PMC

Changes to CB₁ receptors in the basal ganglia during the progression of Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. CB₁, cannabinoid receptor type 1.

Schematic overview of the modulatory effects of endocannabinoid ligands and their receptors on the activity of the three major neurotransmitters operating in basal ganglia circuits. CB₁, cannabinoid receptor type 1; GABA, γ-aminobutiric acid; TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1.

Location of CB₁ and TRPV1 receptors in specific neuronal subpopulations within basal ganglia circuits. Regulatory pathways are indicated in blue, whereas inhibitory and excitatory inputs are indicated in red and green respectively. Unknown neurons are shown in black. CB₁, cannabinoid receptor type 1; GABA, γ-aminobutiric acid; GLU, glutamate; TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1.

On the scheme shown in , a diagram has been superimposed to show the different targets (CB₁, CB₂ and TRPV1 receptors) that might mediate the ability of cannabinoid-based medicines to alleviate specific symptoms, or to delay/arrest the progression of the disease in basal ganglia disorders. CB₁, cannabinoid receptor type 1; DA, dopamine; GABA, γ-aminobutiric acid; GLU, glutamate; HD, Huntington's disease; PD, Parkinson's disease; TRPV1, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1.