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The endocannabinoid receptor CB2 is a regulator of trauma-inducing anxiety and a potential target for PTSD drugs.

Picture

Cannabinoid CB2 receptors mediate the anxiolytic-like effects of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition in a rat model of predator-induced fear

In Summary 
Researchers recently identified a signaling pathway in the endocannabinoid system that regulates long-lasting anxiety, a central symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In particular, CB2 - one of the two main endocannabinoid receptors - mediates the response: its activation appears to have an anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) effect while its inhibition an anxiogenic (anxiety inducing) one.

A recent study provides several lines of evidence supporting this conclusion. In this study, male rats were exposed to TMT, a volatile chemical that is innately aversive to rodents, leading to a long-lasting anxiety-like state that captures the features of human PTSD. When a drug that elevates the amount of endocannabinoids in brain tissue and as a result, increases activation of the CB2 receptor, was administered to the rats, the TMT-induced enduring fear behaviors were suppressed. Meanwhile, when a drug that blocks the CB2 receptor and interferes with its function was administered, anxiety symptoms were persistent. In addition, following exposure to TMT, the level of CB2 receptors expressed in rat brains was elevated for a long period of time, suggesting that the brains may cope with fear and anxiety by relying on the endocannabinoid system.
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In short, signalling at the endocannabinoid receptor CB2 represents an innate anti-stress mechanism activated by psychological trauma of the brain, and thus can serve as a potential target for drugs treating PTSD.
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  • What to Expect
    • Your First Visit
    • Patient Intake Form
  • Services Offered
    • Telemedicine
    • Pediatric Patients
    • Additional Services
  • Registration Resources
    • Registration Help
    • Next Steps
    • Caregiver Information
    • Cannabis Control Commission
  • Contact
    • Contact the Clinic
    • Social Media Links
    • Review Us!
    • Meet The Team >
      • Meet Dr. Caplan
      • Meet Dr. Exelbert
  • CED Clinic Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Fireside Chats
    • Dispensary Highlights
    • Past Events
  • Information and FAQ
    • CED Clinic Cannabis Care
    • Cannabis FAQ
    • Recommended Online Resources
    • Patient Stories
    • CED Library
    • Printable Handouts >
      • Cannabis Journal
      • General Cannabis Info
      • Handouts for Illnesses >
        • Infectious Diseases
        • Mental Health
        • Skin Conditions
        • Neurological Disorders
        • Muscular and Skeletal Pain
        • Illnesses of Aging
        • Reproductive Health
        • Gastrointestinal Health
    • Awesome Extras! >
      • Vaporizing Overview
      • Unique Cannabinoids
      • MA Dispensary Map
      • Cannabis for Sleep
      • Topical Cannabis Products
      • Cooking with Cannabis
      • Cannabis Cookbook
  • Video Library
  • Massachusetts Dispensaries
  • Site Map
  • CED Blog
  • Blog
  • Socials
  • CED Clinic Services