A polymorphism in the gene of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme FAAH (FAAH C385A) is associated with emotional-motivational reactivity.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is implicated in several psychiatric disorders. Investigating emotional-motivational dysfunctions as underlying mechanisms, a study in humans revealed that in the C385A polymorphism of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the degrading enzyme of the eCB anandamide (AEA), A carriers, who are characterized by increased signaling of AEA as compared to C/C carriers, exhibited reduced brain reactivity towards unpleasant faces and enhanced reactivity towards reward. However, the association of eCB system with emotional-motivational reactivity is complex and bidirectional due to upcoming compensatory processes.

Objectives

Therefore, we further investigated the relationship of the FAAH polymorphism and emotional-motivational reactivity in

SUBMITTER: Conzelmann A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3505526 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature