Tetrahydrocannabinol and endocannabinoids in feeding and appetite

Elliot M. Berry, Raphael Mechoulam*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

162 Scopus citations

Abstract

The physiological control of appetite and satiety, in which numerous neurotransmitters and neuropeptides play a role, is extremely complex. Here we describe the involvement of endocannabinoids in these processes. These endogenous neuromodulators enhance appetite in animals. The same effect is observed in animals and in humans with the psychotropic plant cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is an approved appetite-enhancing drug. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716A blocks the effects on feeding produced by the endocannabinoids. If administered to mice pups, this antagonist blocks suckling. In obese humans, it causes weight reduction. Very little is known about the physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and the cannabinoids in feeding and appetite.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)185-190
Number of pages6
JournalPharmacology and Therapeutics
Volume95
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2002

Keywords

  • 2-Arachidonoylglycerol
  • Anandamide
  • Cannabinoid receptors
  • Leptin
  • SR141716A
  • Suckling

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