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Authors 
Ledent C. Valverde O. Cossu G. Petitet F. Aubert JF. Beslot F. Bohme GA. Imperato A. Pedrazzini T. Roques BP. Vassart G. Fratta W. Parmentier M.

Institution 
IRIBHN, Universite libre de Bruxelles, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium.

Title 
Unresponsiveness to cannabinoids and reduced addictive effects of opiates in CB1 receptor knockout mice.

Source 
Science. 283(5400):401-4, 1999 Jan 15.

Local Messages 
HSCL owns

Abstract 
The function of the central cannabinoid receptor (CB1) was investigated by invalidating its gene. Mutant mice did not respond to cannabinoid drugs, demonstrating the exclusive role of the CB1 receptor in mediating analgesia, reinforcement, hypothermia, hypolocomotion, and hypotension. The acute effects of opiates were unaffected, but the reinforcing properties of morphine and the severity of the withdrawal syndrome were strongly reduced. These observations suggest that the CB1 receptor is involved in the motivational properties of opiates and in the development of physical dependence and extend the concept of an interconnected role of CB1 and opiate receptors in the brain areas mediating addictive behavior.

ledent-01.pdf
file size: 876.20KB (897226 bytes)