Cannabinoid CB₂ receptors are expressed in glutamate neurons in the red nucleus and functionally modulate motor behavior in mice.

ABSTRACT: Cannabinoids produce a number of central nervous system effects via the CB₂ receptor (CB₂R), including analgesia, antianxiety, anti-reward, hypoactivity and attenuation of opioid-induced respiratory depression. However, the cellular distributions of the CB₂Rs in the brain remain unclear. We have reported that CB₂Rs are expressed in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons and functionally regulate DA-mediated behavior(s). Unexpectedly, high densities of CB₂-like signaling were also found in a neighboring motor structure - the red nucleus (RN) of the midbrain. In the present study, we systematically explored CB₂R expression and function in the RN. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays showed high densities of CB_2</

SUBMITTER: Zhang HY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8122071 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature