Cannabinoid control of hippocampal functions: the where matters

In the brain, hippocampal circuits are crucial for cognitive performance (e.g., memory) and deeply affected in pathological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, Alzheimer). Specialized molecular mechanisms regulate different cell types underlying hippocampal circuitries functions. Among them, cannabinoid receptors exhibit various roles depending on the cell type (e.g., neuron, glial cell) or subcellular organelle (e.g., mitochondria). Determining the site of action and precise mechanisms triggered by cannabinoid receptor activation at a local cellular and subcellular level helps us understand hippocampal pathophysiological states. In doing so, past and current research have advanced our knowledge of cannabinoid functions and proposed novel routes for potential therapeutics. By outlining these data in this work, we aim to showcase current findings and highlight the pathophysiological impact of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) localization/activation in hippocampal circuits.

Pilot study: is the fear response the same in anorexia nervosa as in controls?

PURPOSE

To determine whether the fear response is the same in AN as in controls.

METHOD

We recorded the EEG in 10 participants with a history of AN and in 10 controls during a fear stimulus. The response of the brain was recorded using EEG LORETA. The recording was analyzed for a marked increase in activity in the amygdala, uncus, insula, and anterior cingulate from 300 to 500 ms following the stimulus.

RESULTS

The order or response of the amygdala, uncus, insula, and anterior cingulate was not significantly different in AN and controls.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the brain's response to a fear stimulus is not significantly different in AN and controls.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3, case-control study.

Response to 'Hippocampus as a wormhole: gateway to consciousness'

Reply to: Behrendt R-P. Hippocampus as a wormhole: gateway to consciousness. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017, e1446. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1446.