Authors: Matias, Isabel; Di Marzo, Vincenzo

Source: Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Volume 1, Number 4, July 2006 , pp. 557-569(13)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Abstract:

Endocannabinoids are endogenous agonists for the two types of cannabinoid receptors identified to date, the CB₁ and CB₂ receptors. CB₁ receptors and tissue concentrations of endocannabinoids sufficient to activate them are present in the brain structures controlling energy intake (i.e., the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens and nodose ganglion), as well as in all peripheral organs mostly involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis (i.e., the duodenum, small and large intestine, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreas and liver). Several peripheral neuropeptides and hormones involved in energy balance, and type of diet, regulate endocannabinoid levels, whereas endocannabinoids, in turn, regulate the expression and release of hypothalamic mediators involved in nutrient intake. Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system might contribute to the development of eating disorders and explain why CB₁ receptor blockers are efficacious at reducing not only food intake but also the metabolic consequences of visceral adiposity and obesity.

Keywords: 2-arachidonoylglycerol; anandamide; appetite; CB1 receptors; diet; enzymes; rimonabant

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/17446651.1.4.557

Publication date: 2006-07-01

More about this publication?

• Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism provides extensive coverage of state-of-the-art research and clinical advancements in the field of endocrine control and metabolism, with a focus on screening, prevention, diagnostics, existing and novel therapeutics, as well as related molecular genetics, pathophysiology and epidemiology
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Information for Librarians
• Free Trials
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Medicine ,  Medicine (General)
• By this author: Matias, Isabel ;  Di Marzo, Vincenzo

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers