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Cerebellar Circuits: Biochemistry, Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators

Cannabinoids as Modulators in the Cerebellum

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Essentials of Cerebellum and Cerebellar Disorders

Abstract

Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) are the most widespread G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the mammalian CNS. CB1Rs are present on inhibitory and excitatory presynaptic terminals supplying Purkinje cells (PCs), the sole output of the cerebellar cortex, where CB1R activation suppresses transmitter release. CB1Rs are part of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, activated by the lipid mediator 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) via retrograde transmission within the cerebellum. CB1Rs also mediate synaptic plasticities to modulate cerebellar learning. This review will discuss the latest knowledge regarding CB1R circuitry and signalling and their potential modulation.

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Correspondence to Gary J. Stephens .

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Stephens, G.J. (2016). Cerebellar Circuits: Biochemistry, Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators. In: Gruol, D., Koibuchi, N., Manto, M., Molinari, M., Schmahmann, J., Shen, Y. (eds) Essentials of Cerebellum and Cerebellar Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24551-5_33

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