Cannabinoid Receptor-Mediated Modulation of Inhibitory Inputs to Mitral 3 Cells in the Main Olfactory Bulb
In Summary
A recent study has revealed that the endocannabinoid system regulates mitral cell activity in the olfactory bulb, affecting users’ sense of smell. Cannabinoids that agonize and antagonize cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) are able to regulate the threshold for odor stimulation and synaptic input, thereby modulating a users ability to smell various stimuli. This may aid people suffering from neuropathic pain caused by sensitivity to an array of odors such as perfume or household cleaners.
This article highlights how much more our community has to learn about the endocannabinoid system so that we can identify all of the possible therapeutic targets it provides. It is still uncertain whether or not cannabinoid 2 receptors are found within the central nervous system, specifically regions of the brain, which could provide more targets for the non-psychoactive components of cannabis, such as THC, another mechanism to work through. The more we learn about cannabis the more possibilities arise, calling for further research to be done.
The study is available for review or download here
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