Roles of endocannabinoid system in treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases and regulation of arousal from general anesthesia / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

ABSTRACT

The endocannabinoid(eCB)system has attracted attention for its role in various behav-ioral and brain functions, and as a therapeutic target in neuropsychiatric disease states,including anxiety disorders and other conditions resulting from dysfunctional responses to stress. Brain eCB signaling seems to harmonize appropriate behavioral responses, which are essential for the long-term viability and homeostasis of organisms. Dysregulation of eCB signaling contributes to negative emotional states and increases stress responsivity. A better understanding of the underlying neural cell popula-tions and neural circuitsregulation enables the development of therapeutic strategies to mitigate behav-ioral maladaptation and provides insight into the eCB influence on neural circuits of arousal from general anesthesia.This review focuses on recent evidence that has added a new layer of complexity to the idea of targeting the eCB system for therapeutic benefit in neuropsychiatric diseases and regulation of arousal after anesthesia.