, the administration of CB1 antagonists leads to a significant reduction in alcohol consumption. Furthermore, cannabinoid antagonists also mitigate alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Herein, we present an overview of studies focusing on the effects of cannabinoid ligands (agonists and antagonists) during acute or chronic consumption of ethanol.

Keywords: Alcohol; Cannabinoids; Co-administration; Endocannabinoid system.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1

Chemical structures of putative endogenous cannabinoids

Fig. 2
Fig. 2

Representative plant-derived cannabinoids

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Aasly J, Storsaeter O, Nilsen G, Smevik O, Rinck P. Minor structural brain changes in young drug abusers. A magnetic resonance study. Acta Neurol Scand. 1993;87:210–214. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1993.tb04103.x. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Abush H, Akirav I. Short- and long-term cognitive effects of chronic cannabinoids administration in late-adolescence rats. PLoS One. 2012;7:e31731. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031731. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Agudelo M, Yndart A, Morrison M, Figueroa G, Munoz K, Samikkannu T, Nair MP. Differential expression and functional role of cannabinoid genes in alcohol users. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2013;133:789–793. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.08.023. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Ahn K, McKinney MK, Cravatt BF. Enzymatic pathways that regulate endocannabinoid signaling in the nervous system. Chem Rev. 2008;108:1687–1707. doi: 10.1021/cr0782067. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Alen F, Santos A, Moreno-Sanz G, Gonzalez-Cuevas G, Gine E, Franco-Ruiz L, Navarro M, Lopez-Moreno JA. Cannabinoid-induced increase in relapse-like drinking is prevented by the blockade of the glycine-binding site of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. Neuroscience. 2009;158:465–473. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.10.002. - DOI - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

LinkOut - more resources