Endocannabinoid system in sexual motivational processes: Is it a novel therapeutic horizon?

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Authors

ANDROVICOVA R. HORACEK J. ŠTARK Tibor DRAGO F. MICALE Vincenzo

Year of publication 2017
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Medicine

Citation
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.021
Field Pharmacology and pharmaceutical chemistry
Keywords Endocannabinoids; Delta(9)-THC; Cannabinoid CB1 receptor; Sexual behavior
Description The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is composed of the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) for marijuana's psychoactive ingredient Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), the endogenous ligands (AEA and 2-AG) and the enzymatic systems involved in their biosynthesis and degradation, recently emerged as important modulator of emotional and non-emotional behaviors. For centuries, in addition to its recreational actions, several contradictory claims regarding the effects of Cannabis use in sexual functioning and behavior (e.g. aphrodisiac vs anti-aphrodisiac) of both sexes have been accumulated. The identification of Delta(9)-THC and later on, the discovery of the ECS have opened a potential therapeutic target for sexual dysfunctions, given the partial efficacy of current pharmacological treatment. In agreement with the bidirectional modulation induced by cannabinoids on several behavioral responses, the endogenous cannabinoid AEA elicited biphasic effects on sexual behavior as well. The present article reviews current available knowledge on herbal, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids with respect to the modulation of several aspects of sexuality in preclinical and human studies, highlighting their therapeutic potential. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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