Typical and atypical neurotransmitters in neuropsychiatric disorders
Abstract
The need to develop new therapeutic targets for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders is a consensus in the scientific literature. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) and nitric oxide (NO) have been proposed as two of these possible targets. Studies from our group have disclosed the therapeutic potential of drugs that interfere with these two atypical neurotransmitters in anxiety, depressive, psychotic disorders, Parkinson's disease, aggressive behavior and neurodegeneration/neurotoxicity. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid, which, among other effects, can increase the levels of the eCB anandamide, is already undergoing clinical trials to test its efficacy in some of these disorders. However, several important questions still remain related to the therapeutic potential of these drugs in other specific disorders as well as to the mechanisms involved. In the last few years our studies have indicated new possibilities, including facilitation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and autophagy and the possible involvement of neuroinflammatory/neuroimmune mechanisms. The present project aimed at continuing this research line, trying to investigate 1. Which is the involvement and mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD and drugs that modify the NO and eCB system in their potential therapeutic effects?; 2. Which other neuropsychiatric disorders could benefice from these drugs?; 3. In case of co-morbities such as metabolic syndrome and anxiety disorders, in which an inflammatory component is present, would these new therapies be effective?; 4. Which other intra-cellular pathways would be involved?; 5. Which is the specific eCB involvement in the modulation of rewarding and aversive responses?; 6. Which specific epigenetic mechanisms are involved with these effects? (AU)