HEP (2005) 168:445–477
©cSpringer-Verlag 2005
Cannabinoid Function in Learning, Memory and Plasticity
G. Riedel ()·S.N.Davies
School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
[email protected]
1Introduction.................................... 446
2 Marijuana and Cognition in Man......................... 447
3 Effects of Cannabinoids on the Brain ...................... 449
4 Cannabinoids Modulate Cognition in Animal Models ............. 451
4.1 SpatialLearning.................................. 451
4.1.1WaterMaze..................................... 451
4.1.2RadialArmMaze ................................. 453
4.1.3T-andY-MazeProcedures ............................ 454
4.1.4DelayedMatch-to-PositionTasks......................... 455
4.2 ConditioningofFear................................ 456
4.3 AvoidanceTasks.................................. 457
4.4 OtherMemoryParadigms............................. 458
4.5 Summary...................................... 459
5 Synaptic Plasticity................................. 460
5.1 LTPintheHippocampus ............................. 460
5.1.1EffectsofSyntheticCannabinoidsonLTPAreStereoselective ......... 460
5.1.2 Effects of Cannabinoids Are Blocked by CB 1 ReceptorAntagonism ...... 461
5.1.3PrenatalExposuretoCannabinoidsInhibitsLTP ................ 461
5.1.4PutativeEndogenousCannabinoidsInhibitLTP................. 461
5.1.5 Do Cannabinoids Suppress Baseline Excitatory Transmission
intheCA1Region?................................. 462
5.1.6Long-LastingEffectsofPerfusionofCannabinoidReceptorLigands...... 463
5.1.7 Cannabinoid Involvement in Depolarisation-Induced Suppression
ofInhibition.................................... 464
5.1.8 Release of Endogenous Cannabinoids During DSI Facilitates
theInductionofLTP................................ 465
5.2 LTDintheHippocampus ............................. 465
5.3 LTPandLTDinOtherBrainRegions....................... 466
5.3.1Cortex ....................................... 466
5.3.2Amygdala ..................................... 467
5.3.3NucleusAccumbens................................ 467
5.3.4Striatum ...................................... 468
5.3.5Cerebellum .................................... 468
5.4 FutureQuestions.................................. 468
6 Where to Go from Here?.............................. 469
References ........................................ 470