Neuromorphological background of cannabis addiction

Brain Res Bull. 2003 Jul 15;61(2):125-8. doi: 10.1016/s0361-9230(03)00081-9.

Abstract

The expression of central cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) containing neurones was demonstrated. Co-localisation was present in different brain areas responsible for reward-related mechanisms. The immunohistochemical investigations have shown that co-localisation is present in parts of mesolimbic-mesocortical dopaminergic system like nucleus accumbens (Nacb), ventral tegmental area (VTA), in the striatum, pyriform cortex, respectively. The results suggest a functional role of CB1 receptors in cannabis addiction by acting directly on reward-related structures.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / enzymology
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, Drug / metabolism*
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, Drug
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase