Recent Advances in Cannabinoid Physiology and Pathology

The cannabinoid system plays a central role in a wide variety of physiological functions that touch upon cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, immune, and nervous systems. Cannabinoids also play a central role in developmental physiology, management of pain, and shaping of human behaviour. Recent movements towards legalization of marijuana use have bolstered scientific interest in the cannabinoid field and led to research efforts that would unveil multi-faceted effects and mechanisms of cannabinoid presence in different organs and at various stages of development. This book summarizes the recent advances in the field of cannabinoid research at multiple levels of resolution. It spans from systemic effects of cannabinoids on development, physiological function, and prevalent pathophysiological conditions to mechanisms that govern cannabinoid interaction with their relevant protein targets at atomic resolution. This book will be of interest to a specialized audience in the fields of biochemistry, pharmacology and developmental biology but alsoto a wider readership with interest in general physiology and cannabinoid signalling in biological systems. 

Prelims.- Introduction.- Endocannabinoid System Components: Overview and Tissue Distribution.- Physiology of the Endocannabinoid System During Development.- Cannabinoid Interactions With Proteins: Insights From Structural Studies.- Cannabinoid Signaling in Cancer.- Cannabinoids and Cardiovascular System.- Endocannabinoid System and Alcohol Abuse Disorders.- Genetic factors in Cannabinoid Use and Dependence.- Pharmacology of Medical Cannabis.- Index.