About this Special Issue
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous signaling network that controls synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Modulation of this system plays a major role in altering the dopaminergic system, which is targeted by psychostimulants, including amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine, and other drugs of abuse. The interaction of the ECS and the dopaminergic system is believed to be mediated by either direct or indirect mechanisms. The direct effect is through activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)-1 receptors, which have been found in some dopaminergic pathways, and the indirect effect is through the modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate inputs received by dopaminergic neurons. Dopamine-related neurobehavioral effects in the CNS are now understood to arise from interactions between the ECS and DA systems, including motor control or disorders and reward-seeking or addiction.
Drug addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder that produces a dramatic global health burden, and currently, there is no effective treatment. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms in the crosstalk between the ECS and psychostimulants is important in identifying new therapeutic targets for the treatment of drug addiction. This Special Issue will focus on studies that unravel the interaction between the ECS and psychostimulants. Original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and short communications on preclinical and/or clinical studies in the following sub-thematic areas are welcomed.
• The endocannabinoid system as a target for addiction treatment
• Potential use of cannabinoids in the treatment of psychostimulant use disorder
• Role of cannabinoids in the behavioral and neuro-immune effects of psychostimulants
• Cannabinoids and Psychostimulants: neurobehavioral interactions
• Pharmacologic and genetic modification of cannabinoid receptors as a potential
therapeutic option in psychostimulant addiction
• The roles of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in psychostimulant induced behaviors
• Advances in the role of cannabinoid CB2 receptors in drug abuse and their therapeutic potential
• Neurobiology of cannabinoid and psychostimulant-induced CNS disorders.
For authors, please also review the journal's information regarding Author Guidelines and Article Processing Charges, or direct any questions to the Editorial Office: adar.office@frontierspartnerships.org.
Abstract deadline: 1 May 2023
Manuscript deadline: 1 August 2023
Keywords: cannabinoids, psychostimulants, drug abuse, addiction, nervous system
