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Roles of the Endocannabinoid System in Learning and Memory

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Behavioral Neurobiology of the Endocannabinoid System

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 1))

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a central role in the regulation of learning and memory processes. The fine-tuned regulation of neural transmission by the system is likely to be the mechanism underlying this important function. In this chapter, we review the data in the literature showing the direct involvement of the physiological activation of cannabinoid receptors in the modulation of different forms of learning and memory. When possible, we also address the likely mechanisms of this involvement. Finally, given the apparent special role of the ECS in the extinction of fear, we propose a reasonable model to assess how neuronal networks could be influenced by the endocannabinoids in these processes. Overall, the data reviewed indicate that, despite the enormous progress of recent years, much is still to be done to fully elucidate the mechanisms of the ECS influence on learning and memory processes.

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Abbreviations

AEA:

Anandamide

BA:

Basal nucleus of the amygdala

BLA:

Basolateral amygdala

CaMKII:

Calcium/calmodulin protein kinase II

CE:

Central nucleus of the amygdale

CR:

Conditioned response

CS:

Conditioned stimulus

DSI:

Depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition

ECS:

Endocannabinoid system

FAAH:

Fatty acid amide hydrolase

GPCR:

G protein-coupled receptor

ICM:

Intercalated cell masses

LA:

Lateral nucleus of the amygdala

LTP:

Long-term synaptic potentiation

PFC:

Prefrontal cortex

PI3K:

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

THC:

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

US:

Unconditioned stimulus

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  1. Group Molecular Mechanisms of Behavioural Adaptation, Research Centre INSERM U862 NeuroCentre Magendie Université Bordeaux 2, 146, rue Léo Saignat, 33077, Bordeaux, France

    Giovanni Marsicano & Pauline Lafenêtre

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  1. Giovanni Marsicano
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  2. Pauline Lafenêtre
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Correspondence to Giovanni Marsicano .

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  1. Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom

    Dave Kendall

  2. Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom

    Stephen Alexander

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© 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Marsicano, G., Lafenêtre, P. (2009). Roles of the Endocannabinoid System in Learning and Memory. In: Kendall, D., Alexander, S. (eds) Behavioral Neurobiology of the Endocannabinoid System. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 1. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-88955-7_8

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