Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is widely expressed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and the functionality of type-1 cannabinoid receptors in neurons is well documented. In contrast, there is little knowledge about type-2 cannabinoid receptors (CB 2Rs) in the CNS. Here, we show that CB 2Rs are located intracellularly in layer II/III pyramidal cells of the rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and that their activation results in IP3Rdependent opening of Ca 2+-activated Cl- channels. To investigate the functional role of CB 2R activation, we induced neuronal firing and observed a CB 2R-mediated reduction in firing frequency. The description of this unique CB 2R-mediated signaling pathway, controlling neuronal excitability, broadens our knowledge of the influence of the eCB system on brain function.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3534-3539 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 109 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 28 2012 |
Keywords
- Calcium-activated chloride current
- Firing rate
- Intracellular calcium stores
- Voltage clamp
- Whole-cell current
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General