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Endocannabinoids and Schizophrenia
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39 citations
SampleNarrative Review
Blindingn.a.
DesignNarrative Review
Key finding
Narrative review on the disturbance of the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia; no intervention examined, only associative findings and pathophysiological mechanisms described.
Summary
Narrative overview of endocannabinoid dysfunction in schizophrenia; reports increased CB1 receptor density in the prefrontal cortex/hippocampus/basal ganglia in schizophrenia patients and elevated anandamide levels in CSF/serum (including the prodromal phase). Qualitative synthesis without numerical effect sizes; discusses a possible protective role of endocannabinoids in psychosis homeostasis.
SummaryNarrative review on the role of the endocannabinoid system (anandamide, 2-AG, CB1/CB2 receptors) in schizophrenia: findings on CB1 polymorphisms, increased receptor density in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, as well as elevated anandamide levels in the CSF and serum of schizophrenia patients are summarized.
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Abstract
The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachydonoylglycerol (2-AG) are lipids naturally derived from membrane precursors which bind cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2). This endocannabinoid system is disturbed in schizophrenia. Indeed, there seems to be an association between schizophrenia and polymorphisms of the CB1 receptor gene. Moreover, CB1 receptors are found in higher density in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and basal ganglia of patients with schizophrenia. Similarly, anandamide levels are increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in the serum of schizophrenia patients, including during the prodromal state, suggesting that they may play a protective role in psychosis homeostasis. Future studies are needed to further explore the role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
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