HEP (2005) 168:643–656
©cSpringer-Verlag 2005
Effects on Development
J.A. Ramos ()·M.Gómez·R.deMiguel
Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense,
28040 Madrid, Spain
[email protected]
1Introduction.................................... 644
2 Ontogeny of the Endogenous Cannabinoid System............... 645
2.1 CannabinoidReceptors .............................. 645
2.2 CannabinoidLigands ............................... 647
3 Effects of Perinatal Exposure to Cannabinoids
on Several Neurotransmitters Systems...................... 648
3.1 Dopamine ..................................... 649
3.2 γ-AminobutyricAcid ............................... 650
3.3 Serotonin...................................... 650
3.4 OpioidPeptides .................................. 650
3.5 EndogenousCannabinoidSystem ........................ 652
4 Cannabinoids and Gene Expression
of Neural Adhesion Molecules During Brain Development........... 652
References ........................................ 653
AbstractThischapterwillreviewtheeffectsproducedonneuraldevelopment
by maternal consumption of cannabinoids during gestation and lactation, with
emphasis in the maturation of several neurotransmitter systems (dopamine, sero-
tonin, opioids, cannabinoids, etc.) and possible modifications in their functional
expression at the behavioral or neuroendocrine levels. In addition, we have an-
alyzed the possible existence of a sexual dimorphism in these ontogenic effects
of cannabinoids, as well as the possible molecular mechanism underlying such
effects. In general, the results discussed support the view that exposure to cannabi-
noids during critical periods of development produces marked modifications in
the functional expression of diverse neuronal systems in adulthood. Furthermore,
the functions of endocannabinoids in the brain are large not only in adulthood, but
also in the period of prenatal and postnatal development. Thus, endocannabinoids
have been reported to be present in early ages and to play a role in the process
of brain development: neural proliferation and migration, axonal elongation,
synaptogenesis and/or myelogenesis.
KeywordsCannabinoids · Cannabinoid receptor · Endogenous cannabinoids ·
Perinatal exposure · Brain development