The results have neuroscientists hypothesizing that CB1, the most common cannabinoid receptor in the brain, may have a protective role to play against two of the most common mental health disorders.

Cannabis binds to the so-called Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1 receptor), one of the most common receptors in our brain. CB1 receptors serve as switches that can turn various biological processes on ...

When injected, this viral construct increased the level of CB1 receptors in the animals’ astrocytes but not in their neurons. The mice were then subjected to chronic social stress.

CB1 receptors are abundant in neurons, but they’re also found in astrocytes, star-shaped cells allowing communication between the brain's blood vessels and neurons.

Chemists designed the compound, known as VIP36, to bind cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the body but not in the brain. This design prevents the molecule from having psychoactive side effects.

R. Mechoulam, et al. Identification of an endogenous 2-monoglyceride, present in canine gut, that binds to cannabinoid receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 1995; 50 (1): 83-90.

When injected, this virus increased the levels of CB1 receptors in the mice's astrocytes but not in their neurons. These mice were then subjected to chronic social stress.